Question 1

What is your minimum wall thickness for aluminum die casting?

Accepted Answer

Typical production walls are 1.0–3.5 mm in both zinc and aluminum. How thin a wall can go depends directly on the design — part size, geometry, flow length and gate position all play a part — so we assess it against your drawing at the DFM stage.

Question 2

How do you control internal porosity?

Accepted Answer

Mould-flow simulation optimises gating and venting up front, with local squeeze on heavy sections; production is verified by X-ray sampling plus 100% leak testing of sealed parts.

Question 3

What machine tonnages do you run, and what part sizes fit?

Accepted Answer

Ten machines from 160 to 800 tonnes — parts from 20 g to 5.5 kg, projected areas roughly 15–950 cm², in aluminum and zinc.

Question 4

What machining tolerances can you hold?

Accepted Answer

Critical dimensions down to ±0.005 mm, depending on the part's geometry and size. CMM resolution ±0.003 mm; CPK ≥ 1.33 on key dimensions.

Question 5

How long and how much for a die-casting mould?

Accepted Answer

Toolmaking normally takes 30–45 days, longer for a complex tool; if all goes well the T1 trial takes 3–5 days, and sample testing after that depends on how complex the samples are. Tooling cost depends directly on the part's projected area, the cavity count, the number of sliders and the tool-life class, so the range is wide. It can also be linked to order volume: with steady volume it can be reduced or rebated at milestones. Upload your drawing and we will send a complete quotation that includes the tooling plan.

Question 6

Can we prototype before the tool is built?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Before the tool is built we can supply metal 3D-printed prototypes and CNC-machined prototypes, or make prototypes from a simplified or modified tool (about 7–15 days), so the look, fit and function are checked first and the production tool is built once everything is confirmed. The prototype cost is refunded once the project moves to production tooling or series production.

Question 7

What is your MOQ?

Accepted Answer

Production starts at 500 pcs; prototyping and samples have no MOQ — we support pilot runs before ramp.

Question 8

Can you make pressure-tight parts, and how are they tested?

Accepted Answer

Yes — dry or wet leak testing up to 6 bar, with every sealed part tested, with impregnation for micro-leakers by prior agreement. Carburetors and throttle bodies also run functional flow benches.

Question 9

Which surface finishes do you offer?

Accepted Answer

In-house: anodizing (aluminum), PVD, powder coating, sand blasting, shot blasting and vibratory polishing; plating is arranged through a partner plater, with quality responsibility ours. Cosmetic parts held to ΔE ≤ 1.5.

Question 10

What's your export experience and typical lead time?

Accepted Answer

We export to 20+ countries. New tools: typically 30–45 days of toolmaking and a 3–5 day T1 trial (estimates); sample testing depends on whether we test or you do (allow for shipping the samples). Repeat orders take 25–35 days per batch, depending on batch size. Export packing, customs clearance and booking take about 3–7 days, with ISPM-15 export pallets; international transit depends on the carrier and sailing schedule.

Question 11

Can I see a rough price before talking to anyone?

Accepted Answer

Yes — that's exactly why our cost estimator exists. No sign-up, no drawings: enter weight, material and volume to see a transparent breakdown (±15%). Upload a drawing only when you want the formal number.

Question 12

How do you match OEM-level quality systems?

Accepted Answer

ISO 9001 certified with PPAP/APQP workflows; four gates (IQC → IPQC → FQC → OQC); dimensions, internal soundness and alloy composition can all be checked (CMM to ±0.003 mm), and inspection reports can ship with the parts.

Question 13

Do you build to print, and how is my IP protected?

Accepted Answer

Fully build-to-print (OEM/ODM). We sign NDAs before DFM review, restrict drawings to the project team, and your moulds remain your property — never used for others.

Die casting FAQ: walls, tolerances, porosity, tooling cost and lead times

Question not on the list?