Does die casting have a permanent mold?

Yes, die casting involves the use of a permanent mold. In die casting, molten metal is injected under high pressure into a mold cavity, which is made from hardened tool steel. The mold, or die, is a permanent structure, meaning it can be used repeatedly to produce identical parts.

There are two main types of die casting processes:

Hot-Chamber Die Casting:

This method is typically used for metals with lower melting points, like zinc and magnesium. The die is kept hot during the casting process.

Cold-Chamber Die Casting:

This method is used for metals with higher melting points, like aluminum and copper. The molten metal is poured into a cold chamber, and then injected into the mold.

The permanence of the mold allows for high production rates and the creation of parts with precise dimensions and smooth surfaces. However, the initial cost of creating the die can be high, making die casting more suitable for mass production runs.