Leading Global Die Casting Machine Manufacturers

Global Die Casting Market Overview

The global market for aluminum die casting machines are predicted to grow in CAGR by 7% between 2016 and 2020. Aluminum die casting machines are used to produce aluminum die castings for applications in a variety of end-user sectors including automotive, aerospace and defense, marine, and many more. The die casting segment was dominated by the aluminum die casting machine market in 2015. This segment accounted for approximately 70% of the total market share.

Aluminum is the most widely used casting alloy and is used in any type of application due to its mechanical properties. Aluminum die-castings are lightweight and can withstand the highest operating temperatures of all casting alloys. Increasing preference for light cars increases the demand for aluminum die-cast components. This leads to potential demand for aluminum die casting machines.
 

Die Casting Machine Manufacturers around the Globe

Manufacturing and supply companies of a wide variety of aluminum die casting machinery invest huge amounts in the development of new technology and production facilities to stay profitable and competitive. Below are the top five manufacturers of aluminum die casting machines in the world. The list is based on a current market report for aluminum die casting machines, available through open-source software.
 

Bühler

Bühler, based in Uzwil, Switzerland is a technology partner for the supply of foundry solutions worldwide. The company is at the forefront of die casting technology in terms of quality, efficiency, and process knowledge. The Bühler Group operates in over 140 countries around the world. The company achieved sales of CHF 2.45 billion in fiscal 2016

The company's Carat system is a double-plate die-casting machine. It is available in 13 sizes with a locking force ranging from 10,500 to 44,000 kN. The Carat system is the best solution for customers producing large and complex parts that must meet the requirements of the standard highest requirements for quality, it claims. At present, over 400 systems have been sold on five continents – more than 120 have been installed in China and another 30 are already ordered by Chinese customers.
 

Toshiba

Toshiba Machine is the manufacturer of die casting machines. This company has already manufactured a total number of over 10000 sets of die casting machines since it first produced one back in the 1950s. Currently, their business has expanded on five continents.
 

Dynacast

Dynacast is a global manufacturer and supplier of the highest quality precision metal parts. The company provides solutions for industries including automotive, consumer electronics, and healthcare. Advanced Dynacast technology solutions such as multi-stroke die casting, cold chamber die casting, metal injection molding (MIM), and an interactive process and metal selector allow OEMs to create complex designs that are unique and non-replicable.
 

Oskar Frech GmbH + Co. KG

Oskar Frech GmbH + Co. KG is a producer and supplier of the highest quality casting machines. The Frech Group is headquartered in Schorndorf in southern Germany. The company supplies hot and cold chamber die casting machines for aluminum, magnesium, and zinc alloys.

Cold chamber dies casting machines have a locking force of 2,750 kN to 44,000 kN to produce a wide range of castings, from small OEM parts to engine blocks or gearbox housings, as well as chassis and body components made of aluminum and magnesium alloy.
 

Idra Group

The Idra Group, based in Italy, supplies die casting machines and complete cells from 250 to 5,000 tons for aluminum and magnesium. The company is a specialist in the field of casting machines and fully automated foundry cells. Idra Group OLS die casting machines represent the most modern technological solutions.
 

Benefits of Pressure Die Casting

● The process is suited to high volume production
● Capable of producing complex castings in a shorter given time compared to other metal forming processes such as machining
● High strength components can be produced in such a casting condition
● Dimensional repeatability
● Thin wall sections possible
● Good linear tolerance
● Good surface finish
 

What Is Hot Chamber Die Casting?

The hot chamber dies casting process involves melting a metal ingot in a furnace that is positioned close to or integrally with the stationary semi-continuous die casting machine and injecting molten metal through a submerged piston directly through the narrow neck and nozzle into the punch tool. Gooseneck and nozzle need to be heated to prevent the metal from freezing before it reaches the die cavity. All the heating element and molten metal in this process is from the hot chamber marking.

The weight of the casting shot is dictated by the pitch, length, and diameter of the piston, as well as the size of the sleeve/chamber, and the nozzle also plays a role to consider when designing the die. After the metal has solidified in the die cavity (it only takes a few seconds), the movable half plate of the machine, the movable half of the die is fixed to it, opens and the casting is ejected from the die face and out of the tool. The die surfaces are then lubricated with the spray system, the die closes and the process goes through again.

Due to this "closed" metal melting/injection system and minimal mechanical movement, the hot cell die casting can provide better savings in production. Zinc alloy is mainly used in hot chamber die casting which has a fairly low melting point which gives further benefits in terms of low machine wear (pot, gooseneck, bushing, plunger, nozzle) as well as low die tool wear (so longer tool life compared to aluminum casting tools - subject to casting quality approval).