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MES
Die Castings
Design and Specification Guide

Rev 1 – 9-2017

625 Bear Run Ln

Lewis Center, OH 43035

Phone: 740-201-8112

www.mesinc.net
KEY
DESIGN
DECISION Matching Material Properties
STEPS
Pure aluminum is rather weak and malleable on its own. But mixed with other metals such as silicon, iron,
copper, magnesium, manganese, or zinc strengthens and brings other benefits to the metal. Adding silicon
and magnesium to aluminum, for example, results in an alloy that is extremely resistant to corrosion. There
Matching Material Properties are 530 different alloy compositions with more compositions being created and registered every year. The
versatility that aluminum alloys offer is undeniable, and the advantages of A380 make it one of the most
widely used alloy for manufacturing and die casting.
Die & Unit Die Construction
Die casting materials are precisely formulated metal alloys which offer the mechanical properties of
medium-strength metals. They are generally several times as strong and many times more rigid than
plastics, and their mechanical properties compare favorably with powdered iron, brass, and screw-
Minimizing Part Porosity machined steel.

Designing for proper strength in a product depends on two main factors: strength of the material selected
Preplanning Post-Cast Machining and configuration of the part.

Die casting alloys offer a wide range of as-cast material strengths, ranging as high as 54 ksi (372 MPa)
ultimate tensile. The designer can usually develop sufficient strength in critical features simply by providing
Tolerancing Guidelines
adequate wall thickness. Where additional strength is required, reinforcing features such as ribs, flanges
and locally thickened sections can be accurately computed and precisely cast.

Metal Extension (Flash) Guidelines The die casting process allows the product designer freedom to create extremely intricate contours,
varying the wall thicknesses over various sectors of the product. Where strength requirements are not
critical, MES high-tech die casting can produce rigid components with ultrathin walls. As a result, the
As-Cast Finish Guidelines designer has much more latitude with die casting than with plastics, powdered metals, or stampings to
design relatively thick walls for strength in some areas, and very thin walls for conserving material in
others.

Further Design Assistance MES offers the designer material choices in all of the major non-ferrous alloy categories: aluminum,
magnesium and zinc.

Die Flow Simulation

Aluminum Alloy (See the layout for this per attached JPEG)
Die casting alloy Al 380 is the most widely used of the aluminum die casting alloys, offering the
best combination of properties and ease of production. If offers significant benefits including
best combination of casting, mechanical and thermal properties, excellent fluidity, pressure
tightness and resistance to hot cracking. It is used for a wide variety of products including but
not limited to lighting, automotive, housing and agricultural industries

Other alloys including but not limited to A360, A383, A384, A390 and A413 are also used
frequently based on the applications

Zinc (ZAMAK) Alloys

“We are
transforming age
Zinc alloys used in die casting development possess properties that make production simple,
while providing an end-product that is durable. Zinc’s strength and hardness administer high
impact strength and stability that make assembly uncomplicated. The high ductility of zinc
old industrial alloys is ideal for the die casting process with a strong ability to be cast without fracturing
under pressure. Zinc offers unmatched electrical and thermal conductivity while maintaining
commodity physical strength, strong stability and corrosion resistance.

supply chain Most common grades include Zamak 2, Zamak 3, Zamak 5, Zamak 7.

using our IT and

data analytics Magnesium Alloy
systems” Magnesium is the lightest commonly used structural metal. Its use in die cast parts has
grown dramatically, often replacing plastic parts with greater strength and rigidity at no
-----MES, INC. weight penalty. Mg alloy AZ91D is the most widely-used magnesium die casting alloy,
offering high-purity with excellent corrosion resistance, excellent strength and excellent
castability. Corrosion resistance in AZ91D is achieved by enforcing strict limits on metallic
impurities. Magnesium’s high cost limits it to weight sensitive applications in aerospace and
automotive industries.

1
MES Design and Specification Guide
KEY
DESIGN
DECISION MATERIAL PROPERTIES & NOMINAL CHEMISTRY

STEPS Table 1 Typical Material Properties: Die Casting Alloys & Selected Plastics
Typical alloy values based on “as-cast” characteristics for separately die cast specimens, not specimens cut from
production die castings. (2006 NADCA Standards. Sec. 3)
Matching Material Properties Die Casting Alloys Thermoplastics
Commercial: AI 380 Mg Zn 3 ZA-8 Polycarbon
AZ910D ate
Die & Unit Die Construction ANSI/AA: 380.0 AG-40A
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Ultimate Tensile
Minimizing Part Porosity ksi 46 34 41 54 19
(MPa) (320) (230) (283) (372) (130)
Yield Strength○
A

ksi 23 23 32 41-43 --
Preplanning Post-Cast Machining (160) (160) (221) (283-296)
(MPa)
Elongation
% in 2 in. (51 mm) 3.5 3 10 6-10 3-5○
H
Tolerancing Guidelines
Hardness_
BHN 80 75 82 100-106 --
Shear Strength
Metal Extension (Flash) Guidelines ksi 28 20 31 40 10.5
(MPa) (190) (140) (214) (275) (72)
Impact Strength
ft-lb 3 1.6 43○F 24-35○E 2○I
As-Cast Finish Guidelines
(J) (4) (2.2) (58) (32-48) (100)
Fatigue Strength©
ksi 20 10 6.9 15 6○J

Further Design Assistance (MPa) (140) (70) (47.6) (103) (40)

Young’s Modulus
psi x 106 10.3 6.5 ○
G 12.4 1.25
(GPa) (71) (45) (85.5) (8.6)
Die Flow Simulation
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Density
lb/in3 0.099 0.066 0.24 0.227 0.052
(g/cm3) (2.74) (1.81) (6.6) (6.3) (1.43)
Melting Range
1000-1100 875-1105 718-728 707-759 --
°F
(540-595) (470-595) (381-387) (375-404)
(°C)
Specific Heat
BTU/lb°F 0.230 0.25 0.10 0.104 0.27
(J/kg°C) (963) (1050) (419) (435)
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion
μ in./in./°F x 10-6 12.2 13.8 15.2 12.9 12.1
(μ m/m°K) (22.0) (25.0) (27.4) 23.2 (22)
Thermal Conductivity
BTU/ft hr °F 55.6 41.8© 65.3 66.3 150○ K

(W/m°K) (96.2) (72) (113) (115) (0.21)

Electrical Conductivity
% IACS 27 n/a 27.0 27.7 23
Electrical Resistivity○
E

μ Ω in. n/a 35.8 n/a n/a --

(μ Ω cm) (14.1)

Table 2 Nominal Chemical Composition: Die Casting Alloys

For detailed chemical composition, request appropriate MES Instant Fax Line Document.
Nominal Comp: Cu 3.5 Al 9.0 Al 4.0 Al 8.4
Si 8.5 Zn 0.7 Mg 0.035 Mg 0.023
Mn 0.2 Cu 1.0

With mechanical properties, note die casting alloys 380.0, A380.0, 383.0 and 384.0 are substantially interchangeable.
○A 0.2% offset ○ B 500 kg load, 10mm

ball ○
C Rotary Bend 5 x 107/108 cycles ○
D Notched Charpy. ○
E AT 68°F (20°C)○
F ASTM E 23 unnotched 0.25 in. die cast bar ○G Varies with stress level;

applicable only for short-duration loads. Use 107 as a first approximation. ○

H At rupture ○
I Izod notched1/8”(3.2mm) ft.lb. (J/M) ○J ASTM D671, 2.5mm cycles.

○K Btu-in/h-ft2-°F

2
MES Design and Specification Guide
KEY
DESIGN
DECISION Die & Unit Die Construction
STEPS
Die casting tool has four main components – Unit Holder, Cavity Block, Replaceable Cavity Unit and Cavity
Insert.

Matching Material Properties Multiple-cavity dies can be used to increase production rates substantially; in some cases, the use of
multiple cavities may limit the use of certain moving core slide operations.

Die & Unit Die Construction MES unit dies are standardized unit die holders into which replaceable die cavity “units” can be inserted.
These replaceable units can be removed from, or placed into, a unit die holder without removing the unit
frame from the die casting machine. MES unit dies can significantly reduce die construction costs at
smaller volumes. They are available in single and double unit holders.
Minimizing Part Porosity
The limitations of unit dies are that they generally can only accommodate the production of smaller-sized
parts, and they restrict, or may eliminate, the use of moving core slides. The configuration of
Preplanning Post-Cast Machining interchangeable unit die inserts, with the resulting limited die area for core slide functions, makes unit dies
most appropriate for less complex product designs.

While any die casting die is a major investment, the aggregate manufacturing cost of a component,
Tolerancing Guidelines through final finishing and assembly, should be one of the key production decision criteria. The elimination
of secondary machining, cosmetic finishing and assembly operations can often cost justify more
sophisticated die casting die designs.
Metal Extension (Flash) Guidelines

As-Cast Finish Guidelines

Further Design Assistance

Die Flow Simulation

Replaceable
Die Shoe + Cavity Block or + + Cavity Insert
Cavity Unit’

Figure. Components of a unit die illustrate each part of the assembly and the die construction option of a
cavity block or a holder block with cavity insert.

Cast Features & Die Elements

The features that are required of a cast part determine the complexity of the die. The simpler the
part, the lower the cost of the die casting tool.

Most commonly used materials for aluminum tools are H-10, H-11, and H-13 tool steels.

For the proper design of production tooling, pressure tightness, secondary machining and surface finishing
specifications must be understood in detail. Areas of the casting subject to machining must be fully
discussed at the outset, so that the die can be designed to reduce to an absolute minimum the presence of
porosity in those areas. Cosmetic surface requirements for the casting will require special finishing of the
cavities of the die.

The NADCA Standards Manual provides detailed treatment of the tolerancing implications of various
casting design features, as well as guidelines which apply under differing casting conditions.

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MES Design and Specification Guide
KEY
DESIGN
DECISION
STEPS

Matching Material Properties

Die & Unit Die Construction

Minimizing Part Porosity

Preplanning Post-Cast Machining

Tolerancing Guidelines

Metal Extension (Flash) Guidelines

As-Cast Finish Guidelines

Further Design Assistance

Die Flow Simulation

A-PARTING LINE I-RETURN PIN

Surface where two die halves come together. Large ejector pin that resets ejection system.

B-LEADER/GUIDE PIN & BUSHING J-EJECTOR PIN

Guides the two die halves together and maintains die Pin which pushes casting from die cavity.
alignment.
K-MOVING/EJECTOR MOLDBASE
C-DIE CAVITY Movable holder that contains and supports the
Die recess in which casting is formed. ejector inserts.

D-STATIONARY & MOVING CAVITY INSERT L-RAILS

Premium grade tool steel containing the cavity details. Supports the ejector side moldbase and contains
clamp slots.
E-RUNNER & GATES
Precisely designed passage thru which metal flows M-RETAINER AND EJECTOR PLATE
from sprue hole or cold chamber into die cavity. Contains and pushes the ejector pins.

F-COLD CHAMBER N-SUPPORT POST/PILLAR

Passage thru which metal enters runners and gates. Additional support members to resist die deflection.

F1-SPRUE HOLE & SPRUE PIN O-GUIDED EJECTION ASSEMBLY(STOP, PIN &
Forms passage thru which metal enters runners & BUSHING)
gates in a hot chamber die. Supports and guides the ejection system.

G-CORE P-CLAMPING SLOTS

Usually a round tapered pin used to cast various hole Opening for die clamps to mount die halves to
details. machine platens.

H-STATIONARY/COVER MOLDBASE
Stationary holder that contains and supports the cover
inserts.

4
MES Design and Specification Guide
KEY Fig. 1 A unit die set is illustrated on the right.
DESIGN
DECISION
STEPS

Figure Shown above is a multiple-cavity cold chamber die

Matching Material Properties casting die. With this process the metal enters the die
runners, gates and cavity through the cold chamber. The
Sprue replaces the cold chamber in the hot chamber
Die & Unit Die Construction process which is used for zinc and smaller magnesium
components.

Minimizing Part Porosity

Left to right, the (1) Unit Holder will contain

either (2) a Cavity Block, or (3) a Unit Die.
Preplanning Post-Cast Machining The Unit Die can contain(4) a removable

Moving Core Slide Options

Tolerancing Guidelines
Fixed cores and core slides (or pulls) can be designed into the die casting die to form selected features, as
cast, which otherwise would have to be produced by additional machining of the die cast part.
Metal Extension (Flash) Guidelines
Core slides, also called moving die components or moving die parts, are similar to collet or cam
movements and can be activated by various sources of motion. Two of the most common are angle pins
As-Cast Finish Guidelines and hydraulic cylinders.

The angle pin is a mechanical source of motion activated by the opening and closing of the die. Its
advantages are that it does not require hydraulics or limit switches, and is generally more economical to
Further Design Assistance manufacture. Its limitations are that it can be used only for short slide travel and there is no control over the
cycle of the slide pull.

Die Flow Simulation The hydraulic method of slide motion permits a choice of cycles, the placement of slides on any side of the
die and avoids interference when removing the casting from the die, as is the case with the angle pin.

The choice of these and other methods of slide motion depend on factors such as production volume, the
size of die, the length of travel of the slide, the size of area being cored out and the specific configuration
of the part.

MES will always make the most cost-effective recommendation for the particular core slide suited to
achieve the desired result.

Importance of a Casting’s Parting Line

The parting line is that perimeter on the casting which is the separation point of the two halves of the die
casting die. This line affects which half will be the “cover” die half and which will be the “ejector”
half.

This line also influences any tolerances that must be held in this area of the cast part. Tolerancing
standards are specific to part characteristics at the parting line and more information can be found in
NADCA specification

Designation of a parting line on a casting drawing is an important decision, and is rarely obvious to a
designer not familiar with the die casting production process. Placement of the parting line must always be
the final decision of the die casting engineer, since its location is essential for the casting to meet desired
specifications.

If there is no cosmetic surface requirement, the casting can be oriented in the two die halves to suit the
most favorable overall casting conditions.

In the case of a part that must have a cosmetic surface finish, the cover die half will generally be used to
produce a specified cosmetic surface. This permits the ejector die half to contain the required ejector pins
which assist in ejecting the part cleanly from the die after each casting shot as well as any engraved
lettering or ornamentation to be cast into the part.

With parts requiring a cosmetic surface, it is critical that the customer discuss such specifications in detail
in the earliest review meeting. Location of the casting’s parting line, as well as its gate, overflows and
vents, must not interfere with or blemish any of the part’s designated cosmetic surfaces.

1
MES Design and Specification Guide
KEY Normal, incremental die erosion in production is inherent in the die casting process. Where there are
DESIGN cosmetic requirements, special die maintenance procedures to extend the ability of the die to

DECISION continue to produce parts to the required high quality surface finish must be discussed. Secondary surface
finishing, such as polishing or buffing, may be complementary to such needs. (Refer to As-Cast Finish
STEPS Guidelines on page 10.)

Assuring Longer Die Life

Matching Material Properties
The number of parts which can be die cast from a set of die casting dies, before cavity replacement, is
dependent on factors such as the quality of the die steel used, the alloy specified, the specific design of
Die & Unit Die Construction part features, and the cosmetic surface requirements for the part.

While MES utilizes the highest quality premium tool steel in all of its die casting die construction, as well as
Minimizing Part Porosity a proven die surface treatment to optimize die life, awareness of design features that can drastically
shorten die life is important for the product engineer.

Sharp internal or external corners should be modified to reasonable radii. The smooth, highly cosmetic as-
Preplanning Post-Cast Machining cast surfaces, of which the die casting process is uniquely capable, can be expected to result in shorter die
life.

Tolerancing Guidelines A comparison of MES die life by alloy category appears in the table above.

Metal Extension (Flash) Guidelines Die Casting Die Specification Checklist

MES makes available a Die Casting Die Specification Checklist which should be consulted when
approaching the production of a new design as a die casting.
As-Cast Finish Guidelines
MES PART PRODUCTION & DIE LIFE, BY ALLOY

Further Design Assistance Table 3a Aluminum, Magnesium and Zinc Alloys○

A Miniature

AI 380 Mg AZ91D Zn No. 3 Zn 2, 3, 5, 6, ZA-8

Part Size Range .75” x .75” .75” x .75” .75” x .75” Minuscule
Die Flow Simulation
to 18” x 18” to 18” x 18” to 18” x 18” to 4” x 4” x 1”

Part Weight Range .5 oz. .25 oz. .5 oz. 1/14 oz. (2g)
to 10 lbs. to 10 lbs. to 8 lbs. to 3/4 lb. (337g)
Machine Tonnage Range 200-800 tons 80-650 tons 150-500 tons 4-Slide Miniature
Vacuum-Assist Availability Yes Yes No No
Expected Die Life 1X 3X to 5X Life of Part Life of Part

○
A Table values are approximations. Part sizes shown, for example, in some cases will require center gating of a part, not always

practical with particular part designs.

Minimizing Part Porosity

The high metal velocities and pressures used to achieve the fine product detail, cosmetic surfaces and
high cycle rates unique to the die casting process normally result in some internal porosity, below the
“skin” of the die cast part (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3 In a thin-walled die casting,

the fine-grained dense “skin” is
a large percentage of the section,
as in the section above, left, which
would contain virtually no porosity.
The dense “skin” in a thick
section (right) represents a small
percentage of the wall.

2
MES Design and Specification Guide
KEY
DESIGN Porosity levels in a cast part can be defined by “X-ray” or “sectioning” procedures. MES utilizes various
DECISION methods such as X-ray imaging, MPT (Magnetic Particle Test) and other destructive and non-destructive
methods to accurately document the presence of internal porosity.
STEPS
Minimizing porosity begins with early planning in the design of the die cast part and communication with
MES engineering. If porosity in specific areas will be detrimental to product function, this should be clearly
outlined before die design and construction begins, since zero porosity is virtually impossible to achieve in
Matching Material Properties a die casting.

Acceptable modifications in part designs can often be suggested that will greatly reduce potential porosity
Die & Unit Die Construction problems. Once this important step has been taken, MES can utilize mold flow simulation, optimized gating
and overflow design, die design, special management of the heating and cooling lines in the die, and
sophisticated process control and monitoring to limit porosity to noncritical areas of the part.
Minimizing Part Porosity
When 100% pressure tightness is essential in a die cast part, early MES consultation becomes even more
important.

Minimizing Part Porosity

Preplanning Post-Cast Machining

Preplanning Post-Cast Machining
Tolerancing Guidelines
When machining is to be performed on a die casting, a minimum amount of material should be removed so
as to avoid penetrating the less dense portion below the “skin” (see Fig. 3).
Metal Extension (Flash) Guidelines To assure clean-up, an allowance must be provided for both the machining variables and the casting
variables. These allowances are a function of specified linear dimension tolerances and parting line
tolerances.
As-Cast Finish Guidelines
The best post-casting (secondary) machining results are attained if the die casting is located from datum
points that are in the same die half as the feature to be machined.
Further Design Assistance
It is important to discuss any and all secondary machining requirements with MES prior to die design. If
consultation occurs early in the design of the part itself, MES engineers can often minimize the effect of
tolerance accumulation and unnecessary machining. Most important, with a combination of minor part
Die Flow Simulation design revisions and special considerations in the design of the die, higher-density areas can be assured
in regions of critical secondary machining.

If MES will be contracted to perform secondary machining after die casting, and deliver the part to size,
lesser dimensional tolerances may be possible.

A complete presentation of machining stock allowances is given in the NADCA Standards, Sec. 4 as well
as appropriate GD&T guides. I

Tolerancing Guidelines
The extent to which the coordinate dimensioning guidelines shown here for precision die casting
tolerances can be achieved in production for a given die cast part design is highly dependent on part size
and configuration, shrink factors, and the precise feature in which the dimension is planned.

Caution: The design engineer should understand that precision dimensions in every feature of a part are
not possible in production. Precision tolerances should only be specified in agreed upon critical areas,
since assuring these tolerances nearly always involves extra precision in die construction and/or special
controls in processing, with additional costs often involved. Consultation with MES engineering in the final
part design stage is important to cost-effective production and part quality assurance.

Note, in some cases and on specific features, even closer dimensions than those shown can be held by
repeated sampling and recutting of the die casting die cavity, in combination with the use of machine
capability studies.

3
MES Design and Specification Guide
KEY
DESIGN
Table 3b Precision Dimensional Tolerances○
DECISION
A

QUICK GUIDE TO COORDINATE DIMENSIONING

STEPS Die Casting Alloy: Aluminum Magnesium Zinc/ZA-8
WALL THICKNESSES
Nominal wall thicknesses that can be die cast are heavily dependent on part geometry. With small castings, wall
Matching Material Properties thicknesses of 0.030 in. (.762 mm) may be
LINEAR DIMENSION TOLERANCES
Die & Unit Die Construction Length of Dimension in same die half
Basic Tolerance ±0.002 ±0.002 ±0.002©
up to 1" (25.4 mm) (±0.05 mm) (±0.05 mm) (±0.05 mm)

Minimizing Part Porosity Additional Tolerance for each ±0.001 ±0.001 ±0.001©
additional inch over 1" (25.4 mm) (±0.025 mm) (±0.025 mm) (±0.025 mm)
PARTING LINE TOLERANCES—added to Linear Tolerances
Preplanning Post-Cast Machining Projected Area of Die Casting: inches2 (cm2)—Tolerances are “plus” values only
up to 10 in2 +0.0035 +0.0035 +0.003
(64.5 cm2) (+0.089 mm) (+0.089 mm) (+0.076 mm)
Tolerancing Guidelines 11 in2 to 20 in2 +0.004 +0.004 +0.0035
(71.0 cm2 to 129.0 cm2) (+0.102 mm) (+0.102 mm) (+0.089 mm)
21 in2 to 50 in2 +0.005 +0.005 +0.004
Metal Extension (Flash) Guidelines (135.5 cm2 to 322.6 cm2) (+0.153 mm) (+0.153 mm) (+0.102 mm)
51 in2 to 100 in2 +0.008 +0.008 +0.006
(329.0 cm2 to 645.2 cm2) (+0.203 mm) (+0.203 mm) (+0.153 mm)
101 in2 to 200 in2 +0.012 +0.012 +0.008
As-Cast Finish Guidelines
(651.6 cm2 to 1290.3 cm2) (+0.305 mm) (+0.305 mm) (+0.203 mm)
201 in2 to 300 in2 +0016 +0016 +0.012
(1296.8 cm2 to 1935.5 cm2) (+0.406 mm) (+0.406 mm) (+0.305 mm)
Further Design Assistance For projected area of die casting over 300 in2 (1935.5 cm2), consult MES.
MOVING DIE COMPONENT TOLERANCES—added to Linear Tolerances
Projected Area of Die Casting: inches2 (cm2)—Tolerances are “plus” values only
Die Flow Simulation up to 10 in2 +0.006 +0.005 +0.005
(64.5 cm2) (+.152 mm) (+.127 mm) (+0.127 mm)
11 in2 to 20 in2 +0.010 +0.007 +0.007
(71.0 cm2 to 129.0 cm2) (+0.254 mm) (+.178 mm) (+0.178 mm)
21 in2 to 50 in2 +0.014 +0.010 +0.010
(135.5 cm2 to 322.6 cm2) (+0.356 mm) (+0.254 mm) (+0.254 mm)
51 in2 to 100 in2 +0.018 +0.014 +0.014
(329.0 cm2 to 645.2 cm2) (+0.457 mm) (+0.356 mm) (+0.356 mm)
101 in2 to 200 in2 +0.024 +0.019 +0.019
(651.6 cm2 to 1290.3 cm2) (+0.61 mm) (+0.483 mm) (+0.483 mm)
201 in2 to 300 in2 +0.030 +0.024 +0.024
(1296.8 cm2 to 1935.5 cm2) (+0.762 mm) (+0.61 mm) (+0.61 mm)

For projected area of a die casting over 300 in2 (1935.5 cm2), consult MES.
FLATNESS TOLERANCES: inches (mm)
Maximum Dimension of Die Cast Surface
Up to 3.00 in. 0.005 0.005 0.005
(76.20 mm) (0.13 mm) (0.13 mm) (0.13 mm)
Additional tolerance, 0.002 0.002 0.002
in. (mm) for each additional in. (mm) (0.05 mm) (0.05 mm) (0.05 mm)

○A Values shown represent greater casting accuracy involving extra precision in die construction and/ or special control in

production. (2006 NADCA Standards, Sec. 4A) ○B Based on MES recommendations. ○ C For some zinc designs, tighter tolerances can

sometimes be held, with use of artificial aging.

Precision Tolerance Qualifications

In the case of Linear Dimension, Parting Line, Moving Die Component, and Flatness Tolerances, the
complete individual standards for each in the NADCA Product Specification Standards for Die Castings
manual should be consulted for proper interpretation and qualifications.

Draft and Cored Holes

Precision Tolerances for Draft call for a draft on inside walls at 3/4 degrees per side, with outside walls
requiring half this amount of draft.
4
MES Design and Specification Guide
KEY
DESIGN Precision tolerances for Cored Holes, i.e., die cast holes planned for tapping, are provided in NADCA
DECISION Standards, in terms of diameter, thread depth, and hole depth requirements.

STEPS
Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing
A growing number of design engineers are utilizing GD&T markup on their part engineering drawings.
Matching Material Properties When used properly, geometric dimensioning can help reduce the cost of a diecast part by facilitating
functional gaging. Product engineers not already familiar with GD&T procedures are urged to become so.
An introductory discussion, as applied to die cast part drawings, appears in NADCA Standards, together
Die & Unit Die Construction with more detailed GD&T references.

Minimizing Part Porosity

The die cast frame, right, illustrates

Preplanning Post-Cast Machining the appearance of a center-gated die
casting before trimming, showing gate,
runners and overflow extension. Photo
below is the same die cast frame after
Tolerancing Guidelines receiving its normal die cast trimming
operation. In many cases the trim die
will require multiple “slides” similar
to the die casting die, with comparable
Metal Extension (Flash) Guidelines attention to quality materials and die
design details.

As-Cast Finish Guidelines Note: All MES tooling

orders include a trim die
that meets or exceeds
NADCA “Commercial
Further Design Assistance
Trimming” standards.

Die Flow Simulation

Table 4 Guide to Nominal Metal Remaining by Type of

Type of Extension & Nominal Amount Remaining After Degating & Trimming
Operation Thick Gates Thin Gates Parting Line & Metal Sharp
Description & Overflows & Overflows Seam Line Extension in Corners
≥ 0.12 (3 mm) ≤ 0.12 (3 mm) Metal Extension Cored Holes
After Degating only Rough within Rough within Excess Only Not Not
Extension Remaining 0.12" (3.0 mm) 0.12" (3.0 mm) Broken Off Removed Removed
After Commercial Within 0.06" Within 0.03" Within .015" Removed Not
Trimming* (1.59 mm) (0.8 mm) (0.38 mm) within .010" Removed
Extension Remaining
* “Commercially trimmed” does not include washing to remove loose material. For very heavy gates and overflows, consult
MES.

Metal Extension (Flash) Guidelines

An extension of metal (or flash) is normally formed on a die casting at the parting line of the two die halves
and where moving die components operate. A seam of extended metal may also occur where separate die
parts cast a part feature.

The cost of required trimming of any cast metal extension, estimated as part of production costs, can be
reduced by preplanning in the part design stages and consideration of the amount of metal extension
required to be removed and the removal method to be employed.

Early consultation with MES can often result in production economies in this removal step.

5
MES Design and Specification Guide
KEY
DESIGN Table 4, above, is the NADCA guide to the types of die casting metal extension (flash) which occurs in
DECISION typical die castings and the amount of metal extension material which remains after (1) degating (removal
of any gates and runners from the casting), and (2) commercial trimming of die casting metal extension.
STEPS These guidelines represent normal production practice. Precision trimming, closer than standard
commercial trimming, or complete removal of all extension entails additional operations and should be
specified only when requirements justify the additional cost.

Matching Material Properties Die-castings are often cleaned or deflashed using a variety of vibratory cleaners including sand blasting,
bead blasting and many other blasting technologies available commercially.

Die & Unit Die Construction

Minimizing Part Porosity

As-Cast Finish Guidelines
Preplanning Post-Cast Machining The die casting process is uniquely qualified to provide metal parts with a superior as-cast external
surface, important to many component applications— and essential for consumer product housings and
other decorative parts.
Tolerancing Guidelines
The NADCA surface finishing guidelines presented in Table 5 classify as-cast surface finishes for die
castings into a series of five grades so that the type of cast finish required may be defined early in the
product planning stage, and well in advance of die casting die design.
Metal Extension (Flash) Guidelines
These guidelines should be used for general type classification purposes only, not to take the place of
specific discussion with MES regarding the steps necessary to assure satisfying as-cast product finishing
As-Cast Finish Guidelines specifications. Such specifications should be agreed upon with MES prior to die design to assure cost-
effective production.

Further Design Assistance The first four as-cast surface finish classifications listed in Table 5, right, relate to cosmetic surfaces. Class
five, “Superior Grade,” relates to the surface specification required over a very selective area for special
applications.
Die Flow Simulation

Further Design Assistance

MES sales-engineers, and the MES engineering staff, are available to make your early design decisions
the correct ones for product success

Table 4 Guide to Nominal Metal Remaining by Type of

Class As-Cast Finish Final Finish or End Use
1 No cosmetic requirements. Surface imperfections Used as-cast orwith
Utility (flow lubricant build-up, etc.) are acceptable protective coatings:
Grade Anodize (non-decorative)
Chromate
2 Surface imperfections (flow marks, rubs, surface Decorative Coatings:
Functional porosity, etc.), that can be removed by spot Lacquers
Grade polishing or can be covered by heavy paint, are Enamels
acceptable. Plating (Al)
Chemical Finish
Polished finish
3 Slight surface imperfections that Structural Parts
Commercial can be removed by agreed upon (high stress areas)
Grade means are acceptable. Plating (Zn)
Electrostatic Painting
Transparent paints
4 No objectionable surface imperfection. Where Special Decorative Parts
Consumer surface waviness (flatness), noted by light
Grade reflection, is a reason for rejection special
agreement should be reached with the
die caster.
5 Surface finish, applicable to limited areas of the O-Ring Seats or
Superior casting and dependent on alloy selected, to have an Gasket Areas
Grade average value in micro inches as specified on print.
(2006 NADCA Standards, Guidelines G-6-6-06)

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MES Design and Specification Guide
KEY
DESIGN
DECISION Die Flow Simulation
STEPS
MES and its suppliers use a variety of software packages including ProCast, Magmasoft and other
softwares to study and predict the flow into the die cavity for a proposed component. When done early, this
practice can lead to significant reduction in cost and lead-times.
Matching Material Properties
In most cases the software can be effectively applied to a proposed product design using its 3D CAD
files even before the die cavity design has been developed. The design’s expected thermal distribution
Die & Unit Die Construction

Minimizing Part Porosity

Preplanning Post-Cast Machining

Tolerancing Guidelines

Metal Extension (Flash) Guidelines

As-Cast Finish Guidelines

Further Design Assistance

Die Flow Simulation

lead times, improved part quality & lower

can be quickly explored.
The initial die casting die cavity design can now be based on the die designer’s experience plus the results
of this invaluable early metal flow data.
Another simulation can then be run, based on the proposed die cavity design, to validate the die design
assumptions made.
Further die design modifications and simulation iterations may be indicated to optimize the integrity and
surface quality of the proposed part, improve die casting productivity and lower eventual die casting costs.

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MES Design and Specification Guide