Die Casting Services Built for Production
Meco turns molten aluminum, zinc, and magnesium into finished parts. Fast, repeatable, and ready to ship. IATF 16949:2016 certified, with production in Thailand and quality managed from Canada.
What Is Die Casting?
Die casting is a high-pressure metal casting process that pushes molten metal into a reusable steel mold. The metal fills every detail of the mold in a fraction of a second, then cools and ejects as a near-net-shape part. Meco's die casting services deliver the exact same shape every time, whether the order is 500 pieces or 500,000.
The process works best with lightweight alloys like aluminum, zinc, and magnesium. It is one of the fastest manufacturing methods for complex geometries that need minimal secondary work. Our aluminum die casting, zinc die casting, and custom die casting work pairs with full custom CNC machining, so finished cast parts flow straight into CNC milling, surface finishing, and assembly without switching suppliers. Learn more about on-demand manufacturing and how contract manufacturing reduces lead time and total cost.
Tolerance
± 0.010″
First inch standard, CMM verified to ± 0.002″.
Lead Time
6–14 wks
Tooling; production parts ship in days.
Volume
1K–1M+
Dies last 100,000+ shots.
Certification
IATF 16949
Includes ISO 9001, APQP, PPAP, SPC.
Why Choose Die Casting Services for Your Parts?
Die casting produces strong, lightweight, detailed metal parts in volume. It is the go-to process for automotive, aerospace, and electronics manufacturers who need consistent quality at scale. See our aerospace machining guide for related precision work.
Why Teams Choose Meco for Die Casting
One supplier, certified quality, lower total cost.
One Supplier, Start to Finish
Casting, machining, finishing, and contract assembly all happen through Meco. One PO, one quality system, no finger-pointing between vendors.
Tooling That Lasts
We build high-quality H13 steel dies designed for 100,000+ shots. Our tooling engineers optimize gating, runners, and cooling channels before cutting steel.
Design Feedback Before You Commit
Our engineers review your part for wall thickness, draft angles, and tolerances, and suggest changes that can cut 15 to 30% off production cost. See how to choose a manufacturing partner.
Certified Quality
IATF 16949:2016 governs every step. PPAP, APQP, SPC, and CMM inspection are standard, not add-ons.
What We Can Cast
From palm-sized electronics housings to large automotive brackets. We have the press size and alloy know-how to match.
High-Pressure Die Casting
The workhorse process for thin-wall, high-volume parts. Molten metal is injected at high speed and solidifies almost instantly, giving tight tolerances right out of the mold.
- Wall thickness down to 1 mm
- Cycle time as low as 30 seconds
Multi-Slide & Miniature Casting
For small, intricate parts like connectors, clasps, and RF shields that need fine detail and tight tolerances in zinc or magnesium.
- Parts as light as 1 gram
- Net-shape with minimal flash
Secondary Operations
Most die-cast parts need extra finishing. We handle CNC machining of critical features, tapping, deburring, and surface finishing in-house.
- CNC machining of mating surfaces
- Powder coating, anodizing, plating
Die Casting Parts Gallery
Die Casting Alloys & Specifications
Aluminum Alloys (ASTM B85)
| A380 (Standard) | 47 ksi tensile, 80 HB, most popular |
| A383 (ADC12) | 45 ksi tensile, 75 HB, complex shapes |
| A360 (Corrosion) | 44 ksi tensile, 75 HB, marine/outdoor |
| A413 (Pressure) | 43 ksi tensile, 80 HB, pressure-tight |
Zinc & Magnesium Alloys
| Zamak 2 | Highest strength zinc, structural parts |
| Zamak 3 | Most popular zinc, balanced properties |
| Zamak 5 | Higher creep resistance, hardware |
| AZ91D (Mg) | Lightweight, housings & covers |
| AM50 (Mg) | High ductility, automotive safety parts |
Not sure which alloy fits your part? Our guide compares the three metals side by side on strength, weight, cost, and finish: which metal is best for die casting.
Die Casting Tolerances
| Dimension Length | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Basic (up to 1″) | ± 0.010″ | ± 0.002″ |
| Add per inch (>1″) | ± 0.002″ | ± 0.001″ |
| Example (5″ part) | ± 0.018″ | ± 0.006″ |
| Example (12″ part) | ± 0.032″ | ± 0.013″ |
| Surface Dimension | Standard | Precision |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 3 inches | 0.008″ | 0.005″ |
| Add per inch (>3″) | 0.003″ | 0.002″ |
| Max Deviation | Based on diagonal | Requires machining |
| Feature Type | Draft Angle | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Walls | 1° to 2° | Shrinkage tightens part onto core |
| Outside Walls | 0.5° to 1° | Shrinkage pulls part away from cavity |
| Cored Holes | 2° per side | Prevents core-pin breakage |
Die Casting vs Other Casting Methods
Not sure which process fits? Here's a plain-English comparison. For plastic part alternatives, see 2K injection molding or injection molding vs thermoforming.
| Feature | Die Casting | Sand Casting | Gravity Casting | Investment Casting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Volume | High | Low to Medium | Medium to High | Low to Medium |
| Tooling Cost | High (lasts 100K+ shots) | Low | Moderate | High |
| Part Size | Small to Medium | Very Large | Small to Medium | Small / Intricate |
| Surface Finish | Very Good | Fair (rough) | Good | Excellent |
| Accuracy | Excellent | Fair | Good | Excellent |
| Best For | Precision & Speed | Prototypes & large parts | Pressure-tight parts | Complex geometry |
Need More Than Casting?
We also offer gravity casting, sand casting, investment casting, sheet metal assembly, CNC machining, stamping, forging, and assembly, all managed from one place.
Industries We Serve with Die Casting
From car parts to kitchen appliances. If it needs to be light, strong, and made in volume, die casting is usually the answer.
Aerospace Parts Manufacturing
Die-cast aluminum housings, brackets, and avionics enclosures deliver high strength-to-weight ratios with near-net-shape surfaces. See our aerospace CNC machining guide for related precision work.
Automotive Parts Manufacturing
High-pressure die casting is built for the auto industry. Thin walls, repeatable geometry, and tight dimensional control at tens of thousands of parts per run cover brackets, housings, structural connectors, and EV battery components.
Medical Equipment
Die-cast housings for diagnostic devices, imaging systems, and surgical equipment need tight tolerances and clean cosmetic surfaces. See our medical CNC machining guide for healthcare-grade processes.
Heavy Equipment
Die-cast housings, brackets, and support structures combine thin-wall efficiency with high-volume repeatability. Built to stand up to heavy vibration and torque with surface quality ready for welding or coating.
Industrial Manufacturing
Die-cast pump casings, manifolds, valve bodies, and automation housings keep fluid control and process equipment running reliably. Accurate casting eliminates leaks, increases durability, and speeds up assembly.
Consumer Electronics
Die-cast zinc and magnesium enclosures protect sensitive electronics from interference while dissipating heat. Complex features like PCB standoffs, snap-fit tabs, and cable ports are all formed in a single shot.
Telecommunication
Die-cast aluminum enclosures for RF modules, antenna mounts, and network housings survive outdoor exposure and vibration for years. Sealed, EMI-shielded, and ready for powder coat or anodize.
Commercial Furniture
Die-cast connectors, brackets, and bases for modular furniture, shelving, and architectural hardware. Zinc alloys give strong joints with a polished look, and assembly is clean and simple.
Home Appliances
Die-cast structural brackets, bases, and housings for washing machines, HVAC units, and small appliances. Tight-fitting interfaces with minimal machining are ideal for mid-to-high-volume appliance platforms.
Lighting Manufacturing
Die-cast heat sinks, lamp housings, and reflector bodies for LED, architectural, and commercial lighting. Excellent thermal conductivity keeps LEDs cool, and the smooth surface takes powder coat or anodize beautifully.
Quality You Can Verify
Every die-cast part ships with full traceability and documentation. Our IATF 16949:2016 quality system covers every step, from incoming alloy to packed shipment, with a 99.99% conformance rate over the last 12 months.
Dimensional Inspection
CMM verification to ± 0.002″ on critical features. Full GD&T evaluation with graphical deviation reports.
First Article Inspection
FAI reports per AS9102 with complete dimensional data against your drawing, before production starts.
Material Certification
Alloy composition verified via spectrometer. Mill certs and material test reports included with every shipment.
Full Traceability
Lot-level tracking from raw alloy through casting, machining, finishing, and packing. Complete audit trail.
Die Casting FAQ
What metals can you die cast?
Meco die casts aluminum (A380, A383/ADC12, A360, A413), zinc (Zamak 2, 3, 5), and magnesium (AZ91D, AM50). Aluminum die casting covers about 80% of projects because of its strength-to-weight ratio and recyclability.
How much does die casting tooling cost?
Die casting tooling typically costs $5,000 to $15,000 for a simple zinc die, $20,000 to $60,000 for a standard aluminum die, and $80,000 to $150,000+ for large, multi-cavity, or complex aluminum dies. The die lasts for 100,000 shots or more, so per-part cost drops fast at volume. For a full cost breakdown across processes, see our metal part cost guide.
How much does each die-cast part cost?
Per-part cost depends on size, alloy, and volume. Small zinc parts typically run $0.50 to $3.00 each. Mid-size aluminum parts run $2 to $15 each. Large structural castings can reach $30 or more. Compare with CNC machining cost for low-volume work.
What's the minimum order quantity?
There's no strict minimum, but die casting makes the most economic sense above roughly 1,000 to 5,000 units. Below that, custom CNC machining or sand casting is usually cheaper.
How accurate is die casting?
Standard die casting tolerances are ± 0.010″ for the first inch, plus ± 0.002″ per additional inch. For tighter features, Meco CNC-machines critical surfaces after casting to hold ± 0.002″ on key dimensions.
How long does it take to get parts?
Die casting tooling typically takes 6 to 14 weeks depending on complexity. Once the die is proven, production parts ship in days to weeks. Cycle times are 30 to 60 seconds per part.
Do you handle finishing and assembly?
Yes. Meco offers powder coating, anodizing, plating, painting, CNC machining of cast parts, thread tapping, and mechanical contract assembly under one roof.
Die casting vs CNC machining, when to switch?
If you need fewer than 1,000 parts or the design is still changing, CNC machining is usually the better bet. Once you commit to a design and need 5,000+ identical parts, die casting wins on per-part cost and speed. See how to choose a manufacturing partner for more guidance.
Die casting vs injection molding, which is right?
Die casting produces metal parts (aluminum, zinc, magnesium); injection molding produces plastic parts. For housings that need rigidity, EMI shielding, or heat dissipation, die casting wins. For lightweight non-structural enclosures, plastic injection wins. See 2K injection molding and injection molding vs thermoforming for plastic alternatives.
What certifications does Meco hold?
Meco is IATF 16949:2016 certified (includes ISO 9001:2015). Quality processes include APQP, PPAP, SPC, PFMEA, and full CMM and NDT inspection. Production runs from facilities in Thailand and China, with engineering and quality managed from Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada.
How to Get Started
Upload a STEP or IGES file with material and volume info via our quote form. We respond within 24 hours.
Our engineers evaluate wall thickness, draft angles, and alloy selection, then send a detailed quote with cost-saving suggestions.
We build your die, run sample shots, and send first articles for your approval before committing to full production.
Full production with in-process inspection, quality docs, and on-time shipping. Scale from 1,000 to 1,000,000+ with the same partner.
Die Casting Resources
What Is a Die in Manufacturing?
A complete explainer on die types (stamping, casting, forging, extrusion) and how to pick the right one for your project.
Read the guide →
How Much Does a Metal Part Cost in 2026?
CNC, die casting, sand casting, forging, and stamping compared side by side with real dollar ranges and volume breakpoints.
Read the guide →
What Is Contract Manufacturing?
How contract manufacturing partnerships work, when to outsource production, and how to evaluate suppliers for die casting and beyond.
Read the guide →Get Your Free Quote
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