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Glossary of Die Casting Terms

(courtesy NADCA)

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Casting.The product that results from the solidification of molten metal in a mold or die.
Casting Cycle. The total number of events required to make each casting. For die casting, the cycle generally consists of solidification time, machine movement, and the operator’s manual movements.
Cavity. The space within the die casting die that is the size and shape of the part to be cast. The molten metal flows into this space and is held until it has solidified.
Cavity Insert. A separate die component inserted into the die block to form an external feature of the casting. Sometimes the entire cavity block is referred to as the cavity insert.
Clamping Force. The actual force applied by the die casting machine to keep the die halves closed. This may be less than the clamping capacity of the die casting machine.
Cold Chamber Machine. A die casting machine in which the molten metal pressure chamber is not submerged in the molten metal to be cast. The metal is ladled into the shot sleeve of the machine prior to each shot.
Cold Shut. A defect in a die casting that shows as a line on the casting surface. This is caused when two metal flows meet, but are to cold to fuse together properly.
Core. A part of a die casting die that forms an internal feature of the casting (usually a feature with considerable dimensional fidelity) and is a separate piece from the cavity block. A core
may be fixed in a stationary position relative to the cavity or may be actuated through some movement each time the die is opened.
Core Actuating Mechanism. The various parts of a die casting die, and their mounting to the die that controls or retains the core’s movement. The mechanism may include cams, slides, detents, angled pins, and hydraulic cylinders.
Core Pins. A hot work tool steel pin, usually H-13, that is used to form a cored hole in a die casting.
Density. The unit mass of material, usually expressed in pounds per cubic inch or kilograms per cubic meter.
Die. A tool used to impact the shape to the casting. Specifically, two matching steel blocks with their cavities that shape the molten metal until it solidifies.
Die Block. The large block of steel that forms the base for one half of the die casting die. All other components of the die are attached to or mounted on the die block.
Die Blow. Describes the dimensional growth of a casting across the parting line or in the direction of slide movements. A growth or blow can occur in small amounts without substantial flash evident.

Die, Cover. The half of a die casting die that is attached to the stationary platen of the die casting machine.

Die, Ejector. The half of a die casting die that contains the ejection system and that mounts to the moving platen of the die casting machine.