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Design Guides

Design Principles at Your Fingertips.

Although die casting component design can be complex, following a few fundamental principles will help minimize die casting issues during the production phase and subsequent performance in the end product.  CWM created these comprehensive guidelines to aid you when designing for die casting, whether it is for aluminummagnesium, or zinc alloys.  Each design guide incorporates over 75 years of CWM’s die casting knowledge into a condensed guide for the OEM product design engineer.

Also included are papers from the North American Die Casting Association (NADCA) which can assist OEMs in optimizing die casting component design, specifications, and overall die cast production processing.

Die Casting Component Design Center

Design & Specification Guide for Custom Die Castings

Design & Specification Guide for Custom Die Castings

Updated and expanded 16-page reference to the major design & specification steps that drive the cost and performance of components die cast in Al, Mg and Zn alloys. Among key design and production factors covered: Matching material properties; Die design & construction; Minimizing part porosity; Optimizing part heat transfer; Preplanning post-casting machining, if required; Dimensioning and tolerancing; Flash considerations; Prototyping; and as-cast finish guidelines.

Click here to view the .PDF: Design & Specification Guide for Custom Die Castings

Product Design for Die Casting

The 7th edition of this design source book, revised and updated in 2015, presents a logical structure of how to pursue improvement and cost-reduction programs with a die cast product design. The steps presented are applicable to both new product concepts and upgrading of existing components. The principles and sequences outlined are useful for any strategic approach to product development, design and engineering. They are also integral to emphasis on design for manufacturability. (NADCA, 2015 )

Click here to view the .PDF: Product Design for Die Casting

Quick Guide to Surface Finishing for Al, Mg & Zn Parts

Quick Guide to Surface Finishing for Al, Mg & Zn Parts

8-page condensed resource on evaluating finishing alternatives and optimizing component finishing decisions for Al, Mg and Zn die cast products. Features a comparison table rating 32 surface coatings on relative cost, appearance, wear and corrosion resistance; Presents recommended finishing for a range of typical die cast components.

Click here to view the .PDF: Quick Guide to Surface Finishing for Al, Mg & Zn Parts

NADCA: Die Cast Production & Finishing Checklists

NADCA: Die Cast Production & Finishing Checklists

Key factors in specifying the production and surface finishing of die cast parts, based on NADCA Product Standards Manual guidelines. Helps assure clearer communication between OEM purchaser and die caster. (2015)

Click here to view the .PDF: NADCA: Die Cast Production & Finishing Checklists

NADCA: Tooling Checklists for Die Casting Dies

NADCA: Tooling Checklists for Die Casting Dies

Aid to understanding die caster tooling requirements for optimum part production: Updated checklists for both new dies, and existing die casting dies to be transferred, based on NADCA Product Standards Manual guidelines.

Click here to view the .PDF: NADCA: Tooling Checklists for Die Casting Dies

NADCA: Coordinate vs Geometric Dimensioning Intro

Presentation of "Standard" and "Precision" tolerances as outlined in the latest NADCA Product Standards Manual, plus outline of Coordinate Dimensioning vs the advantages of the GD&T framework for specifying die cast parts.

Click here to view the .PDF: NADCA: Coordinate vs Geometric Dimensioning Intro

NADCA: Pointers for Designing Die Castings

NADCA: Pointers for Designing Die Castings

Die castings offer exceptional design freedom while at the same time achieving excellent mechanical properties for a product component. Selected features should be designed to enhance casting quality and avoid unnecessary casting costs. This article offers details on key points to consider in optimizing the cost-performance equation for a die cast part.

Click here to view the .PDF: NADCA: Pointers for Designing Die Castings

NADCA-ADCI Standards Cross-Reference Chart

NADCA-ADCI Standards Cross-Reference Chart

Cross-reference chart for former superseded American Die Casting Institute (ADCI) and superseded North American Die Casting Assn. #401 (NADCA) Product Standards and current NADCA Product Standards. (2015)

Click here to view the .PDF: NADCA-ADCI Standards Cross-Reference Chart

NADCA: Product Standards Manual Overview

NADCA: Product Standards Manual Overview

Illustrated condensed overview of the basic contents of the die casting industry's authoritative "Product Specification Standards for Die Castings" reference manual, as originally established in 1997.

Click here to view the .PDF: NADCA: Product Standards Manual Overview