6CNC · Additional manufacturing processes

Die Casting with CNC Machining for Metal Parts

6CNC combines die casting, secondary CNC machining, and agreed finishing for repeat metal component production. We review alloy selection, tooling, casting geometry, and critical machined features together so the manufacturing route supports your assembly requirements.

Metal housing with ribs, bosses, and machined interfaces
  • Aluminum, zinc, and magnesium alloys
  • Casting design and DFM support
  • Secondary machining and inspection

Why Work with 6CNC?

Work with 6CNC on the complete component, from the casting concept to critical CNC-finished surfaces. Our manufacturing background helps connect tooling decisions with machining access, dimensional checks, finishing, and the production schedule.

10+ Years

of CNC Machining Expertise

50,000+

Precision Parts Delivered

140+

Advanced CNC Machines

10,000+

Satisfied Clients Worldwide

Backed by 6CNC’s CNC machining experience, with support for prototyping, process selection, and the transition to repeat production.

Use Die Casting Where Repeat Demand Supports Tooling

Die casting can suit stable designs with recurring demand and complex near-net geometry. 6CNC reviews the tooling investment and downstream operations against the expected production volume.

Housings and enclosures

Combine walls, ribs, mounting features, and interfaces in a formed component. Identify functional surfaces that will need machining or specific inspection.

Repeat industrial components

Share the production quantity and expected repeat demand for brackets, frames, and equipment parts. Consistent geometry makes a controlled process more practical.

A route beyond prototypes

When the design is changing or volumes are low, CNC machining may be a more flexible starting point. We review both routes before committing to tooling.

Select the Alloy and Casting Route Together

6CNC supports aluminum, zinc, and magnesium alloy enquiries. Specify the required grade and application; the alloy, component geometry, and tooling concept determine the proposed process.

OptionWhat to review
Aluminum alloysCommonly considered for lightweight housings and industrial parts. Cold-chamber casting is a typical route; confirm mechanical, finish, and corrosion requirements.
Zinc alloysOften selected for detailed parts and fine features. Hot-chamber casting is a common route; review component weight, finish, and functional needs.
Magnesium alloysAn option where weight is a design priority. Confirm the grade, process suitability, surface protection, and operating requirements.
Hot- and cold-chamber options6CNC reviews the process against the alloy and part. Do not select a route solely by cycle speed without considering tooling and downstream operations.

Resolve Casting and Tooling Details Before Manufacture

Our DFM review covers the part as a casting and as a finished component. We identify design issues early, while proposed changes can still be discussed before tooling.

  • Walls, ribs, and transitions
    Review thick sections and abrupt changes that can affect metal flow and solidification. Keep reinforcement and material distribution aligned with the design purpose.
  • Draft, radii, and release
    Define the release direction and review internal corners, draft, and undercuts. Tool access and ejection requirements can affect the component geometry.
  • Machining allowance
    Identify surfaces that will be machined after casting. Allow for workholding, datum establishment, and material removal on the drawing.
  • Porosity-sensitive areas
    Flag sealing faces, pressure-containing areas, and any internal-quality requirements. Agree the relevant acceptance criteria and checks before production.

Finish Critical Features with CNC Machining

6CNC integrates secondary machining where as-cast features do not meet the final requirement. This keeps precision work focused on the surfaces that control fit and assembly.

CNC machining a metal component after forming

Holes and threads

Define the final hole geometry, thread specification, and positional requirements. Review access and machining references with the casting design.

Mating and mounting faces

Identify flatness, fits, and datum relationships needed for assembly. These requirements guide fixtures and the sequence of operations.

From Tooling Review to Repeat Batches

6CNC coordinates tooling and production planning around defined approval points. Clear sample acceptance and controlled revisions help prevent uncertainty when the production order is released.

01

Review requirements

Send CAD, a controlled drawing, alloy grade, quantities, critical features, finish, inspection requirements, and delivery targets.

02

Confirm tooling and process

Review casting DFM, the proposed route, secondary machining, and sample plan before tooling manufacture proceeds.

03

Evaluate initial parts

Check agreed dimensions, appearance, and application-specific requirements. Record feedback and approve any corrections before batch release.

04

Produce and deliver

Confirm the production revision, batch inspection, packaging, and delivery schedule. Review subsequent engineering changes before repeat manufacture.

Compare the Cost of a Finished Component

A lower casting price does not always mean a lower delivered-part cost. 6CNC considers tooling, material, secondary machining, finishing, and inspection in the project scope.

01

Tooling and revisions

Part complexity and release features influence the tooling investment. Late changes can affect both the tool and downstream fixtures, so resolve key design decisions early.

02

Volume and recurring cost

Use realistic order quantities and repeat demand. Higher output can spread tooling cost, but machining and finishing remain part of each component.

03

Low-volume enquiries

6CNC can review lower-volume casting runs. We compare feasibility and tooling economics with machining rather than apply one fixed quantity threshold to every part.

04

Delivery planning

The first delivery must account for tooling, trials, approval, and production. Repeat schedules depend on the approved configuration, material supply, operations, and required checks.

Die Casting FAQ

Which die casting materials does 6CNC support?

We review aluminum, zinc, and magnesium alloy projects. Include the required grade and application so the casting route, finishing, and inspection requirements can be confirmed.

When should I choose die casting over CNC machining?

Consider casting when the design is stable and repeat demand justifies tooling. CNC machining can be more practical for development parts, frequent revisions, or quantities that do not support the tooling investment.

Can die-cast parts include tight-tolerance features?

Yes, where the proposed process can meet the requirement. 6CNC can add secondary CNC machining for critical holes, threads, and mating surfaces; tolerances are reviewed feature by feature.

Does 6CNC provide DFM support?

Yes. We review wall distribution, draft, release features, radii, and machining requirements before tooling. DFM helps address manufacturing risks without replacing your design approval.

Can you review a low-volume die casting order?

Yes. Send the quantity and expected repeat demand. We review the tooling economics and process feasibility and can discuss CNC machining as an alternative.

What affects the lead time?

Tool manufacture, trials, sample approval, corrections, casting, machining, finishing, and inspection all contribute. The first production batch and repeat orders have different scheduling requirements.

What if my component must seal or hold pressure?

Identify the requirement on the drawing and in the enquiry. Internal quality, machined sealing surfaces, and any testing need explicit review and agreement; they are not implied by a dimensional inspection.

What information is needed for a complete quote?

Provide CAD, drawings, alloy, quantities, annual or repeat demand, finish, critical dimensions, quality requirements, and the target date. Include any sample approval or documentation requirements.

Start your project with 6CNC

Request a Die Casting Quote

Send 6CNC your files and project requirements. We will review the manufacturing route, material, quantity, finish, inspection, and delivery needs to prepare a project-specific quotation.