Shenzhen Alu Rapid Prototype Precision Co., Ltd.

Die casting can be cost-effective for high-volume production but is not inherently "cheap" due to initial setup costs. Here’s a breakdown:

Initial Costs: 

1.Die casting requires expensive molds (dies), which can cost $10,000–$100,000+ depending on complexity, size, and material (e.g., for zinc or aluminum). These upfront costs make it less economical for small production runs.

2.Per-Unit Cost: For large-scale production (thousands to millions of parts), die casting is highly cost-efficient. The process is automated, fast, and produces precise parts with minimal waste, reducing per-unit costs to as low as a few cents to a few dollars, depending on the part’s size and material (e.g., zinc is often cheaper than aluminum).

3.Material Costs: Zinc, commonly used in die casting, is relatively inexpensive (around $0.50–$1.50 per pound for scrap or raw material, based on recent market trends). Aluminum is slightly pricier but still cost-effective compared to metals like stainless steel.

4.Comparison: Compared to other processes like CNC machining (subtractive, higher per-unit cost) or forging (higher material and labor costs), die casting is cheaper for mass production but more expensive than simple plastic injection molding for non-metal parts.

5.Applications: Die casting is widely used for automotive parts, electronics housings, and hardware due to its balance of strength and cost for high volumes.

If you’re producing a small batch or a one-off part, die casting may not be cheap due to mold costs, and alternatives like 3D printing or machining might be better.