Cost Estimation of Die-Casting Molds

Unit System

Metric (cm)Imperial (inches)

Part dimensions

Length (cm)

Width (cm)

Height (cm)

# of Cavities

Selection of die-casting machine

# of Side Pulls

Purpose:

1. Release undercuts — If your casting has holes, grooves, recesses, or other shapes on the side walls (perpendicular to the main mold opening), the metal would "lock" into the mold without side movement. The side-pulling mechanism moves laterally to free those features before the mold opens.

2. Form side details accurately — Lets you create internal or external shapes that aren't possible with a simple two-part mold.

How it works:

1. When the die closes, the side-pull (slider) is pushed into position by angled pins or hydraulic cylinders, forming the side feature.

2. When the die opens, the angled pins pull the slider back sideways, clearing the part before ejection.

Without this, you'd either have to redesign the part to avoid undercuts or do secondary machining.

Mold lifespan

50,000 shots

Standard H13 (sometimes locally sourced, basic grade), basic heat treatment, minimal surface treatment.

80,000 shots

Premium tool steel, even higher-performance steels like H11, 8407, or Dievar, refined heat treatment, nitriding/PVD coating, or shot peening for heat-check resistance.

# of Oil Cylinders
1. Operating large or complex side-pulls
If the side core (slider) is big, heavy, or needs a long stroke, an oil cylinder provides the force to move it reliably.
The tonnage rating (e.g., 5 tons, 10 tons) refers to the maximum pushing/pulling force the cylinder can apply to move and hold the slider in position against molten metal pressure.
2. Multiple side actions in different directions
Oil cylinders allow you to control side-pulls that can't be moved by standard angled pins, such as cores that move at non-standard angles, or independent movements on both sides.
3. Sequential or timed movements
Oil cylinders can be controlled so that side cores move at specific points in the cycle, which is critical for complex parts with multiple undercuts.

5 tons

10 tons

20 tons

Scale of factory to be used