Die Casting Components
Replacement components for aluminum high-pressure die casting tooling. H-13 tool steel. 29 CNC machines. 30 years of specialization.
Components We Manufacture
You send us the data. We program, machine, inspect, and ship. Every component leaves with full quality documentation.
Cavity Inserts
Primary forming surfaces that shape the cast part. Subject to extreme thermal stress, erosion from molten aluminum, and mechanical wear. Palcam machines cavity inserts on 5-axis CNC centres to achieve the surface quality and dimensional accuracy die casters require.
- 5-axis CNC machined from H-13 tool steel
- Laser scanned and CMM inspected
- Available in conventional or additive-manufactured H-13
Core Inserts
Internal features that form holes, pockets, and undercuts in castings. Core inserts must maintain tight tolerances across thousands of thermal cycles. Failure means scrap parts and lost production.
- Tight-tolerance features on 5-axis centres
- Conformal cooling available via AM
- Wire EDM for precision features where required
Shaped Core Pins
Non-round core pins with complex profiles that form features in die castings. Unlike standard turned core pins, shaped core pins require 5-axis CNC machining to achieve their geometry. Palcam specializes in these complex profiles.
- 5-axis CNC machined (not turned)
- Complex non-round profiles
- H-13 tool steel for HPDC service
Slides & Slide Inserts
Moving components that form undercuts and side features in castings. Slides must withstand repeated mechanical cycling while maintaining precise alignment. Slide inserts are the replaceable wear surfaces.
- 5-axis CNC machined for complex geometries
- Precision fits for smooth operation
- H-13 tool steel for wear resistance
Slide Carriers & Backup Blocks
Support components that house slide inserts and provide structural backing for cavity and core inserts. These components maintain alignment and absorb casting pressure across thousands of cycles.
- Precision machined mounting surfaces
- Tight tolerances for insert alignment
- Available in various tool steels
Shot Blocks & Distributors
High-wear components at the interface between shot sleeve and die cavity. Shot blocks and distributors redirect molten aluminum into the runner system. Subject to extreme thermal cycling and erosion.
- H-13 tool steel for thermal resistance
- Precision machined flow surfaces
- Replacement on wear schedule
Other Die Components
Any tooling component that wears from contact with molten aluminum or from the mechanical forces of the die casting process. If it wears out and needs replacing, Palcam can manufacture it from your data.
- Custom components from your specifications
- Full quality documentation
- Competitive pricing on any quantity
H-13 Additive Manufacturing
Palcam has researched metal additive manufacturing for die casting tooling since 2015. Our H-13 AM inserts deliver 5x lifespan versus maraging steel in HPDC applications. Customers including Honda and Multimatic have validated these results in production.
At 2-3x the cost of conventional inserts but 5x the life, AM inserts reduce your cost per shot by over 40%. Customers who adopt AM inserts reorder — the economics speak for themselves.
Hybrid insert manufacturing — printing H-13 on a conventional H-13 base — reduces the cost further. The base is reusable when the top section wears.
AM Capabilities
- H-13 hot work tool steel (HPDC applications)
- 420 stainless steel (corrosion-resistant applications)
- Conformal cooling channel design
- Hybrid inserts (printed on conventional base)
- Build envelope: 280mm x 280mm x 365mm (SLM 280)
- In-house heat treatment for AM components
The Economic Case
5x
Lifespan vs maraging steel
40%+
Reduction in cost per shot
29 CNC Machines Ready
Including 25 five-axis centres, wire EDM, and metal additive manufacturing.
View our equipment fleetQuality Process
Every insert ships with a full quality package. Here is what that means.
Laser Scanning + CMM
Every insert is laser scanned to catch material-plus conditions on internal corner radii that standard CMM probing alone can miss. Full dimensional verification on all critical features.
Hard Check by Inspector
Every hole depth measured. All threads checked with thread gauges. All waterlines ball-tipped and inspected with borescope to ensure no internal sharp transitions remain.
Machining Over EDM
We machine wherever possible. Sink EDM produces a recast layer (white layer) that is prone to thermal cracking in HPDC service. Machined finishes deliver more die life.
Wire EDM for Precision Features
Large wire EDM capacity for cutting ejector pin holes, slide pockets, and other precision features. Wire cutting delivers greater accuracy in size and location than conventional methods.
Full Certifications
Materials, heat treatment, and coatings are all certified and documented. Every shipment includes a complete quality package.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of die casting tooling components does Palcam manufacture?
Palcam manufactures all replacement components for aluminum high-pressure die casting (HPDC) tooling, including cavity inserts, core inserts, shaped core pins, slides and slide inserts, slide carriers and backup blocks, shot blocks and distributors, and other custom components. All components are machined from customer-specified hot work tool steels on 5-axis CNC centres.
What is the typical lead time for replacement die casting components?
Lead times are typically 4–10 weeks depending on component complexity, quantity, and current shop loading. Email your data packages to sales@palcam.com for a quote.
How does Palcam ensure the quality of die casting inserts?
Every insert is laser scanned to verify geometry, CMM inspected for dimensional accuracy, and hand-checked for gage fit on threads, ejector pin holes, core pin holes, and waterline depths. All waterlines are ball-tipped and inspected with a bore scope. Every shipment includes full quality documentation including material, heat treatment, and coating certifications.
What is the advantage of H-13 additive manufactured inserts over conventional inserts?
Palcam’s H-13 AM inserts deliver 5x the lifespan of maraging steel inserts in HPDC applications. At 2–3x the cost of conventional inserts but 5x the life, AM inserts reduce cost per shot by over 40%. Conformal cooling channels further improve thermal management and casting quality.
How do I get a quote for replacement die casting components?
Email your data packages and specifications to sales@palcam.com. Palcam will quote competitively and respond within 48 hours. You can also use the contact form on the website.
Send Us Your Data
Email your data packages and specifications. We will quote competitively and get back to you within 48 hours.