Metals used for die casting mainly include zinc, copper, aluminum, magnesium, lead, tin, and lead-tin alloys, although Iiron die casting is rare, but feasible.

More special die casting materials include ZAMAK, aluminum-zinc alloys, and American Aluminum Association Standards: AA380, AA384, AA386, AA390, and AZ91D magnesium.

The characteristics of die casting of various metals are as follows:

Zinc Material for Die Casting Parts: the easiest metal to die casting, economical to make small parts, easy to coat, high compressive strength, plasticity, and long-lasting life.

Aluminum Material for Die Casting Products: lightweight, high dimensional stability when making complex and thin-walled castings, strong corrosion resistance, good mechanical properties, high thermal and electrical conductivity, and high strength at high temperatures.

Magnesium Material for Die Casting Components: easy to machine, high strength-to-weight ratio, lightest among commonly used die-cast metals.

Copper Material for Die Casting Fittings: high hardness, strong corrosion resistance, the best mechanical properties of commonly used die-casting metals, wear resistance, and strength close to steel.

Lead and Tin Material for Die Casting Pieces: high density, very high dimensional accuracy, can be used as special corrosion protection parts.

For public health reasons, this alloy cannot be used in food processing and storage equipment.

Alloys of lead, tin, and antimony (sometimes with a little copper) can be used to make hand lettering in letterpress printing and bronzing.

The upper mass limits for die casting with aluminum, copper, magnesium, and zinc are 70 lbs (32 kg), 10 lbs (4.5 kg), 44 lbs (20 kg), and 75 lbs (34 kg), respectively.

The minimum cross-sectional area and the minimum draft angle corresponding to various die casting materials are listed in the following table, and the thickest section should be less than 13 mm: