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02// Capabilities / Aluminum Die Casting

Aluminum Die Casting: Lightweight Strength and High-Performance Manufacturing

Strength, Speed, and Casting ExpertiseAluminum Castings Built to Your Print

Facility
Eau Claire, MI
Coordinates
41.990° N 86.306° W
Quality
ISO 9001:2015
Since
1973

Shawnee Specialties produces high-quality aluminum die cast components for manufacturers across Michigan, the Midwest, and the United States. Our southwest Michigan facility delivers strong, lightweight, tight-tolerance parts with competitive pricing and reliable lead times.


Engineering Specifications

What we run

  • Alloys: A360, A380, A413, K-Alloy (A304)
  • Press range: 55-500 Metric Tons
  • Part size: .005 to 8.0 lbs.
  • Machining: 4 Axis CNC with Pallet Changers
  • Surface Finishing: Shot Blasting, Vibe Debur, Thermal Debur
  • Testing: Zeiss CMM, Keyence IMM, In-line Leak Testing

Why Aluminum Die Casting?

Aluminum die casting is a high-pressure manufacturing process that produces lightweight, durable components with excellent mechanical properties. Molten aluminum is injected into hardened steel dies, creating complex shapes with consistent repeatability.

Key advantages

  • Lightweight strength ideal for demanding applications
  • Excellent corrosion resistance
  • Superior thermal conductivity for heat-management components
  • Ability to cast thin walls and complex geometries
  • High stiffness-to-weight ratio
  • Strong dimensional stability
  • Ideal for medium to high-volume production

Aluminum die casting provides an exceptional balance of weight reduction, strength, and manufacturability.


Benefits Compared to Other Metals

Compared to zinc, steel, or machined aluminum, aluminum die casting provides

Lightweight construction with high structural strength

Better temperature resistance (ideal for under-hood and high-heat environments)

Very good corrosion and atmospheric resistance

Superior thermal properties for heat-dissipating housings

Reduced part weight for improved efficiency in mechanical systems

Strong stiffness-to-weight ratio

Choose aluminum when your project demands lightweight performance, higher temperature tolerance, or strong mechanical properties at low mass.


Aluminum vs. Zinc

Density: Aluminum 2.76 g/cm³ / Zinc 6.60 g/cm³

Weight: Aluminum is 58% lighter for the same part volume versus Zinc

Strength: Aluminum typically better strength relative to weight

Service Temperature: Aluminum better choice for higher temperature service applications

Fine Detail: Zinc excellent for small features, tight tolerances and reduced machining costs

Tool Life: Zinc 500,000-2,000,000 shots versus Aluminum 100,000-300,000 shots

Cycle Time (Production): Zinc 50-60% faster cycle time than Aluminum.


Start Your Project

Shawnee Specialties is ready to support your aluminum die casting needs - from concept and tooling through full production.

Contact us today to request a quote and learn why manufacturers across the Midwest and United States trust our aluminum die casting expertise.

Torch work on an aluminum casting at Shawnee Specialties

Every cut, every cast, on spec

Molten aluminum furnace shot at Shawnee Specialties

Where molten metal becomes performance

Aluminum part loaded in a die cast machine at Shawnee Specialties

Production strength on full display

Team members working on the production floor at Shawnee Specialties

Manufacturing done the right way

01Aluminum Alloy Options

We offer standard industry aluminum die casting alloys commonly used in structural and precision applications:

• A380

Most widely used aluminum casting alloy; strong, corrosion-resistant, excellent pressure tightness.

• A360

High corrosion resistance and improved ductility; ideal for outdoor or environmental exposure.

• A383 / A384

Enhanced castability for complex, thin-wall designs.

These alloys offer dependable strength, excellent surface finish, and predictable performance across long production runs.

02Industries and Applications

Aluminum die cast parts are widely used across automotive, industrial, electrical, and aerospace-adjacent markets.

• Automotive

Engine components, transmission housings, structural brackets, cooling components

• Electrical and Electronics

Heat sinks, housings, enclosures, thermal management parts, EMI-shielded components

• Industrial and Machinery

Pumps, valve bodies, heavy-duty brackets, structural frames

• Commercial and Consumer

Appliance components, hand-tool bodies, durable housings

• Medical and Precision Devices

Lightweight mechanical housings, instrumentation frames

Aluminum is often the material of choice when strength, weight reduction, and heat performance matter.

// Contact

Contact Shawnee Specialties, Inc.

We're here to support your casting, machining, and production needs.

Location
7100 Third Street
Eau Claire, MI 49111
Email
sales@shawneeinc.com
Phone
(269) 461-6931
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