Die casting  is a metal casting  process that is characterized by forcing molten  metal  under high pressure into a mould cavity . The mould cavity is created using two hardened tool steel dies  which have been machined into shape and work similarly to an injection mould  during the process. Most die castings are made from non-ferrous metals , specifically zinc , copper , aluminium , magnesium , lead , pewter , and tin -based alloys. Depending on the type of metal being cast, a hot- or cold-chamber machine is used.