Engineering & Design: Coordinate Dimensioning NADCA

S-4A-7-06
STANDARD
TOLERANCES

Draft Requirements: Standard Tolerances The formula for draft shown

here represents Standard
Tolerance, or normal casting
Draft is the amount of taper or slope given to cores or other parts of the die cavity to permit easy production practice at the
ejection of the casting. most economical level. For
All die cast surfaces which are normally perpendicular to the parting line of the die require Precision Tolerance for draft,
draft (taper) for proper ejection of the casting from the die. This draft requirement, expressed as see the facing page.
an angle, is not constant. It will vary with the type of wall or surface specified, the depth of the
surface and the alloy selected. Note:
Draft values from the equations at right, using the illustration and the table below, provides As the formula indicates,
Standard Draft Tolerances for draft on inside surfaces, outside surfaces and holes, achievable draft, expressed as an
angle, decreases as
under normal production conditions. the depth of the feature
increases. Twice as much
draft is recommended for
Draft Example (Standard Tolerances): inside walls or surfaces as
for outside walls/surfaces.
In the case of an inside surface for an aluminum cast part, for which the constant “C” is 30 (6 This provision is required
mm), the recommended Standard Draft at three depths is: because as the alloy

Depth Draft Draft
in. (mm) in. (mm) Degrees
0.1 (2.50) 0.010 (0.250) 6°
1.0 (25) 0.033 (0.840) 1.9°
5.0 (127) 0.075 (1.890) 0.85°
To achieve lesser draft than
normal production allows,
Precision Tolerances maybe
specified (see opposite page).
D
Calculation Calculation
solidifies it shrinks onto
the die features that form 4A
inside surfaces (usually
for Draft for Draft Angle located in the ejector half)
¶ and away from features
D ´µµ that form outside surfaces
D= L L¶ ´ (usually located in the
cover half). Note also
C A= that the resulting draft
0.01746
calculation does not apply
to cast lettering, logotypes
Where: D= Draft in inches or engraving. Such ele-
L= Depth or height of feature from the parting line ments must be examined
individually as to style,
C= Constant, from table S-4A-7, is based on the type of feature size and depth desired.
and the die casting alloy Draft requirements need to
A= Draft angle in degrees Draft be discussed with the die
caster prior to die design
for satisfactory results.

Drawing defines draft

L L dimensions for interior
L
PL and exterior surfaces
PL
and total draft for holes
D
A (draft is exaggerated for
B illustration).

NADCA Product Specification Standards for Die Castings / 2006 4A-21

 NADCA Engineering & Design: Coordinate Dimensioning
S-4A-7-06
STANDARD
TOLERANCES

Draft Requirements: Standard Tolerances

Table S-4A-7: Draft Constants for Calculating Draft and Draft Angle
Values of Constant "C" by Features and Depth (Standard Tolerances)
Alloy Inside Wall Outside Wall Hole, Total Draft
For Dim. in For Dim. in for Dim. in
inches (mm) inches (mm) inches (mm)

Zinc/ZA 50 (9.90 mm) 100 (19.80 mm) 34 (6.75 mm)

Aluminum 30 (6.00 mm) 60 (12.00 mm) 20 (4.68 mm)

Magnesium 35 (7.00 mm) 70 (14.00 mm) 24 (4.76 mm)

Copper 25 (4.90 mm) 50 (9.90 mm) 17 (3.33 mm)

It is not common practice to specify draft separately for each feature. Draft is normally specified
by a general note with exceptions called out for individual features. The formula should be used to
establish general draft requirements with any exceptions identified.
For example, the results at the left indicate that an aluminum casting with most features at least
1.0 in. deep can be covered with a general note indicating 2° minimum draft on inside surfaces
and 1° minimum on outside surfaces (based on outside surfaces requiring half as much draft).

4A-22 NADCA Product Specification Standards for Die Castings / 2006

Engineering & Design: Coordinate Dimensioning NADCA
P-4A-7-06
PRECISION
TOLERANCES
Precision Tolerances for draft
Draft Requirements: Precision Tolerances resulting from the calculations
outlined here involve extra
All cast surfaces normally perpendicular to the parting line of the die require draft (taper) for precision in die construction
and/or special control in
proper ejection of the casting from the die. Minimum precision draft for inside walls is generally production. They should be
recommended at 3/4 degrees per side; with outside walls requiring half as much draft. specified only when necessary.
Draft values from the equation at right, using the illustration and the table below, estimate Draft or the lack of draft can
specific Precision Draft Tolerances for draft on inside surfaces, outside surfaces and holes. greatly affect castability. Early
Precision Draft Tolerances will vary with the type of wall or surface specified, the depth of the die caster consultation will
aid in designing for minimum
wall, and the alloy selected. draft, yet sufficient draft for
castability.
Draft Example (Precision Tolerances):
In the case of an inside surface for an aluminum cast part, for which the constant “C” is 40 (7.80 Note:
mm), the recommended Precision Draft at three depths is: As the formula indicates,
draft, expressed as an angle,
Calculation Calculation decreases as the depth of
Depth Draft Draft the feature increases. See
in. (mm) in. (mm) Degrees
for Draft for Draft Angle graphical representation 4A
¶ on the following pages for
0.1 (2.50) 0.006 (0.150) 3.6°
L x 0.8
µ D ´µ various alloys. Twice as much
1.0 (25) 0.020 (0.510) 1.1° D= ´
L¶ draft is recommended for
2.5 (63.50) 0.032 (1.140) 0.72° C A= inside walls or surfaces as
0.01746
To achieve lesser draft than for outside walls/surfaces.
normal production allows, This provision is required
Where: D= Draft in inches because as the alloy
Precision Tolerances maybe L= Depth or height of feature from the parting line solidifies it shrinks onto the
specified (see opposite page). C= Constant, from table S-4A-7, is based on the type of die features that form inside
feature and the die casting alloy surfaces (usually located in
the ejector half) and away
A= Draft angle in degrees Draft
from features that form
outside surfaces (usually
located in the cover half).
Note also that the resulting
D draft calculation does not
apply to die cast lettering,
Drawing defines draft logotypes or engraving.
L Such elements must be
L dimensions for interior examined individually as to
L and exterior surfaces style, size and depth desired.
PL PL and total draft for holes Draft requirements need to
D (draft is exaggerated for be discussed with the die
A caster prior to die design for
B illustration).
satisfactory results.

NADCA Product Specification Standards for Die Castings / 2006 4A-23

 NADCA Engineering & Design: Coordinate Dimensioning
P-4A-7-06
PRECISION
TOLERANCES

Draft Requirements: Precision Tolerances

Table P-4A-7: Draft Constants for Calculating Draft and Draft Angle

Values of Constant "C" by Features and Depth (Precision Tolerances)

Alloy Inside Wall Outside Wall Hole, Total Draft
For Dim. in For Dim. in For Dim. in
inches (mm) inches (mm) inches (mm)

Zinc/ZA 60 (12.00 mm) 120 (24.00 mm) 40 (7.80 mm)

Al/Mg/Cu 40 (7.80 mm) 80 (15.60 mm) 28 (5.30 mm)

It is not common practice to specify draft separately for each feature. Draft is normally speci-
fied by a general note with exceptions called out for individual features. The formula should be
used to establish general draft requirements with any exceptions identified.
For example, the results at the left indicate that an aluminum casting with most features at least 1.0
in. deep can be covered with a general note indicating 1° minimum draft on inside surfaces and 0.5°
minimum on outside surfaces (based on outside surfaces requiring half as much draft).

4A-24 NADCA Product Specification Standards for Die Castings / 2006

Engineering & Design: Coordinate Dimensioning NADCA
S/P-4A-7-06
STANDARD/PRECISION
TOLERANCES

Aluminum Draft
0.2
Standard Inside Wall
0.18 Standard Outside Wall
0.16 Precision Inside Wall
Precision Outside Wall
0.14 Standard Hole
Draft in Inches

0.12 Precision Hole

0.1

0.08

0.06

0.04

0.02
4A
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11

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4

9
Length from Parting Line in Inches (mm)

Aluminum Draft Angle

3.5
Standard Inside Wall
3 Standard Outside Wall
Draft Angle in Degrees

Precision Inside Wall

2.5
Precision Outside Wall
Standard Hole
2
Precision Hole
1.5

0.5

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Length from Parting Line in Inches (mm)

NADCA Product Specification Standards for Die Castings / 2006 4A-25

 NADCA Engineering & Design: Coordinate Dimensioning
S/P-4A-7-06
STANDARD/PRECISION
TOLERANCES

Copper Draft
0.25
Standard Inside Wall
Standard Outside Wall
0.2 Precision Inside Wall
Precision Outside Wall
Draft in Inches

Standard Hole
0.15
Precision Hole

0.1

0.05

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8)

2)

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10

11

12
4

9
Length from Parting Line in Inches (mm)

Copper Draft Angle

4
Standard Inside Wall
3.5
Standard Outside Wall
Draft Angle in Degrees

3 Precision Inside Wall

Precision Outside Wall
2.5
Standard Hole
2 Precision Hole

1.5

0.5

0
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Length from Parting Line in Inches (mm)

4A-26 NADCA Product Specification Standards for Die Castings / 2006

Engineering & Design: Coordinate Dimensioning NADCA
S/P-4A-7-06
STANDARD/PRECISION
TOLERANCES

Magnesium Draft
0.16
Standard Inside Wall
0.14 Standard Outside Wall
Precision Inside Wall
0.12 Precision Outside Wall
Standard Hole
Draft in Inches

0.1 Precision Hole

0.08

0.06

0.04

0.02 4A
0

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8)

2)

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10

11

12
4

Length from Parting Line in Inches (mm) 9

Magnesium Draft Angle

3
Standard Inside Wall
2.5 Standard Outside Wall
Draft Angle in Degrees

Precision Inside Wall

2 Precision Outside Wall
Standard Hole
1.5 Precision Hole

0.5

0
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4)

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2)

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4

Length from Parting Line in Inches (mm)

NADCA Product Specification Standards for Die Castings / 2006 4A-27

 NADCA Engineering & Design: Coordinate Dimensioning
S/P-4A-7-06
STANDARD/PRECISION
TOLERANCES

Zinc Draft
0.12
Standard Inside Wall
Standard Outside Wall
0.1 Precision Inside Wall
Precision Outside Wall
Standard Hole
0.08
Draft in Inches

Precision Hole

0.06

0.04

0.02

)
)

)
4)

8)

2)

.0

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.8
.6

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5.

0.

6.

54

79

04
01

27

52

77

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(1

(1

(1

(1

(2

(2
1

10

11

12
4

9
Length from Parting Line in Inches (mm)

Zinc Draft Angle

1.8
Standard Inside Wall
1.6
Standard Outside Wall
1.4
Draft Angle in Degrees

Precision Inside Wall

1.2 Precision Outside Wall
Standard Hole
1
Precision Hole
0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
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4)

8)

2)

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10

11

12
4

Length from Parting Line in Inches (mm)

4A-28 NADCA Product Specification Standards for Die Castings / 2006