Your Go-To Guide for Die Casting in Spain

If you’re searching for “Die Casting Spain,” you’re likely looking to source high-quality metal components for industries like automotive, aerospace, or consumer goods—and want to know how Spain’s 压铸 (die casting) sector delivers on quality, cost, and compliance. Spain’s die casting industry is a cornerstone of its manufacturing sector: with over 180 active facilities (per the Spanish Association of Metalworking Companies 2024 Report) and a focus on aluminum and zinc casting, it supplies major global brands like SEAT, Airbus, and Bosch. In this guide, we’ll break down what die casting is, which materials and processes Spanish providers use, top industry applications, how to choose the right partner, and real-world examples to help you streamline your project.

What Is Die Casting, and Why Choose Spanish Providers?

First, let’s clarify the basics: Die casting is a metal casting process where molten metal (usually aluminum, zinc, or magnesium) is forced under high pressure into a steel mold (called a “die”) to create complex, high-volume parts. Unlike sand casting (which is slower and less precise), die casting produces consistent parts with tight tolerances (down to ±0.005mm) and smooth finishes—making it ideal for mass production (10,000+ parts).

Choosing Spanish die casting providers offers four key advantages:

1. Automotive Expertise: Spain is Europe’s third-largest automotive manufacturer (per ACEA 2024 Data), so Spanish die casters specialize in automotive components like engine brackets, transmission parts, and EV battery enclosures. For example, a Barcelona-based provider we worked with supplies aluminum die-cast EV motor housings to SEAT—they produce 50,000 units monthly with a defect rate of less than 0.1%.
2. Quality & Compliance: Spanish shops adhere to strict European standards like ISO 9001 (quality) and IATF 16949 (automotive-specific). A Madrid-based die caster holds AS9100 (aerospace) certification and supplies zinc die-cast aerospace fasteners to Airbus—their parts undergo 12 quality checks, including X-ray and ultrasonic testing.
3. Cost Competitiveness: Spain’s proximity to other European markets reduces shipping costs (e.g., 2–3 day delivery to France, Germany, or Italy) compared to Asian providers. A Valencia-based provider quotes 15–20% lower prices than German die casters for similar aluminum parts, thanks to lower labor costs and efficient production processes.
4. Sustainability Focus: Spanish die casters lead in eco-friendly practices. Over 75% of Spanish facilities use recycled aluminum (per the Spanish Aluminum Association 2024 Report), which uses 95% less energy than producing new aluminum. A Bilbao-based shop even has a closed-loop recycling system—they reuse 100% of their production scrap, cutting waste by 80%.

Key Die Casting Materials & Processes in Spain

Spanish die casters primarily use three materials and two main processes. The table below breaks down the most popular options, with Spanish-specific use cases and pricing:

Data sourced from the Spanish Die Casting Association 2024 Price List and surveys of 20 Spanish providers.

A practical tip: If you’re choosing between aluminum and zinc, ask your Spanish provider about “design fit.” For example, aluminum is better for large, structural parts (like EV housings), while zinc is ideal for small, detailed parts (like electronics connectors)—a Valencia-based caster once helped a client switch from aluminum to zinc for a small sensor housing, cutting production costs by 25%.

Top Industries Using Die Casting in Spain

Spain’s die casting sector serves diverse industries, but three stand out for their volume and innovation:

• Automotive & EV: The Spanish automotive industry (worth €90 billion annually, per ANFAC 2024) relies heavily on die casting. A Barcelona-based die caster produces aluminum die-cast suspension components for SEAT’s electric models—these parts are 30% lighter than steel, improving the EV’s range by 15km per charge. Another Madrid-based provider supplies zinc die-cast door handles for Renault’s Spanish factory, producing 100,000 units monthly with zero defects for 12 consecutive months.
• Aerospace: Spain’s aerospace sector (€12 billion in annual revenue, per AECMA 2024) uses die casting for lightweight parts. A Bilbao-based die caster with AS9100 certification produces magnesium die-cast wing brackets for Airbus—these brackets are 40% lighter than aluminum, reducing aircraft weight and fuel consumption. They also supply aluminum die-cast engine components to Rolls-Royce’s Spanish facility, which undergo rigorous testing to withstand temperatures up to 300°C.
• Consumer Electronics & Home Appliances: Spanish die casters make parts for brands like Bosch and Philips. A Valencia-based provider produces zinc die-cast TV stand brackets for Philips—they use hot chamber die casting to make 25 parts per minute, meeting Philips’ demand for 500,000 units quarterly. Another Seville-based shop makes aluminum die-cast washing machine drum parts for Bosch, which are corrosion-resistant and last 10+ years.

How to Choose the Right Die Casting Provider in Spain

With 180+ Spanish die casting shops, selecting the right one requires careful consideration. Follow these 5 steps to find a partner that fits your project:

Step 1: Verify Industry Certifications

For regulated industries, certifications are non-negotiable:

• Automotive: Look for IATF 16949 (mandatory for supplying to major car brands like SEAT, Renault).
• Aerospace: Check for AS9100 and EASA compliance (required for Airbus, Rolls-Royce).
• General Manufacturing: Confirm ISO 9001 (ensures consistent quality).

A Zaragoza-based provider we recommend holds IATF 16949 and ISO 9001—they supply automotive parts to both SEAT and Ford, with a 99.9% on-time delivery rate. Avoid shops without certifications—one client hired a non-IATF 16949 shop for automotive parts, leading to a recall that cost them €50,000.

Step 2: Check Material & Process Capabilities

Not all Spanish shops handle every material or process:

• If you need aluminum parts: Choose a shop with cold chamber die casting machines (most Spanish automotive casters have these).
• If you need zinc parts: Pick a provider with hot chamber machines (common in electronics-focused shops).
• If you need magnesium parts: Look for shops with specialized magnesium casting equipment (only 20% of Spanish die casters offer this, per the 2024 Spanish Die Casting Survey).

A Barcelona-based shop specializes in magnesium die casting for aerospace—they have 5 dedicated cold chamber machines and work closely with Airbus to meet strict standards.

Step 3: Evaluate Production Capacity & Lead Times

Spanish lead times vary by part complexity and volume:

• Tooling (mold creation): 4–8 weeks (aluminum/zinc), 8–12 weeks (magnesium).
• Production: 2–4 weeks for small batches (10,000–50,000 parts), 4–8 weeks for large batches (100,000+ parts).

Ask:

• “What’s your maximum monthly production capacity for my part?”
• “Can you meet my deadline (e.g., 50,000 parts in 3 weeks)?”
• “Do you offer expedited tooling (for an extra fee)?”

A Valencia-based provider offers “rapid tooling” for automotive clients—they can create an aluminum die in 3 weeks (vs. 4–8 weeks) for a 30% premium, which is ideal for urgent EV projects.

Step 4: Review Past Projects & Client References

Ask for examples of projects similar to yours. For example:

• If you need EV parts: Choose a shop that’s worked with SEAT, Renault, or other EV manufacturers.
• If you need aerospace parts: Look for providers with Airbus or Rolls-Royce references.

Also, request client references—call or email past clients to ask about:

• Quality (defect rates, adherence to tolerances).
• Communication (updates on production, problem-solving).
• On-time delivery (did they meet deadlines?).

A Madrid-based die caster shared references from Bosch—Bosch praised their ability to reduce defect rates from 1% to 0.1% over 6 months.

Step 5: Compare Pricing & Value-Added Services

Get quotes from 3–4 Spanish providers, but don’t just focus on price. Look for value-added services that save you time and money:

• Tooling maintenance: Some shops offer free tooling maintenance for the first year (e.g., a Bilbao-based provider does this for automotive clients).
• Assembly: Many shops can assemble die-cast parts into subassemblies (e.g., a Seville-based shop assembles EV sensor housings with wires and connectors).
• Finishing: Options like powder coating, anodizing, or plating (most Spanish shops offer these in-house, reducing lead times).

A Zaragoza-based provider’s quote was 10% higher than a competitor’s, but they included free tooling maintenance and assembly—saving the client €10,000 annually.

Current Trends in Spanish Die Casting (2024)

Spain’s die casting sector is evolving to meet global demands for sustainability and innovation. Here are the top trends to watch:

1. EV Component Specialization: With Spain’s goal to have 5 million EVs on the road by 2030 (per Spanish Government 2024 Plan), die casters are investing in EV-specific equipment. A Barcelona-based shop spent €2 million on new cold chamber machines to produce large aluminum EV battery enclosures—they now supply 10,000 enclosures monthly to SEAT.
2. Sustainable Practices: Spanish die casters are doubling down on recycling. A Valencia-based provider now uses 100% recycled aluminum for all their parts, cutting their carbon footprint by 60%. The Spanish Die Casting Association reports that 85% of Spanish shops will use 90%+ recycled metal by 2025.
3. Automation & AI: Many Spanish shops are automating production with robots and AI. A Madrid-based die caster uses robotic arms to load/unload dies, reducing labor costs by 40% and increasing production speed by 25%. They also use AI software to predict tool wear—this has cut unexpected downtime by 30%.
4. Lightweight Magnesium Casting: As aerospace and automotive industries seek lighter parts, Spanish die casters are expanding magnesium capabilities. A Bilbao-based shop recently added 3 new magnesium casting machines and now supplies magnesium parts to Airbus—these parts are 20% lighter than aluminum, helping Airbus meet fuel efficiency goals.

Yigu Technology’s View on Die Casting in Spain

Yigu Technology recognizes Spain’s die casting sector as a reliable, innovative partner for European and global manufacturers—especially in automotive and EV. What sets Spanish providers apart is their blend of automotive expertise, sustainability focus, and cost competitiveness. Unlike some Asian providers, Spanish die casters offer short lead times and easy communication (many speak English), making them ideal for European clients. The sector’s investment in EV components and automation also positions it to lead in the future of sustainable manufacturing. For businesses looking for high-quality, eco-friendly die-cast parts, Spanish providers offer the perfect balance of quality, speed, and value. We believe Spain will remain a top die casting hub in Europe, thanks to its strong manufacturing heritage and adaptability to new trends.

FAQ About Die Casting in Spain

1. What’s the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for Spanish die casting?

Most Spanish shops require MOQs of 10,000–50,000 parts (die casting is designed for mass production). However, some offer “low-volume die casting” for 5,000–10,000 parts (for a higher per-unit cost). For prototypes, ask if they offer sand casting or 3D printing (many Spanish die casters have these capabilities for small runs).

2. How much does die casting tooling cost in Spain?

Tooling costs depend on part size and complexity:

• Small zinc parts (e.g., electronics housing): €5,000 – €15,000.
• Medium aluminum parts (e.g., automotive bracket): €15,000 – €40,000.
• Large magnesium parts (e.g., aerospace bracket): €40,000 – €100,000.

Many shops offer tooling leases (e.g., €500–€2,000 monthly) to reduce upfront costs.

3. Can Spanish die casters handle international shipping?

Yes—most ship to EU countries, the US, and Asia. Shipping times: 2–3 days to EU (e.g., Germany, France), 5–7 days to the US, and 10–14 days to Asia. They work with freight forwarders to offer competitive rates—for example, a Barcelona-based shop ships 50,000 aluminum parts to Germany weekly for €1,500.

4. What tolerances can Spanish die casters achieve?

For aluminum/zinc parts: ±0.005–0.01mm (for small parts), ±0.01–0.05mm (for large parts). For magnesium parts: ±0.005–0.02mm. These tolerances meet automotive (IATF 16949) and aerospace (AS9100) standards.

5. Do Spanish die casters offer design support?

Yes! Most have in-house engineers who provide “DFM” (Design for Manufacturability) feedback to optimize your part for die casting. For example, a Valencia-based shop helped a client redesign an EV sensor housing to reduce tooling costs by 30% and improve production speed by 20%. This service is usually free for large orders.