Partners and Collaborations

Machine builders, mold makers, surface treatments, alloy suppliers and industry networks

The Micrometal partner network: who makes our production possible

Since 1991, Micrometal has worked with a selected network of Italian and European industrial partners that guarantee quality, reliability and continuity along the entire zamak die casting value chain. Our strategic collaborations cover five areas: die casting machine manufacturing, mold making and maintenance, galvanic surface treatments, certified alloy supply, and integrated logistics.

The Micrometal approach to partnerships is long-term oriented: relationships that last decades, shared technical roadmaps, cross-audits, and backup plans to ensure service continuity in case of supply chain criticality. This allows us to offer customers an end-to-end production service, from drawing to finished component delivery.

Manufacturers of the zamak die casting machines

Our machine fleet counts 11 units from three European leaders in hot-chamber die casting of zinc alloys: Frech (Germany), Agrati (Italy), and Italpresse (Italy). Each manufacturer covers a specific segment of our production mix:

• Frech — 5 DAW 80 machines at 80 tonnes (1 standalone + 4 robotic cells). The DAW 80 model is the European standard for zamak die casting of medium parts (0.1-2.5 kg) at high volume with consistent quality.
• Agrati — 5 presses of the Z line: 1 Z20 at 20 tonnes and 4 Z25/Z30 at 30 tonnes. Specialized in zamak die casting of micro-components (0.01-0.5 kg) with exceptional precision and repeatability for security, electronics and fashion sectors.
• Italpresse — 1 IPZ90 press at 90 tonnes for medium-large zamak die-cast components (0.1-3.0 kg) destined for automotive and home appliance sectors.

For the robotic cells, we integrate two leading industrial robot manufacturers into our systems: Kawasaki (1 robot integrated in 1 Frech DAW 80 cell) and ABB Industry (3 robots integrated in the remaining 3 Frech DAW 80 cells). This integration enables continuous cycle, in-process quality control via HD camera, and automatic positioning on conveyor belt.

Mold makers and partner workshops

Mold making for zamak die casting is the most delicate moment in the industrialization of a component. We work with a selected network of Italian mold makers specialized in hot-chamber molds, with multi-decade experience on 1.2343 (H11) and 1.2344 (H13) steels treated to 50-54 HRC. Mold maker selection happens case by case, based on geometric complexity, multi-cavity requirements, critical tolerances, and lead times.

Our mold maker partners are integrated in our DFM-simulation-validation flow: they receive STEP files of the part already pre-validated by our engineering, execute mold design with filling simulation, manufacture components on CNC and EDM centers, and deliver the mold tested and ready. For preventive mold maintenance (cleaning, wear control, insert replacement) we collaborate with trusted local Brescia workshops, guaranteeing intervention within 48 hours.

Galvanic surface treatments and finishes

Zamak die-cast components are ideal for high-quality surface treatments thanks to the Ra 0.8 µm finish straight from the mold. Our network of qualified suppliers covers all finishing technologies required by the served industrial sectors:

• Decorative and functional chrome plating — partners specialized in tri-layer chrome (copper-nickel-chrome) for locks, sanitary, and furniture sectors
• Powder coating — Qualicoat-certified suppliers for epoxy-polyester finishes in standard RAL and custom colors
• Nickel plating — chemical and galvanic, for corrosion protection in automotive and electronics sectors
• Blackening — electrochemical black finish for aesthetic and functional applications
• PVD — advanced decorative coatings for high-end fashion and lighting sectors
• Passivation and phosphating — pre-treatments to improve paint and adhesive adhesion

Treatments are coordinated directly by Micrometal, with quality control plan shared with the treatment supplier and acceptance quality control on the treated component before shipment to the final customer.

Certified zinc alloy and raw material suppliers

Zamak die casting quality starts from raw material. We work exclusively with certified European primary foundries for the supply of EN 12844 ZP3, ZP5 and ZP2 alloys, with 3.1 chemical composition certificate for each ingot lot delivered. Supplier selection happens with periodic audits on supplier quality systems (ISO 9001:2015) and sampling spectrometry on critical lots.

For metal inserts used in over-molding (stainless steel, brass, copper), we collaborate with Italian stamping and turning suppliers that deliver pre-controlled inserts directly to our die casting department, reducing setup times.

Logistics and industrial networks

To guarantee On-Time Delivery above 96%, we collaborate with industrial carriers specialized in just-in-time transport for automotive and fashion customers in Lombardia, Veneto, Piemonte, and Emilia-Romagna. International shipments (Germany, France, Spain, Poland) are managed with sector-certified logistics partners for industrial or sensitive cargo.

Micrometal actively participates in industry networks: Confindustria Brescia, die casting trade associations, and technical working groups on energy efficiency and ESG sustainability in Italian metallurgy. Sharing best practices with other producers of the district is part of our continuous innovation approach.

To discuss a potential technical or commercial collaboration: contact us or submit a technical drawing for a feasibility evaluation within 24-48 hours.