On March 26th, the 2026 China Die Casting Congress, themed “Casting A Lighter Future,” was grandly inaugurated in Wuhan. The conference brought together over 700 representatives from more than 10 countries worldwide, encompassing mainstream automakers, communication enterprises, renowned casting companies, and supply chain partners, presenting a complete ecological landscape of the die casting industry from materials to applications. This was not only a convergence of technologies but also a feast of global wisdom aimed at decoding the “lightweight future.”


Grand Opening: Rooted in Talent, Partnering for Progress

Mr. Lou Yanchun, President of the Foundry Institution of Chinese Mechanical Engineering Society (FICMES), Chief Scientist of China Academy of Machinery Science and Technology, Director of the National Key Laboratory of Advanced Casting Technologies, and President of ISO Technical Committee on Foundry Machinery (ISO/TC 306), attended the opening ceremony and delivered a welcome address. He extended a warm welcome to all attendees and expressed sincere gratitude to all partners. He noted that amidst the deep restructuring of global manufacturing, the die casting industry has entered a new phase of rational development and technological transformation. The industry no longer solely pursues equipment tonnage but places greater emphasis on full lifecycle indicators. Diverse processes such as low-pressure casting, squeeze casting, and semi-solid forming are developing synergistically, complementing each other’s strengths. Magnesium alloys, leveraging their lightweight advantages, are rapidly advancing in applications like new energy vehicles and consumer electronics, yet challenges remain in corrosion stability, recycling systems, and cost control. The future requires adhering to rational development, strengthening collaborative innovation between materials and processes, and jointly promoting the high-quality and healthy development of magnesium alloys and the die casting industry.

Mr. Liu Hongchao, Secretary-General of the Foundry Institution of Chinese Mechanical Engineering Society (FICMES), presided over the opening ceremony.

■ Cultivating Talent, Empowering Industry Development - Outstanding Contribution Award for National Die Casting Education & Training 2026
High-quality industry development is rooted in a fertile ground of talent. Adhering to national policies, the Foundry Industry Productivity Promotion Center is dedicated to fostering the growth and scientific advancement of die casting professionals in China, actively carrying out die casting engineer competency development programs. Training bases have been established in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Chongqing, Guangdong, Liaoning, Fujian, Shandong, and other regions, with nearly 653 individuals having completed training and evaluation, systematically addressing the challenge of assessing the professional competency of engineering and technical personnel in the industry. These achievements are inseparable from the experts who have long dedicated themselves to frontline industry education. At the opening ceremony of the annual conference, Professor Xiong Shoumei from Tsinghua University, Vice Chairman of FICMES, and Professor Zeng Xiaoqin, Member of the Standing Committee of the Party Committee and Vice President of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, presented certificates to the outstanding individuals involved in this work.
 
■ Acknowledgement of Outstanding Partners
The vigorous development of the die casting industry is inseparable from the dedicated support of every partner. Their sincere commitment and proactive actions have injected strong momentum into the industry’s growth. During the opening ceremony, the organizers held a formal appreciation and award ceremony for the sponsors of this event. Professor Zhou Jianxin from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Chairman of the Foundry Professional Committee of Hubei Society of Mechanical Engineering, and Mr. Zhao Wenjing, General Manager of FAW Foundry Co., Ltd., presented the awards, expressing gratitude for their contributions to the industry’s development.
 
Wuhan is not only a crucial automotive industry base in China but also an innovation hub for the die casting industry in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. Leveraging its robust industrial foundation and strong technological innovation vitality, the city provided a highly effective platform for deep industry-university-research integration for this annual conference. At the opening ceremony, the organizers held a formal appreciation and award ceremony for the supporting organizations. President Lou Yanchun presented the awards, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the steadfast support of all organizations. Sincere thanks were extended to all parties for their unwavering support and outstanding contributions, working together to build a new future for high-quality development in the die casting industry.

Main Session & Four Forums: Decoding the Future of “Aluminum/Magnesium”
In the grand narrative of global carbon neutrality, lightweighting is no longer an option but a necessity. “Aluminum,” with its proven stability, supports the structural revolution of large-scale integration; “magnesium,” with its inherent lightness, opens the door to the next generation of material applications. This conference invited 48 experts and scholars to share insights on hot topics such as magnesium alloy casting, integrated die casting, low-pressure/squeeze/semi-solid forming, engaging in in-depth interaction and practical exchanges with attendees.

■ Main Session: Charting Industry Direction
During the main session, five industry experts delivered presentations, offering multidimensional interpretations of technological breakthroughs and application practices in the die casting industry, covering material innovation, integrated die casting, digital intelligence manufacturing, and process detail optimization.
The Main session was hosted by Xiong Shoumei, Vice President of FICMES and Professor at Tsinghua University. Zeng Xiaoqin, Vice President and Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, delivered a report on the topic Stainless Magnesium Technology: Research and Development Innovation from Alloy Materials to Thixomolding Processing; Zhou Jianxin, Professor at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, delivered a speech on the topic Research on the Digital & Intelligent Technologies of the Large-Scale Complex Die-Casting and its Application; Wan Li, Deputy General Manager, Dean of Research Institute and Professor-level Senior Engineer at Guangdong Hongtu Technology (Holdings) Co., Ltd., presented on the topic Giga-Casting Technology — Practice, Insights and Future; Anders E. W. Jarfors, Professor at Jönköping University, gave a presentation on the topic Challenges for Automotive HPDC Components Made from Aluminium; Han Qingyou, Professor at Southeast University, delivered a talk on the topic Pulsed Die Lube Application.



■ Four Parallel Forums: Delving into Technological Secrets
In the afternoon, four parallel forums commenced simultaneously: the Thematic Forum focused on cutting-edge trends, the Magnesium Alloy Casting Forum renewed exploration into lightweighting, the Mega-casting Forum delved into cost-reduction pathways, and the Low-Pressure/Squeeze/Rhoecasting Forum explored diverse processes — each venue served as a microcosm of the industry’s front lines, sparking both debate and resonance.

Thematic Forum · Cutting-Edge Technology & Industry Trends
The session was hosted by Fang Jianru, General Manager of Dalian Yaming Auto Parts Co., Ltd., and Zhou Jianxin, Professor of Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Zhu Renju, Product Development Manager of Nemak Europe GmbH, and Zhang Jian, HPDC Development Manager of Nemak Europe GmbH, delivered a joint report on the topic Casting the Future: Nemak’s Lightweighting Aluminum & Magnesium Solutions for China’s Sustainable Mobility Transformation; Wang Sining, Global Product Manager of Bühler (China) Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd., delivered a speech on the topic Development and Prospects of Die-Casting Technology in China; Young Jin Ko, President of Korea Diecasting Society, gave a presentation on the topic Current Status and Prospects of Aluminum Materials for Weight Reduction in the Korean Automotive Industry; Gu Ming, Senior Quality Engineer & Expert of Xiaomi Automobile, presented on the topic Precision Dimensional Control Solution for Electric Drive Housings; Chen Yong, Product Manager for Thixomolding Machine of Yizumi Holdings Co., Ltd., delivered a talk on the topic Solutions and Applications of Semi-Solid Thick-Wall Forming for Magnesium Alloys; Wang Zhigang, Chief Engineer of Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., spoke on the topic Analysis of the Application of Die Casting in the Optical Communication Industry; Huang Xiangqi, Senior Product Manager and Senior Engineer of China Quality Mark Certification Group, delivered a report on the topic Sustainable Development in Die Casting.
 
Sub Forum: Magnesium Alloy Casting · Re-embarking on Lightweight Exploration
The session was hosted by Zhang Xiaoyan, Chairman of Ningbo Daxie Development Zone Tianzheng Mold Co., Ltd., and Dong Xianming, Professor-level Senior Engineer and Expert of FICMES. Martin Tauber, Representative of the International Magnesium Association, delivered a report on the topic New Magnesium Lightweight Applications for Transport Applications - The Value Chain for Mg Alloys & Outlook; Li Yongxing, Die Casting Expert of LK GROUP · Shenzhen Leadwell Technology Co., Ltd., delivered a speech on the topic Taking Lightweighting Further: Magnesium Alloy In All Dimensions Molding Technology and Solutions; Shi Keqing, Sales Manager of StrikoWestofen Thermal Equipment (Taicang) Co., Ltd., gave a presentation on the topic Magnesium in High Pressure Die Casting – from Ingot to Mold; Zhang Lulu, Technical Supervisor of Exquisite Automotive Systems Co., Ltd., presented on the topic The Development and Application of Magnesium Alloy Castings; Fu Bangyin, Senior Application Manager of the Mg Product Line at Ningbo Free Trade Zone Haitian Zhisheng Die-Casting Equipment Co., Ltd., delivered a talk on the topic Development and Application of Large Magnesium Alloy Thixomolding Equipment; Wang Tianhua, Foundry Technician of FAW Foundry Co., Ltd., spoke on the topic Key Technologies of Magnesium Alloy Semi-Solid Processing and Lightweight Product Development; Zeng Chaohui, Executive Vice General Manager of DongGuan EONTEC Co., Ltd., delivered a report on the topic The Trend of Mg Applications; Li Wenjun, Die Casting Process Engineer of Chenzhi (Chongqing) Lightweight Technology Co., Ltd., presented on the topic Study on Semi-Solid Injection Molding Process for Magnesium Alloy Tailgate Inner Panel.
 
Sub Forum: Mega-Casting · From Scale to Profitability
The session was hosted by Gao Zhengda, General Manager of Anhui Unique Automotive Technology Co., Ltd., and Ren Min, Lead Engineer of Planning Integration at Geely Auto. Jost Gaertner, Managing Partner of ALUMAG® Automotive Marketing GmbH, delivered a report on the topic Mega & Giga Casting in China and Beyond: Press Installation & Applications; Wu Mengwu, Professor of Wuhan University of Technology, delivered a speech on the topic Research on the Heterogeneous Microstructure and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Large-scale Integrated Die-casting Parts; Pan Fei, Factory Director and Senior Engineer of XPeng Motors, gave a presentation on the topic Effect of Return Material Proportion on the Performance of Mega-Cast Aluminum Front Compartment Floor; Liu Huachu, Metallurgy & Materials Expert of NIO, presented on the topic CALPHAD-Assisted Design and Implementation of Die-Cast Aluminum Alloys; Liu Libing, Smart Manufacturing Engineer of Xiaomi Automobile Co., Ltd., delivered a talk on the topic AI-Driven Quality Control in Mega-Casting; Wang Liang, Tooling Engineer of Dongfeng Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. Wuhan, spoke on the topic Collaborative Development Practice of Large-Scale Integrated Die-Casting Molds and Peripheral Equipment Matching; He Zunian, Doctoral Candidate of Tsinghua University, delivered a report on the topic Three-Dimensional Morphology and Evolution Mechanism of Porosity at the Flow End in Non-Heat-Treated High-Pressure Die-Cast AlSi9MnVZr Alloy.
 
Sub Forum: Low-Pressure/Squeeze/Rheocasting · Precision Forming Through Diversified Paths
 
The session was co-hosted by Han Xing, General Manager of Shandong Hongcan Material Technology Co., Ltd., and Wu Jun, General Manager and Senior Engineer of Zhejiang Wanfeng Technology Development Co., Ltd., who also delivered a speech as a speaker. Lv Shulin, Professor of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, delivered a report on the topic Rheo-Diecasting of the Al Alloy Component with Thin-Wall; Sun Jingying, CEO of Jiangsu CASFU Light-Alloy Co., Ltd., delivered a report on the topic Development of LPDC Process for Integrated Aluminum Alloy Front Cabin Frame; Wu Jun, General Manager and Senior Engineer of Zhejiang Wanfeng Technology Development Co., Ltd., delivered a report on the topic Intelligent Solutions for Low-Pressure Die Casting Production Lines; Tian Fangxu, Light Alloy Department Engineer of Hubei Hangte Equipment Manufacturing Co., Ltd., delivered a report on the topic From Microstructural Regulation to Mass Production: Full-Cycle Development of Aluminum Alloy Subframes for High-End New Energy Vehicles; Han Zichen, Chief Technology Officer and Senior Engineer of Shandong Honho Lightweight Technologies Co., Ltd., delivered a report on the topic Development and Application of Squeeze Casting Technology in Thermal Management Systems for New Energy Vehicles; Deng Fangtian, responsible for China Business Development at Fraunhofer Institute for Casting, Composite and Processing Technology IGCV, delivered a report on the topic Exploring the Impact of Mold Coating Thickness on Thin-Walled Castings Quality and Developing In-Line Monitoring Solution; Anwar Hameaux Hamasaiid, R&D Project Lead of ROVALMA S.A., delivered a report on the topic High-Thermal-Conductivity Tool Steels for Low-Pressure and Semi-Solid Die Casting: An Effective Lever for Productivity and Casting Quality.
 
New Product/Technology Release - Innovative Achievements Presented On-Site
The session was hosted by Zhu Wenping, Global Casting Expert of Eaton (China) Investment Co., Ltd. Zhu Jiahui, Application Manager of MAGMA Engineering (Ningbo) Co., Ltd., delivered a report on the topic Design and Development Plan for Aluminum-Magnesium Alloy Semi-Solid Components Based on MAGMASOFT® Simulation Analysis; Paolo Frassi, Tool Steel Development Manager of Lucchini RS, delivered a report on the topic Innovative Steel Grades for High-Pressure Die Casting (HPDC) Dies: Metallurgical Design and Manufacturing Processes for GIGA Dies; Chinnadit-Baitiang, Technical Director of Analizer at RWP GmbH, and Lukas Weiß, SimCast Technical Director of RWP GmbH, delivered a joint report on the topic The Future Foundry Intelligence through Seamless Integration between Simulation Simcast and AI Analizer; Bai Lihui, General Manager of Derns Alloy Tech (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd., delivered a report on the topic The Application of High Thermal Conductivity Tool Steel and Steel/Copper Composite Additive Manufacturing Technology in Die Casting Molds; Chen Ziyang, Business Manager of Qingdao FSK Foundry Materials Co., Ltd., delivered a report on the topic Application Of Refining Agent In Die Casting.

 
 

Exhibition Highlights: Tangible Industry Chain Synergy & “Launch” Breakthroughs
 
If the conference halls were arenas of intellectual exchange, the exhibition area was where technology took tangible form.



■ Featured Brand Showcase
Over 40 upstream and downstream enterprises in the industry chain presented their latest technologies, covering die casting equipment, molds, materials, post-processing, and testing equipment, offering a complete view of the die casting industry’s innovation ecosystem. Representatives from around the world engaged in lively discussions in front of the booths, with the interplay of different languages painting a vibrant picture of international industrial collaboration.
 
 
■ Premium Casting Display
The premium casting display stand at the center of the exhibition area became the focal point. Large-scale integrated die castings, complex thin-walled structural parts, high-density functional components — they were the crystallizations of technology and milestones of the industry’s progress.
 
 
Two “launches” captured the spotlight. Nemak’s magnesium alloy oil guide housing made its domestic debut. Additionally, Jiangsu CASFU presented the world’s first low-pressure aluminum alloy integrated front engine compartment. In front of the booths, attendees paused to touch, observe, and discuss every detail of the manufacturing processes.

Light Innovation, Magnesium in Motion - LK Gala
The daytime brainstorms gave way to evening camaraderie. The conference’s first day concluded with the special LK Gala dinner, where old friends reunited and new acquaintances were made, as collaborations quietly began to sprout. Amidst the toasts and conversations, one could hear international dialogues in English, Japanese, German, Korean, and Thai, as well as sincere laughter from across the globe. United in spirit, connected through the industry — this was the “circle of friends” of China’s die casting community.
 
A Vibrant Atmosphere of Exchange
Throughout the full-day conference, whether through Q&A sessions in the halls, in-depth discussions during coffee breaks, or exchanges in the exhibition area, the industry’s vitality was palpable. In this dialogue concerning the stability of “aluminum” and the breakthroughs in “magnesium,” the 2026 China Die Casting Congress, with its unique international, cross-sectoral, and whole-industry-chain perspective, continues to decode the global lightweight future, offering valuable insights from the industry’s collective wisdom.
 
CHINA DIECASTING & CHINA NONFERROUS expo 2026, will be held from July 15 to 17, 2026 at Shanghai New International Expo Centre (Halls N1–N4). As Asia's largest specialized exhibition for die casting and nonferrous foundry, this edition, under the theme "Twin Engines: Al & Mg, A Lightweight Future," is expected to span 49,200 square meters, attract over 600 exhibitors, and welcome 28,000 professional visitors. Colleagues from around the world are warmly invited to visit and exchange insights.
The global die casting industry is undergoing several major transformations: the scaling and industrialization of large megacasting, breakthroughs in rheocasting technologies, and the expanding potential of die casting beyond new energy vehicles - into fields such as Two-Wheelers (Emerging Trend: Replacing Aluminum with Magnesium), humanoid robot, energy storage, photovoltaics, and aerospace. As a barometer of the Asian market, the event will showcase technological advancements, product applications, and integrated solutions across these three key tracks.

Tags:   CHINA DIECASTING , CHINA NONFERROUS