The top and front covers are made from die-cast magnesium for a solid, yet functional design.

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The machine is made of magnesium through and through, with pressed metal on the lid and a die-cast variety on the bottom.

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The camera's wrist-strap holder is made of die-cast zinc to withstand drops while a rotating lock secures the external memory slot cover.

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In today's metal-based gadgets, you either need to bend a piece of sheet metal, or die-cast with an inferior alloy like aluminum or magnesium.

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Alea iacta est - "the die has been cast" - and it may be long years before it comes to rest.

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The die - as banks would see it - was cast when in June the chancellor rowed in behind the initial findings of the Independent Commission on Banking on its proposal to partially separate, or ring-fence, High St banking from investment or 'casino' banking.

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The die is cast, usually for years into the future - regardless of what might happen in the world!

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