A die cast machine for producing a manufactured part includes a fixed die maintaining a fixed position in the die cast machine. The fixed die has an internal fixed die surface. A movable die moves from a first position to a second position in the die cast machine. The movable die has an internal movable die surface. A sprayer applies a die release agent to the internal fixed die surface and the internal movable die surface before operation of the die cast machine. A first thermal imaging apparatus takes thermal images of the fixed die, and a second thermal imaging apparatus takes thermal images of the movable die. Application of die release agent is controlled by the temperatures of the fixed and movable dies as determined by the thermal images.