11/18/2014

What is Die Casting? | Die Casting Design | Die Casting Manufacturer

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Q - What is Die Casting?

A-

Die casting is a manufacturing process for producing accurately dimensioned, sharply

defined, smooth or textured-surface metal parts. It is accomplished by forcing molten metal
under high pressure into reusable metal dies. The process is often described as the shortest
distance between raw material and finished product. The term "die casting" is also used to
describe the finished part.
The term "gravity die casting" refers to castings made in metal molds under a gravity head. It
is known as permanent mold casting in the U.S.A. and Canada. What we call "die casting" here
is known as "pressure die casting" in Europe.
How Are Die Castings Produced?
Types Of Machines for Die Casting
Hot Chamber Machines
Cold Chamber Machines
Casting Dies and Their Construction
Die Terminology
Types of Dies
Automation in Die Casting
Quality in Die Casting
Continuous Computerized Process Monitoring
HOW ARE DIE CASTINGS PRODUCED?
First, a steel mold capable of producing tens of thousands of castings in rapid succession must
be made in at least two sections to permit removal of castings. These sections are mounted
securely in a machine and are arranged so that one is stationary (fixed die half) while the other
is moveable (injector die half). To begin the casting cycle, the two die halves are clamped
tightly together by the die casting machine. Molten metal is injected into the die cavity where it
solidifies quickly. The die halves are drawn apart and the casting is ejected. Die casting dies
can be simple or complex, having moveable slides, cores, or other sections depending on the
complexity of the casting.
The complete cycle of the die casting process is by far the fastest known for producing precise
non-ferrous metal parts. This is in marked contrast to sand casting which requires a new sand
mold for each casting. While the permanent mold process uses iron or steel molds instead of
sand, it is considerably slower, and not as precise as die casting.
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TYPES OF MACHINES FOR DIE CASTING
Regardless of the type of machine used, it is essential that die halves, cores and/or other
moveable sections be securely locked in place during the casting cycle. Generally, the clamping
force of the machine is governed by (a) the projected surface area of the casting (measured at
the die parting line) and (b) the pressure used to inject metal into the die. Most machines use
toggle type mechanisms actuated by hydraulic cylinders (sometimes air pressure) to achieve
locking. Others use direct acting hydraulic pressure. Safety interlock systems are used to
prevent the die from opening during the casting cycles.
Die casting machines, large or small, vary fundamentally only in the method used to inject
molten metal into the die. These are classified and described as either hot or cold chamber die
casting machines.
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HOT CHAMBER MACHINES
Hot chamber machines (Fig.1) are used primarily for zinc, and low melting point alloys which do
not readily attack and erode metal pots, cylinders and plungers. Advanced technology and
development of new, higher temperature materials has extended the use of this equipment for
magnesium alloys.
In the hot chamber machine, the injection mechanism is immersed in molten metal in a furnace
attached to the machine. As the plunger is raised, a port opens allowing molten metal to fill the
cylinder. As the plunger moves downward sealing the port, it forces molten metal through the
gooseneck and nozzle into the die. After the metal has solidified, the plunger is withdrawn, the
die opens, and the resulting casting is ejected.
Hot chamber machines are rapid in operation. Cycle times vary from less than one second for
small components weighing less than one ounce, to thirty seconds for a casting of several
pounds. Dies are filled quickly (normally between five and forty milliseconds) and metal is
injected at high pressures (1,500 to over 4,500 psi). Nevertheless, modern technology gives
close control over these values, thus producing castings with fine detail, close tolerances and
high strength.

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Figure 1: Hot Chamber Machine. Diagram illustrates the plunger mechanism which is
submerged in molten metal. Modern machines are hydraulically operated and equipped with
automatic cycling controls and safety devices.
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COLD CHAMBER MACHINES
Cold chamber machines (Fig. 2) differ from hot chamber machines primarily in one respect; the
injection plunger and cylinder are not submerged in molten metal. The molten metal is poured
into a "cold chamber" through a port or pouring slot by a hand or automatic ladle. A
hydraulically operated plunger, advancing forward, seals the port forcing metal into the locked
die at high pressures. Injection pressures range from 3,000 to over 10,000 psi for both
aluminum and magnesium alloys, and from 6,000 to over 15,000 psi for copper-based alloys.
In a cold chamber machine, more molten metal is poured into the chamber than is needed to
fill the die cavity. This helps sustain sufficient pressure to pack the cavity solidly with casting
alloy. Excess metal is ejected along with the casting and is part of the complete shot.
Operation of a "cold chamber" machine is a little slower than a "hot chamber" machine because
of the ladling operation. A cold chamber machine is used for high melting point casting alloys
because plunger and cylinder assemblies are less subject to attack since they are not
submerged in molten metal.

Figure 2: Cold Chamber Machine. Diagram illustrates die, cold chamber and horizontal ram
or plunger (in charging position).
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CASTING DIES AND THEIR CONSTRUCTION
Die casting dies (Fig. 3) are made of alloy tool steels in at least two sections called fixed die
half and ejector die half. The fixed die half is mounted on the side toward the molten metal
injection system. The ejector die half, to which the die casting adheres, and from which it is
ejected when the die is opened, is mounted on the moveable platen of the machine.
The fixed die half of the die is designed to contain the sprue hole through which molten metal
enters the die. The ejector half usually contains the runners (passage ways) and gates (inlets)
which route molten metal to the cavity (or cavities) of the die. The ejector half is also
connected to an ejector box which houses the mechanism for ejecting the casting from the die.
Ejection occurs when pins connected to the ejector plate move forward to force the casting
from the cavity. This usually occurs as part of the opening stroke of the machine. Placement of
ejector pins must be carefully arranged so force placed upon the casting during ejection will not
cause deformation. Return pins attached to the ejector plate return this plate to its casting
position as the die closes.
Fixed and moveable cores are often used in dies. If fixed, the core axis must be parallel to the
direction of the die opening. If moveable, they are often attached to core slides. Should the
side of a die casting design require a depression, the die can be made with one or more slides
to obtain the desired result without affecting ejection of the casting from the die cavity. All
moveable slides and cores must be carefully fitted, and have the ability to be securely locked
into position during the casting cycle. Otherwise, molten metal could be forced into their
slideways causing a disruption of operations. Although slides and cores add to the complexity
and cost of die construction, they make it possible to produce die castings in a wide variety of
configurations, and usually more economically than any other metalworking process.

Figure 3
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DIE TERMINOLOGY
Sprue holes are tapered with the small end located at the breaking point when the die is
opened. A sprue pin, located in the ejector half, makes the sprue hollow and deflects metal
entering the die into the runner system.
Runners are channels located at the parting line to route liquid metal from the sprue hole to the
gate.
Gates are passages through which metal enters the die cavity. They have an important function
in directing metal flow so that the cavity is correctly filled. Air is expelled through vents as
molten metal enters the die cavity.
Guide pins assure proper alignment of die halves and correct register of cavities.
Side walls and cores are designed to have a slight taper or draft. The largest diameter or cross
section of a cavity must be located at the parting line (unless slides are used) so the casting
can be removed from the die. As molten metal in a die cavity solidifies, it shrinks away from
walls onto core pins and other projections. The design of the die must permit withdrawal of
core pins, and ejection without applying too much pressure which could cause deformation to
the die casting.
Cores, fixed or moveable, as well as "loose pieces," must be positioned to facilitate removal
either mechanically or by hand. Loose pieces used to form undercuts must be positioned by the
operator. This requires extra labor, and usually slows the casting cycle.
Inserts can be cast integrally to provide special characteristics.
Most dies are cooled by water circulating through channels drilled for that purpose
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TYPES OF DIES
Dies are classified as: single cavity, multiple cavity, combination and unit dies (Figures 4-A to
4-D).
A single cavity die requires no explanation. Multiple cavity dies have several cavities which are
all identical. If a die has cavities of different shapes, its called a combination or family die. A
combination die is used to produce several parts for an assembly. For simple parts, unit dies
might be used to effect tooling and production economies. Several parts for an assembly, or
for different customers, might be cast at the same time with unit dies. One or more unit dies
are assembled in a common holder and connected by runners to a common opening or sprue
hole. This permits simultaneous filling of all cavities.

Figure 4
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AUTOMATION IN DIE CASTING
"Automation and Mechanization" are terms often used interchangeably by the die casting
industry. Automation of a manufacturing process is more sophisticated and complicated than
the mechanization of various operations.
A die caster progresses towards automation by mechanizing various steps of the die casting
process. For example:
1. Die lubrication can be accomplished by installing fixed or reciprocating spray systems.
2. An automatic ladling device can replace the hand ladle.
3. Castings can be removed from the die by extractors or robots, or by "drop through" to a
conveyor below the machine.
4. Die casting machine operation can be integrated to cast, quench, trim and eject castings
and return scrap to the furnace by conveyor.
By closing the loop, the die casting process can be automated, utilizing feed-back controls and
microprocessors which automatically self compensate for process variables. As die casting
plants move toward automation, noticeable changes occur. The operation tends to become
safer. Production and quality improves considerably. Automation upgrades the labor force by
requiring the development of new skills for machine set-up, programming, electronics,
mechanics and maintenance.
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QUALITY IN DIE CASTING
Quality in die casting is maintained through the use of process controls and feedback between
the process control computer and the die casting machine.
Process controllers may utilize microprocessors to access transducers mounted on the die
casting machine, to obtain velocity, position, hydraulic pressure and tie-bar strain data, etc.
The microprocessor then adjusts the die casting machine operation through special valves, thus
assuring consistent castings shot after shot. The process controller also collects machine
performance data for statistical analysis in quality control.
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CONTINUOUS COMPUTERIZED PROCESS MONITORING
Step 1 -- Alarm monitoring -- A computerized remote terminal mounted near the die casting
machine continuously monitors the following: velocity, position, pressures at the accumulator,
die lock-up cylinder, head and rod side of the injection cylinder, temperatures of hydraulic oil,
metal (up to ten locations in the die), and strains on four tie-bars. Each of these variables is
high/low limit checked every shot. An alarm is sounded or flashed if a casting variable goes
out-of-limits.
Step 2 -- Control -- Automatic control valves and tie-bar adjusting motors are installed on the
die casting machine and connected to the computerized remote terminal unit. The computer
adjusts controls to maintain satisfactory die locking force, slow shot velocity, optimum fill time
and proper intensifier timing. The computer may also be interfaced to a robot and/or a
programmable controller.
Step 3 -- Data acquisition -- After installing computerized remote terminal units on each
machine, a data acquisition system may be formed by interconnecting these units and
communicating all information back to a master terminal computer in the office. The master
computer prints out a management information report which summarizes the operation of the
entire die casting shop, including which machines are running, when they stop, shots made
(good and bad), which machines are out-of-limits and what to do. At the master station, the
manager can analyze the process by studying shot profiles on a video monitor and statistical
reports from a high speed printer.
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