Skip to main content

D IE -CAST
What is Die Casting?
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 ofthousands 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.

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.

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.

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.

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).
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

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

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

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.

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.

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.REQUEST AE