Aluminum die-casting alloys are lightweight and have high dimensional stability for complex part geometries and thin walls. Aluminum has good corrosion resistance and mechanical properties as well as high thermal and electrical conductivity, making it a good alloy for die casting. Low-density aluminum metal is critical to the die casting industry. The aluminum die casting process maintains long-lasting strength at very high temperatures, requiring the use of cold room machines. The molten metal, still in an open insulated tank, is placed into a furnace where it is melted to the desired temperature. The open, insulated tank is separate from the die casting machine, and molten metal is drawn out of the tank each time a cast is cast, as these high temperatures can damage the normal pumping system.
Aluminum Die Casting Process
Aluminum Die Casting Process The casting process uses steel molds and is typically capable of producing tens of thousands of castings in rapid succession. The mold must be divided into at least two parts to allow removal of the casting. The casting cycle begins with the two mold halves being clamped tightly together by the die casting press. Molten aluminum is injected into the mold cavity where it solidifies rapidly. These sections are firmly mounted in the machine and arranged so that one is stationary and the other is movable. The mold halves are pulled apart and the casting is ejected. Die casting molds can be simple or complex, with movable slides, cores or other parts, depending on the complexity of the casting. Most machines use a mechanism powered by hydraulic cylinders to achieve locking. Others use direct acting hydraulics. Die casting machines, big or small,
Alternatives to Die Casting - Sand and Investment Casting
Sand and investment casting are methods of making metal parts by pouring molten metal into three-dimensional molds in manufacturing. The industry is thousands of years old, and there are significant differences between these two methods of making metal parts. Sand and investment die casting processes have been refined over the years to minimize the amount of metal used and any extensive machining and finishing required.