What is a Die Casting Machine, and how does it work?
2021 / 12 / 29
Die casting is an excellent option when it comes to mass-producing metal components. This tutorial will cover the many kinds of die casting machines and considerations for manufacturers when acquiring a die casting machine.
Suppose you want aluminum or zinc die castings. In that case, you'll have to employ this way of manufacturing: a die casting machine will inject molten metal into a mold cavity and cool and solidify it, creating the desired shape.
With tremendous pressure, molten metal is forced into mold cavities (known as "dies"), where it cools and solidifies into its final shape before being removed. Producers often utilize non-ferrous metals like zinc, aluminum, or lead to produce die-cast items.
In general, Die Casting has a lot to offer.
Significant Advantages
Die casting tooling and starting may be costly, but the high production rate and less downtime between manufacturing runs may make up for this. Die casting also has the following significant advantages:
- Die casting may be used to produce a wide variety of materials, depending on the machine's setup.
- Die casting develops items that are long-lasting and consistent.
- The finished component may include simple fasteners and attachments to ease installation.
- The method can produce a variety of surface textures, from smooth to textured.
Types of Die Casting Equipment
The various categorization techniques, such as application and size, may categorize die casting machines. For example, Die casting machines may be divided into two broad categories: those with a heated chamber and those without.
Dies are cast in a hot chamber
The molten metal may flow into the pressurized compartment of a hot chamber machine at any time since the mold cavity is linked to the pressurized container. Metal is fed into the die for casting when the cylinder returns to an unpressurized state.
A piston mechanism is inserted with the metal melting crucible for hydraulic injection into the mold. However, specific hot chamber dies casting machines do not need a piston mechanism to use compressed air.
Submerged in the molten metal, the injection mechanism must be protected against chemical assault or deterioration. Therefore, zinc, tin, and other alloys with low melting points are often cast in hot chamber die casting machines.
Using a hot chamber die casting machine has several advantages.
- A high level of output
- Enhanced appearance
- Producing complex castings is possible with this machine.
- A high degree of accuracy in dimensions.
- To produce zinc die casting pieces, this material is suitable.
Die Casting Machine in a Cold Chamber
After the mold is closed, molten metal is poured into the cold chamber sleeve from a separate holding furnace. After that, the metal is pressed into the die, and the mold is opened to release the solidified casting. Next, the metal is heated and poured into the chamber for compression outside the machine.
It may be classified into vertical and horizontal cold chamber die casting machines based on the movement of the compression piston. Using a vertical cold chamber die casting machine, molten metal is removed from the furnace and put into the compression chamber.
A compression piston injects the metal into the mold, while a second piston pushes the excess metal out of the mold. Unlike vertical die casting machines, horizontal cold chamber dies casting machines use pistons that move horizontally instead of vertically.
Die casting apparatus of the present era are almost often flat in design. Metals having a high melting point, such as copper alloy, may be released in a cold chamber die casting process.
Cold chamber dies casting machines have several advantages.
- There is a lower risk of rusting.
- Aluminum, copper, and their alloys may be cast using this material.
- Useful for fabricating significant components.
What kind of die casting machine should you use?
Choose a machine depending on what metals you want to work with. For example, if you need zinc, tin, or lead castings, you should use a hot chamber die casting machine since it is more prone to corrosion and better suited to alloys with lower melting points and better fluidity.
However, hot chamber machines will have a shorter lifespan because of the high temperatures of cast aluminum and copper alloys. Aluminum and alloys with a high aluminum content, on the other hand, are the best cast in cold chamber casting machines.
Die Casting has other advantages
Cost reductions may be achieved via a number of the benefits previously described, including lower component pricing and lower total manufacturing costs.
Additionally, the die casting technique reduces the need for other processes because of the complex net forms that are created. External threads and intricate internal elements with minimal draught angles are common.
Combining several components into a single unit reduces labor costs by eliminating the need for further assembly activities. Finally, this kind of metal casting provides better stock control and component uniformity than other methods.
The following are additional advantages:
- Offers a choice between thick and thin walls
- Tolerances have become more restrictive.
- For the most part, resources aren't squandered.
- Long-lasting tools may be found in zinc and magnesium.
Various Types of Die Casting Equipment
Machines for hot and cold chamber casting may be further subdivided. The following are some of the most specialized die casting machines:
Semi-solid molding machines are ideal for applications that need minimal porosity and heat treatment.
Machines that use squeeze casting:
Squeeze casting is a process for generating low-porosity, heat-treatable components that decrease gas entrapment and turbulence.
Robotic Die Casting Systems
Advanced (and costly) die casting machines can automate almost every stage of the casting process, from passing lubrication through trimming and quenching to ladling in cold-chamber casting.
However, when paired with a system that monitors and modifies the casting process depending on hydraulic pressure or metal velocity, automation may lower the amount of human quality control.
Reducing the Cost of Casting
Certain firms use plastic injection-molded dies to offset the high expenses of beginning and integration. In addition, it is a somewhat cost-effective alternative for items with minimal hardness or durability requirements, even if the die's strength and corrosion resistance are drastically reduced.
It is also possible to save money in the long term by using optional die casting features such as modular nozzles and spray heads that prevent fluid loss.