No. 1 — Benefits of Aluminum Casting
aluminum die casting has various advantages over other metal forming methods, making it a viable option for your aluminum parts.
One notable feature is the capacity to make intricate shapes that neither extrusion nor machining can achieve. Production of sophisticated automotive parts like transmissions and engine blocks is a good example. Other processes can't reliably deliver the product's complexity and tight tolerances.
It can also have rough or smooth surfaces and can hold large and small parts.
No. 2 – Top Design Considerations
Several factors must be considered when creating a castable part.
Prior to solidifying aluminum, the mold must be built so it can separate. A separation line separates the two parts of the mold and must be considered early in die design.
The positioning of injection locations is also critical. If the molten metal solidifies before reaching every crack in the die, multiple injection locations can be designed into the die. If the design has cavities, you can surround them with metal and still remove the section after the mold is removed.
You must also consider the part's wall thickness. Thanks to recent technological advances, there are no minimum wall thickness rules, but uniform wall thickness is typically recommended.
No. 3 – Comparatively to Green Sand and Permanent Mold Casting
Alternatives to aluminum die casting include green sand and permanent mold. Green sand techniques employ wet sand to form the mold for the cast, making them cheaper. An operator pours molten metal into a sand mold.
Unlike die casting, which employs injection, permanent mold casting uses gravity pouring. Permanent mold castings may also result in stronger casts.
Die casting gives superior tolerances and surfaces than the other two procedures, often removing the need for post-processing.
No. 4 – Machining and Finishing Options
Die cast aluminum parts frequently require minimal machining, and surface finishing options abound. Imperfections like metal seams where the mold halves connect are common in die casting. Surface defects can be removed by sanding, sandblasting, or orbital sanding.
Shot peening is a cold working procedure that improves fatigue resistance in die cast aluminum. A protective or ornamental coating, such as a powder coat, can be applied to the finished object. After casting, pieces can be modified by drilling or tapping them.
No. 5 – Popular aluminum die casting Alloys
Aluminum alloys used for die casting include A380, 383, B390, A413, A360, and CC401. The primary factor in selecting an alloy is the intended use.
For example, A360 is highly corrosion resistant, pressure tight, and molten fluid. Because B390 has the lowest ductility of all cast alloys, it is employed in applications like automotive engine blocks. Alloy A380 is the go-to alloy for casting a wide range of goods due to its good mix of casting and product qualities.
The metal-forming procedure you choose will ultimately rely on your budget, the purpose of your aluminum product, and the quantity you require. Die casting is an expensive approach, but it pays off if your design is intricate and you need a lot of parts.