DIE CASTING

ENGINEERING
A Hydraulic, Thermal,
and Mechanical Process
DIE CASTING
ENGINEERING
A Hydraulic, Thermal,
and Mechanical Process

Bill Andresen

M ARCEL D EKKER N EW Y ORK

Although great care has been taken to provide accurate and current information,
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 Preface

This is a broad technical presentation for participants in the

die casting process. It is intended that the material presented
will help to reduce manufacturing costs, increase productiv-
ity, and enhance quality through failure avoidance. While
the scope is broad and covers the many facets of casting, the
focus is on function, problem identification and solution, and
strategic logic.
All casting processing are a function of velocity and pres-
sure. Die casting is at the high level of both, a fact that
presents unique challenges discussed in this book.
Die casting is the shortest route between raw material
and near net shape.

Acknowledgment
To Barb, who totally supports a hectic career in die casting,
which is so enjoyable that it can hardly be considered work.

Bill Andresen

iii
 About the Author

BILL ANDRESEN is the President of Hi Tech International,

Inc., Holland, Michigan. An international technical and
management consultant, he has a wide breadth of experience
in the field ranging from hands-on engineering to the man-
agement of manufacturing facilities and service as Technical
Director of the American Trade Association.

v
vi About the Author

Bill Andresen has held the positions of Production

Control Manager, Chief Engineer, Plant Manager, and Man-
ufacturing Vice President, and was a member of the board of
directors and executive committee for Du-Wel Products. He
was the founding manager of the aluminum plant in
Dowagiac, Michigan that historically returned one-half of cor-
porate earnings on one-third of the sales. He also served as
the Executive Vice President of Viking Die Casting Corpora-
tion, where he introduced new technologies that grew produc-
tivity and sales. Bill became a disciple of the world class
developments by CSIRO in Australia for die casting technol-
ogy. As a result of the gap between this and actual die casting
practice, he formed Hi-Tech International, Inc. in 1989. This
firm offers measuring, analyzing, designing, and verifying
for both new and existing projects to establish true value
streams. Quality and productivity enhancement, mechanical
die design, flow analysis, and thermal management are avail-
able to clients worldwide that are engaged in high pressure
die casting.
Mr. Andresen has been a longstanding and active mem-
ber of the North American Die Casting Association. He served
as Technical Director for the American Die Casting Institute
where his responsibilities included the management of techni-
cal research and worldwide interaction with die casting firms.
Considerable public speaking and many published articles on
die casting have also left his mark on the industry. He has
represented the industry in negotiating more reasonable
environmental regulations with various agencies of the
United States government. He has served as chairman of
the Die Casting Research Foundation and received the
Nysellius Award, the highest recognition by the industry for
technical contributions.
Mr. Andresen has taught die casting courses at the
University of Wisconsin, Western Michigan University,
Southwestern Michigan College, and NADCA, as well as
teaching the die casting process to individual companies.
Mr. Andresen graduated from Purdue University in
West Lafayette, Indiana.
 Contents

Preface . . . . iii
About the Author . . . . v
Introduction . . . . ix

1. Terms Used in Die Casting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

2. Product Design ......................... 21

3. The Die Casting Machine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

4. Casting Metallurgy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

5. Metal Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

6. Concepts of Cavity Fill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175

7. Metal Feed System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185

8. Process Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209

vii
viii Contents

9. A Thermal Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237

10. Designing the Value Stream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263

11. Die Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289

12. Mechanical Die Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305

13. Die Set Up Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339

14. Die and Plunger Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353

15. Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365

References . . . . 375

Index . . . . 379
 Introduction

WHAT IS DIE CASTING?

Die casting is a manufacturing process for producing accu-

rately dimensioned, sharply defined, smooth or textured sur-
face metal parts. It is accomplished by injecting liquid metal
at fast velocity and under high pressure into reusable steel
dies. Compared to other casting processes, die casting is at
the top end of both velocity and pressure. The high velocity
translates into a very turbulent flow condition. The process
is often described as the shortest distance between raw mate-
rial and the finished product. The term die casting is also used
to identify the cast product.

HOW ARE DIE CASTINGS PRODUCED?

First, a steel mold, which is usually called the die and con-
tains the cavities that form the castings, is made into two
halves to permit removal of the castings. This die is capable
of producing thousands of parts in rapid succession. The die
is then mounted securely in a die casting machine with the
ix
x Introduction

Figure 1

individual halves arranged so that one is stationary (cover

die) while the other is moveable (ejector die).
The casting cycle starts when the two dies are clamped
tightly together by the closing mechanism of the machine.
Liquid casting alloy is then injected into the die in an extre-
mely short period of time and at very high pressures, where
it solidifies rapidly. The die halves are then drawn apart
when the machine opens, and the shot which includes the
castings is ejected.
Die casting dies range from simple to complex and have
moveable slides and cores as determined by the configuration
of the part. They consist of mechanical features; a metal flow
system called runners, gates and vents; and a thermal system
because the die also acts as a heat exchanger.
Introduction xi

The complete cycle of the die casting process is by far the

fastest method known for producing precise nonferrous metal
castings. This is in marked contrast to sand casting which
requires a new sand mold for each casting cycle. While the
permanent mold process uses steel molds instead of sand, it
is considerably slower and, like sand casting, not as precise
as die casting.

BASIC TO THE PROCESS

The die casting process is fundamentally simple but it is com-

plicated by a massive array of ancillary equipment and
details. There are only three basic factors (see below) that
affect the final product that results from the rapid conversion
of metal in the ingot form to a net shape.
Some assumptions are usually made when dealing with
die casting that help to visualize the logical chain of events
that occur during each cycle. These assumptions are:
 Since the casting alloy is injected into the die cavity at
a superheated temperature, it behaves like a hydrau-
lic fluid during the very brief period of cavity fill.
 The metal travels in a straight line until it meets an
obstruction and then the stream splashes and breaks
up into turbulent eddies. During cavity fill, it follows
the path of least resistance.
 Die casting is a turbulent process since liquid casting
alloy travels through the system at extremely high
rates of speed.
The three fundamental factors are:
 The thermal behavior of the casting alloy that can be
quantified by the thermal constants.
 The shot end of the casting machine and the shot
sleeve or goose neck that provide the liquid metal
required to fill the die cavity.
 The shape of the part that defines the flow path of the
liquid metal as it travels through the cavity. The
xii Introduction

surface area to volume ratios and the distance that

the metal must travel are important mathematical
characteristics of each net shape.
This text will attempt to present the details of die casting
process in a logical manner. It is definitely predictable and
controllable.

AUTHOR’S NOTE

The data presented in this text have been collected by the

author from experience and many sources believed to be reli-
able. However, no expressed or implied warranty can be made
to its accuracy or completeness. No responsibility or liability
is assumed by Hi Tech International, Inc. or the author or
the publisher for any loss or damage suffered through reli-
ance on any information presented or included here. The final
determination of the suitability of any information for the use
contemplated for a given application remains the sole respon-
sibility of the user.
No part or portion of this text may be reproduced
without the expressed written consent of the author and the
publisher.
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1
Terms Used in Die Casting

Many texts place this topic at the end or in a separate appen-

dix, but it is addressed here at the beginning so that everyone
referencing the subject of die casting may speak the same
language. Clear communication is sometimes difficult, yet it
is critical to successful die casting.
This is a partial list of the more commonly used terms
and is not intended as a comprehensive, totally inclusive glos-
sary. It is intended only to help introduce the subject and, as a
convenient reference.
Accumulator: A reservoir in the hydraulic system that
holds the shot pressure at a constant level and reduces nor-
mal fluctuations. This is a cylinder that is usually located at
the shot end of the die casting machine.
Aging: A change in the metallurgical structure, physical
properties, and dimensions of an alloy that takes place over
an extended period of time after a part is die cast. Aging time
is compressed with heat.
Alloy: A metallic material that consists of two or more
chemical elements whose physical properties are normally
different than those of the separate ingredients.
1
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2 Chapter 1

Anodizing: A process that utilizes the casting as the

anode in an electrolytic cell so that a protective or decorative
film can be applied to the surface.
ANSI: American National Standards Institute.
AQL: Acceptable Quality Level as agreed upon between
the die caster and customer.
Area (projected): The area of the cavity and metal feed
system that is visible when viewing the die at an angle
perpendicular to the basic parting plane.
Area (surface): The area of the cavity surface that
comes into contact with the casting alloy in both die halves.
ASQC: American Society for Quality Control.
ASTM: American Society for Testing and Materials.
Australian metal feed system: A series of tapered tan-
gential runners that are designed to generate constant gate
speeds as the casting alloy exits the runner and enters the
die cavity. The spurt of energy that occurs at the end of each
runner branch is controlled with a shock absorber at this
point in the system.
Austenite: A Phase that Iron-carbon steels reach during
heat treating that is relatively ductile with a low work hard-
ening rate.
Back scrap: Runners, gates, biscuits, overflows, trim-
mings, and defective castings that are normally remelted for
another try at production.
BHN: A number that quantifies hardness in the Brinell
system.
Biscuit: Excess of ladled metal remaining in the shot
sleeve of the cold chamber process. It is a part of the cast shot
and is ejected from the die with the runner and casting.
Blister: A surface bubble caused by expansion of
entrapped gas as a result of excess heat.
Blow holes: Voids or pores which may occur due to
entrapped gas or volumetric shrinkage during solidification.
This condition is usually evident in heavy sections.
Buff: To smooth a casting surface with a rotating flexible
wheel to which fine abrasive particles are applied in liquid
suspension, paste, or grease stick form.
CAD: Computer aided design.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch01 R3 092904

Terms Used in Die Casting 3

Captive: An original equipment manufacturer that

produces die castings exclusively for its own use.
CASS test (copper accelerated salt spray): An accel-
erated corrosion test for electroplated substrates (ASTM
368–68).
Casting alloy: The material from which the die casting
is produced.
Casting rate: The average quantity of shots that can
be produced from a particular die in one hour of constant
running.
Casting=shot ratio: Volume or weight of usable
casting product divided by the total volume or weight of
metal injected into the die that is expressed as a percen-
tage.
Casting yield: The net number of acceptable castings
that are produced from a production run compared to the
gross number of shots. It is usually expressed as a
percentage. Yield is also sometimes referred to as the ratio
of total shot volume to net casting volume expressed as a
percentage.
Casting cycle: The total number of events required to
produce a high pressure die casting that usually consists of
metal injection (including cavity fill) solidification, ejection,
and die spray.
Casting drawing: The detailed engineering description
of the shape to be cast that defines the size (dimensions),
shape, material, and allowable tolerances.
Cathode: The electrode used in electroplating at which
metallic ions are discharged, negative ions are formed, or
other reducing activities take place.
Cavity: The recess or impression in the die steels in
which the casting is formed.
Cavity fill time: The critical time that it takes to fill the
die cavity. This time has a profound effect upon the amount of
premature solidification that occurs before the cavity is
completely filled with metal.
Cavity insert: A die component that forms the shape to
be cast.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch01 R3 092904

4 Chapter 1

Cavitation: The generation of cavities in a fluid that

occurs when local pressure falls below the vapor pressure of
the fluid whenever bubble nuclei are available.
Charpy: An impact test in which the specimen forms a
simple beam that is struck by a hammer while supported at
points that are 40 mm apart.
Checking: Heat crazing of the surface of the die steel
that is manifested in a series of fine cracks caused by extreme
thermal fatigue. Corresponding raised veins on the casting
surface are formed when this condition occurs.
Chisel gate: A gate shaped like the point of a chisel
which is designed to direct a single stream of metal straight
into a specific target location within the die cavity.
Chromate: A conversion coating of trivalent and hexa-
valent chromium compounds.
Chrome pickle: A chemical treatment for magnesium
castings that provides some protection from corrosion or
oxidation when a dichromate film of nitric acid is formed.
Clamping capacity: The ability of each tie bar to hold
the machine platens and die halves together during the injec-
tion of metal under high pressure. Also the number that
describes the size of the casting machine.
Clamping force: Actual force applied to a particular die
during metal injection. This is less than the machine capacity.
Cooling medium: The liquid—either water, steam, or
oil—that is utilized to remove the heat conducted into the
die steels by the injection of liquid metal during each casting
cycle.
Cold chamber: A die casting process in which the metal
injection mechanism is not submerged in liquid metal.
Cold shut: Poor fill or surface finish in a die casting
caused by low metal or die temperatures.
Combination die: A die with two or more cavities in
which each cavity forms a different shape.
Compressive yield strength: The maximum compres-
sive stress that a die casting can withstand without a pre-
determined amount of yield (usually 0.2%).
Constant area sprue: A sprue post that is designed
with a gap between the male post and the female sprue
 5935-4 Andresen Ch01 R3 092904

Terms Used in Die Casting 5

bushing that decreases as the diameter increases, so that the

theoretical area through which the casting alloy travels is the
same or less than the area of the nozzle.
Corrosion: Surface condition caused by exposure to
gasses or liquids that attack the base metal. Rust on steel is
an example.
Constant acceleration: A condition during which the
shot plunger continuously advances at increasing velocity
from the static position to the end of the shot cycle. This
process is favored by European die casters.
Constant velocity: A condition during which the shot
plunger advances at a set velocity until it reaches a predeter-
mined position and then increases in velocity until the end of
the shot cycle. This process is favored by North American die
casters.
Contraction: The volumetric shrinkage that occurs in
metals during solidification.
Core: A casting die component that forms an internal
feature that is separate from the die insert. It may be station-
ary and perpendicular to the parting plane or may be located
in another direction to be actuated by a movement each time
the die is opened.
Cored hole: Any hole in a die casting that is formed by a
core in the die casting die.
Cover die: The stationary die half that is mounted to
the platen at the shot end of the die casting machine.
Cover gas: A mixture of gases made up of sulfur hex-
afloride, carbon dioxide, and air that is used to protect the sur-
face of liquid magnesium by reducing the formation of oxides.
Creep: Plastic deformation of metals (zinc alloys
especially) that occurs below the yield strength.
Critical dimension: A dimension that must be held
within a specific tolerance limit in order for the part to func-
tion within its product application.
Custom: A firm that produces die castings custom
designed for the exclusive use of an original equipment
manufacturer in their end product.
Damping: Refers to the ability of a casting alloy (magne-
sium) to resist vibrations that lower noise levels.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch01 R3 101504

6 Chapter 1

Deburr: Removal of sharp edges or fins by manual,

mechanical, chemical, or electrical discharge methods.
Dendrite: A crystal with a branching tree like pattern
that usually is most evident in cast metals that are slowly
cooled through the solidification state.
Deflection: The bending or twisting of a shape that
occurs when a load is applied to it. Normally, this term is used
to describe elastic strain so that it will return to its original
form when the load is removed.
Dichromate: A chemical treatment in which alumi-
num, magnesium, or zinc castings are boiled in a dichro-
mate solution that produces a protective film to minimize
corrosion.
Die: Two metal blocks that incorporate the cavity, metal
feed system, and thermal channels into the tool that is used to
produce die castings.
Die blow: The distance that the two die halves are
forced apart by the injection pressure during cavity fill.
Die casting: A process in which a die casting is
formed by a mass of molten metal by forcing a heat flux
through a mold onto the liquid mass affecting solidifica-
tion. The resultant solidification patterns and rates deter-
mine whether or not the casting satisfies the customer’s
requirements.
The processing theory defines a step-by-step analytical
procedure to design the energy exchange functions necessary
to make a useful piece part. The results are the specifications
for the die design and the process control set points.
Cooling and=or heating channels plus the heat flow paths
must be designed to focus the correct amount of energy
through the cavity surface to achieve the required heat flux.
Hence, the die design is derived from the defined required
final condition of the solidification pattern.
The design of the die includes, in the mechanical
aspect: material selection, insert seams, and clearance
space; in the thermal exchange, location, size, length of
the cooling=heating channels, and the flow rate of the
medium used; and in the fluid flow arena: the location and
 5935-4 Andresen Ch01 R3 092904

Terms Used in Die Casting 7

size of the gating and venting, as well as configuration of the

metal feed system.
This term is also used to define the net shape produced
from this process.
Die life: The number of acceptable shots of castings that
can be produced from a die casting die before it must be
replaced or extensively repaired.
Die lubricant: Liquid formulations applied to the die to
facilitate release after the casting is formed and to prevent
soldering of the casting to the die surface.
Die temperature: Usually refers to surface tempera-
tures of die components that come into contact with the cast-
ing alloy. The temperature through the thickness of a die
component is very complicated and when dealing with the
metallurgy of the die steels this term also applies to deeper
temperatures.
Dimensional stability: Ability of a casting or die
component to retain its shape and size over a long period in
service. This term is also applied to die materials during heat
treatment.
Dog leg: A cam that is designed to move a side core the
appropriate distance and at the proper time.
Dowel: A guide pin which assures registry between die
components, usually located in opposite die halves.
Draft: The angle given to casting walls, cores, and other
parts of the die cavity to permit ejection after the shrinkage
that occurs during casting solidification.
Drag: A defect that occurs when the casting alloy
adheres to the die steel during ejection and results in undesir-
able grooves in the casting.
Dross: Metal oxides that form either within or upon the
surface of a liquid metal bath.
Eject: To press the solidified casting away from the core
in the die casting die.
Ejector pin: A rod which pushes the casting off from
cores and out of the die cavity.
Ejector flash: A thin fin of metal that is formed during
the cavity filling between the ejector pin and the mating hole.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch01 R3 092904

8 Chapter 1

Ejector plate: A plate to which ejector pins are attached

that activates them.
Electrolyte: An environment, usually liquid, that
conducts electricity accompanied by chemical decomposition
that defines the incidence of corrosion.
Electroplate: Electro-deposition of a metallic coating to
a substrate (die casting) to improve surface properties.
Elongation: The amount of permanent extension in the
locale of the fracture in a tensile test expressed as a percen-
tage of the original gage length.
Erosion: Describes the damage to the die surface that
occurs when a high velocity metal stream washes away some
of the original die material.
Eutectic: The lowest melting point of a metal in an alloy
system.
Fatigue: A series of fluctuating stresses and strains less
than the tensile strength of the material that lead to fracture
when repeated. In die casting, especially when aluminum
alloys are involved, the large thermal gradient that occurs
during each casting cycle is the mechanism that initiates
fatigue.
Family die: A die that produces more than one distinct
shape.
Fan gate: A style of gate that is deigned to fan the metal
stream out so that the fill pattern becomes wider as the liquid
metal progresses into the cavity.
Feed: A term that applies to the delivery of liquid metal
to the die cavity. Also, it refers to packing extra metal into the
cavity during intensification to compensate for volumetric
shrinkage during solidification.
Fillet: Curved junction of two planes that would meet at
a sharp angle without it.
Fill pattern: The configuration of the streams of metal
within the die cavity that occur during cavity fill.
Finish: The degree of smoothness of a surface of the die
cavity or the casting produced from it. It is quantified by the
grit size used in the final polishing.
Finite difference analysis: A computer program that
utilizes a three-dimensional model to simulate flow patterns
 5935-4 Andresen Ch01 R3 092904

Terms Used in Die Casting 9

within a shape so that they may be analyzed. The model is

meshed into thousands of elements that calculate the differ-
ences of conditions between adjacent elements.
Finite element analysis: A computer program that uti-
lizes a three-dimensional CAD model to simulate flow pat-
terns within a shape so that they may be analyzed. The
model is meshed into many separate and finite elements that
can be studied more easily than the whole shape.
Fit: The precision of the clearance or interference that
defines the gap between two mating parts.
Fixture: A device that holds a die cast near net shape in
a fixed position while a secondary operation is performed on it
to convert it to a net shape.
Flash: A thin fin of metal which occurs at die partings,
vents, and around moving cores. This objectional metal is
due to working and operating clearances in the die. Also—a
verb used to describe the condition that exists when the die
halves are not held completely closed.
Flow line: Surface marks on a die casting that trace the
metal flow pattern.
Flow rate: The quantity of fluid per unit of time that
flows through a specific conduit area. In die casting, this
can refer to liquid metal, hydraulic fluid, water, etc.
Fluidity: A condition that defines the ease that a liquid
metal will travel through a conduit, at a given temperature,
before it solidifies.
Flux: A compound in powder form that is applied to
minimize oxide formation upon the surface of a liquid metal
bath.
Fracture toughness: The ability of a tool steel to with-
stand the constant expansion and contraction that occurs in
each casting cycle.
Gage: A device that compares a cast or machined dimen-
sion or relationship to a specified limit.
Galling: Sliding friction that tears out particles from a
metal surface.
Gas: Air or gasses from decomposition of release agents
that are vulnerable to becoming encapsulated by super heated
liquid metal that is a source of porosity in the casting.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch01 R3 092904

10 Chapter 1

Gate: The orifice through which the casting alloy exits

the runner and enters the die cavity. Also—the entire ejected
content of the die including casting, gate, runner, biscuit,
sprue, overflows, vents, and flash.
Geometric characteristics: Basic elements that
form a mathematical language for dimensioning and
tolerancing used in form, orientation, profile, eccentricity,
and location.
Gooseneck: The main metal pressure component for the
hot chamber process that contains the shot chamber and also
forms a spout at the other end to funnel the casting alloy into
the nozzle. The gooseneck is submerged into the bath of liquid
metal supply.
Grain: A description of the crystalline structure of the
atomic structure.
Grain structure: The size and shape of the grains in a
metal.
Growth: Expansion of a casting (more often zinc) as a
result of aging, intergranular corrosion, or both.
Hard spot: A dense inclusion in a casting that is harder
than the surrounding matrix.
Hardware finish: A description of a very smooth sur-
face that is free of defects and capable of supporting diffuse
and specular reflectance. Very high quality and lustrous fin-
ish like powder coating or electroplating.
Heat checking: (see Checking)
Heat sink: A massive shape whose volume to surface
area ratio is greater than the adjacent casting segment that
has a greater capacity to hold heat.
Heater: A recess in the die steels, sometimes also called
an overflow, that is connected to the cavity by a thin gate. It
acts as a heat sink to retain heat at a specific position in the
die to reduce problems caused by low die or metal tempera-
tures.
Also—an electric cartridge-type device to introduce heat
into a specific cold position in the die.
Heat transfer coefficient: The rate at which a material
will transfer heat per temperature gradient over a specified
period of time.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch01 R3 092904

Terms Used in Die Casting 11

Hot chamber: The die casting process in which the

plunger and gooseneck is immersed in liquid metal in the
holding furnace.
Hot metal delivery: The practice of transporting metal
up to 300 miles, from the smelting supplier to the die casting
plant in the super heated liquid state, rather than in solid
ingot form. There is an obvious energy saving since the metal
needs no further melting, but sophisticated scheduling is
necessary to ensure that there is holding furnace capacity to
receive it.
Hot short: A term used to describe an alloy that is brit-
tle or lacks strength at elevated temperatures.
Hot crack or tear: A fracture caused by thermal
contraction stress that occurs just below the solidifying
temperature.
Impact strength: Ability of a component to resist shock
as measured by a suitable testing method.
Impression: Cavity in a die casting die.
Also—the mark left by a hit from another hard surface.
In the white: A term used to describe the condition of a
casting that has not received any finishing or treatment of
any kind beyond gate removal.
Ingot: Casting alloy formed in a convenient shape for
storage, shipping, or remelting.
Inject: To force liquid metal into a die.
Insert: A piece of material with better properties than the
metal being cast, of hardness, strength, etc., usually ferrous,
which is placed in a die cavity before each shot. When liquid
casting alloy is cast around it, it is integrated into the part.
Also—a separate component in the die casting die with
enhanced qualities of fracture toughness where the die steels
‘‘see’’ the alloy to be cast.
Intensification: A hydraulic process that increases the
injection pressure (usually by a factor of 3) upon the metal
after the cavity is filled to force or to pack more metal into
the cavity to increase casting density.
Intergranular corrosion: An attack on grain bound-
aries (usually zinc alloys) that results in deep penetration
and weakness planes.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch01 R3 092904

12 Chapter 1

Izod: An impact test in which the specimen is clamped at

one end and acts as a cantilever when struck by a hammer.
Jewelry finish: The highest quality electroplated
surface finish for a die casting.
Leader pin: A pin located in one die half to align it to
the opposite half.
Leader bushing: A female bushing that is designed to
accept the leader pin located in the opposite die half to align
the dies.
Leveling electroplate: Electroplate layer of metal (acid
copper is a good example) that generates a surface smoother
than the substrate.
Liquid: Reference to the state of the casting alloy. Pre-
ferable to the word ‘‘molten’’ since the safety connotation is
more positive.
Logo: A symbol that identifies the producer of the die
casting, often cast into the surface of the part, with the custo-
mers permission.
Lot size: The quantity of parts produced from a single
die and machine set up.
Loose piece: A type of core that forms an undercut that
is positioned in, but not fastened to a die. It is arranged so
that it is ejected with the casting from which it is eventually
removed. It is used repeatedly for the same purpose.
Manifold: A system that may be located internally or
externally to collect several thermal systems into a single
system for quicker connection.
Martensite: The hardened micro structure of die steel in
which die casting dies display the best performance.
Metal: The material from which the die casting is
produced.
Metal saver: Core used primarily to reduce the volume
of metal in a casting and to avoid sections of excessive mass.
Multiple cavity die: A die having more than one dupli-
cate impression.
Molten: Liquid state with reference to casting alloy (not
politically correct as it connotates a hostile safety condition).
Moving core assembly: Includes the mechanism of
gibs, ways, locking wedges, angled pins, dog leg cams, racks,
 5935-4 Andresen Ch01 R3 092904

Terms Used in Die Casting 13

pinions, and hydraulic cylinders that hold and move cores in a

direction other than parallel to the die parting.
NADCA: North American Die Casting Association, a die
casting trade association in North America that is the conso-
lidation of the American Die Casting Institute (ADCI) and the
Society of Die Casting Engineers (SDCE).
Net shape: Form that is die cast; a more scientific name
for a die cast part.
Nitriding: A heat treating process that is intended to
improve the fracture toughness of die materials by diffusing
nitrogen into the surface.
Nozzle: A tubular fitting which joins the gooseneck in a
hot chamber process to the sprue bushing in the cover die.
Operating window: The best combination of process
variables that will yield the greatest throughput of high qual-
ity castings.
Overflow gate: A passage that connects the cavity to an
overflow.
Overflow well: A recess in a die connected to the cavity
by a thin gate to assist in venting.
Oxidation: A chemical reaction between an alloy, like
magnesium, and oxygen or an oxidizing agent.
Parting line: The mating surface, sometimes called the
parting plane, between the cover and ejector die halves.
Also—the mark or raised line on the casting that is
formed by the interface between the die halves.
Parting line step: A region of the parting plane where
the level abruptly changes to accommodate a detail of the part
to be cast.
Pitting: Small depressions in the cavity die steel that
produce small mating bumps on the casting.
Plastic deformation: Permanent bending or twisting
that occurs when a load is applied that exceeds the elastic
limit of the material. In die casting, this term usually
refers to a casting that is ejected before it attains its full
strength.
Platen: Thick plates in a die casting machine or trim
press. The die is mounted to two of the platens and the other
supports the closing mechanism and tie bars.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch01 R3 092904

14 Chapter 1

Plunger: Ram or piston that forces liquid metal into the

metal feed system.
Plunger tip: The feed system component that applies
pressure to the casting alloy and injects it into the shot
sleeve. Port-opening in the gooseneck (hot chamber pro-
cess) through which liquid metal enters the injection
chamber.
Poka yoke: (A Japanese word for mistake proofing, it is
pronounced POH-kahYOH-kay) A detail, device, or mechan-
ism that either prevents a mistake from being made or makes
the mistake obvious at a glance.
Polish: To smooth down roughness of a parting line or
casting surface with a high speed endless belt coated with
abrasive material.
Port: Hole between the metal bath and the shot cylinder
through which liquid metal enters a hot chamber metal feed
system.
Pouring hole: Opening in the top of the shot sleeve into
which liquid metal is poured.
Porosity: Voids or pores in a casting that are caused by
entrapped air (gas porosity) or volumetric shrinkage during
cavity fill (shrinkage porosity).
Preheat: The practice of heating a die casting die to at
least 200 F above ambient temperature to minimize the ther-
mal shock from the first few shots in a production run.
Primary alloy: An alloy whose main element comes
directly from the natural ore.
Process Control: Control of the process variables
within an acceptable range so that high quality castings are
produced by the manufacturing process.
Process monitor: A measurement of actual process
variables that may be compared to theoretical conditions.
Pressure tight: A casting requirement for internal
integrity in which fluid or air, under a specified pressure, will
not pass through the casting wall.
Quench: The cooling in a bath, usually water, of a cast-
ing from ejection temperature (400–600 F) to ambient room
temperature (80–100 F).
 5935-4 Andresen Ch01 R3 092904

Terms Used in Die Casting 15

Also—used with relation to heat treating of die materials

in a vacuum or salt bath, when dropping from austenitizing
(1850 F) to tempering (1200 F) temperature.
Quick die change: A procedure of standardization
and efficiency to reduce the set-up time of the die casting
die.
Radiology: A picture, such as an x-ray, that reveals
flaws in the internal integrity of a particular casting.
Rapid prototyping: Inexpensive, accurate model of a
proposed part design produced more quickly than by tradi-
tional methods.
Refine: The removal of magnesium oxide and other non-
metallic impurities from magnesium with flux that preferen-
tially wets them so they are carried to the bottom of the melt
as sludge.
Release agent: A liquid that is usually sprayed onto the
die surface to keep the casting from adhering to it. The agent
is applied, mixed with water in a ratio of approximately 60 parts
of water to 1 part of the agent. The water evaporates from the
die surface prior to injection of the casting alloy for the next shot.
Refractory: A material that is not damaged by heating
to high temperatures.
Remelt: Process of melting back scrap in a break down
furnace so that the liquid metal may be reintroduced into
production.
Retainer: The die component that contains the cavity
inserts in both halves of the die.
Rib: A wall perpendicular to another wall to provide
strength or support. In die casting, ribs also are used to feed
liquid metal within the cavity during cavity fill. They are also
used to minimize twisting and bending due to uneven
shrinkage.
Runner: This conduit is the main part of the metal feed
system that transfers the casting alloy from the biscuit (cold
chamber) or the sprue (hot chamber) to the gate.
Runner sprue: A runner that is machined into the side
of a sprue post. The hot chamber post is smaller in diameter to
reflect the small diameter of the nozzle and the cold chamber
post is larger since the shot sleeve is much larger in diameter.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch01 R3 092904

16 Chapter 1

Satin finish: A surface finish that presents a diffuse

reflector that is lustrous but not bright or smooth. Such a
finish sometimes can cover surface defects in the casting.
Scale: Usually a combination of the oxide of the casting
alloy and the release agent that builds up during the opera-
tion of the die.
Secondary alloy: An alloy that consists of a central ele-
ment that is resmelted from scrap materials. Most aluminum
die castings are produced from secondary alloys,
while zinc and magnesium castings are made from primary
alloys.
Segregation: Erratic distribution of alloying elements,
impurities, or microstructure in a bath of liquid metal.
Shot: That part of the casting cycle that injects liquid
metal into the die cavity.
Also—the entire ejected content of the die, including
casting, gate, runner, biscuit or sprue, and flash.
Shot peen: A practice that produces a compressive
stress on the die surface with a high velocity stream of metal
shot or glass beads to close small shallow die checks and
increase die life.
Shot size: The capacity of a machine and shot sleeve to
provide liquid metal to a die expressed by weight or volume.
Also—the volume or weight of a particular shot that
includes the metal feed system, overflows, and the casting.
Shrink mark: A depression on the casting surface oppo-
site a section that is more massive than adjacent walls that is
caused by uneven cooling.
Shrink factor: Consideration to recognize the different
volumetric shrinkage of the various casting alloys by design-
ing the cavity dimensions over those specified by the part
design. It is expressed in terms of linear shrinkage times
the nominal dimension. Normally, 0.006 inch per inch is used
for aluminum and 0.008 inch per inch is used for zinc.
Shrinkage: Volumetric reduction that accompanies
the transition of the casting alloy from the liquid to solid state.
Shot: Synonym for a die casting production cycle.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch01 R3 101404

Terms Used in Die Casting 17

Also—a term used to describe the total volume of metal

produced from the casting die including runners, gates,
biscuit, overflows, and usable castings.
Shot sleeve: The steel tube, in the cold chamber
process, that holds the casting alloy and through which the
plunger tip moves the metal into the metal feed system and
the cavity.
Shrink: A mark or depression that sometimes occurs on
the surface of a casting opposite a massive section such as a
rib, because the mass cools more slowly than the adjacent
areas.
Also—to reduce in volume.
Shut off: The space on the parting plane of a die that
provides an unrestricted area to apply the clamping force of
the machine to seal off flash generation.
Shut height: The total dimension of a die from the back
of the cover die to the back of the ejector rails that determines
the die opening between platens.
Skin: Surface metal on a die casting with a depth of
approximately 0.015 inch that displays a fine dense grain
structure and is free of porosity.
Slide: A component of the die that is arranged to move
parallel or at least not perpendicular to the die parting. The
inboard end forms a portion of the die cavity that involves
one or more undercuts.
Solidus: A line on a phase diagram that represents
temperatures at which freezing ends on cooling, or melting
on heating.
Soldering: Adherence of the casting alloy to portions of
the die that are too hot.
Sow: Large solid block of aluminum casting alloy that
weighs 2,000 pounds.
SPC: Statistical Process Control that monitors devia-
tions in the process variables from the operating window.
SQC: Statistical Quality Control.
Split gate: A gate of castings having the sprue or
plunger axis in the die parting.
Sprue: The conical passage between the nozzle or biscuit
and the runner.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch01 R3 102604

18 Chapter 1

Sprue post: A tapered male core that projects into the

sprue bushing to deflect metal into the runner system.
Sprue bushing: The female insert in the cover die
to contain the casting alloy as it travels into the runner
system.
Stake: A cold forming process to bend tabs and studs to
assemble zinc castings (usually) for assembly onto mating
parts.
Steel safe: A strategy used by metal cutters (tool makers)
when close tolerances are involved, in which exterior surfaces of
the cavity are intentionally machined slightly undersize and
interior surfaces oversize. Thus, any dimensional modifications
can be made by removing instead of adding die material.
Stereo lithography: A method of rapid prototyping
that utilizes three-dimensional CAD (computer aided design)
data to form a series of thin slices with a laser generated
ultraviolet light beam that traces each layer onto the surface
of a vat of liquid polymer. Thus, each layer is formed and har-
dened until the prototype is completed.
Stress: Force applied to a section.
Strain: The change in shape that occurs when stress
is applied beyond the elastic limit of the material. The stress=
strain relationship is a characteristic of the particular section.
Substrate: Parent metal onto which coatings are
deposited.
Sulfur hexafloride (SF6): A gas mixed in low concen-
tration (< 1%) with carbon dioxide and air that provides a
protective atmosphere over the surface of liquid magnesium
to minimize burning and oxidation.
Surface treatment: Modification of a surface. This can
apply to either castings or die materials.
Thermal system: A series of channels within a die that
carry the cooling medium to extract heat conducted into the
die by the casting alloy that is above the liquidus temperature
during each casting cycle.
Tie bar: Usually, but not always, there are four bars
that are fastened to the two stationary platens of the casting
machine. These bars stretch during each casting cycle to
 5935-4 Andresen Ch01 R3 092904

Terms Used in Die Casting 19

provide a locking force to hold the dies shut when high pres-
sures are applied to the metal.
TIR: Total indicator reading.
Toggle: The linkage employed to mechanically multiply
the force of the clamping system of the die casting machine
when the platens are closed.
Tolerance: A specific acceptable range. This term can
be applied to dimensions, temperatures, metallurgical
elements, etc.
Toughness: The physical property of a material that
allows it to bend or stretch without breaking.
Trim die: A die for punching or shearing the flash from
the die casting.
Trim press: A mechanical or hydraulic power press used
to trim the flash, overflows, and runner from the cast shape
with a trim die.
Tumble: A process to remove rough edges from die cast-
ings that utilizes a rotating barrel or vibrating hopper filled
with polishing media in addition to the castings.
Twinning: A mechanism in which atoms move between
planes of a lattice structure to improve ductility.
Unit die: A die designed to accommodate otherwise
unrelated dies in a common holder for more economical
production.
Undercut: Recess or cored hole positioned perpendicu-
lar to the die parting that prevents ejection.
Vacuum: A mechanical system that draws a partial
vacuum within the cavity prior to, or in some cases during,
cavity fill to assist in evacuating the cavity.
Vena contracta: A scientific phenomenon that occurs
when the direction of a liquid stream is changed (from hori-
zontal to vertical). The stream reduces in cross-sectional area
and, in so doing, the speed is increased. After the directional
change has been accomplished, the area of the stream
increases to normal and thus the speed then also reduces.
This is one cause of air entrapment and should be minimized
where possible.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch01 R3 092904

20 Chapter 1

Vent: A shallow passage off of the die cavity at the last

place to receive liquid metal that allows air from the metal
feed system to escape as the cavity is filled.
Void: A large pore within the wall of a casting usually
caused by entrapped gas or premature solidification.
Wire brush: A practice of deburring, edge blending, and
surface finishing by contacting the work surface with a rotat-
ing wire brush.
Yield strength: The stress at which a material exhibits
a specified limiting permanent strain or deviation of more
than 0.2% from the specified relationship of stress to strain.
ZA: A commercial designation for three high (8–12–27%)
aluminum content zinc alloys that display extremely good
resistance to abrasion and have high tensile strengths.
Zamak: An acronym for zinc, aluminum, magnesium,
and copper that designates zinc casting alloy nos. 2, 3, 5,
and 7.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

2
Product Design

Almost any net shape can be die cast, provided that the size,
including volume, is within the capacity range of commer-
cially available machines and liquid metal delivery systems.
However, if the commercial and technical advantages of the
process are to be realized, each shape must be intelligently
designed or, as is sometimes the case, redesigned.
Many die castings are redesigned from other manufac-
turing methods so that a net or near net shape can be pro-
duced in milliseconds. If appropriate changes are not made,
strength could be impaired and complicated manufacturing
challenges may result in unreasonably excessive costs.
Informed die casters understand that economy is probably
the main attraction for designers to choose the die casting
option when metal components are required.
The degree of difficulty of the net shape of a die casting is
an issue that has not been studied seriously by very many die
casters. It should be quantified because it affects cost and
manufacturing feasibility. Casting cycle time is vulnerable
to complexity, but tool cost and die life are also involved.
Details of shape are quantitatively described throughout this
21
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

22 Chapter 2

chapter. Tooling and processing complexity are addressed by

El-Mehalani and Miller in their paper ‘‘On Manufacturing
Complexity of Die Cast Components,’’ via a combination of
empirical experience contributed by 15 die casting firms and
by mathematical quantification. A coding system is used to
calculate the economic effect of specific details based upon
the complexity of the geometric shape (El-Mehalani and
Miller). An attempt is made here to expose the reader to such
a strategy. It should be noted, however, that it is very difficult
to generalize individual details because the variety of die cast
shapes is infinite. The number of evaluations expands expo-
nentially when items like draft and depth are included.
Ribs, cored holes, and bosses are described in Fig. 1 and
then quantified in a spread sheet (Table 1).
The cost effect of each of these details upon tool path pro-
gramming and cutting time is obvious. The super heated
liquid metal flows over a rib detail and then backfills it. Cores
and bosses, illustrated in Fig. 2, obstruct the flow and may
require strategic cooling, which increases cycle time and
manufacturing cost. The spread sheet shown in Tables 1 and
2 suggests appropriate multiplication factors from the flat
surface benchmark that represents 1.0 degree of difficulty.

Figure 1
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

Product Design 23

Figure 2

Parting line steps and side cores, described in Fig. 3, are

more details that complicate both tooling and the die casting
process. Table 2 quantifies the cost effects.
Tolerance allowance is necessary in die casting to allow
for deviation from shot to shot such as variations in filling
and cooling rates. Die wear and deflection can also be
expected. Typical benchmark dimensional tolerance is in the
range of 0.001–0.010 in., which requires no additional cost
factor. Tolerance in the range of 0.001–0.005 in. calls for
a degree of complexity of 0.30, and 0.001–0.003 suggests a
factor of 0.67. Dimensional tolerance of 0.001–0.002 needs a
factor of 1.05.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

24 Chapter 2

Table 1 Relative Complexity Due to Individual Details

Description of detail Tooling factor Processing factor Two incidences

Straight rib 0.12 0.13 0.42

Curved rib 0.27 0.27 0.43
Two ribs 0.28 0.28 0.50
Round core 0.10 0.17 0.39
Square core 0.17 0.25 0.44
Irregular core 0.37 0.33 0.43
Round boss 0.12 0.17 0.53
Square boss 0.20 0.26 0.52
Irregular boss 0.31 0.31 0.57
Round cored
boss 0.24 0.28 0.58
Square cored
boss 0.32 0.35 0.60

Where multiple dimensions are tightly toleranced, an

additional factor of 0.09 applies to three occurrences, a factor
of 0.18 is necessary for five dimensions, a factor of 0.33 applies
to seven incidences, and for 10 tight tolerances, a factor of
0.59 is suggested to reflect the proper cost.
Geometric tolerances are published by NADCA and
define both standard specifications and precision values.
Standard specifications can be achieved within the commer-
cial cost structure, but precision values are announced at pre-
mium cost levels. The calculations here attempt to quantify

Table 2 Relative Complexity Due to Parting Line Steps and Side

Cores
Description of detail Tooling factor Processing factor Two incidences

Simple side core 0.38 0.21 0.76

Two side ribs 0.42 0.31 0.79
Side core and rib 0.45 0.38 0.79
Simple parting
Line step 0.19 0.14 0.60
Complex parting
Line step 0.42 0.42 0.67
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

Product Design 25

Figure 3

both levels. It has been empirically determined by inquiries to

15 die casting firms, that more than six geometric tolerance
specifications describe a die casting that is extremely difficult
to produce. It must be noted, however, that one firm reported
10 specifications in successful production. Table 3 lists the
degree of complexity for one geometric tolerance for both
levels. The benchmark value of 1.0 is a casting net shape with
no geometric tolerance.
Die design also affects tooling and processing costs. For
this reason, it is most economical to locate details of cavity
shape into one die half, if possible. Die halves can shift in
the X and Y dimensions and blow apart in the Z dimension.
Thus, any dimension or geometry across the parting line
is subject to greater deviation from mean than those con-
tained within a single die half. Figure 4 illustrates typical
movements.
The top sketch in Fig. 4 represents a shape that can be
cast with a flat parting plane between the die halves where
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

26 Chapter 2

Table 3 Degree of Complexity

Geometric Complexity at Complexity at
tolerance standard value precision value

Flatness 0.41 0.81

Straightness 0.37 0.74
Roundness 0.28 0.62
Cylindricity 0.28 0.65
Angularity 0.28 0.60
Parallelism 0.32 0.73
Perpendicularity 0.38 0.85
Position 0.27 0.57
Concentricity 0.29 0.67
Runout 0.25 0.62

die blow describes the Z variable and die shift is measured in

the X and Y directions. The heavy line depicts the parting line
that separates the die steels. This is the simplest die config-
uration and is used as the benchmark with a degree of diffi-
culty of 1.0.
The lower illustration in Fig. 4 is based upon significant
cavity detail formed by both die halves. This additional
complexity increases tooling cost by 29% and the process
by 13%.
The top sketch in Fig. 5 again depicts a cavity shape that
is formed with a flat plane separating the die halves. This, of
course, represents a complexity of 1.0. The bottom figure
shows a typical parting line step, which increases tooling com-
plexity and cost by 17%. The difference in processing cost
between the two is negligible.
Surface finish specification profoundly affects complexity
because of the wide variation in metal flows and temperature
management encountered in the production of high pressure
die castings. NADCA defines the benchmark finish as
‘‘as-cast, mechanical grade,’’ with a quantified complexity
value of 1.0.
NADCA, ‘‘as-cast, paint grade,’’ finishes increase the
process complexity by 56%. No die cast tooling is involved.
‘‘As cast, high grade’’ usually relates to polished and buffed
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

Product Design 27

Figure 4

plated finishes that magnify any surface flaws. This really

boosts the processing complexity to 122% of the benchmark!
Wall thickness is usually a compromise between the pro-
duct designer who desires the thinnest possible wall and
processing feasibility where ‘‘the thicker the better’’ is the
rule. Actually, given the vicissitudes of the process, it is not
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

28 Chapter 2

Figure 5

wall thickness that determines complexity, it is the surface

area to volume ratio (SA=V) that determines the percentage
of premature solidification that can be expected during cavity
fill. The benchmark is different for each casting alloy; the
degrees of difficulty are expressed by Table 4.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

Product Design 29

Remember that the above data were empirically collected

from a number of die casters to demonstrate the fact that
quantification of complexity of product design is possible. This
approach will eventually replace ‘‘seat-of-the-pants’’ logic
when it can be programmed into CAE software for quicker
analysis. The balance of this chapter explains the rationale
behind simultaneous engineering of product, die casting,
tooling, and process.
The most effective strategy for either a new component
design or the redesign of an existing part is to relate the per-
formance requirements to the strengths and weaknesses of
the die casting process and the range of casting alloys that
are available. Other chapters will cover both in detail. Some
background is helpful to accomplish this relationship.
The function or performance of the casting must take
precedence over any other factors that emerge from the
design explorations. Of course, if there is a fit requirement
with mating parts, this becomes just as important, but some-
times the periphery of the part merely fits the air.
A combination of knowledge and experience is necessary
for proper design of a component to be die cast. The product
designer is qualified in the discipline in which the part must
perform, but the necessary intimacy with the die casting
process is rare.

Table 4 Degrees of Difficulty of Different Surface Area/Volume

(SA/V) Ratios
Casting Bennchmark Maximum Minimum Complexity
alloy SA=V ratio SA=V ratio SA=V ratio quantification

Aluminum 10 0.0
5 0.46
20 0.85
Magnesium 12.5 0.0
8 0.46
25 0.85
Zinc 15 0.00
9 0.46
33 0.85
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

30 Chapter 2

Many times a die caster will be consulted, which brings

familiarity with the process to the table. However, most die
castings are procured with competitive bidding and it is very
possible that the die casting firm that provides design advice
will not get the job. This presents an awkward situation.
This book is intended to provide a reference that can sub-
stitute for the lack of expertise in the manufacturing process
on the part of the product designer. The author has had many
years of hands-on experience in multi-plant die casting engi-
neering and management. This is combined with research
and world-wide consultation to both die casting companies
and original equipment manufacturers who are die casting
users, which brings creditability to the advice.
A theoretical model has been prepared in the flow dia-
gram described here that represents the ideal methodology
for product design that is compatible with high pressure die
casting. For a comprehensive plan like this, feedback is
required from analytical metal flow and thermal calculations
and=or simulations. This calls for at least a quasi-partnership
between the product designer and the die casting engineer.
There are many reasons that stand in the way of such a
partnership, but to address them would be an inappropriate
diversion.
In Fig. 6, note that it is difficult to separate design from
modern controls of quality and production. Therefore, a com-
mon procedure used to establish the performance of product
quality, is described by the acronym APQP, which means
Advanced Product Quality Planning, and is suggested to take
place during construction of the die. Another procedure,
PPAP, which stands for Production Parts Approval Process,
is included to validate the process and tool performance
within limits established by the product design.
The functional and cosmetic requirements are clearly
stated and become the basic guidelines. The net shape is
created by computer aided design (CAD) and solid modeling.
Computer aided engineering usually includes finite element
analysis or finite difference calculations that include elements
like necessary fits with mating components and structural
analysis. So far, none of this has anything to do with the die
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

Product Design 31

Figure 6
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

32 Chapter 2

casting process. When a net shape has been designed that

functions properly and looks right, it is presented to the die
casting engineer so that it may be studied for compatibility
with the process that will yield the best possible quality at
the lowest piece price and tool cost. A quantitative analysis
requires fluid flow and thermal models that address the net
shape are provided. These models are then used to develop
preliminary windows of opportunity. At the same time, these
data are inserted into the design of the actual die casting pro-
cess. Suggested revisions will emerge from this comprehensive
procedure that are fed back into the net shape design for either
rejection or acceptance and another iteration is then made
until all strategies have been thoroughly considered.
Such a logical procedure will almost certainly yield a die
casting die that performs with what is known as ‘‘first shot
success’’—i.e., that produces structurally sound castings that
can be dimensionally measured by computerized numerical
control (CNC) devices.
After sample approval, optimum die casting production
is merely a push of a button away. The alternative is to cut
and try seat-of-the-pants methods. Too much guess work
and expensive revisions to steel dies, rather than to computer
models, is necessary.
Quality, which is not exclusive to die casting, is also a
major factor that must be kept in mind. Die castings can be
produced with a smooth surface to satisfy the cosmetic
requirement. In addition, precise detail is possible, which is
unique in metal casting.
Remember that each die casting must be cast into two
halves of a permanent steel die and that solid metal cores
have to be drawn out after the liquid casting alloy has solidi-
fied. Therefore, undercuts must be avoided or costly mechan-
isms and die construction will be necessary.
The choice of casting alloy should be taken seriously for a
maximum benefit-to-cost ratio. It is important to select the
material whose performance specifications best compare to
the performance expected from the part being designed.
The higher temperature alloys like aluminum, brass, and
magnesium work best for functional components that require
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 101404

Product Design 33

dimensional stability, strength, and wear resistance. The low

temperature alloys of zinc are the choice where high quality
surface finish is important.
With a few exceptions, almost any shape can be cast in
the basic die casting alloys that are commercially available.
However, certain alloys offer better value than others with
respect for a specific performance requirement.
The different casting alloys behave differently and thus
require different technical strategies. The method used for
injecting metal into the die cavity is affected, as is the produc-
tion rate. (This subject is mentioned here only to indicate the
several material options available to the designer of die
castings. Thermal behavior is discussed in more detail in
Chapter 4 on casting metallurgy.)
A few examples here illustrate these comments:
Magnesium alloys offer the best strength-to-weight ratio,
but oxidize rapidly and, if this is objectionable, a surface
treatment is necessary to overcome it. An ability to dampen
sound is an attractive feature of this metal that reduces noise
between moving parts. It can be volatile in that it burns extre-
mely bright and hot if in powder or shaving form, and water
only exacerbates the fire potential.
Surface finish is more difficult to accomplish with magne-
sium due to the low liquid density that causes it to freeze
more quickly. The cost by volume is artificially held close to
that of aluminum for market purposes.
Aluminum alloys are the most popular because they
offer a moderate strength-to-weight ratio and are somewhat
easier to cast. Unlike magnesium this metal resonates so
that castings ring when tapped and are therefore more noisy
when performing. In most applications, this feature is not
important.
Aluminum is abrasive to die materials so gate speeds
have to be throttled back, thus increasing cavity fill time,
sometimes compromises quality. This abrasive characteristic
limits the die life, which adds frequent replacement of cavity
details to the cost structure.
Aluminum is the metal of choice for functional non-cos-
metic products and can be cast at slower gate speeds to
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

34 Chapter 2

minimize turbulence within the cavity during fill. It is always

cast in cold chamber machines because iron conduits are dis-
solved rapidly in aluminum.
Zinc alloys are normally used for parts with a cosmetic
requirement. This metal is easily plated or coated with paint
or powder materials. It is the most fluid of the metal choices
and can be more easily cast into thin walls less than 0.06 in.
Excellent surface finish is possible when fast gate speeds
ensure atomization during cavity fill.
This metal is cast at approximately 400
F lower than the
other alloys so is therefore less tolerant of heat.
Zinc alloys are subject to a creep factor that gradually
reduces as cast dimensions over a period of time. Heat treat-
ing can speed up the creep process, but very tight tolerances
are difficult to hold because of this phenomenon.
ZA alloys are a family of zinc to which three different
levels of aluminum are alloyed. These alloys provide the best
resistance to abrasion and, at the highest level of aluminum,
offer tensile strength that compares to mild steel.
Brass alloys are cast at approximately 800
F above alu-
minum so they are very destructive to die materials and short
die life is an expense to be considered. This metal is usually
used for plumbing applications.
Lead alloys are cast at approximately 200
below zinc
and are subject to rapid freezing during cavity fill. This is
the metal of choice for battery connections.
Selection of the parting line is almost akin to establish-
ing the datum line or points. Usually this is considered the
responsibility of the die designer, but many times it is too
late in the procedure for the die designer to effect the
economies that are possible during product design. Good
decisions at this stage can pay dividends of faster produc-
tion rates with peripheral attention to the cost of trimming
and finishing.
A flat contour at the parting plane is preferred because
both the casting die and trim die will be less expensive and
easier to maintain. This does not mean, however that
irregular parting lines are impossible or even impractical.
They are merely more expensive.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

Product Design 35

The parting line configuration is important and provides:

 Straight line ejection of the shot after each casting

cycle.
 Access for gating and venting.
 Elimination of undercuts.
 Datum for draft calculation and direction.

Even though it is a good idea to keep a design as simple

as possible, die casting is a very versatile manufacturing
method that can combine separate components of an assem-
bly into a single cast shape. Even when individual compo-
nents cannot be combined, economies can be achieved,
depending on the ductility of the casting alloy, by designing
integral fastening details into the net shape that can be
riveted, staked, or spun over. Male threads can be cast to
avoid a secondary operation, and extraordinary thermal con-
trols can reduce dimensional tolerance requirements to also
minimize machining or straightening costs.
Master datums and points usually provide the orienta-
tion genesis for all other details of the net shape. Even though
these datums may be very familiar to the product designer,
sometimes they are not as evident to the tool maker or die cas-
ter. It is therefore good to clearly identify them and explain
the importance of each.
This information then becomes the basis for locating the
shape for subsequent machining and positioning of cavity
details in the proper die half relationship for concentricity,
alignment, etc. It also defines gage points for quality control
of dimensions.
Since die casting is the shortest route from ingot to net
shape, considerable production economies are possible. There
are, however, several other reasons for the product designer
to decide on die casting a proposed shape. Some of these
reasons are outlined below:

 Precise detail is possible.

 Dimensional integrity and quality are reasonably
predictable.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 101404

36 Chapter 2

 Range of casting alloys and physical properties are

available.
 Electromagnetic and radio frequency interference
shielding for electrical requirements is provided.
 As cast surface finish satisfies many cosmetic require-
ments.
 Sound damping (magnesium) minimizes noise.
 Pressure tightness is possible.
 Moderate bearing capability and resistance to abra-
sion is available with certain alloys.

Many times, historical information defines the quality

requirements and performance standards of the product to
be die cast. In some form or other, most die cast components
are derived from earlier versions that were designed to per-
form the same or a similar function. Quality requirements
become field tested standards of performance when the
product design is evolutionary.
The most tangible and predictable are the mechanical
quality requirements that determine dimensional tolerances
that may be linear, effect alignment, call for flatness, etc. Many
of these dimensions evolve from the historical function of pre-
decessor parts, and just as important, the ability to produce to
these criteria can be confirmed by recorded processing data.
Even the cosmetic specifications that define the surface
finish can sometimes be predicted since the ability to produce
these elements can be weighed against similar parts produced
in the past. The combined experience of the die casting firm
that must produce the component also has a lot to do with
the final result.
The internal integrity is the most difficult quality
requirement to deal with, so considerable emphasis in this
text is placed upon the quantification and logical calculations
that enhance this aspect. Even this feature is evolutionary
because the history of controlling the die casting process goes
back to the 1920s, when it was called a black art.
Quantitative advances in the high pressure die casting
process within the last two decades have made it possible to
die cast net shape or near net shape components. Product
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

Product Design 37

designers recognize this potential and constantly challenge

the industry to meet higher and more cost effective objectives.
Historical assemblies can sometimes be produced as a
single product to eliminate the labor cost to assemble single
parts together.
A useful reference is the ‘‘Product Specification Stan-
dards for Die Castings’’ that is available from the trade asso-
ciation NADCA.
The performance requirements can affect costs as much
as the net shape design.
If only historical data are used as a design reference, the
casting shape can sometimes be established by the restraints
of whatever process was used to produce predecessor compo-
nents. This is especially true of parts that were previously
produced from other foundry procedures that get strength
from heavy walls. It is important to understand that a die
casting derives much of its strength from relatively thin walls
and fine dense grain structure.
When the final function is the engine that drives the
design, the historical shape tends to change because of a
new and more flexible set of restraints. It is not necessary
for a part to demonstrate excessive strength. It is only impor-
tant that the component be designed to perform adequately to
satisfy the functional requirements.
The function also defines the physical properties of the
casting alloys that must be compatible. For example, if a
high strength-to-weight ratio is critical, the magnesium alloys
present the best option. The aluminum alloys also are lighter
materials with good dimensional stability and are especially
suited for functional performance where it may be possible
to achieve an acceptable fit without secondary machining.
What about the operating environment in which the com-
ponent must function? It is important to analyze several con-
ditions that have to be satisfied by the product design.
Some things to be considered are listed here:

 Structural requirement
 Cosmetic appearance
 Relationship to other parts in the assembly
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

38 Chapter 2

 Operating temperatures
 Electrical conditions
 Noise requirements
 Abrasion resistance

Almost every original equipment manufacturing disci-

pline uses die castings. Some of the many applications are:

 Agricultural equipment
 Aircraft
 Automobiles
 Building hardware
 Communication applications
 Computer hardware
 Electrical and electronic equipment
 Home appliances
 Industrial applications
 Instrumentation
 Gardening devices
 Office machines and furniture
 Recreational items
 Toys
 Tools

Most die castings are shells that are defined by their

walls and the thickness of those walls.
The thickness depends upon several things.
Strength is a prime requirement of functional die cast-
ings since most have to carry some load. One would think that
heavy walls would provide the most strength but it is impor-
tant to note that much of the strength of a die casting comes
from the skin. It is about 0.015 in. deep with a very fine and
dense grain structure and zero porosity. Therefore, consider-
able thought must be given to the definition of wall thickness.
Stiffness may be a factor in the effective function of the
component being designed. Heavy walls usually are not the
way to go here. A well-designed rib pattern brings in the skin
strength to address this issue more effectively. Sometimes the
rib pattern can be designed like the truss of a bridge or roof to
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

Product Design 39

accomplish this objective economically. There are product

standards that can be helpful but things like rib design and
adjacent elements also must be incorporated into this impor-
tant decision.
Location of adjacent details with respect to the main
body of the shape must be considered because they can some-
times provide the structural integrity necessary for required
function.
The environment for the liquid metal streams that form as
the casting alloy travels from the gate orifice to the extremity
of the part is another critical function that the gap between the
two sides of the wall performs. This is key to the relationship
between part design and the die casting process.
Fluidity of the casting alloy also plays a critical role in
designing wall thickness. Zinc is more fluid than aluminum
so wall thickness with this material can and should be thin-
ner. There will be more discussion about this, in addition to
recommended wall thicknesses for the different casting
alloys, later on in the text.
Complexity of the casting shape will strongly influence
the decision on wall thickness. Sometimes it contributes to
the strength requirement but it is wise to have a constant
wall thickness as the degree of complexity increases.
Casting size, of course, determines wall thickness in that
castings over 200 in.3 in volume should have walls at least
3=16 in. thick. On the other hand, castings 5 in.3 in volume
can have wall thickness in the range of 1=16 in., depending
on the casting alloy to be used.
The objective is to design a section as thin as possible that
will provide sufficient strength and stiffness for the compo-
nent to function as specified. A useful reference is the ‘‘Product
Specification Standards for Die Castings’’ that is available
from the die casting trade association (NADCA, 1994).
The design configuration has to be compatible with the
die casting process if cost effective productivity and quality
are to be expected. To define what this means, the part must:

 Consistently and completely fill with metal.

 It should solidify rapidly without defects.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

40 Chapter 2

 The designed shape must eject easily from the perma-

nent steel dies.

The wall thickness should be as uniform as possible

and junctions between walls should blend smoothly. Figures 7
and 8 illustrate the complications of inconsistent wall
thicknesses.
Remember, during cavity fill, the super heated liquid
metal behaves like a hydraulic fluid and will follow the path
of least resistance.
Sharp corners should also be avoided because the metal
loses fluidity as the temperature drops and rounded or cham-
fered corners receive the semi-solid metal more easily than
sharp or square details. Some stylists will opine that this com-
promises the appearance; however, many times this can also
be accomplished by challenging the gate design.
As with any casting process, die casting needs appropri-
ate draft away from the parting planes. Therefore, many times
nominal dimensions are dimensioned plus or minus draft.
Reverse draft or undercuts must be minimized to avoid
secondary machining or moving die parts, both of which
adversely affect piece or tool costs. Specifics on this subject
will follow later in this chapter.
Each year Die Casting Engineer magazine publishes the
best casting design and is a good place to observe how close to
the edge of the cliff a product designer may walk when mar-
ried to a good die caster.
An extreme example that this writer will not forget
involved a zinc casting that required a 0.750 in. square hole
6 in. long with a dimensional tolerance of 0.004 in. from end
to end. This was accomplished with a moving core hydrauli-
cally pushed through the opening. Needless to say, the pro-
ductivity was low and the scream of the core broaching its
way through sounded like a police siren! The customer got
what they wanted and at the right price, and that is what
counts.
Heavy masses can cause voids. The rapid solidification
that occurs in high pressure die casting results in volumetric
shrinkage at high mass locations. The last place to solidify is
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 101404

Product Design 41

Figure 7

Figure 8

where shrink porosity can be expected, as seen in Fig. 7. One

plan to reduce mass with a metal saver is shown in Fig. 8.
Note that shrinkage porosity can be expected in the massive
detail.
Alignment of dimensional details is best achieved when
each detail is formed by the same die component. Remember
that a shift of 0.005 to 0.020 in. can be expected across the
parting plane or between a stationary and a moving die mem-
ber. Several methods to hold die shift to a minimum are cov-
ered elsewhere in the text. Concentric diameters can be cast
within alignment tolerances as close as modern machining
technology can hold them when they are on the same side of
the parting line, as described in Fig. 9. The concentricity
between diameters on opposite sides is subject to die shift
and thermal forces. A rule of thumb is to allow 0.0015 in.
total indicator reading (TIR) per inch of dimension plus a
factor that is a function of the projected area.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

42 Chapter 2

Figure 9

In the case of close dimensional tolerances that are

required across the parting plane, it is important to clearly
identify the base datum point so that it may be the master
locator for machining of dimensions on the other side.
If the objective of effective product design is compatibil-
ity between the function of the part and the manufacturing
process, a die cast component must exit the die as close to
the desired net shape as possible. This is called near net
shape and secondary manufacturing operations are required
to convert it to the net shape defined by the product
designer.
Avoid undercuts with a passion because this is the very
most economical strategy as far as both the piece part and
tooling are concerned. The goal is not to challenge the die
designer to execute inventive mechanisms that are possible
but not at all economical. Even the simplest core movement
in the die casting die costs at least $ 1,000!
Many times undercuts can be eliminated by a simple
change in the casting shape. An example of a design strategy
that really amounts to a slight addition to draft angles elim-
inates the undercut.
Such a potential undercut design consideration is
suggested in Fig. 10.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

Product Design 43

Figure 10

Geometric relationships affect freezing schedule is an

important concept for product designers to consider so that
casting quality and part function can be developed simulta-
neously. The volume of metal required to fill the part has long
been calculated by product designers and cost estimators, so
we will start with that.
The ratio of volume to surface area has a major effect
upon the degree of difficulty that is required to produce a par-
ticular component as a die casting. As this ratio is reduced,
the freezing schedule during cavity fill is reduced. This is
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

44 Chapter 2

why wall thickness is a critical design feature. Thinner walls

freeze faster than thick walls because the ratio of volume-to-
surface-area is greater. Many product designers and die
casters as well use a short cut by calculating the average wall
thickness to determine a factor to use in an equation to estab-
lish the degree of difficulty of a particular near net shape. It is
not at all difficult to do the full calculation and the short cut
sacrifices too much accuracy to recommend here.
This principle can be explained by comparing the pouring
of liquid metal into an ingot, as smelters do, to pouring it upon
the floor as sometimes occurs in a die casting plant. In the
ingot, the time to solidify is significant. When the same volume
of metal is poured on the floor where it can spread out, it soli-
difies almost instantly. Why is this? The answer, of course, is
that the ratio of volume-to-surface-area to is much greater in
the ingot than when the metal is poured on the floor.
The opportunities provided in a design for gate locations
also have a profound effect upon the productivity so it is logical
that a longer periphery or outline of the foot print of the die
cavity will provide more opportunities. If liquid metal can be
injected into several locations, it is possible for the die caster
to devise different fill strategies. This does not mean that more
gates make better castings, because just the reverse is true. It
simply means that more than one option may be explored.
The distance from the gate to the farthest extremity of the
casting also determines the compatibility of the near net shape
with the die casting process. Therefore long narrow shapes
should be gated across the shortest dimension, all other factors
being equal. Usually, if the distance exceeds 8 in. when alumi-
num is the casting alloy and 4 in. when zinc or magnesium
alloys are cast, premature solidification can be expected to
occur during cavity fill and cold shut or porosity will result.
Historical data can provide very valuable references with
relation to all of these items.
The shape of the component to be produced defines other
features that eventually will channel streams of high velocity
liquid metal and determine flow paths and direction as liquid
metal travels through the cavity. Details are established
where air entrapment may cause porosity in pockets that must
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 101404

Product Design 45

be back filled, or solder in deep cored holes, etc. Such may be

the case even though the shape describes a geometry within
the proportional limits discussed above, as shown in Fig. 11.
Conversely, a sharp edge is necessary at the parting line
to preclude feather edges in the die steels.
Since many assemblies require a square shape to fit into
a radiused corner in a die casting, a depressed radius is sug-
gested in Fig. 12 to allow a radius, that is easier to cast.
While these comments pertain to all casting alloys, they
are especially applicable to aluminum alloys that are die cast
at higher temperatures that involve higher thermal stresses
and are also extremely abrasive.
Each component should be identified, usually by part
number, so that it may be visually distinguished from other
similar parts in production and assembly. The location of this
identification must be clearly specified by the product
designer.
The exact specification of the casting alloy is critical
since it affects the cost as well as the production strategy.
If the weight or volume of metal required has been calcu-
lated, which is normally the case, it should be stated either

Figure 11
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 101404

46 Chapter 2

Figure 12

on hard copy or in the CAD files. Even though many three-

dimensional CAD systems are capable of this calculation, this
ability is not yet universal, and this information is necessary
for both cost and process calculations.
Since permanent steel dies are used in the die casting
process, draft is necessary in most cases to permit removal
of the casting from the dies cavities. This is especially true
of internal cores because of the volumetric shrinkage during
solidification. Proper draft specification requires the direction
of draft to define the maximum material condition.
Datum lines and points normally are the genesis of
the casting design and then become the basis for machining
location, gage points, and assembly relationships. It is
important to locate these datums in the same die half,
usually the ejector, to eliminate dimensional discrepancies
that occur across parting lines. It is best to cast the datums
so that no further consideration is necessary. Along this line,
major, minor, and critical dimensional tolerances need to be
specified.
Machining stock allowances must be noted and should be
designed at the minimum allowed by the dimensional toler-
ances, so that the smallest volume of material is removed
via machining.
The operating environment must be systematically
assessed to determine if the benefits of the high-pressure
die casting process will justify the costs.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 101404

Product Design 47

The temperature of the environment in which the part is

expected to operate can be a limiting factor. Aluminum, brass,
and magnesium, though considered low temperature alloys,
are capable of functioning in higher temperatures than lead
and zinc alloys.
It is important to define whether the heat is cyclical or
constant. If the maximum temperature occurs only briefly
as in some automotive power train components, an aluminum
or magnesium alloy will perform without incident. On the
other hand, if temperatures in excess of the solidus will be
constantly experienced, ferrous alloys must be used.
Both internal and external temperatures define the
actual temperature under which the component being
designed is expected to perform. It is possible that the exter-
nal temperature will be above that specified above, but that
the casting will carry either a liquid, air, or gas that is well
below the limit. In such a case, the performance heat require-
ment will be somewhere between the two. A thermal analysis,
either mathematical or finite element, is necessary to quan-
tify the numerical heat level.
Structural requirements must be calculated from the
expected loading and allowable deflection. Physical properties
of the various casting alloys available for die casting must
then be compared to the performance calculations. Flexure
formulae or finite element programs may be utilized for ana-
lysis of the following different loadings:

 Continuous loading may induce creep or stress corro-

sion cracking in some casting alloys.
 Intermittent loads describe peak stresses that deter-
mine the shape and mass of design in local regions
of the part.
 Cyclic tension and compression forces or successive
deflections introduce fatigue, which is another serious
load factor that has to be quantified and compared to
the physical property of the casting alloy.
 Impact force can cause gross distortion or even frac-
ture if it is not carefully calculated and resisted by
the product design.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 101404

48 Chapter 2

The common boundary between the part being designed

and other components presents a possible design advantage
that may reduce both casting and tooling costs and improve
reliability. It is therefore important to examine this opportu-
nity, but there are some issues to consider that may affect the
performance of the assembly:
 Dissimilar materials suggest special design strategy,
particularly at the points of attachment, if the ther-
mal coefficients vary enough to cause temperature
variance. There is also the potential for galvanic
action that will result in corrosion.
 Galvanic corrosion is an electrochemical reaction that
occurs at the interface of dissimilar metals of an elec-
trolyte. An electrolyte is a liquid that is capable of con-
ducting electricity.
 Galvanic corrosion deteriorates anodic metals, espe-
cially with a spread on the electromotive scale. The
product designer is wise to select metals for interfa-
cing parts that are more compatible. Features that
will trap moisture should be avoided to minimize the
presence of an electrolyte. A moisture proof barrier
is also suggested.
The severity of corrosion is a function of the relative posi-
tions of the metals in the electromotive series that follows:

Electromotive series
Anodic Magnesium
Beryllium Aluminum
Manganese Zinc
Chromium Iron
Cadmium Nickel
Tin Lead
Neutral Hydrogen Copper Mercury
Silver Palladium Platinum
Cathodic Gold

Fastening die casting components to mating parts is

achieved by various methods. Usually, threaded fasteners like
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Product Design 49

bolts, screws, and nuts are employed. Sometimes, it is possi-

ble to self-tap or thread a die cast detail, but this depends
upon the ductility of the casting alloy. Where more tensile
strength or bearing capability than the die cast alloy
provides is called for, inserts are either cast or pressed into
the casting.
It is sometimes possible to die cast external threads
when the parting line is parallel to the longitudinal axis of
the thread. In this case, it is customary to truncate the thread
so that the trim edge is flat rather than saw-toothed.
Limited use of crimping, staking, and adhesive bonding
is possible, but soldering is almost never utilized. In alumi-
num, it is possible to weld two castings together, but the
region of the weld must be free of porosity, a condition that
is not too predictable.
An attempt is made in Table 5 to quantify the envelope for
the most popular die casting alloys.
The weight limits are relative to the specific gravity of
each alloy. Thus, a 100 lb aluminum casting will be approxi-
mately 2. Three times the physical size of a zinc part.
Acceptable variation of specific dimensions of the die
casting from mean dimensions called for by the design
should be determined only by the fit and function require-
ments of the end product. It must be understood, however,
that tighter allowed tolerances call for more expensive tool-
ing, a higher degree of manufacturing difficulty, and higher
piece costs.
Table 6 outlines the limits that each casting alloy offers.
Normal commercial die casting production is accom-
plished at the most economical level and tolerances are
referred to as ‘‘standard.’’ If greater casting accuracy is neces-
sary, extra precision is required in die construction in addi-
tion to better control of the production process. Such
tolerances are called ‘‘precision.’’
Factors that influence dimensional deviation from the
design mean are mainly thermal in nature. The distance of
a particular detail from the shot center must be considered
because that is many times the hottest spot in the die. The
mass of the detail significantly affects linear tolerances by
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50 Chapter 2

Table 5 Limits of Various Casting Alloys

Casting alloy

Detail Aluminum Zinc Magnesium

Maximum weight 100 lb 100 lb 65 lb

Minimum wall thickness
Large castings 0.060 in. 0.030 in. 0.080 in.
Small castings 0.035 0.015 0.035
Minimum draft
Inside cores 0.035 in.=in. 0.017 in.=in. 0.025 in.=in.
Outside walls 0.017 0.008 0.012
Minimum diameter
For cored holes 0.094 in. 0.032 in. 0.094 in.

the degree that the temperature of the casting alloy at the end
of fill differs from the rest of the shape. The difference in die
surface temperatures immediately after ejection between die
halves has a definite bearing on dimensional deviation.
Of course, the variance in the die surface temperature
from the average over the foot print of the cavity may be cri-
tical. A die whose ejection temperature varies more than 20%
from the hottest to the coldest points cannot be expected to
hold the as cast tolerances described in the standard
(Tables 6 and 7). The deviation changes to less than 10% for
the precision tolerances.
Basic linear tolerances, in inches, where the dimension is
located within a single die component describe the lowest
degree of difficulty and are defined in Table 6.
With competition tightening constantly for both price and
quality across the whole gamut of original equipment manu-
facturer to sub-assembly supplier to a single die casting
machine, an effective product designer has to use extreme
caution in specifying only dimensional tolerances that are
absolutely necessary for the end product to function.
Tolerances of dimensions across the parting line are
another variation that must be considered and are stated as
‘‘plus’’ tolerances only because the die closed position defines
the lower limit of the tolerance because the dimensions
cannot get smaller. These tolerances are necessitated by the
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Product Design 51

Table 6 Commercial Tolerances

Die casting alloy

Length of dimension Zinc Aluminum Magnesium Copper

Basic linear tolerances

(standard)
Basic tolerance (up to  0.010  0.010  0.010  0.014
1 in.)
Additional tolerance  0.001  0.001  0.001  0.003
for each additional
in. over 1 in.
Basic linear tolerances
(precision)
Basic tolerance (up to  0.002  0.002  0.002  0.007
1 in.)
Additional tolerance  0.001  0.001  0.001  0.002
for each additional
inch over 1 in.

injection pressure during cavity fill, which forces the dies to

blow. They are a mathematical function—the product of the
projected area of each cavity times the injection pressure
applied to the liquid casting alloy at the plunger tip for either
hot or cold chamber operations.
Both standard and precision tolerances that are to be con-
sidered in addition to linear tolerances are given in Table 7.
Special die casting machines are able to hold tighter tol-
erances on very small or miniature castings. Artificial aging
of zinc castings usually contributes to tighter dimensional
control, especially where secondary machining is involved,
by accelerating the creep (growth) characteristic of this alloy.
Other dimensional tolerances are available in reference
texts, that cover moving die components, draft, flatness, cored
holes, cut threads, etc. (NADCA, 1994).
Machining stock must be provided for in cases that
require more accuracy than can be achieved by the die casting
operation alone. The term ‘‘near net shape’’ as opposed to ‘‘net
shape’’ is used to describe this condition. To avoid excessive
tool wear, a minimum of 0.010 in. is recommended and the
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52 Chapter 2

Table 7 Tolerances Across Parting Lines

Die casting alloy

Projected area of
single cavity Zinc Aluminum Magnesium Copper

Parting line tolerances (standard)

Up to 10 in.2 þ0.0045 þ0.0055 þ0.0055 þ0.008
11–20 in.2 þ0.005 þ0.0065 þ0.0065 þ0.009
21–50 in.2 þ0.006 þ0.0075 þ0.0075 þ0.010
51–100in.2 þ0.009 þ0.012 þ0.012 –
101–200 in.2 þ0.012 þ0.018 þ0.018 –
201–300 in.2 þ0.018 þ0.024 þ0.024 –
Parting line tolerances (precision)
Up to 10 in.2 þ0.003 þ0.0035 þ0.0035 þ0.006
11–20 in.2 þ0.0035 þ0.004 þ0.004 þ0.007
21–50 in.2 þ0.004 þ0.005 þ0.005 þ0.008
51–100 in.2 þ0.006 þ0.008 þ0.008 þ0.009
101–200 in.2 þ0.008 þ0.012 þ0.012 þ0.010
201–300 in.2 þ0.012 þ0.016 þ0.016 –

sum of this minimum, the casting dimensional tolerance plus

the machining tolerance, determines the total necessary
machining stock.
Remember that the best mechanical properties of a high
pressure die casting are found at or near the surface. There-
fore, any more than a minimum machining stock should be
avoided so the machining will only minimally penetrate the
less dense zone.
Draft allowance is necessary for all die cast surfaces that
are oriented perpendicular to the parting plane so that the
solidified casting may be ejected from the permanent steel die.
Draft is usually expressed as an angle, which varies with
the casting alloy depth of the surface and the type of surface.
As the depth of a feature increases, the draft requirement
decreases.
Twice as much draft is required for inside surfaces than
outside walls because the casting alloy reduces in volume
(shrinks) as it solidifies. This shrinkage causes the casting
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

Product Design 53

to adhere to the inside die components (usually located in the

ejector die) and allows it to pull away from outside cavity sur-
faces (usually located in the cover die).
It is common practice to specify draft in a general note
that is acceptable for the total net shape to be die cast, with
inside draft being the deciding factor. However, it is also quite
normal to define less draft for special details, but this design
decision should not be made arbitrarily. Mathematical formu-
lae have been developed that permit a product designer to
quantify draft allowances that will be compatible with the
die casting process.
If a shape is to be cast from an aluminum alloy and
the dimension above the parting line is 4 in., the draft in
inches D equals 4=30 or 0.013 in. The draft angle then
becomes 0.013=0.01746 or 0.76
. These calculations quantify
drafts that can be processed under commercial economic
conditions. Formulae that have been accepted by the indus-
try to calculate draft in inches and degrees are described,
Calculation for draft in inches: D ¼ L=C
Calculation for draft in degrees: A ¼ (D=L)=0.01746
where D ¼ draft in inches; L ¼ length of feature above or below parting
line; C ¼ constant, based upon type of feature and casting alloy; A ¼ draft
angle in degrees

Table 8 Values of Constant C

Alloy Inside wall Outside wall Total draft of
for dimension for dimension hole for dimension

Zinc 50 100 34
Aluminum 30 60 20
Magnesium 35 70 24
Copper 25 50 17

but these do not define the best possible result. Precision draft
tolerance is approximately 85% of that calculated by the
above formulae, but the reference text should be followed
for exact calculations (NADCA, 1994).
The severe competition between die casting and other
processes such as plastic injection molding and constantly
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

54 Chapter 2

diminishing labor costs are the driving forces behind the

increasing complexity in product designs. It is not uncommon
for a new model to require a die casting that is a combination
of four or five separate parts that were acceptable on the
model that it replaces.
This leads to more challenges for the die casting process.
Wall thicknesses that are not uniform present a varying sur-
face-area-to-volume ratio, and when details get excessively
thin or disproportionately massive, casting defects are
invited.
Sometimes, just the sheer size of a casting becomes a pro-
blem to solve because the distance that the liquid casting alloy
must travel between the gate orifice where it enters the die
cavity to the farthest extremity is very long (greater than
12 in.). It is this writer’s experience that casting alloys devel-
oped for high pressure die casting cannot travel much more
than this before the percent of solidification exceeds 15%,
which announces poor fill, cold shut, and nuclei for gas poros-
ity. Large automotive aluminum transmission cases are an
example. In this sense, the die casting process can be consid-
ered size sensitive.
Complex core arrangements provide obstructions that
introduce metal splashing and excessive turbulence within
the die cavity during cavity fill.
Another common conflict involves cored holes around the
periphery of a near net shape to be die cast. These cored holes
are designed as bolt holes to provide convenient assembly to
the mating part. Since they are located very close to the edge
of the part, they are adjacent to a desirable gate location.
Gates located here direct metal streams that will collide with
such cores in the die cavity at super fast speeds exceeding
1200 in. per second. The turbulence thus created will
disorganize orderly cavity fill to the detriment of the
structural integrity of the casting.
In addition, the collision of super heated metal traveling
so fast will cause aluminum alloys to solder onto the cores
that are in the way and they will break too soon. Therefore,
die casters instinctively avoid gates that are too close to cores.
In doing so, casting quality is compromised. Usually the
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

Product Design 55

product designer is not even aware of it because the

mechanics of assembly are considered so sacred that they
are not normally challenged. This scenario could be avoided
by designing the casting die at the same time as the near
net shape.
It is important to remember, though, that if these
conditions are quantified or mathematically defined, they
may be analyzed for predictable results. Many times it is pos-
sible to overcome such interruptions without affecting the
part design by incorporating transfer bridges that act as
internal runners.
Many times a die casting is referred to as a geometrical
shape, and each shape family calls for its own unique fill
strategy.
The flat plate is easy to fill, but then there are not many
flat plates to be die cast. This is a very simple shape to die cast
unless a tight flatness tolerance is specified.
The box shape must be dealt with carefully because the
liquid metal streams will travel in a straight path if there
are no obstructions. However, the walls nearest the gate will
see the best quality at the expense of the far side. This
depends, of course, upon the distance that the casting alloy
must travel during cavity fill, as shown in Fig. 13.
The hat shape is difficult to fill because the metal stream
tends to run around and fill the vertical side walls before the

Figure 13
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56 Chapter 2

top is back filled with no place to vent out air that then becomes
entrapped. The flow vectors in Fig. 14 illustrate this.
The cylinder presents another set of challenges since the
inside diameter is usually formed with a long minimum draft
core. This shape can be cast in the lay down position or stand-
ing up in the die.
The boomerang shape sometimes presents an uneven pro-
jected area and it is difficult for the die casting machine to hold
the die halves together. The real significance of this shape is
that it calls for gate locations on the inside edge where the
metal streams may diverge to fill more of the cavity by fanning
out. If the outside is gated, the metal streams converge upon a
central location for very solid fill at the expense of the rest of
the shape. The flow vectors are shown in Figs. 15 and 16.
A particular advantage of the die casting process is that
intricate coring of holes, slots, or any depressed detail is easily
accomplished. There is an additional tooling cost which can be

Figure 14
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

Product Design 57

Figure 15

amortized over a large quantity of parts. Thus it is possible to

cast a near net shape which many times is the economic jus-
tification for die casting a part.
There are some rules that relate to the slenderness ratio
(length=diameter) of steel cores in the die that, if followed, can
minimize mechanical production problems. This is also a
function of the behavior of the casting alloy as illustrated in
Table 9.
Interlocking cores may be used in extreme situations and
can be practical but it must be understood that more heroic die
maintenance is called for as well as extra careful production

Figure 16
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58 Chapter 2

Table 9 Slenderness Ratios for Cores to Minutes Replacement

Diameter of cored hole in inches
1=8 5=32 3=16 1=4 3=8 1=2 5=8 3=4 1

Maximum depth in inches

Alloy
Zinc 3=8 9=16 3=4 1 1 1=2 2 1 1=8 4 1=2 6
Aluminum 5=16 1=2 5=8 1 1 1=2 2 1 1=8 4 1=2 6
Magnesium 5=16 1=2 5=8 1 1 1=2 2 1 1=8 4 1=2 6
Brass 1=2 1 1 1=4 2 3 1=2 5

techniques. Remember that one of the interlocking cores must

pull out before the other can move, usually by the dies opening.
Otherwise, the weakest core will break to generate
downtime to replace the broken die component. Eventually such
a condition will increase costs when all parties recognize it.
A typical interlocking core arrangement is described
here. In this example, the movable core is mounted in the
ejector die and must be pulled out along its center line before
the die can be opened. Such cores eliminate the cost of second-
ary machining but tend to slow down the casting cycle. Thin
flash, especially where aluminum alloys are cast, builds up
between the movable core and the way that it must move
in, since liquid metal is injected adjacent to the core and the
way in. Fig. 17 details this condition
Submarine cores are required by holes that are parallel
to the parting plane but are offset. Similar die maintenance
to the interlocking core is required in this case, since the core
must be pulled before the dies can be opened and thin flash
tends to build up around the core. Many times, it is impossible
to remove this flash without forcing the core out of its mount
because it moves in an opening that lies below (submerged)
the parting plane.
An insert is a component, usually manufactured from a
material that displays different properties than the casting
alloy. It is not produced in the same die casting cycle, but
sometimes may be another die casting. Design requirements,
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

Product Design 59

Figure 17

in addition to performance, are that the insert be cast firmly

in place with no subsequent movement. Usually the casting
alloy shrinks onto the insert to achieve this objective.
There are several reasons for incorporating inserts into a
die casting. Inserts are used as fasteners to mating parts to
eliminate separate bolts, pins, screws, or welds. Inserts
impart properties that are not inherent to the casting alloy
like hardness, mechanical strength, abrasion and corrosion
resistance, resiliency (i.e., spring), and magnetism, to name
a few advantages.
Power can be transferred through a hardened steel insert
cast in place such as a thread or gear.
Ribs are structural features that are used by the astute
product designer to increase tensile strength and stiffness,
control warpage, and to act as sinks to dissipate excess
heat. Ribs also act as feeders to facilitate the flow of liquid
metal streams into remote zones of the casting during
cavity fill.
Figure 18 illustrates how ribbing can be useful in con-
trolling warpage caused by uneven thermal conditions that
occur during the casting process. This is typical of large flat
areas. Sometimes warpage can be predicted prior to making
the first shot from a new die. There are distortion computer
models available to make complicated calculations. However,
usually warpage is corrected after actual casting experience
with a particular net shape.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

60 Chapter 2

Figure 18

Heavy walls may be lightened considerably and at the

same time increased in strength by the addition of ribs. Thin
ribs are sometimes composed totally of the dense metal at the
surface and are free of porosity.
Die blow is a condition that cannot be avoided because
the high injection pressure that generates it is essential to
the casting process. Under normal pressure, which translates
to approximately 5000 psi over the projected area of the
cast shot, the die halves are forced apart by a distance of
0.01 in., which is considered reasonable. Of course, under
unusual circumstances such as insufficient locking force, the
separation between the die faces is more.
This movement, described in Fig. 19, also occurs in the
case of core pulls normal to the die parting plane; dimensional
changes of similar amounts must be expected.
Parting line flash develops as a result of die blow and
must be removed from the as cast part to comply with the pro-
duct design. Hydraulic or mechanical trim dies are employed
to perform this operation. Fig. 20 describes a typical part trim
scenario.
Though it is referred to as trimming and is sometimes
accomplished by shear action, this operation is really punch-
ing where the product is supported by a steel die, and the
punch travels through the flash plane. Sometimes the action
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

Product Design 61

Figure 19

is the reverse in that the part is punched, as in the case of

drop through dies. It is important that the product design
allows enough space for sufficient follow through of the trim
cutters.
The contour to be trimmed can impact both tooling and
production costs, so the more simple it can be the better. A
typical simplification of a complicated parting line configura-
tion is illustrated in Fig. 21.
Lettering or any form of artwork can be cast on the sur-
face of a die casting. The lettering may be raised or depressed.
Raised lettering is the most economical since the figure can be
cut directly into the die steel while depressed letters must be
left standing on the cavity surface while the material around
it must be removed.
Sometimes, because of fit with a mating component,
raised letters are not acceptable. In this case, the lettering
is raised but within a depressed pad to satisfy the fit require-
ment and also minimize tooling cost.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

62 Chapter 2

Figure 20

A minimum width of the top surface of each letter of

0.01 in. is recommended plus 10
draft per side all around.
The height of each character must be equal to or less than
the top width.
Several design formats are regularly used to convey gra-
phical information between the die caster and the product
designer. Hard copy paper drawings are still popular and can
be universally used by all die casting engineers and tool makers.
Electronic files that are computer generated by several
computer-aided design programs are also used extensively
in the die casting industry. Some of the programs used are
Pro EngineerÕ , Auto CadÕ , Cad KeyÕ , and many others too
numerous to mention here. Such files are exported in the
IGES (International Graphics Exchange System) format
that can be universally read and imported into any CAD
system.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 101404

Product Design 63

Figure 21

These files can be either two- or three-dimensional. Most

die casting firms have CAD skills and knowledge and tool
makers are even more sophisticated in this regard.
The economic dimensions of the die cast component are
critical to the design procedure. It helps to know that 65%
of the cost is in the casting alloy, 20% is in manufacturing
labor and burden, 5% in melting energy, and 10% in selling,
and general administrative expenses.
The largest cost element, metal, is sold by the pound,
usually based upon the applicable metal market price, but
consumed by volume. Therefore, it is worth considerable
investment in design time and talent to thoroughly analyze
the volume of metal required by the design. Care must be
taken, however, to monitor the ratio of volume-to-surface-
area after each design move so that reasonable quality can
be expected in production quantities.
Tooling cost is amortized in one way or another over the
quantity of parts that are expected to be produced during the
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

64 Chapter 2

design life of the part. Since tooling for die casting is manufac-
tured from special steels and intricate shapes are involved, its
cost is usually a major economic factor. Therefore, the antici-
pated volume of consumption has a serious impact upon the
economic decisions.
The degree of difficulty to produce the net shape that the
product designer creates is a critical economic ingredient.
There are so many tooling cost-cutting measures that it is
not practical to cover them here. It should be noted, however,
that almost every one introduces a disadvantage in produc-
tion. Some are acceptable if the anticipated volume does not
justify more robust tooling.
This subject is covered in some detail in chapter 12 on
mechanical die design where the cost to performance is
compared.
Three-dimensional models that eliminate the need for
paper designs are also frequently used and are an excellent
method for communicating with the die casting industry.
Product design is the main medium of communication
between the final product function and appearance and the
manufacturing process. The typical designer is not an
experienced die caster and, while an attempt is made here
to explain the most essential characteristics, it is not possible
to discuss all of the diverse skills and knowledge that the pro-
fessional die caster has acquired.
Therefore, ideally the die caster that will actually pro-
duce the product is selected early so the project engineer
may enter the product design procedure almost as a technical
partner. It is at this stage when many positive suggestions
might be incorporated into the product design. This is not
usually the case, however, because the bidding process to find
the lowest piece price and tool cost does not take place until
the product has been designed. However, what does fre-
quently occur is that certain die casters specialize in particu-
lar products and become more intimate with the technical
and business culture of their customers. Some examples are
automotive power train parts like valve bodies and transmis-
sion cases, computer components, hardware finish cosmetic
requirements, etc.
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Product Design 65

Short of simultaneous design of both the product and

the die casting die, full and complete information should
be provided to the die caster. Some suggestions are offered
here:
Identify all locations where secondary machining is
expected, with finished dimension and tolerance, so that
necessary machining stock may be provided.
Indicate clearly plus = minus dimensional tolerances
required in the net shape to be die cast.
Specify direction and maximum permissible draft on all
wall sections that will satisfy fit and function of the finished
product.
Define any special requirements that may not be usually
considered in commercial standards, some of which follow:

 Leakage resistance and the leaking medium of air, gas,

water, oil, etc.
 Pressure (high or low) other than atmospheric.
 Locations that must be free of porosity.
 Locations that must be free of surface marks from ejec-
tor pins, parting line flash, etc.
 Isolated flatness requirement and tolerance allowed.
 Cosmetic surfaces and ultimate finish to be applied.
 Location and nature of strength requirements and their
nature: bending, torsion, twisting, tension, hardness, etc.
 Location of surfaces that are exposed to corrosion like
sea water, humidity, contact with fumes, chemicals, foods,
etc.

The effective product design phase precedes the tooling

and production operations by enough time to somewhat dis-
tance the product designer from manufacturing, so a general
summary of this chapter is listed below:
 Casting alloy selection affects the function of the
product and the liquid metal flow during cavity fill.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

66 Chapter 2

 The parting line is established by the design of the

foot print of the part. Cost and quality are a direct
function of the configuration.
 Provide minimum wall thickness consistent with ade-
quate strength and stiffness requirements.
 Keep uniform wall thicknesses.
 Maintain an acceptable ratio of volume-to-surface-
area to address cavity fill requirement.
 Design shallow ribbing to minimize distortion on
large flat surfaces.
 Avoid cored holes parallel to the parting line that are
not on the parting line.
 Avoid undercuts.
 Allow adequate draft.
 Be cautious about passages that require interlocking
cores.
 Balance the cost of casting difficult details against
producing them by secondary operations.
 Core out metal savers wherever possible to minimize
massive details.
 Provide adequate space between cored holes to accept
the most robust die design.
 Conform to slenderness ratio specifications for long
cored holes.
 Try to keep cored holes either perpendicular or paral-
lel to the parting plane.
 Utilize ribbing to reduce the incidence of stresses that
are expected during solidification.
 Provide adequate draft.
 Specify uniform radii and fillets to break sharp cor-
ners which reduce die life and increase tool cost.
 Be careful with deep projections that trap air and
may obstruct flow of the casting alloy.
 Consider the use of an insert to be cast into the part
where properties different than the casting alloy are
necessary.
 Specify raised lettering for tool economy.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch02 R3 092904

Product Design 67

 Provide more tolerance on dimensions across the

parting line.
 Estimate the cost of producing a complex shape as a
group of separate parts and also as one part so that
total manufacturing costs may be compared.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch03 R3 101504

3
The Die Casting Machine

The history of the die casting machine takes us back to the

time of the great American gold rush of 1849, following
the discovery of the treasured yellow ore at Sutter’s Mill,
California. Thousands of pioneers called ‘‘Forty-Niners’’ went
west to dig, pan, scrape, and scramble in search of the elusive
precious metal.
A continent and an ocean away, another pioneer, named
Sturgiss, began the rush for a more common metal . . . yes,
this started the ‘‘lead rush.’’ In the same year, 1849, Sturgiss
patented the first die casting machine, except it was called the
‘‘lead kettle,’’ designed to cast printer’s type.
For centuries alchemists had tried in vain to change lead
into gold through mysterious and esoteric, and even occult
procedures. The proper formula always evaded them. But
with the introduction of the Sturgiss machine, illustrated in
schematic in Fig. 1, the value of lead was greatly increased
without any change in its atomic structure. This machine
made casting of liquid metals quick, efficient, economical,
and repeatable. The ‘‘golden age’’ of die casting had
begun!
69
 5935-4 Andresen Ch03 R3 101504

70 Chapter 3

Figure 1

Though you may not realize it, the Sturgiss die casting
machine is identical in its function to modern machines.
If you look closely, it is the forerunner of the hot-chamber pro-
cess. However, there is an enormous difference between the
‘‘lead kettle of 1849’’ and one of today’s automated wonders.
The early die casters had no respect for the limitations of
their machines, much like their modern counterparts of
today. If a certain task could not be performed, they modified
the machine until it could. This was not aimless tinkering,
but continuous and steady improvement to allow the casting
of larger and more complex shapes.
Some changes were minor, as in the improvement
described in Fig. 2, but still worthy of being patented. Metal
was poured into the plunger cylinder through a port (not
shown). The liquid metal was forced out through the nozzle
and into the die by a sharp blow on the wooden knob. Then
spring pressure returned the plunger to its upward position.
By 1877, C. and B.H. Dusenbury had invented a
machine similar to the Sturgiss machine, but different
 5935-4 Andresen Ch03 R3 101504

Die Casting Machine 71

Figure 2

enough to qualify for a patent. This machine was designed

with a hollow plunger containing a valve which allowed the
liquid metal to flow from the upper to the lower chamber.
Rather than a sprue cutoff valve, the Dusenburys utilized
a movable die that was held against the nozzle until
the cavity was filled, and then moved away to break the shot
off from the sprue.
The casting of printing type was almost the only applica-
tion for die casting for a couple of decades after the introduc-
tion of the Sturgiss machine, but by 1870, a small machine
that was capable of casting other small shapes was in opera-
tion. Die casting progressed to the production of parts for cash
registers and phonographs.
The casting alloys used were of lead and tin because
of their low melting points and fluidity. However, the
applications were limited since both metals are soft and
neither is strong. Furthermore, tin was and still is expensive,
 5935-4 Andresen Ch03 R3 101504

72 Chapter 3

but the consumption of these alloys continued until about

1920.
During this time, the automobile came on the scene nd by
1904, the H.H. Franklin Company was die asting bearings for
connecting rods. In that year, the automobile industry
replaced the printing industry as the primary user of die
castings, position it has held ever since.
The development of die casting machines has paralleled
the consumption of die cast parts since 1904. Since that time,
die casting machines have evolved from a primarily manual
operation, through various stages of power operation, to some
very sophisticated automation.
Aluminum was also being cast for the first time around
the early 1900s, and this lead to significant changes in die
casting machine design. The melting point of aluminum is
high compared to lead, tin, or even zinc. In the die casting
operation, molten aluminum corroded the iron and steel
parts of the machines that caused a high mortality rate.
The castings produced were also contaminated with
iron inclusions. It was concluded that the machine plunger
could not remain in direct contact with this alloy during
injection.
This stimulated the invention of the gooseneck in 1907 by
Van Wagner as described in Fig. 3. Van Wagner’s design used
air pressure rather than a plunger to inject the liquid alumi-
num into the die. The gooseneck was fixed and was filled by
hand ladling through its nozzle outlet. Once the gooseneck
was filled, the die was rotated 90
and locked in place over
the nozzle. The air pressure was then applied through the
air line, forcing the liquid aluminum up the gooseneck and
into the die cavity.
Later gooseneck machines were usually arranged like
the schematic illustrated in Fig. 4, where the gooseneck is
immersed into the molten metal and if filled, it raised up to
the die before it is pressurized. The die is then filled in the
horizontal direction.
Gooseneck machines operate at rather low pressures
and have large iron surfaces in contact with the molten
aluminum. This process has therefore given way to cold-
 5935-4 Andresen Ch03 R3 101504

Die Casting Machine 73

Figure 3

chamber machines where liquid aluminum is ladled into the

cold chamber (shot sleeve). This did not occur until the
1930s and their use has increased steadily until today.
Entering the modern era, two types of die casting
machines emerged — the cold chambered and the hot cham-
bered. The main difference is in the way the molten metal
is delivered to the metal feed system of the die.
Hot-chambered machines are primarily used with alloys
of low melting points (less than 800
F) like zinc, lead, tin, etc.
However, the hot-chambered machine is also widely used to
 5935-4 Andresen Ch03 R3 101504

74 Chapter 3

Figure 4

cast the magnesium alloys at 1200
F since is does not have an

affinity to dissolve iron. Cold-chambered machines are used
with higher melting point metals like aluminum and brass.
The hot-chambered type is much more efficient in that
the superheated metal is forced hydraulically into the die
where the cold-chambered process requires ladling of the
casting alloy from the holding furnace into the pour hole of
the cold chamber. Of course, automatic ladling mechanisms
have been in common use since the 1960s, but the procedure
still adds time to each casting cycle. Also, it is not difficult to
observe hand ladling over a broad portion of the industry.
Even though this additional handling of the alloy
expends time, the more technical objection to ladling is the
thermal compromise that occurs when the column of liquid
metal is poured in air. Heat is lost so the melt of metal must
be held usually at approximately 50
F above the desired
injection temperature. In addition to heat loss, oxides are also
introduced into the casting alloy just before it enters the die
impression to form the casting.
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Die Casting Machine 75

The reaction of the high temperature casting alloys upon the

materials of the shot system mentioned above is the reason for
development of the cold-chambered process. Yes, inert materials
like ceramics have been experimented with, but not successfully.
The early die casters made their own machines. It was not
until the Soss Manufacturing Company placed its machines on
the market in the early 1900s that die casting machines became
commercially available. The Soss machine had a patented
sleeve-mounting system that advanced the art of die casting,
but it is best remembered for being the catalyst that helped
the fledging industry to take wing. Undoubtedly, the availability
of workable die casting machines, at a time when die casters
jealously guarded their developments, helped to attract more
custom and captive shops to the die casting process.
Perhaps the first automatic die casting machine mar-
keted in the United States was introduced by Madison-Kipp
Corporation in 1928. This hot-chambered zinc machine had
a 10 by 14 in. spacing between guide bars. In 1930, the com-
pany offered more advanced units that included one model
with a 12 by 16 in. guide bar spacing.
Cold-chambered attachments for the machines were
available by 1932, so die casters could die cast aluminum
and brass. In late 1931, Kipp engineers were working with
Dow personnel on the development of a sulfur dioxide dispen-
sing device and metal pot cover that could be used in die
casting magnesium . . . probably the first magnesium die
castings produced in North America!
Another, less widely used configuration of die casting
machinery is the vertical, as opposed to horizontal machine.
It was developed in the 1960’s to reduce the potential for
air entrapment in the metal feed system. Figure 5 shows a
schematic of the vertical machine. The short plunger is verti-
cal, rather than horizontal and travels up to the dies.
Figure 6 compares the tendency to encapsulate the air in
the shot sleeve into the liquid casting alloy via the usual hor-
izontal cold chamber method to the vertical strategy, in which
the air is injected into the cavity ahead of the liquid metal
stream. This concept is covered in detail in chapter 7 where
the metal feed system is discussed.
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76 Chapter 3

Figure 5

Figure 6
 5935-4 Andresen Ch03 R3 101504

Die Casting Machine 77

Figure 7 Key components are numbered and identified in Table 1.

Table 1 Key components

Item No. Description of component

1 Heat exchanger (sometimes referred to as after cooler)

2 Main motor
3 Electrical cabinet
4 Die lock cylinder
5 Die lock accumulator (piston type illustrated)
6 Safety latch mechanism
7 Tie bar nuts
8 Access cover to reservoir (typical)
9 Linkage guard
10 Safety gate
11 Operator’s control station
12 Observation window
13 Tie bar nuts
14 Cold chamber (sometimes referred to as shot sleeve)
15 Plunger tip
16 Shot arm
17 Shot nitrogen accumulator
18 Jacking mechanism to change shot end positions (center or below)
19 Shot cylinder
20 Shot accumulator (piston type)
21 ‘‘C’’ frame that supports shot end
22 Shot stroke adjustment
23 Shot speed control
24 Hydraulic return line
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78 Chapter 3

In the vertical system, venting of the air introduced into

the cavity is more critical. Vacuum is usually used to reduce
the volume of air in the cavity during cavity fill.
The logic of the vertical injection strategy is so obvious
that one would think it would be in almost universal use,
given the quality problems with gas porosity. However, only
a very few die casting firms have embraced this concept with
good success. Since vertical cold chamber die casting is not
widely used, it is mentioned here to recognize its technical,
if not commercial potential.

Figure 8

Table 2 Key Components

Item No. Description of component

1 Pumps
2 Suction valve
3 Circulating pump and filter
4 Adjustable platen
5 Helper side safety guard
6 Heat exchanger
7 Moving (ejector) platen
8 Cross head
9 Stationary (cover) platen
10 Shot cylinder
11 Cross head guide rods
12 Mechanical locking linkage
13 Cover die
14 Ejector die
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The modern die casting machine is schematically

illustrated in Fig. 7 in the cold-chambered configuration.
Most die casting machines have the same components.
Platens, tie bars, ejection systems, and accumulators, to name
a few. Most are powered by electric motors, though a few are
still air driven. Another schematic view follows (Fig. 8) that
describes other important machine components (Table 2).
The major components will be discussed here in detail so
that their functions are made clear.
The basic structural component, the machine base which
supports both stationary and moving parts is shown in Fig. 9.
Great care must be taken when setting the base because it
must be absolutely level to keep the machine from twisting
or moving (walking). Most installers use laser transits to level
the base within 0.003 in. (0.075 mm). The base has to be firmly
fastened to the concrete platform to preclude any detectable
movement of the machine base during operation.
The base serves several functions. It is the frame upon
which the whole machine rests. The moving (traveling,
ejector) platen and the rear (adjustable) platen are sat upon,
but not fastened to the base platform. The stationary (cover,
front) platen is fastened to the base. The base can also serve
as the hydraulic reservoir as a portion of the clamp end of

Figure 9
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80 Chapter 3

the base is enclosed to form a tank to contain the hydraulic

fluid. The base has to have enough strength to not only with-
stand the weight of the platens, but should not twist or flex
under the high pressures that occur during the cycling of
the machine. Twisting or flexing can damage the machine
or the die.
The heavy steel fabrication:
 Is a platform for other components;
 Must be strong to avoid bending;
 Must be rigid to avoid twisting.

The platens are also structural components in the form of

three large plates of machined steel that support the machine
loads and the dies. The stationary platen is attached directly
to the base while the ejector platen and the adjustable platen
have freedom of movement (slide front to rear, not side to
side) upon the base. Figure 10 high lights the platens.
The stationary platen is located at the ‘‘shot’’ or ‘‘injec-
tion’’ end of the machine. This platen holds the cover portion
of the die within the ‘‘die height’’ space. The shot system is
mounted on the other side of this platen.
The movable (traveling, ejector) platen is located in the
middle of the machine. The ejector portion of the die is
mounted within the ‘‘die height’’ space. The die ejection

Figure 10
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Die Casting Machine 81

system is mounted on the other side, along with the toggle link-
age that performs as the mechanical clamp. This platen is
usually supported by an adjustable shoe to ensure alignment.
The rear (adjustable) platen is mounted at the rear or
clamp end of the machine. The toggle linkage system is
mounted to the inside surface of this platen, and the hydraulic
closing cylinder and the die height adjustment system are
located on the outside surface. This platen is also supported
by a shoe that allows back and forth movement on the base.
The movable and the adjustable platens move with every
cycle or ‘‘shot.’’ The moving or ejector platen slides back and
forth to open and close the die. The adjustable platen slides
just a small distance as the tie bars stretch while the dies
are closed. The adjustable and ejector platens will move dur-
ing ‘‘die height’’ adjustment. This adjustment raises or lowers
the force the die halves generate upon closing.
Perhaps the most important maintenance required on
the cover and ejector platens is to keep them clean to ensure
that they are parallel and that a good transfer of heat can be
expected between the dies and the platens.
T-slots or tapped holes are incorporated into the die
mounting platen surfaces so that the dies may be clamped
into operating position. Cleaning during every die change is
also important to keep them from being damaged. Figure 11
describes a T-slot arrangement in the cover or stationary
platen and the relationship to the cold chamber that is set
from the ‘‘die height’’ space between the platens.
Safety concerns regarding platens are for burns and
crushing of human extremities. Both platens may become
hot enough to burn during operation, especially the station-
ary platen on a hot-chamber machine. Also, by their very
nature, the platens may become a snag or strike hazard. Be
sure that all safety barriers are in place and safety locks
are working at all times when the machine is under power.
Tie bars orient and position the platens. Most machines
have four, but some have three, and one machine manufac-
turer, Lester Machine, replaced the tie bars with a solid
frame. Although no longer manufactured, many of these
machines are in operation.
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82 Chapter 3

Figure 11

Tie bars are highlighted in Fig. 12 to conceptually show

their relationship to the rest of the machine. The moving pla-
ten slides along the tie bars during the opening and closing
cycles. The size and strength determine the locking capacity
of the machine. The size is also specified by this locking force.
These tie bars are utilized in machines that produce a wide

Figure 12
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Die Casting Machine 83

range of castings from a few ounces to more than 80 pounds.

Of course, the size of the tie bars is proportionate to the
locking force.
The locking capacity for each tie bar is determined by the
strain or stretch that it experiences during cavity fill when
the full operating pressure is applied upon the liquid metal.
A chart is included in Fig. 13 that relates tie bar strain to
clamping force for an individual tie bar.
An important datum for the die designer is the center of
inertia of the projected area of the total shot including
cavity, runner, and overflows. This point should be located
as close as possible to the center of the tie bar pattern so
that the shot pressure will be evenly distributed. Then, the
clamping force required from each tie bar will be equal, or
close to it.

Figure 13
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84 Chapter 3

Sometimes it becomes necessary to deviate from the con-

ventional wisdom of horizontal and vertical symmetry to
properly balance the die.
In Fig. 14, a poorly laid out die exceeds the locking cap-
ability of the machine because one of the tie bars must hold
too much of the force, while the other three are only required
to supply a fraction of their design strength. In this case, the
die must be operated in a larger, more expensive machine or
risk breakage of the tie bar if the smaller machine is used.
The die layout can be designed to accommodate the shape of
the shot, but the first decision is made more often than not
in actual practice. Note that, even though the die requires
only 515 tons of locking force, an 800 ton machine is too small.
When one tie bar is taxed by an unbalanced condition, it
usually breaks in front of the threads at the stationary platen,

Figure 14
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Die Casting Machine 85

or the threads are stripped. Figure 15 describes one solution

to the problem. It is unique because the straight edges of the
cavity are rotated at an angle. Although CAD technology and
CNC machining will offset additional cost, such a design could
increase the cost of constructing the die, but this additional
cost is small compared to the production costs that will
be incurred later. The problem is that each decision is not
normally made at the same time so a clear cost comparison
becomes blurred.
The toggle linkage system opens and closes the die halves
since it is connected to the adjusted and movable platens. This
mechanism may look different on various manufactured
machines but still serves the same function. All are designed
as a levering mechanism to gain a mechanical advantage.
This reduces the requirement and size of the die
closing cylinder to still be able to close with very high force.

Figure 15
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86 Chapter 3

A schematic is offered in Fig. 16 that offers an opportunity to

study the toggle linkage.
Die height adjustment is accomplished two ways. The
simplest method is tightening or loosening the tie bar nuts

Figure 16
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Die Casting Machine 87

on the rear platen. Remember, tightening the nut stretches

the tie bar, which increases the locking force that can be
applied by that bar to hold the die halves closed. When this
adjustment is done by hand, the strain (stretch) on each tie
bar should be measured to ensure equal tension on the lock-
ing system. Even though everyone knows that this should
be done, the measuring part is too often skipped.
The danger here is that, as the toggles and locking sys-
tem wear, the tendency is to gradually force the platens out
of line so that they are not closely parallel to each other. Thus,
this is a very delicate part of each die setup.
Motorized die height adjustment is automatic if no tin-
kering is involved and usually includes strain gages that
are built into the rear end of each tie bar. If this system is
properly maintained and the platens stay square, improved
internal and dimensional quality will result. A typical
motorized system is described here.
There are some serious problems that occur from poorly
adjusted tension on the tie bars that occur gradually over
several thousand cycles. Because they take place
gradually, these problems generate quality problems that
are sometimes difficult to diagnose because of their insidious
nature. First, the platens of the machine are forced out of
square so that they do not close the die halves equally. Of
course, the next thing that occurs is the die halves are
forced out of square and then they will only run properly in
the distorted machine. This is where the human equation
comes in — human nature in the person of set up foremen,
set up crews, machine operators, or plant management
influence the scheduler to only match the die with the
single machine. This then creates down-time at other,
better machines and eventually adversely affects the bottom
line.
The ultimate fix comes when the machine wears to the
point that it must be rebuilt, which includes remachining of
the out-of-square platens so that they again close properly,
even though they are now thinner because of the stock
that has been removed. The final blow comes when the dis-
torted die will no longer run effectively after the expensive
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rebuilding. This chain reaction is exasperating to manage-

ment and contributes to the reputation that the die casting
process is unpredictable.
Obviously, the best strategy is to prevent this alignment
disaster from occurring in the first place. The automatic or
motorized die height feature is an accessory available from
all machine manufacturers at added cost. It should be easy
for the reader to see that the added cost here can prevent
expensive fixes as the machine wears.
This feature is not fool proof and is subject to wear of the
moving parts and normal abuse at the die casting plant. It is
important to keep it maintained and not to merely disconnect
it since it is not essential to the process.
A common motorized die height device is described in
Fig. 17 and Table 3.
Power is generated by electric motors and valves that
convert hydraulic fluid into energy. Some machines have only
one motor; larger machines have several with varying horse-
power depending on the task they must power. The electric
motors operate at a high voltage, usually in the 440=480
range. Therefore, the area around the control panel and the
motor should be kept as clean and dry as possible to avoid
an electric shock hazard.
All machines have at least two hydraulic pumps, a
high pressure=low volume and a low pressure=high volume
configuration. The coupling between the pump and the motor
has to be guarded, with frequent inspections since this is an
especially vulnerable area.
Solenoid valves are used to control the volume and
direction of the flow of hydraulic fluid. A solenoid is an eletromag-
net that shifts a metal core. Solenoid valves can be very small
(less than a couple of pounds), or they can be very large, weighing
close to 100 pounds. Usually, they are very sturdy but should not
be used as steps or for supports for tools, etc. The solenoid valve
determines the direction of movement and the flow control valve
determines the velocity of that movement.
Selection is accomplished by the position of the spool in
an operating valve assembly, which either provides an orifice
for hydraulic fluid or seals it off. A simple cross-section
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Die Casting Machine 89

Figure 17

Table 3 Key Components

Item No. Description of Component

1 Tie bar position

2 Hydraulic motor
3 Worm gear assembly
4 Universal joint
5 Drive shaft
6 Drive chain
7 Sprocket
8 Die height nut assembly
9 Protective cover
 5935-4 Andresen Ch03 R3 101504

90 Chapter 3

through a solenoid is illustrated in Fig. 18 to describe the

opening of one port and the closing of two others.
With the spool in the position shown, ports A and C are
sealed off, but port B is open. Therefore, flow will be directed
to that system. Thus, the task of directing the movement of
flow of the hydraulic fluid is satisfied. All of the parts of the
solenoid are precisely machined to close tolerances and the
movement is akin to the works of a Swiss watch. The
electromagnets are sealed off from the hydraulic fluid, so
are immune from any minute solids contained in the fluid,
but the spool and channels directly come into contact with it.
This brings to mind the absolute need for cleanliness
in the hydraulic system including, but not limited to, the
reservoir tank, pipes, all connections, etc. Filters in the range
of 8 mm are designed into the system at strategic locations,
but somehow dirt manages to get through. Cleanliness of
the hydraulic fluid from the central source supply (usually
barrels, but sometimes a large container) is essential in a
die casting operation. This is where the gremlins come from
on Monday mornings, also contributing to the myth that the
high pressure die casting process is not predictable.
Contamination of the fluid on Monday mornings is refer-
enced because bacteria grow in the fluid that was no problem
when it was in suspension in active production. However,
when the machine is idle over the weekend or down for some
other reason, the bacteria settle causing some microvalving to
malfunction. Spermacides are available to minimize this

Figure 18
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Die Casting Machine 91

effect, but experience with the phenomenon in the mainte-

nance department is essential.
The pilot operated check valve is used to provide an auto-
matic accumulator drain when the pump is turned off. The
projected area of A in Fig. 19 is ten times larger than the area
of B when the check is seated. When the pump
is running, pressure will enter both A and B. Due to the
pressure imbalance, the check will remain seated,
allowing no flow through the valve, and the accumulator will
charge.
In the next scenario, the pump is turned off, and the
pressure in area A will drop to zero. Then the pressure at area
B forces the check off its seat as given in Fig. 20. The accumu-
lator will then discharge when the hydraulic fluid bypasses
the opened check and enters area C. This circuit carries it
back to tank.

Figure 19
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92 Chapter 3

Figure 20

The majority of die casting machines will also have man-

ual or hand valves. These are usually opened all the way in
the case of modern machines, which are equipped with com-
puterized process controllers. The settings can be very pre-
cise. On older machines without process controllers, it is
crucial that the valve settings be accurate, therefore the dry
shot plunger velocity related to the number of turns of the
valve should be frequently checked. The setting will change
under constant use. These machines represent the ‘‘old,
seat-of-the pants’’ era. The number of turns on the shot valve
philosophy just will not produce the quality or productivity
numbers required by die casting users. Valve wear causes
too much lack of repetition from production run to production
run. A typical flow control valve is described as a schematic
sketch in Fig. 21.
The flow of hydraulic fluid through the valve is increased
when the needle is lifted off its seat, as the adjusting knob is
turned counter clockwise. Conversely, flow is reduced as the
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Die Casting Machine 93

Figure 21

knob is turned clockwise. The color coded rings provide a

convenient reference.
The lock screw is tightened when the flow rate defined
by the operating window of opportunity is achieved. This
establishes the desired plunger velocity.
Limit switches are the sensors and act as the eyes of the
die casting machine. They read the position of the machine
component movement and allow the activation and=or
deactivation of the solenoid valves to change machine condi-
tions at a predetermined position. These switches are
mechanically operated and may perform a function at the
time they are released, operated, or both.
These switches are simple in design, consisting of a
housing containing a contact block, and an actuator head
assembly. The actuator is made up of a lever arm, shaft,
and a return spring. The plunger is the mechanism that
connects the contact block and the actuator head.
Two sets of contacts are mounted to the contact block.
One set is normally closed and the other is normally open.
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94 Chapter 3

The operating arm reverses their condition when it is moved.

The details are given in Fig. 22.
In a ‘‘logical sequence’’ machine, the position of many
components must be known at the same time.
Several components could be moving at the same time,
and these movements must be coordinated to keep from
damaging the machine or the product. An example of a limit
switch arrangement and the functions performed is described
in Figs. 23 and 24.
Limit switch number 1 (LS1), die retract stop, is adjusta-
ble and actuated when on the die lock stroke and stops the
retract movement when actuated.
LS9, ejector core retract, is adjustable and signals the
ejector core to retract when operated during die opening. It
must be operated prior to LS7 when both are utilized.
LS15, cushion die release is adjustable and is operated on
the die retract stroke. The dies should be open at least 1 in.

Figure 22
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Die Casting Machine 95

Figure 23

before operating because it allows the die lock to go to fast

retract velocity.
LS14, cushion die forward, is adjustable and released
on the forward travel of the die lock. When released, it de-
energizes the regenerative assist solenoid.
LS2, die locked, is not adjustable, and is released when
the machine toggle linkage is in full locked condition.
LS102, die locked, also functions when the machine is in
full locked position.
LS3, shot retract, is adjustable and operated on the
die retract stroke. When operated, the slow shot forward

Figure 24
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96 Chapter 3

solenoid will be de-energized. This allows the shot to

retract.
LS4, low pressure on, is adjustable and is positioned to be
released when the die lock starts forward. An obstruction will
cause the die lock pressure to actuate this switch, stopping the
die lock forward movement.
LS7, mid-die stop, is adjustable and operated during die
retract. It provides a pause in the die retract movement to pull
the ejector core before the casting is ejected.
LS11, ejection, is adjustable and operated during die
retract allowing the ejector circuit to be set up. Ejection will
start when the position of LS1 is reached.
LS18, high pressure accumulator, is adjustable and
released on forward travel of the die lock. When released,
the die accumulator close solenoid will energize.
LS104, low pressure off, is adjustable and released on the
forward travel of the die lock. Used in conjunction with LS4,
this switch should be positioned to be released when the die
faces touch. At this point, low pressure close is no longer active.
All the limit switches should be maintained properly in
order that no false signals are given to the machine that
can result in injury or damage to the equipment. Any time
that a limit switch is defeated or held out, the employee or
the equipment is in jeopardy.
In addition to limit switches there may be proximity
switches or magnetic strips on various machine components.
While the limit switches are mechanical devices, the proxi-
mity switches and the magnetic strips are wired into a compu-
ter system.
There are two types of ejection systems, for removing the
shot from the ejector die half. One is the ‘‘bump bar’’ system
that utilizes long bumper bars that actually contact a solid
ejector plate when the dies are completely open. This pushes
the shot forward into the die height area for removal. The
other system is hydraulic with one or more cylinders that
push the ejector plate forward to a point of removal from
the die height area.
The difference between the two methods is that the bum-
per pins stop the movement of the ejector plate so the shot
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Die Casting Machine 97

stops while the die keeps moving and a hydraulic cylinder

pushes the ejector plate forward to move the shot away from
the die. A section is cut through a die to illustrate both ejec-
tion methods in Fig. 25.
The moving components of the ejector system should
always be guarded for the protection of the operator. Many
pinch points make this a very hazardous area.
The shot end of the machine injects the liquid casting
alloy into the metal feed system and finally into the die cavity.
There are two different injection systems: the ‘‘hot chamber’’
and the ‘‘cold chamber.’’
Hot-chamber machines are used primarily for casting
zinc and magnesium, but also are used for other low tempera-
ture alloys such as lead. The alloys cannot be invasive or
corrosive to the steel pot or gooseneck.
In this process, the injection mechanism is called the
gooseneck. It is always immersed in the liquid metal bath
of the holding furnace or crucible. There is a port in the goo-
seneck just down stream from the plunger tip so that liquid
metal will fill the shot sleeve by the force of gravity. Note
that the shot plunger is vertical which moves forward (down)
into the shot sleeve to force the molten alloy up through the
nozzle and onto a sprue or spreader pin that directs the
metal stream into the runner and finally into the die cavity
through the gate.

Figure 25
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98 Chapter 3

HOT CHAMBER
Die casting is a thermal process, so the hot chamber is more
thermally efficient because the metal is never ladled and
subjected to that loss of heat. Fig. 26 illustrates this condi-
tion. This process requires less pressure and produces
castings at a faster production rate, about twice that of
the cold-chamber method.
Typical operating pressure applied to the metal ranges
from 1500 to 5000 psi in the hot-chamber process, while
cold-chamber machines operate from 3000 to 15000 psi. How-
ever, the actual pressure used for each type of casting
depends upon the quality requirements of the part and the
design of the die, as well as the casting alloy.

COLD CHAMBER
Cold-chamber machines are designed with a metal injection sys-
tem that is not immersed in the liquid metal bath because it is
used primarily to cast aluminum alloys. Liquid aluminum acts
as a solvent for iron and thus would rapidly dissolve the steel
components in the cold-chamber system.
The horizontal shot sleeve, shown in Fig. 27, is normally in
the horizontal position into which metal is ladled precisely,
either manually or automatically, to minimize splashing. As
the plunger advances, it seals off the pouring well and forces
the metal into the die, first at slow speed, and then at high speed
and pressure.

Figure 26
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Die Casting Machine 99

Figure 27

When the shot has solidified, the die opening and the
plunger forcing the biscuit from the shot sleeve are synchro-
nized with the ejection and the shot is removed to clear the
machine for the next cycle. The production rate is consider-
ably slower because of the longer solidification time for
higher temperature alloys and the additional time needed
for ladling.
The machine must be level so that it will stay in place
during production and provide a reliable platform and
reference for the die casting die. The basic advice that is
offered here will prevent the powerful machine from distort-
ing the more delicate dies that are precisely constructed to
maintain the dimensional tolerances of the near net shape
to be cast.
The machine should never be placed on the floor without
a thicker reinforced concrete foundation installed directly
under the machine location in a manner similar to a building
footing. In addition, steel plates must be located under
the leveling screws on the base. Figure 28 may be used for
reference for the following recommendations.
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100 Chapter 3

Figure 28

The purpose of the screws is to adjust the level at 24 inch.

intervals all around the base rails, using a precision level. It is
important that the machine be level within 0.0005 in. per foot.
For transverse levels, a parallel bar can be placed across the
base plate. This procedure should be followed at the edges and
mid-point of the stationary platen and the back platen.
Levels are also important along and across the tie bars.
The tie bars need to be square with the stationary platen.
On machines equipped with a shot support screw, this square-
ness may be accomplished by adjusting the screw. In the
event that the machine has no shot end adjustment, shims
are acceptable, but there must be contact between the bottom
of the platen and the base rail.
Accurate measurement at A ¼ B and C ¼ D between the
bottom tie bars and the base rail must be within a tolerance
of 0.005 in. so as not to introduce mechanical dimensional
discrepancies into the vulnerable casting process.
Both ends of the machine need to be securely blocked to
prevent movement. This movement of unsecured machines is
called ‘‘walking.’’
Equal clearance around the entire circumference of the
tie bars and the bushings in the moving platen is accom-
plished by adjusting the carriers under this plate. This
clearance should be the same at both minimum and maxi-
mum die height positions.
Preventive maintenance is an essential element that
must be recognized by the management if predictable results
are desired. The die casting industry has a reputation for sub-
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Die Casting Machine 101

jecting casting equipment to very severe operating conditions.

Of course, these conditions vary from plant to plant, but are a
reflection of the management function. These suggestions are
aimed at improved up time by planning maintenance before a
break down forces the machine down.
Though improvements have been made during the last
decade, uptime of North American die casters does not com-
pare favorably with that of competitors in Europe and the
Asian basin. Die casting is a high fixed-cost process and
most of these costs relate to the casting machine. Runtime
in the ninety percentile is the level that identifies the survi-
vors. Critical areas are outlined here that should be given
strict attention with routine monitoring on a regular and
recorded basis.
Hydraulic fluid is vital to the operation of the casting
machine and has to be properly cared for. Most of the fire resis-
tant fluids in use today have a detergent action and are there-
fore prone to foam and entrain air. Lubricating qualities are
also lacking for environmental reasons, are more susceptible
to changes in viscosity, and display a high specific gravity.
These qualities all contribute to malfunction of the
hydraulic system unless they are conscientiously controlled.
Thus, periodic testing by the fluid manufacturer is basic to
the uptime performance of the machine.
The fluid has to be replaced immediately if tests indicate
contamination or a change in viscosity. New clean filtered
fluid should be used, but only after the machine reservoir
and hydraulic system have been thoroughly drained and
flushed. Continuous or scheduled filtration will greatly
enhance machine performance.
The temperature of the fluid should be in the range of 90–
115
F or that specified by the manufacturer, if different for
water glycol, the material of choice. It the temperature is
lower than this range, it becomes thicker and more difficult
to pump. This condition puts too heavy a load on the pumps
and can affect machine performance. Higher temperature
causes the fluid to become thin and lose lubricity. Excess
wear on pumps and valves results. More leakage past value
spools also adds to the aggravation. When water glycol
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102 Chapter 3

overheats, water evaporates faster so that the fluid breaks

down.
The level of fluid in the reservoir must be maintained as
specified by the machine manufacturer since the pump will
take in air causing cavitation. Fluid exits the return lines at
a high velocity and when they are not sufficiently submerged,
the surface is disrupted causing air entrapment.
The color of the fluid can signal trouble. Entrapped air
gives the fluid a ‘‘milky’’ appearance. When viewing it
through the level gage, a foreign material would float on top
in all probability if it is mineral based.
Hydraulic system maintenance, though closely asso-
ciated with the fluid, is another critical factor in machine
uptime. Pumps and valves wear even under the best of condi-
tions. Minimizing extensive damage requires regular inspec-
tion and replacement of certain parts or assemblies.
Frequency depends upon the degree of attention given to
the above points.
The reservoir must be cleaned after the failure of any
hydraulic component, especially pumps. This requires drain-
ing of the old fluid. The covers are removed and each compart-
ment is flushed with a high pressure jet of kerosene or water.
Lint free cotton cloths are used for wiping down the tanks
after flushing.
All pump suction lines, filters, strainers, and magnets
also have to be thoroughly cleaned. Whether new or used fluid
is used to fill the reservoir, it must be passed through a 15 mm
filter.
The heat exchanger is often neglected and should be
removed and cleaned annually. Hydraulic components can
be damaged by tube fouling in the exchanger, which causes
the temperature of the hydraulic fluid to rise.
Cleaning requires that the shell side be plugged and
immersing or flushing it with OakiteÕ or a similar cleaning
solution in a heated tank. New gaskets should be installed
when the unit is reassembled.
Raw water can be highly corrosive, but can be treated to
prevent build up of scale in an action similar to that which
occurs in die cooling channels. Salt water will cause galvanic
 5935-4 Andresen Ch03 R3 101504

Die Casting Machine 103

corrosion, which can be prevented by the insertion of zinc

sticks in the heat exchanger.
Leaks occur at threaded connections either because the
pipe cracks, usually at the root of the thread closest to the
fitting, or the thread fit is loose. This is a real problem to
the die casting industry because it diminishes the quality
of the workplace as well as wastes the leaked fluid. Cracks
are caused by vibration of the piping system. The obvious
fix is to add more supports to the piping. Loose threads call
for replacement of the pipe or fitting.
On the surface, this looks like such a simple problem, but
when the great quantity of connections on a single casting
machine is multiplied by the number of machines in the
plant, the situation becomes overwhelming. One way to deal
with it is to constantly repair the leaks as they occur. Of
course, proper installation of connections is the best
approach. Many times repairs are slow because the machine
will function without them, and production is always the
highest priority.
Lubrication is absolutely necessary due to the extreme
forces placed upon all moving parts, especially the toggle link-
age. A clean film of lubricant has to be maintained at all
times. Daily monitoring of all lube lines, fittings, reservoirs,
motors, couplings, etc. is essential.
The electrical system is vulnerable to shorts. Control
panel doors have seals to prevent ambient air from entering.
Cooling air is filtered because dirty air can cause a short.
Many violations can be observed at this point.
Junction and terminal boxes should be sealed with
covers at all times to keep out moisture and dirt.
The mounting of limit switches must be checked to
ensure that the switch is tightly and securely mounted and
in the proper location. Loose switches can be activated at
the wrong time and position. Warning and indicator lights
must be checked to ensure that they work at the right time
and are visible to all people involved.
Batteries in all electronic devices must be regularly
replaced because they are used to hold the program when
the power is off.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch03 R3 101504

104 Chapter 3

To summarize this chapter, it is obvious that the casting

machine is not a simple device. There are thousands of moving
parts to keep track of as well as several technical disciplines.
The disciplines are: mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and struc-
tural. Special skills are required in every die casting facility to
function effectively. This is the human equation in which the
demand for these skills is usually greater than the supply.
The reader is urged not to over simplify the casting
machine, but the functions of the machine can be grasped
more easily than the details. A casting machine is really
a clamp on one end to hold the dies closed, and a pump
to supply superheated liquid metal to the die on the other end.
The clamping force available through the tie bars deter-
mines the projected casting area that the machine is capable
of producing.
The pumping capacity of the machine is determined by
the ratio of the area of the shot cylinder to the plunger tip
in addition to the range of plunger velocities during the slow
and fast shot phases.
The proper utilization of these features drives the quality
of the near net shape produced.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

4
Casting Metallurgy

Die castings are produced from alloys composed of two or

more metals. The predominant metal is usually either
aluminum, magnesium, zinc, or, in some cases, lead or tin.
In each alloy system, the predominant metal is called the
base metal if it exceeds 50%, and is expressed first when nam-
ing a particular alloy. Those constituents that are present in
an alloy are named after the base metal to describe the sys-
tem. Some more common pure metals and alloy systems are:

Aluminum-base alloys
380 and 383 aluminum–silicon–copper (Al–Si–Cu) system.
413 aluminum–silicon (Al–Si) system.
390 aluminum–silicon.
360 aluminum–silicon–magnesium (Al–Si–Mg) system.
518 aluminum–magnesium (Al–Mg) system.
Aluminum alloys are sold in ingot (primary or secondary)
or liquid (hot) form.
105
 5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

106 Chapter 4

Binary alloys are specified as 2xx, ternary alloys are

identified as 3xx, while the eutectic is referenced as
4xx.
Alloy 380 and 383 are hypoeutectic, 413 is eutectic, and
390 is hypereutectic.

Magnesium-base alloys
AZ91 D magnesium–aluminum–zinc (Mg–Al–Zn) system.
AM60 B magnesium–aluminum.

Zinc-base alloys
No. 3 and No. 7 zinc–aluminum (Zn–Al) system.
No. 2 and No. 5 zinc–aluminum–copper (Zn–Al–Cu)
system.
ZA8, ZA12, and ZA 27 (Zn–Al) system.

Die castings must satisfy a wide range of requirements

from cosmetic to structural and the performance depends
upon the properties of the chemistry of the alloy from which
the casting is made. These properties are a function of the
alloy constituents, contaminants, solidification patterns, and
treatments performed after casting.
Each pure metal has a characteristic cooling pattern
as it transforms from the liquid state to the solid state,
and the reverse when it is melted. As time passes, heat
is removed, and the temperature drops. While the metal
solidifies, however, the temperature does not change, even
though heat is being removed. Metals that lend themselves
to rapid solidification and still maintain desirable physical
properties are most commonly used in the die casting pro-
cess. For these pure metals, this phenomenon is graphi-
cally illustrated in the time, temperature, transformation
(TTT) chart in Fig. 1.
The flat portion of the curves describes the phase when
the metals give up the heat of fusion, which is called the
 5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

Casting Metallurgy 107

Figure 1

eutectic of the metal. The perfect flat condition shown in the

chart will not be found in the real world where base metals
are alloyed with other elements. A typical TTT curve will
describe the flat line of a die casting alloy at a down sloping
angle because the perfect metallurgical condition is compro-
mised.
Two critical temperatures for these metals are the melt-
ing point and the heat of fusion, and Table 1 will serve as a
convenient reference.
These data will help to visualize the thermal behavior of
the base metals used in die casting. Note that the steep pitch
of the TTT curves describes rapid solidification. The table tells
us that it takes more than four times as long for aluminum to
solidify than for zinc because the heat of fusion is greater.
It must be understood, however, that this is very basic
and fundamental casting alloy information that is presented
in a simple form here for purposes of brevity. The rapid
 5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

108 Chapter 4

Table 1 Melting point and Heat of Fusion of Some Common Die

Casting Alloy Base Metals
Heat of fusion

Metal Melting point (
F) cal=g BTU=lb

Aluminum 1220.4 94.6 170.0

Copper (brass) 1981.4 50.6 91.1
Magnesium 1202.0 89.0 160.0
Silicon 2605.0 337.0 607.0
Zinc 787.03 24.09 43.36

solidification rate of all die casting alloys distinguishes high

pressure die casting from the other foundry processes. When
the alloys change from the liquid to the solid state, the quick
freezing rate is important to crystallization. Thus, die cast-
ings have a fine grain size, dense structure, and superior
mechanical properties that make this process superior to
other casting processes.
The structural properties of the castings produced are
affected by the environment in which solidification occurs. It
is defined by the combination of metals in the casting alloys
and their atomic composition. During solidification, atoms
form crystals that become relatively dormant. Atoms of each
metal are oriented into specific relationships within the crys-
tals. The arrangement of atoms for each metal displays cer-
tain identifiable patterns. This phenomenon is called a
lattice shape, which normally defines the properties of the
casting alloy.
Atomic movement into and out of the crystal structures
occurs, even in the solid state. This accounts for the solid solu-
bility of each element. The faster freezing rates experienced
in high pressure die casting diminish this movement. This
explains the finer and more dense grain structures that
enhance the mechanical properties.
During solidification, one metal governs the behavior of
the crystal lattice structure. This is why each casting alloy
demonstrates a specific freezing range. During this time, both
liquid and solid phases exist. The actual state of the alloy can
 5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

Casting Metallurgy 109

be described as slushy during this period between the liquidus

and solidus temperatures. When the eutectic occurs prior to
the end of cavity fill, internal defects can be expected.
Initially, crystals are formed that are composed of the
base metal (aluminum, magnesium, zinc, etc.). The crystal
lattice is repeated until solidification is finished. Then, the
individual crystals contact each other at the grain bound-
aries, which establishes the grain structure. During solidifica-
tion, crystal growth progresses and forms dendrite arms. The
freezing rate determines the size and spacing of the dendritic
structure. This is not critical in die casting because of the
rapid freezing. As a matter of fact, the distribution is similar
to castings produced by other processes that are heat treated
to the T4 level at solution temper. For this reason, high pres-
sure die castings are rarely heat treated. In today’s competi-
tive environment, the array of alloys has expanded and the
application of heat treatment is becoming more prevalent.
The crystals that form when liquid metals or alloys
solidify are also called grains. The crystal or grain is a
three-dimensional pattern of atoms. For a particular alloy,
the configuration is always consistent in the pattern of one
of 14 atomic configurations in the lattice. This configuration
is referred to as a structure that repeats for any element or,
in the case of die cast materials, any alloy. The smallest unit
in the structure is the cell that is constantly copied as the
crystal develops.
Since the rate of growth depends on time and tempera-
ture, the crystals are not always uniform. Each crystal forms
on a nucleolus so the availability of nuclei determines the
quantity of crystalline growth. This takes place in liquid alloy
in which the crystals are dissolved. The growth is stopped by
contact with adjoining crystals. Atoms that are dissimilar
to those in the lattice also affect the size and shape of the
crystals.
Solid solutions are the result of dissimilar atoms enter-
ing the lattice of another metal. The lattice that is thus
formed determines the properties of the alloy. The rate of heat
extraction establishes the crystal or grain size. The rapid soli-
dification that occurs in the die casting process increases the
 5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

110 Chapter 4

quantity of crystals and reduces the size of each. The face

centered cubic crystal illustrated in Fig. 2 is frequently
found in many metals. The atoms at the center and each
corner of all the faces are typical of both aluminum and
copper.
The atoms are surrounded by loosely held electrons
which, when shed, form Al–Cu ions. Think of these free elec-
trons as a gas around the ions. The charge balance between
the positive atoms and the negative electron gas develops a
metallic bond. This bond is also possible between atoms of
dissimilar metals with different structures. The distance
between the centers of the atoms at the corners of the edge
of the unit cell defines the lattice parameter.
There are four planes and 12 directions in the face cen-
tered cubic lattice. This is the greatest concentration of atoms

Figure 2
 5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

Casting Metallurgy 111

and symmetry found in any lattice structure. This is why cop-

per and aluminum are so ductile. By the same token, the
loosely held electrons in the electron gas make these metals
good electric and heat conductors.
Tungsten, molybdenum, and iron are used in die materi-
als because of their high strength and reasonable ductility.
These metals are defined by the body-centered cubic lattice.
A unit cell with an atom at each corner and one in the center
of the cube is illustrated in Fig. 3.
The other major die cast metals are magnesium and zinc.
They crystallize in the close-packed hexagonal lattice. The
close-packed patterns of atoms are similar to the face centered
cubic lattice. The top and bottom faces display a hexagonal
grouping where one atom is surrounded by six others. The
concentration of atoms in these planes is parallel. There are

Figure 3
 5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

112 Chapter 4

a total of three of these close-packed planes described by the

lattice in Fig. 4.
Plastic deformation can therefore be considered to pro-
ceed along specific planes and directions. However, it is more
limited than the face centered cubic structure with four
planes in 12 directions.
Being hexagonal elements, zinc and magnesium display
about the same plasticity as face centered cubic elements
but are more ductile than body centered cubic metals. Move-
ment between planes is enhanced by additional slip planes by
a mechanism called twinning.
Metals that are more brittle crystallize with less symme-
try than both face-centered and body-centered cubic config-
urations. They do not display close-packed planes and the
slip directions are not well defined. These metals are there-
fore not widely used.

Figure 4
 5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

Casting Metallurgy 113

Several different lattices result when groups of metals

are melted together and are then allowed to solidify. The
effect of temperature on the intermediate phases and mutual
solubility defines the type of lattice that is thus formed when
the elements become solids. The different types of structures
can be graphically described by equilibrium diagrams.
There is some solid solubility between any two metals in
an alloy even though the solubility may vary greatly. A binary
system occurs when the solid solubility is small. Unless the
metal that acts as the solvent can exist in more than two crys-
talline forms, the lattice will continue until the melting point
is reached.
Usually the crystal lattice of the solvent is maintained in
a solid solution even though the separate metals have differ-
ent crystal structures. This condition is referred to as a phase.
There are two types of solid solutions.
In one, the solute atoms are substituted for atoms in the
solvent structure. This substitution changes the size of the
lattice parameters in the solvent cell. The extent depends
upon the size of the atom that is substituted.
In the other solid solution, the atoms of the solute move
into the spaces between the atoms in the solvent. Thus, they
become part of the structure of solvent atoms. This scenario
occurs infrequently because the solute atom must be much
smaller than the those in the solvent. The austenite phase
that results from carbon that is alloyed into the iron in the
premium grade H13 and P20 steels used in casting die cavity
inserts is an example of this type.
It must be emphasized that this whole discourse can only
be observed micrographically and is therefore not obvious to
most of us who must work with metals on the shop floor. Pri-
mary crystals freeze out of liquid alloys and continue to grow
in a tree shaped arrangement. This configuration is usually
referred to as dendritic and occurs as long as the primary ele-
ment is available. Most die casting alloys solidify in both
liquid and solid phases. Rapid solidification restricts the den-
dritic growth to form the fine dense grain structure.
Dendrites form when casting alloys solidify so it is appro-
priate to discuss them and the grain structures. ‘‘Dendrite’’
 5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

114 Chapter 4

derives from the Greek word for tree, which is the shape
taken when they group together in a grain. A grain is a family
of dendrites that originate from the same nucleolus.
The finger shape of dendrites drives the latent heat of
fusion away from the liquid–solid interface. A more familiar
but similar heat transfer takes place when the fingers of your
hand are exposed to cold. Gloves retard some of the heat
escape, but mittens work better because there are no fingers.
During the rapid solidification that occurs in die casting, the
formation of dendrites takes place on a schedule defined by
the chemical composition of the alloy. It is gradual even
though also rapid as shown in Fig. 5.
Metallurgically speaking dendrite fingers are called arms.
The intricate network of arms inhibits free movement of the
remaining liquid alloy during solidification so that the micro-
scopic spaces formed between the arms are starved of the liquid
necessary to make up for solidification shrinkage. These voids
are what is known as microporosity as depicted in Fig. 6.
Two dendrites are illustrated that have come together
and the microporosity is described by the crosshatched area.
Eutectic silicon is also found between the arms of aluminum
alloys.
Understanding liquid and solid starts with the TTT
chart that presents the thermal behavior of pure base metals.
If the temperature reaches a level in which the metal is fully
liquid, a point referred to as the liquidus has been achieved.
However, die casting alloys are not pure metals as they are
usually a combination of two (binary) or three (ternary) base
metals. The behavior of a specific alloy is determined by this
combination.

Figure 5
 5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

Casting Metallurgy 115

Figure 6

The latent heat of fusion, sometimes referred to as the

heat of transformation occurs when the melting point or freez-
ing temperature is reached. The TTT chart defines a tempera-
ture that remains constant as solidification continues, even
though heat energy is lost. The total energy given up during
freezing is defined by the length of the flat part of the cooling
curve. The transformation from the liquid to the solid state
occurs because of this energy exchange. The amount of heat
is specific and defined in terms of BTUs per pound or calories
per gram. When defined in this manner, it is called the latent
heat of fusion. The equilibrium diagram in Fig. 7 provides a
graphic explanation.
The eutectic is the lowest melting point of a metal in an
alloy system. Therefore, the flat part of the TTT curves is
called eutectic arrest. Aluminum alloy A13 is sometimes
referred to as the eutectic alloy because of the effect of the
12.6% silicon content upon the liquidus temperature. Since
the 380 binary aluminum alloy is in such common use, an
equilibrium diagram for this aluminum silicon alloy is offered
(Fig. 7). Note that the fluidity varies about the eutectic line for
silicon. In addition to freezing characteristics similar to pure
metals, eutectic alloys in the solid state are homogeneous
mixtures, under conditions of equilibrium, of the combining
metals. The metals may also be described as isothermal
 5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

116 Chapter 4

Figure 7

reversible reactions so that the liquid combination solidifies

into two intimately mixed solids upon cooling.
Chemical composition in die castings is alloyed into sec-
ondary aluminum alloys that are generated from scrap rather
than from primary material that is refined from the bauxite
ore that is the original source of aluminum.
The composition of the most commonly used die casting
alloys is expressed as a percentage by weight in Tables 2–5.
Zinc is normally supplied to the die caster in the pure

Table 2 Chemical Composition of the Three Grades

Composition % by weight

Lead Iron Cadmium Zinc

Grade (max.) (max.) (max.) (min.)

Special high grade (SHG) 0.003 0.003 0.003 99.99

High grade (HGZ) 0.03 0.02 0.02 99.90
Prime western (PW) 1.40 0.05 0.20 98.00
 Casting Metallurgy

Table 3 Chemical Composition of Two Major Alloys

FE PB CD SN
Designation CU AL MG (max.) (max.) (max.) (max.) NI ZN

NO. 3 0.25 max 3.5–4.3 0.02–0.05 0.10 0.005 0.004 0.003 – REM
NO. 5 0.75–1.25 3.5–4.3 0.03–0.08 0.10 0.005 0.004 0.003 – REM
ZAMAK 7 0.25 max 3.5–4 0.005–0.02 0.075 0.003 0.002 0.001 0.005–0.02 REM
5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

117
 118

Table 4 Chemical Composition of Aluminium Alloys by Weight in Castings

Commercial
designation Copper Iron Silicon Magnesium Manganese Zinc Nickel Tin Others

360 0.6 2.0 9.0–10.0 0.40–0.60 0.35 0.50 0.50 0.15 0.20
380 3.0–4.0 2.0 7.5–9.5 0.10 0.50 3.0 0.50 0.35 0.50
A380 3.0–4.0 1.3 7.5–9.5 0.10 0.50 3.0 0.50 0.35 0.50
383 2.0–3.0 1.3 9.5–11.5 0.10 0.50 3.0 0.30 0.15 0.50
384 3.0–4.5 1.3 10.5–12.0 0.10 0.50 3.0 0.50 0.30 0.50
390 4.0–5.0 1.3 16.0–18.0 0.45–0.65 0.10 0.10 – – 0.20
A13 0.6 1.3 11.0–13.0 0.10 0.35 0.50 0.50 0.15 0.25
43 0.6 0.8 4.5–6.0 0.05 0.50 0.50 – – 0.35
5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

218 0.25 1.8 0.35 7.5–8. 0.35 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.25
Chapter 4
 Casting Metallurgy

Table 5 Chemical Composition of the Major Magnesium Alloys Used in Die Casting
Chemical composition

Manganese Silicon Copper Nickel

Designation Aluminum Zinc (min.) (max.) (max.) (max.) Iron Others

AZ91B 8.5–9.5 0.45–0.90 0.15 0.20 0.25 0.01 NO SPEC 0.30

AZ91D 8.5–9.5 0.45–0.90 0.15a 0.02 0.015 0.001 0.005a 0.01
AM60B 5.5–6.5 0.22 max 0.24–0.6a 0.10 0.010 0.002 0.005a 0.02
a
If either the minimum MN limit or the maximum FE limit is not met, then the FE=MN ratio shall not exceed 0.01 and 0.021, respec-
tively.
5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

119
 5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

120 Chapter 4

slab form and is then economically alloyed in house. Table 2

describes the chemical composition of the three grades.
The chemical composition of the two major alloys are
defined in Table 3.
The chemical composition of aluminum alloys by weight
in castings is given in Table 4.
Note that ingot or liquid metal purchased by the die cast-
ing firm is held to a tighter iron specification because of the
solubility of iron in aluminum.
The chemical composition of the major magnesium alloys
used in die casting is covered in Table 5. Though not
stated in Table 5, magnesium constitutes the remainder of
the chemical composition.
Aluminum is not used without alloying for any purpose
except for electrical motor rotors because of its low strength
and hardness as well as its poor machinability. Other ele-
ments are therefore added to improve upon these properties.
The elements most commonly alloyed with aluminum are cop-
per, silicon, and magnesium. To a lesser extent, manganese,
iron, zinc, and nickel are alloyed. In general, the addition
of elements to aluminum is limited to approximately 15%.
Beyond this point, alloys become increasingly brittle, which
takes away from their engineering value.
Copper improves the strength and hardness progres-
sively until it reaches a level of about 4%. Above this point,
the alloy becomes too brittle. It greatly enhances machinabil-
ity and also improves properties at elevated temperatures. It
lowers corrosion resistance but increases fluidity.
At 4%, copper increases the tendency for hot cracking,
but further additions decrease the incidence of hot cracking.
Silicon is an important addition to aluminum alloys since
the casting characteristics are greatly enhanced. There is a
progressive improvement in fluidity with a reduction in hot
cracking. Up to the eutectic point of 12.6%, the incidence of
solidification shrinkage decreases, making it easier to produce
castings free of shrinkage and cracks. This condition suggests
that the Al–Si system alloy is the choice for pressure tight
castings. Care must be exercised, however, as this is a
premium priced alloy.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

Casting Metallurgy 121

The trade off for an increase in strength and hardness is

a commensurate decrease in ductility. These properties,
however, are improved by the rapid solidification.
Magnesium produces a gradual increase in strength up
to 6%, although hardness is not effected by magnesium until
the 10% level is reached. Therefore, the binary Al–Mg alumi-
num systems have excellent mechanical properties, resist cor-
rosion, and are very machinable. The impact resistance is
good, as is ductility, and they maintain these good properties
at elevated temperatures.
Why then are these alloys not used more? The fluidity is
so poor that castibility becomes a real problem. The solidifica-
tion range for these alloys is also very narrow, so that prema-
ture freezing during cavity fill must be carefully handled
through thorough mathematical analysis.
Iron is a natural ingredient in aluminum alloys due its
association with iron in bauxite ore and the aggressive affi-
nity that iron has to go into solution with aluminum. Some
metallurgists even go so far as to call aluminum the universal
solvent. For this reason iron crucibles cannot be used to hold
liquid aluminum, as the bath will eventually dissolve the pot.
Iron forms a eutectic with aluminum at 1.7% and it has a
solidification point of 1211
F. Although iron is commonly con-
sidered an impurity, it performs a useful function as long as
the content is below 1.7%. It increases strength and hardness
and reduces the tendency for hot cracking. The limit in ingot
or liquid alloys is 1%; iron up to 1.7% materially reduces sol-
dering and is allowed in castings. In this writer’s experience,
secondary aluminum with iron as an allowed impurity is pre-
ferable to primary alloy because of the tendency toward
higher iron content.
This tendency for iron pick up when the alloy comes into
contact with steel dies and shot sleeves limits the number of
passes a batch of aluminum can make before being resmelted.
Iron content should not exceed the 1.5–2.0% level, provided
that manganese and chromium are present to avoid large con-
centrations of Fe Al3 needles in the microstructure.
Manganese and chromium are beneficial in small quanti-
ties, but the propensity to sludge becomes a problem if the
 5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

122 Chapter 4

levels get out of control. Excessive sludging is the penalty for

losing control and is to be avoided. It is a major contributor to
melting loss of metal.
A word about hypereutectic aluminum–silicon alloy 390
is appropriate even though a low tonnage is produced. The
high silicon content of 390 alloy of 16–18% requires a melt-
ing point above the eutectic because the melting point of
silicon is 2606
F. Therefore, the rules of casting this alloy
are considerably different than for the other aluminum
alloys.
The alloy was designed for the production of automobile
engine blocks to replace the need for expensive iron cylinder
bore inserts and to replace cast iron blocks to reduce total
car weight. The technology consists of the alloy itself, compa-
tible piston material, and a special cylinder bore finish after
machining.
The hard primary silicon phase is abrasive to cutting
tools so polycrystalline coated diamond tools must be used.
It does, however, have very desirable machining characteris-
tics. Built-up edge on the cutting tool tends to be less than
when machining more conventional alloys, and chips are
short and easy to handle. Desired surface finishes are readily
achieved. The 390 alloy bore finishing concept calls for the pri-
mary silicon to stand slightly proud from the bore surface (Lee
et al., 1991).
Sludging is generated by the wrong combination of FE–
Mn–Cr, so an evaluation is necessary to monitor and control
it. The formula for this calculation follows.
Iron, manganese, and chromium form complex interme-
talic compounds in aluminum base alloys. These compounds
possess extreme hardness and high melting points. These ele-
ments precipitate out of liquid solution because they have a
higher specific gravity than the parent aluminum. Crystals
may form at temperatures higher than the liquidus and
may chemically combine into complex intermetallics. When
this occurs, they acquire very high melting points and do
not easily redissolve. They begin to coalesce and their higher
specific gravity causes them to sink to the bottom of the melt
where a sand or sludge is formed.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

Casting Metallurgy 123

Manganese has proved to be a powerful agent in causing

the formation of sludge; chromium, usually encountered in
lower concentration in secondary aluminum alloys, has an
even stronger influence. The sludge that forms is crystalline
and sugary looking in appearance and may contain from 4%
to 20% iron. Even small concentrations of sludge injected into
the die cavity will cause casting and machining problems.
Several empirical sludging formulae have emerged
which offer a reasonable guide for predicting whether a melt
will be prone to the formation of sludge. Compliance with the
formula, however, does not guarantee that sludge will not
occur because the total factor may vary widely under different
melting conditions. Also, some alloys are more or less sensi-
tive to sludge formation than others.
The sludge formula usually used is:
%Fe þ 2x %Mn þ 3x %Cr ¼ 1:80 max
Zinc-base alloys are also affected by alloying elements or
impurities and will be examined here.
Iron is vulnerable to zinc and rapidly alloys with it, espe-
cially at temperatures above 850
F. A small addition of 0.25%
minimum of aluminum reduces this tendency at normal
operating temperatures. Most zinc die casting firms alloy
Zn–Al systems from slab zinc; this addition of aluminum is
called hardener.
Since the zinc alloy comes into contact with iron during
the casting process, iron pick up can exceed the 0.10 specifi-
cation limit. This combines with aluminum to form the inter-
metallic compound of FeAl3, which is lighter than the alloy
and floats to the surface and becomes the primary mechan-
ism for the formation of dross or skimmings. It is, therefore,
important to control the temperature of the melt at 850
F
maximum so that excessive dross will not form on the sur-
face of the holding crucible. An iron content of less than
0.02% may then be expected. Usual casting temperature of
zinc alloys is 800
F, so the upper limit is not difficult to
avoid.
Iron above the specification also causes cracking during
subsequent secondary operations such as bending or staking.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

124 Chapter 4

Copper is considered an impurity but is not detrimental

up to 1.25%. Excessive aging growth may be expected above
this level. Strength and hardness are enhanced with the addi-
tion of copper.
Magnesium concentration that exceeds the specification
limit will cause hot cracking and there will be a loss of fluid-
ity. It does offset the effect of intergranular corrosion that will
be discussed later.
Nickel within the solubility limit of 0.02% helps to neu-
tralize those elements that cause intergranular corrosion.
Lead above 0.005% cannot be tolerated because it
migrates to the grain boundaries of zinc alloy die castings.
Cadmium promotes drossing, hot shortness, and poor
castability at levels above 0.1%.
Tin is not a natural impurity and enters the alloy as a
contaminant from outside sources. Serious problems of inter-
granular corrosion and excessive aging growth occur.
Chromium above its solid solubility limit of 0.02% will
form intermetallic compounds and float to the surface. The
usual source is from remelting plated scrap. If chromium–alu-
minum compounds are formed, they may cause machining
problems if they become entrapped in die castings.
Intergranular corrosion occurs when several impurities,
but particularly lead, tin, and cadmium, exceed their limits
and migrate directly to grain boundaries. These impurities
are subject to chemical attack, especially in a warm, humid
environment. When this happens, there is a swelling effect,
followed by fracturing of the casting at the grain boundaries,
and ultimately, the casting disintegrates.
Physical and mechanical properties define exactly how
well an alloy can perform against a force that exposes the cast
part to destruction. The chemistry of alloying other elements
with the base metals of aluminum, magnesium, and zinc has
been discussed in some detail that describes the role of each
chemical element. Perhaps a reference back to the effects of
the alloying elements when studying a particular property
in the tables that follow will reveal the attribute that it
brings to the quality of the casting produced. (Refer to Tables
6–8.)
 5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

Casting Metallurgy 125

This section describes the physical performance in quan-

titative terms that can be expected from each die casting
alloy. It is important to point out that these are based upon
as cast characteristics for individually die cast specimens,
and not test portions cut from production die castings.
Young’s modulus defines the stiffness or resistance to
necking of the alloy. The slope of the curve up to the yield
point implies stiffness and the elastic limit is described by
the length of the horizontal portion of the curve. In Fig. 8,
the top curve depicts the most brittle alloy when compared
to the other two. A typical stress strain curve, is a method of
depicting several different material properties. The length
of the straight line portion of the curve indicates the
strength. The point where each curve bends to the right
is the yield point where the material starts to stretch when
a tensile force is applied. Therefore, material A is the
strongest.

Figure 8
 5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

126 Chapter 4

Figure 9

Another factor to be considered is toughness. In Fig. 9,

the degree of toughness can be determined by the area under
the curves. Thus, material B found in Fig. 8, is the toughest.
The slope of Young’s modulous curve implies stiffness
which is desirable up to a point but the material defined by
the top curve is too brittle. The elastic limit is too short.
A phenomenon referred to as necking is used to visually
define the approach to the elastic limit in test specimens.
When tensile forces are applied at both ends, the region at
the center narrows just before the material fractures as
illustrated by Fig. 10.

Figure 10
Table 6 Properties of Aluminium Alloys
Commercial designation A360 A380 383 384 390 A13 43 218

Mechanical property
Ultimate tensile strength (ksi) 46 47 45 48 46 42 33 45
Casting Metallurgy

Yield strength (ksi) 24 23 22 24 36 19 14 28

Elongation (% in 2 in.) 3.5 3.5 3.5 2.5 <1 3.5 9.0 5.0
Hardness (BHN) 75 80 75 85 120 80 65 80
Shear strength (ksi) 26 27 – 29 – 25 19 29
Impact strength (ft lb) – – 3 – – – – 7
Fatigue strength (ksi) 18 20 21 20 20 19 17 20
Latent heat of fusion (btu=lb) 168.96 168.96 168.96 168.96 – – – –
Young’s modulus 10.3 10.3 10.3 – 11.8 – 10.3 –
(10,000,000 psi)

Physical property
Density (lb=cu in.) 0.095 0.098 0.099 0.102 0.098 0.096 0.097 0.093
Melting range (
F) 1035–1105 1000–1100 960–1080 960–1080 950–1200 1065–1080 1065–1170 995–1150
Specific Heat (btu=lb=
F) 0.230 0.230 0.230 – – 0.230 0.230 0.230
5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

Coefficient of thermal 11.6 12.1 11.7 11.6 10.0 11.9 12.2 13.4
expansion
(u in.=in.=
F  106)
Electrical conductivity 29 23 23 22 27 31 37 24
(% IACS)
Poisson’s Ratio (mm=m) 0.33 0.33 0.33 – – – 0.33 –
127
Table 7 Properties of Magnesium Alloys 128

Commercial designation AZ91D AM60B AM50A AM50B

Mechanical property
Ultimate tensile strength (ksi) 34 32 32
Yield strength (ksi) 23 19 18
Elongation (% in 2 in.) 3 6–8 6–10
Hardness (BHN) 75 62 57
Shear strength (ksi) 20 n=a n=a
Impact strength (ft lb) 1.6 4.5 7.0
Fatigue strength (ksi) 10 10 10
Latent heat of fusion (btu=lb) 160 160 160
Young’s modulus 6.5 6.5 6.5
(10,000,000 psi)

Commercial designation AZ91D AM60B AM50A AM50B

Physical property
Density (lb=cu in.) 0.066 0.065 0.064
Melting range (
F) 875–1105 1005–1140 1010–1150
Specific heat (btu=lb=
F) 0.25 0.25 0.25
5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

Coefficient of thermal 13.8 14.2 14.4

expansion
(u in=in.= F  106)
Thermal conductivity 41.8 36 36
(BTU=sq. ft=hr=
F)
Electrical conductivity 35.8 31.8 31.8
(% IACS)
Poisson’s ratio (mm=m) 0.35 0.35 0.35
Chapter 4
Table 8 Properties of Zinc Alloys. Note the exceptional properties displayed by the ZA alloys.
Commercial designation No. 3 No. 5 Z-A8 Z-A27

Mechanical property
Ultimate tensile strength (ksi) 41 48 54 62
Yield strength (ksi) – – 41–43 52–55
Casting Metallurgy

Compressive yield strength 60 87 37 52

(ksi)
Elongation (% in 2 in.) 10 7 6–10 2.0–3.5
Hardness (BHN) 82 91 100–106 116–122
Shear strength (ksi) 31 38 40 47
Impact strength (ft lb) 43 48 24–35 7–12
Fatigue strength (ksi) 6.9 8.2 15 21
Young’s modulus – – 12.4 11.3
(10,000,000 psi)

Physical property
Density (lb=cu in.) 0.24 0.24 0.227 0.181
Melting range (
F) 718–728 717–727 707–759 708–903
Specific heat (btu=lb=
F) 0.10 0.10 0.104 0.125
Coefficient of thermal 15.2 15.2 12.9 14.4
5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

expansion
(u in.=in.=
F  106)
Electrical conductivity 27.0 26.0 27.7 29.7
(% IACS)
Poisson’s ratio (mm=m) 0.030 0.030 0.030 0.030
129
 5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

130 Chapter 4

The die casting industry is quantified by weight even

though most calculations and measurements are by volume.
Metal is purchased by the pound or ton; sales are announced
in dollars, tons, or pounds; and melting capacity is designed
for pounds per hour, etc. This is in contrast to technical units
of measure that usually describe volume.
A reduction in volume occurs when a metal cools from the
liquid state to the solid state which is called shrinkage (Doeh-
ler, 1951). This phenomenon applies to the dimensions of all
casting processes. It is more pronounced in die casting
because of the rapid solidification that occurs during this
process.
The amount of shrinkage of a given alloy depends upon
its chemical composition, but other conditions also may have
an effect, i.e., the injection temperature, the temperature of
the die surface, the configuration of the part being cast. Injec-
tion pressure, the presence and concentration of die release
agent, and the degree of polishing of the die surface also
influence shrinkage, but to a lesser degree.
Tables 6–8 define a different coefficient of thermal
expansion for each of the commonly used die casting alloys.
Dimensional or linear shrinkage in inches per inch, can be
calculated when these values are multiplied by difference
between the casting temperature and ambient room tempera-
ture. Then, if this number is multiplied by any dimension, the
total amount of linear shrinkage to the length, width, and
depth dimensions can be calculated.
Every casting cools from the outer surfaces inward, and
there may be a considerable temperature differential between
the outer skin, which is usually about 0.015 in. thick, and the
internal mass of a die casting. The temperature gradient is
less in thin sections than in more massive portions of the cast-
ing. The calculated shrinkage, therefore, is thus likely to be
greater than the actual will be. For example, the calculated
theoretical shrinkage for zinc-base alloys is 0.0096 in. per
inch, but the practical allowance provided by most die casters
and tool makers is 0.007–0.008 in. per inch.
All of these data are designed into the dimensions of steel
die cavities since they operate at several hundred degrees and
 5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

Casting Metallurgy 131

are manufactured at room temperature. The great difference

between these temperatures must be allowed for calculating
allowances for thermal shrinkage.
The amount of expansion (reverse of shrinkage) that the
steel die material can be expected to experience in heating
from room temperature to operating temperature must also
be considered by subtracting this value from the shrinkage
calculation. This calculation has been considered in the
previously suggested practical shrinkage allowances.
The configuration of the part to be cast also has an
effect. For instance, the 12 in. long unrestricted dimension,
depicted in Fig. 11, will experience shrinkage much closer
to theoretical than if the same dimension were confined at
several points along its length. Estimating the extent of
the effect of die restrictions is somewhat a function of
experience, but one approach is to calculate the shrinkage
with the limit of the longest free-standing dimension in

Figure 11
 5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

132 Chapter 4

mind. The perspicacity and instinct of the tool makers have

improved to an impressive level.
The zinc-base alloys experience phase changes that affect
the volume by 0.0007 in. per inch. Of course, this factor is size
sensitive and this is critical only for large dimensions.
All of these conditions should be considered for a complex
casting, particular if it is large in size. The general shrink
factors for the average casting used by most die casters and
tool makers are:
Aluminum and magnesium alloys: 0.006–0.007 in. per
inch
Zinc-base alloys: 0.007–0.009 in. per inch, depending on
the alloy
Brass: 0.008–0.010 in. per inch
Shrinkage porosity affects the internal integrity of the
casting when a void is created. This defect can be distin-
guished from gas porosity, the other cause for porosity, by
examining the appearance of the pore. Shrinkage porosity
always displays a rough and irregular inside surface since
there is a dendritic structure associated with it.
The rough irregular inside surface is caused by the cast-
ing alloy literally tearing apart just as it passes from the
liquid to the solid state. This type of porosity is always a
function of the shape of the casting and can be found in the
most dense region that is the last place to solidify.
Remember, this serious defect is generated by volumetric
shrinkage while the semisolid casting is still contained
between the steel die cavities. When shrinkage occurs in an
open ingot mold, the cooling process is slow and gradual,
and the top surface that is exposed to air merely sinks in to
form a depression on the surface. However, in die casting,
solidification is rapid and contained. Therefore, the shrinkage
must occur near the center because the solidification pattern
is from the outside to the inside.
Finally, after the rest of the casting has solidified, the
only area that has not is the most massive one, possibly a
heavy boss or a thick wall section that tears apart at the cen-
ter because the surface has already solidified.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

Casting Metallurgy 133

Thus, the internal integrity has been compromised by a

void in the structure and the casting will leak or possibly frac-
ture at this point.
Melting loss is caused by the affinity of most die casting
alloys for oxygen. Whenever the liquid alloy is exposed to the
atmosphere, an oxide skin is formed that must eventually be
removed or skimmed away from the ladling site. This residue
is called dross and signals trouble for casting quality, but is
usually very rich in the base metal.
Even though there are various methods of rendering or
extracting the base metal for remelting, a melting loss of
between 4% per pass for a well controlled aluminum operation
to as high as 20% for a poorly controlled magnesium melting
program can be expected. Each time metal is remelted is
called a pass.
Therefore, an alert manager will keep a watchful eye on
the design of metal feed systems (runners) for an efficient bal-
ance between runner and casting volumes because all
runners must be remelted, even in a perfect world. There is
no rule of thumb for this audit, but the ratio is very sensitive
to casting size. Larger castings usually have a smaller run-
ner-to-casting volume ratio. As in everything else, the key is
to get the best return of salable castings for the smallest
investment in runners.
Cavitation causes small pits in the die surface near the
gate in die casting from zinc alloys. These appear very soon
after starting to take shots on a zinc die. The pits are approxi-
mately 0.010–0.015 in. in diameter and located about an inch
downstream from the gate orifice where the metal exits the
runner and enters the casting. The blemishes appear as small
bumps as they are raised on the casting.
This phenomenon escalates with liquid density of the
casting alloy. Thus, the heavier alloys of zinc, as opposed to
the lighter alloys of magnesium and aluminum, are most
affected. An analogy to a large semitruck making a turn at
high speed to a small automobile in the same situation may
be helpful to understand cavitation. Of course, it is more
difficult to turn the truck since it is more massive and has a
greater tendency to continue in a straight line than the car.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

134 Chapter 4

Like in the truck, the speed can be slowed down, which some-
times works, but at the expense of gate speed and cavity fill
time.
The generation of cavities in a fluid occurs when local
pressure falls below the vapor pressure of the fluid whenever
bubble nuclei are present. A bubble carried along in a stream
of liquid metal is not stable since local velocity and pressure
are continually changing (Karni, 1991). Bubbles normally col-
lapse after a short lifetime. Often they collapse near the die
surface as depicted in Fig. 12. This is called an implosion
and frequent repetition at the same spot can cause serious
die pitting. The source of the bubble can usually be located
where the flow is more turbulent like a sharp bend in the
runner.
Many times die casters are surprised by this die pitting
when it occurs in zinc die castings because this material is
considered more gentle to die steel surfaces. The explanation
is that zinc is heavier and therefore resists any change in

Figure 12
 5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

Casting Metallurgy 135

direction more than aluminum, which is lighter but much

harder on the die steel.
Temperature drop is one of the dynamic events that occur
during the die casting process. For purposes of this discus-
sion, we will start at the superheat of the casting alloy as it
leaves the breakdown (melting) furnace. The next stage is
the holding furnace or pot where the temperature drops to
about 40
F above the desired temperature at the gate for most
cold-chamber operations. This drop is only a few degrees Fah-
renheit above the gate temperature for most hot-chamber
operations.
The difference is due to the method used to transport the
alloy to the die. In cold chamber, the metal is usually ladled
where it is totally exposed to the ambient room temperature;
this causes it to drop dramatically in just a few seconds. In the
hot-chamber process, the liquid alloy is transported through
an enclosed hydraulic system where its only exposure to
ambient temperature is on the surface of the bath.
Since die casting is really a thermal process where con-
trol of metal temperature is critical, this certainly puts the
hot-chamber process in a favorable light. This gap between
the two basic processes prompted the American Die Casting
Institute, one of the forerunner organizations to NADCA, to
participate in research to cast aluminum alloys by the hot-
chamber process during the 1970s. The work cost over a
million dollars before it was given up. The problem was
not in the hot chamber of aluminum, which produced
superb quality at very fast production rates. The proper
composition for the plunger tip and gooseneck could not
be found since most other materials dissolve so quickly in
aluminum.
As the alloys travel though the runner system, which is
no more than a conduit, the temperature continues to drop
until the leading edge of the metal stream reaches the gate.
At this location, velocity dramatically increases and the fric-
tion causes the temperature to increase. Then, during cavity
fill, the constant drop continues until the cavity is completely
filled. The total temperature drop in aluminum alloys exceeds
100
F at the end of cavity fill.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

136 Chapter 4

Finally, another rapid temperature drop occurs during

the dwell phase of the die casting cycle during rapid solidifica-
tion. The temperature of the casting that has been formed
drops another 500
F before it has gained sufficient solid
strength for ejection!
At the risk of redundancy, please remember that this
rapid solidification is the one single thing that makes die cast-
ings unique from castings produced by other foundry proce-
dures. It creates the fine, dense grain structure that die
casting buyers seek.
Thermal constants define the behavior of not only the
casting alloy, but the die steels that form the die cast shape
and the cooling medium used for internal temperature control
and external die spray. Computerized programs are available,
in addition to consultancies, to make effective, predictable
thermal calculations.
This is not simple except for the mathematical formulae
and should not be attempted without a thorough understand-
ing of the die casting process. Major improvement can be
expected in casting quality and increased productivity can
be expected if this job is done properly.
Too many of the die castings produced, even today, have
not been subjected to this logic. How then are so many
acceptable castings made, if this is so important? Well, the
high pressure die casting process is so forgiving that many
rules can be broken and castings can still be made that the
end user can use. The predictability is considerably compro-
mised, however. The yield rate varies from 70% to 95%, which
is not acceptable for survival of the domestic industry given
severe off shore competition.
This writer has been involved with many different dies,
casting the whole array of alloys described here at many dif-
ferent die casting firms in North America, Europe, and the
Asian basin and found only one die casting producer that
experienced enough shots per hour. Most are 50% short of
possible productivity. The single die caster broke all of the
accepted thermal rules though.
The liquid density determines how the alloy travels
through the system and its ability to change direction. The
 5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 101404

Casting Metallurgy 137

liquid specific heat is the highest temperature in the flat area

of the metal cooling patterns illustrated earlier in this chap-
ter. The solid specific heat is the lowest temperature in this
flat or slightly sloped portion of the chart. The heat given
up between the two is the latent heat of fusion.
It is the latent heat of fusion that determines how fast
each alloy must be cast (cavity fill time). Using this criterion,
Table 9 shows, that of the three major alloy groups, magne-
sium must be cast faster than the other two.
The liquidus is the temperature above which the metal is
liquid, and the solidus is the temperature below which the
metal is solid. Thus, the casting alloy behaves much like an
hydraulic fluid above the liquidus and becomes slushy as
the temperature drops. All analytical procedures for die cast-
ing are based upon the assumption that the temperature is
above the liquidus, but it is necessary to constantly calculate
the temperature drop to be certain of this. Premature solidifi-
cation before cavity fill can cause cold shut, porosity, lamina-
tion, and poor fill without analytical strategy and control.
The injection temperature is the temperature of the metal
as it reaches the gate, and is the only one of the thermal con-
stants that can be changed in the die casting plant. All of the
others have been designed into the alloy by the smelting
operation and are therefore axiomatic as far as the die casting
process is concerned.
The envelope of available alloys is stretching slowly and
gradually. As this is written, traditional aluminum sand cast

Table 9 Thermal Constants of Major Alloy Groups

Alloy group

Aluminum Magnesium Zinc Units

Liquid Density 156.07 113.00 382.00 lb=cu. ft

Liquid Specific Heat 0.26 0.25 0.10 Btu=lb= F
Latent Heat of Fusion 168.96 160.36 43.00 Btu=lb

Liquidus Temperature 1094.00 1103.00 726.80 F

Solidus Temperature 1076.00 878.00 716.00 F

Desired Injection 1200.00 1180.00 800.00 F
Temperature
 5935-4 Andresen Ch04 R3 092904

138 Chapter 4

alloy 356 is being die cast and heat treated to T4. Aluminum
alloys are also die cast in thixotropic form as well as a semi-
solid with the possibility of zero porosity because of the lower
level of turbulence during cavity fill and reduced freezing
range.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 092904

5
Metal Handling

The die casting process is initiated and depends upon a proper

and adequate supply of casting alloy that meets specific
requirements. The metal must have the correct chemical com-
position and be physically clean. Metal handling is the proce-
dure of converting casting alloys from solid to liquid and back
again in addition to moving metal between melting and cast-
ing stations. Furnaces are used to melt and hold the metal
when it is in the liquid state. Therefore, much of this chapter
covers the many facets of furnace design, construction, and
operation.
Casting alloys are usually delivered to the die casting
plant in the solid state. The raw metal can be in the form of
small ingots that can be manually handled or large sows that
must be mechanically charged into the breakdown furnace.
Sometimes where production schedules allow, aluminum
alloys are delivered hot in the liquid state. Of course, metal
must be supplied, in the liquid state, to the die at a specific
and acceptable temperature. The flow chart illustrated in
Fig. 1 depicts the circuitous routing that must be carefully
managed.
139
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 101404

140 Chapter 5

Figure 1

Metal has a different value at each station, and it

behooves the alert die caster to audit them individually rather
than merely assuming a percentage of metal cost to cover
melting cost and loss for purposes of the cost estimate and
financial statement. This is called activity based costing. Metal
and heat energy are two of the three highest cost elements—
the other being labor—in the manufacture of die castings.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 092904

Metal Handling 141

The metal generally used for high pressure die casting

is referred to as low temperature when compared to high
temperature metals such as iron, copper, and silicon. The
liquidus temperature of zinc alloys is approximately 700
F;
aluminum, 1100
F; copper, 1900
F; iron, 2200
F; and silicon,
2600
F.
To meet these requirements, adequate melting and hold-
ing equipment is important. Superheated liquid metal must
be scheduled to arrive at the holding furnace at the casting
machine on a specific schedule determined by the volume of
metal being processed.
Die casting is a thermal process and the superheated cast-
ing alloy is the heat source for the casting process. Natural gas
or electricity provides the energy to superheat the metal. The
chart in Fig. 2 describes the heat content of typical casting
alloys at different temperature levels. For perspective, there
is considerable thermal difference between the zinc alloys
and higher temperature aluminum and magnesium metals.
The control of this heat energy is the key to productivity
and quality. This chapter will discuss liquid metal containers,
liquid metal treatments, heat sources, and thermal controls.
The purpose of each container is to hold the charge while it
is being melted, hold the melt at a designated temperature,
or to provide a means to transfer the melt. Furnaces, ladles,
launders, troughs, and crucibles all contain casting alloys in
the liquid state while performing their other functions. They
are designed to withstand the erosive action of superheated
metal upon the material of the container.
Approximately 1000 btu of energy is required to melt a
pound of aluminum and it can readily be observed from the
chart that only a small portion is absorbed by the metal. This
huge loss of heat energy is expensive and extremely destruc-
tive to materials that come into direct contact with it. Most of
the wasted energy goes up the stack in the form of hot 2500
F
air. Modern melting furnaces are designed to use some of this
hot air to preheat ingots or sows before moving them to the
melting chamber.
There are many sources of heat available, but the most
prominent in die casting are natural gas and electricity,
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 092904

142 Chapter 5

Figure 2

which will be the focus of this discourse. The utilization of this

heat energy is very inefficient since only a small portion is
actually absorbed into the casting alloy, as illustrated above
in the heat content chart for different casting alloys at differ-
ent temperatures. This is a serious concern because energy is
the third highest cost of producing die cast components, after
the cost of metal and labor.
The die casting process can be viewed as a method to
exchange heat. This exchange starts with superheat genera-
tion to convert metal from the solid to the liquid state. Once
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 092904

Metal Handling 143

liquid, the metal has absorbed some of the heat energy and
the exchange is completed when the metal is again converted,
in the form of a net shape, to the solid state.
This heat exchange is extremely inefficient and can be
stated by the formula E ¼ H1=H2 where E is efficiency, H1
is heat in, and H2 is heat generated (Mangalick, 1976). The
efficiency is usually about 50%, which means that half of
the expensive heat energy is wasted.

ABOUT FURNACES

The type or style of furnace usually depends upon the alloy to

be melted or held in the liquid state. There are also other
points to consider such as energy efficiency, metal quality,
capital investment, and operating cost. As with everything
else in die casting, there are trade offs where negative condi-
tions must be accepted to get to the positives.
The function of the furnace is the basic conversion of the
metal from the solid state to the liquid state so that it can be
used to produce die castings. Then, the die casting process
returns the metal back to the solid state after it is converted
into a usable shape.
Design characteristics of furnaces include:
 Reasonable construction cost
 Competitive operating energy costs
 Provision for efficient interior cleaning
 Adequate capacity to supply casting machines
 Acceptable service life of the refractory liner
Furnaces are designed for two purposes. First, there is
the melting function. Melting is also referred to as the break
down. After melting, liquid metal must be inventoried until it
is transferred to the die casting die. Furnaces utilized for this
purpose are referred to as holding furnaces.
Central break down furnaces for each alloy are recom-
mended over melting metal and holding it at the casting
machine. This is the only method that will maintain desired
metal temperatures of liquid aluminum at the gate.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 101404

144 Chapter 5

The metal is cleaner, but that issue is secondary to

thermal control.
Holding furnaces receive metal from the break down fur-
nace and are located adjacent to the shot end of each casting
machine. From there it is ladled into the pour hole of the cold
chamber. It is not a good idea to charge room temperature
ingots, which defeats the tight thermal control.
Sometimes die casting firms choose to break down their
metal in the holding furnace, which eliminates the need for
central melting. This is a dangerous strategy because fluctua-
tions in temperature are too drastic and too frequent. In such
a scenario, preheating ingots are essential and many of these
furnaces are designed with a melting hearth to reduce the
range of temperature deviation from the ideal.
It is axiomatic that metal in the liquid state be available
at all times. This requirement almost makes it mandatory
that a die casting operation be continuous on a three-shift,
24-hour per day basis. Whenever metal is maintained in the
liquid state without supplying production, energy is wasted
and metal is lost through oxidation. It is customary, however,
to keep aluminum liquid over weekends when no production
is going on because it is too costly to remelt or break down
after such a short shut down. Zinc can be allowed to freeze
solid over the weekend and magnesium is vulnerable either
way because of its propensity to oxidize.
The reverberatory furnace type (Jorstad, 1985) is often
the choice for die casting aluminum. This furnace type is
more robust and less sophisticated than others. Therefore,
seriously deteriorated conditions can be tolerated. This, in
no way, should be taken that the reverberatory furnace is
the best choice. It suffers from low energy efficiency which
is normally in the range of 20–25% at best. Heat losses
from the flue gases and products of combustion are
considerable.
The reverberatory furnace is basically a container, not
only for liquid metal but for heat energy. It has to prevent
as much heat from escaping as possible and must facilitate
heat flow into the melt. Thus, heat losses need to be
minimized.
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Metal Handling 145

In the reverberatory furnace, flames of combustion

(usually gas fired) transfer heat to the metal by radiation
and convection. The basic chemical conversion is the combina-
tion of carbon and hydrogen from the fuel with oxygen from
the intake air to form carbon dioxide and water vapor.
There is no danger from the water thus formed since the
temperature is high (>2000 F) and the pressure is low. Thus,
the water vapor does not condense before it exits through the flue.
The flames are directed across and at least 12 in. above
the surface of the metal bath in horizontal paths. Sometimes,
however, holding furnaces can be seen with burners in the
ceiling that impinge directly upon the surface of the bath—
this generates far too many oxides that end up as dross and
increases the melting loss.
Normally, this type of furnace is rectangular in shape—a
box, if you will—but it can be any other shape such as circu-
lar, like rotary furnaces. In the rotary style, a large refrac-
tory-lined horizontal cylinder is merely rotated to pour off
the liquid metal. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate some of the fea-
tures described here for the two styles.

Figure 3
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 092904

146 Chapter 5

Figure 4

The barrel shape makes pouring more convenient. How-

ever, the refractory wall, which is exposed to superheated air
when stationary, is washed with liquid aluminum during
each pour. Aluminum oxide in the form of corundum builds
up rapidly, which requires more frequent removal. It is
an ugly job that must be done by hand, so there is a strong
tendancy to procrastinate orderly maintenance of the walls.
This type is provided with an outside well for charging,
which may be located anywhere on an outside wall that is con-
venient for the die caster. The exterior charging well reduces
metal loss by exposing only a small surface area of the bath to
the atmosphere. Fluxing and drossing can also be performed
without disturbing the interior melt surface.
The stack melter illustrated in Fig. 5 in schematic clearly
describes how some of the superheated flu gases are used to
preheat the metal before it is dropped into the break down
chamber. The temperature of the liquid aluminum in the
holding bath is 1300
F. Just prior to that, the temperature
ranges from 850 to 1000
F. A metal temperature of 650
F
reached on the preheating grill is over 500
F above ambient
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 092904

Metal Handling 147

Figure 5

room temperature, which explains the high improvement in

melting efficiency. Still the waste flu gas escapes to the atmo-
sphere at almost 500
F, so the performance is far from perfect.
This furnace design claims to be 52% efficient with 48%
of the energy wasted. Even so, compared to 25% efficiency
reached with reverberatory furnaces, the performance is
remarkable.
Crucible type furnaces are used to melt and hold zinc,
and sometimes magnesium casting alloys. The crucible or
pot is usually cast iron. This type should not be used with
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 092904

148 Chapter 5

aluminum alloys because of their solubility for iron—an iron

crucible will be dissolved by the liquid aluminum it holds.
The hot chamber holding furnace is an example of this
type where the cast iron gooseneck is immersed in the bath
of liquid zinc or magnesium. A schematic of this type of fur-
nace, in which the flame and hot gasses from the burner cir-
culate around the chamber between the refractory wall and
the crucible, is offered in Fig. 6.
Immersion tube burners are used extensively for melting
zinc. Figure 7 describes how the gas flame circulates within
the tube that is immersed in the bath of liquid zinc.
When magnesium is the alloy to be cast, it is necessary to
add a cover to the crucible and also a cover gas, usually SO4.
Electric induction furnaces are used to hold liquid
aluminum where the advantage is the circulation of the
alloy to better keep all of the alloying elements in suspension.
A magnetic field is created within the liquid metal bath
directly.
Eddy currents in the melt generate heat and directional
forces which in turn cause the desirable circulation. The dis-
advantage with this type of furnace is that it is too fragile for
most die casting operations.

Figure 6
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 092904

Metal Handling 149

Figure 7

The energy efficient glow bar furnace uses electric power

as the heat source; the furnace container is made from highly
insulative nonmetallic board. Electric glow bars located in the
roof radiate heat onto the surface of the bath. This type is
used only for holding liquid metal at the casting machine.
Even though the energy savings and reduction in
melting losses are significant with this type of furnace,
constant and continuous maintenance is required to keep
buildup of oxides from forming. This tight preventive mainte-
nance is beyond the ability of some die casters (B. Guthrie,
1995).
Adequate capacity can be established with finite accuracy
if all necessary factors are considered (Table 1). With all fur-
nace types, the melting or holding capacity is determined by
engineering calculations that address:
 Hearth area
 Burner capacity
 Air requirement
 Metal depth
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 092904

150 Chapter 5

Table 1 Heat Content and Break Down Temperature

Alloy Specific Heat Content Melting Temperature

Aluminum 0.26 btu=lb=
F 1350
F

Zinc 0.10 800
Magnesium 0.25 1150

 Natural gas requirements

 Fuel gas volume.
The specific heat content of the casting alloy, the break
down temperature, and the volume of liquid metal required
combine with the above data for appropriate sizing of the mel-
ter. Too much melting capacity is terribly inefficient and too
little is a disaster for production control. Table 1 may be
helpful when assembling capacity equations.

BURNER EFFICIENCY

The basic conversion of fossil fuel to heat energy is the combi-

nation of carbon and hydrogen that forms carbon dioxide and
water. The water does not condense, however, because of the
low pressure and high temperature. Hydro carbons are the
residue of the combustion process and can be detrimental to
casting quality if not controlled.
Nascent hydrogen is soluble in liquid casting alloys to
levels of 0.6 mL=100 g and above, but has little solubility in
the solid. Hydrogen remaining in solution in a melt at the
time it is cast will precipitate as molecular (diatomic) gas dur-
ing solidification, to be trapped as porosity in the castings pro-
duced (ADCI Energy Bulletins, 1976). This is the most
common source of hydrogen in liquid aluminum. The reaction
between aluminum and moisture (hydrocarbons) forms oxides
and releases nascent hydrogen. (Refer to previous discussion
on hydrogen pick up.) The oxide contamination can cause
hard spots in the castings produced.
An air=fuel ratio or stoichiometric mix of 10:1 is recom-
mended for both melting and holding (NADC Product Stan-
dards). Even this mix is not completely efficient because the
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Metal Handling 151

combustion air consists of oxygen and other gases. Only the

oxygen is useful to the combustion process, and the other
gases merely absorb heat. Effectiveness of the fuel=oxygen
combination that produces the desired heat output is thus
reduced.
Competitive operating energy costs require careful
control and optimum adjustment of gas fired burners.
If the burner is running rich with an excess of fuel, the
excess is wasted and will not burn completely, but will pass
through the furnace and up the flu, absorbing heat along
the way. If the burner runs lean with an excess of combustion
air, it will burn inefficiently and produce a cold flame due to
the necessity of heating the unused air.
Reasonable control can be obtained using sealed burners
along with other associated regulators, orifices, etc. The disas-
trous economic effect when air=fuel ratios are out of control is
graphically illustrated in Fig. 8.
A factor that may be overlooked is the size of the flu out-
let. Since the heat transfer mechanism inside the furnace
hearth is basically radiation from the roof, walls, and bath,
the flu outlet area acts as a receiver for the radiant heat. If
the flu is too large, too much heat escapes and if it is too small,
hearth pressure is so large that hot gasses escape through
door cracks and any gaps in the box.
Operating energy cost for aluminum can be considered to
be about 25 btu=lb=hr. Based upon this experience, Fig. 9
describes energy requirements of natural gas for different
levels of tonnage drawn.
Energy is the third highest cost in producing die cast-
ings, after metal and labor, so a reduction of energy require-
ments should have a high priority, especially when melting
and holding aluminum alloys. Since an astounding amount
of the energy input is wasted when superheated flue gasses
escape up the stack, a recuperator is an option to be
considered.
Over 30% fuel savings is possible at flue gas tempera-
tures of 1350–1500
F when a counter flow heat transfer
arrangement is utilized. Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a sche-
matic comparison of a break down furnace without and with
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 092904

152 Chapter 5

Figure 8

recuperation in which potential fuel savings are presented

(Altenpohl, 1981).
Acceptable service life of the refractory liner is crucial to
the performance of the reverberatory furnace type as well
as all others. The choice of material and subsequent care
and maintenance are important. This is not the place for
cheaper options.
Refractories must withstand the physical load at the
high operating temperatures. The material has to have a
low thermal conductivity, and it cannot react chemically with
the melt, dross, or flux. Alumina–silica materials are used,
which are acidic. pH increases with alumina content, which
is neutral at 60%. Silicon carbides have a neutral pH, and
magnesium oxide materials are basic in nature.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 092904

Metal Handling 153

Figure 9

A key factor that limits the chemical reaction is the acid-

ity of the refractory material. The acidity must be matched to
that of the metal oxide of the casting alloy, and the flux that
will be melted and contained in the furnace.

Figure 10
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 101404

154 Chapter 5

Figure 11

All refractory bricks and mortar must be of nearly equal

acidity. If this is not the case, chemical reactions take place
that will quickly destroy the furnace lining.
Maintenance and interior cleaning are onerous and hos-
tile tasks that are easy to postpone but absolutely essential. If
a well-planned preventive maintenance schedule is not
enforced by management, the condition of metal handling
equipment deteriorates very rapidly. Sometimes the mainte-
nance schedule is allowed to lag so as not to adversely affect
short-term operating profit. Haphazard cleaning and mainte-
nance wears out a furnace prematurely. Then, if quarterly
earnings of say $500,000.00 are forecast, and a $100,000.00
maintenance program is postponed, reported earnings can
be enhanced 20% or 5% if amortized over a year! Proper main-
tenance of break down furnaces and other metal handling
equipment can be held off almost indefinitely, but energy cost
and metal quality suffer as a result. Some managers do not
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 092904

Metal Handling 155

think of it this way, because they merely believe this expense

is not affordable.
Consequently, one does not have to look too far into the
die casting industry to observe worn out furnaces that spue
out open flames from cracks and poorly fitting doors. Ignor-
ing or postponing cleaning to cut costs or because it is diffi-
cult also creates a hostile environment in the rest of the
foundry. The die casting and remelt departments end up
looking like Dante’s inferno . . . a hell of a place to work.
Conversely, properly maintained melting equipment estab-
lishes a neat and efficient operating climate that enhances
productivity and safety.
The thermal conductivity of the refractory is critical to
this task. A K factor quantifies the conductivity each refrac-
tory in terms of btu=hr=sq.ft=
F=in. of depth. A high K factor
specifies a high conductivity. Since the function is to contain
heat, a low factor is desired. Unfortunately, though, the best
materials for containing liquid metal have high thermal
conductivity.
Therefore, to minimize heat loss, refractories are backed
up with highly porous insulating materials. Heat is always
transferred from a high temperature source (burners) to a
low temperature receiver (metal). In both melting and holding
furnaces, heat is transferred by:
 Radiation that first transfers heat from the burner to
the metal.
 Convection that transfers heat when fluid particles flow
between hot and cold metal crystals.
 Conduction that occurs when heat flows from the hot face
through the refractory and insulation to the cold side.
 Radiation that carries the heat away from the cold face.
The aluminum break down furnace presents a worst case
scenario. It is absolutely necessary to scrape aluminum oxide
from the refractory walls and bottom before it turns to extre-
mely hard corundum. There must be no more than two days
between routine cleanings. An especially vulnerable location
is the metal line; Build up around the walls occurs as it is
constantly exposed to aluminum in the liquid state, and
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 092904

156 Chapter 5

Figure 12

oxygen and hydro carbons. This maintenance work can be

considerably eased by simple features in furnace or holder
design that have no adverse effect upon efficiency or produc-
tivity. The initial cost is higher, however, because the angle
takes up bath space. The footprint of the furnace must then
be larger. Figure 12 sketches angled clean out ramps at the
bottom and corners. Note the strategically located doors for
convenient chipping and raking of loosened dross.

METAL HANDLING

Metal handling should be minimized because it is only a

necessary means to an end. It is costly to move solid metal
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 092904

Metal Handling 157

from one place to another so some die casters receive it in

liquid form, which is called hot metal. Costs are reduced since
it has to be liquid for the smelter to alloy, so eliminating a
solidifying and remelting cycle saves significant energy.
Then, the best means of transfer should be used to get the
metal into the die so that net shapes can be formed.
Good metal handling can minimize casting defects that
are caused by impurities introduced during transporting of
liquid metal. Nonmetallic inclusions contain oxides and spi-
nels, which are complex double metal formations. Furnace
refractory debris and sludge also contribute.
Corundum is a very dense form of aluminum oxide and
eventually becomes hard spots in castings that can damage
machining tools. Corundum conversion occurs under condi-
tions of high temperature and inefficient combustion. Furnace
refractories with higher silica and alkali oxides, especially
sodium, contribute to the formation of corundum in the alloy.
Prevention of corundum is a function of wise choice of
furnace refractory, good operating practice, and preventive
furnace maintenance to remove oxide accretions while they
are managable (Jorstad).
Aluminum alloys are often degassed and oxides are fil-
tered out during the smelting operation, but the benefits are
often lost to subsequent poor remelting and handling within
the die casting operation. Metallic and organic residues in
addition to moisture can be present in back scrap material.
Hydrogen gas can be absorbed by aluminum through
incomplete combustion in fossil fuel-fired furnaces. Hydro-
carbon residues from metalworking lubricants and hygro-
scopic fluxes can be present. Usually though, hydrogen
pick up comes from the atmosphere and temperature of
the liquid aluminum. The alloys are especially vulnerable
to this phenomenon at temperatures in excess of 1400
F. It
can also occur at lower temperatures during periods of high
humidity.
Several methods are used to detect the presence of hydro-
gen in liquid aluminum alloys. Density, reduced pressure
testing, vacuum fusion, and ‘‘hydrogen probes’’ are available
laboratory techniques.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 092904

158 Chapter 5

The high pressure die casting process is forgiving of some

amount of gas content and most casting defects can be traced
to causes other than metallurgical. However, the more enligh-
tened die casting plants require clean metal, so a brief discus-
sion on degassing methods is included here.
Historically, hexachlorethane-based tablets are sub-
merged into the bath of liquid aluminum. This gas reacts with
aluminum to form aluminum chloride which acts as a spar-
ging gas to collect hydrogen. This method works well for small
melts but the tablets are difficult to store, create obnoxious
fumes, and must be plunged deep.
A better technique utilizes a lance to inject inert gases
such as argon or nitrogen, or reactive gases like freon or chlor-
ine into the melt. A fluxing tube is used but is inefficient since
it produces large sparging gas bubbles. Large bubbles tend to
coalesce quickly and thus do not disperse completely though
the bath of liquid aluminum.
Porous ceramic plugs to dispense the sparging gas can be
constructed into the bottom of the furnace or holder that work
well. The problem is that they are too fragile and become
clogged too easily. Of course this requires major maintenance
and is not practical.
The favored method of degassing is the rotating injec-
tion system. A rotor is immersed into the melt and mixes
the sparging gas with the aluminum while shearing the
gas bubbles. The gas is uniformly dispersed and treatment
times are significantly reduced. Figure 13 compares the
efficiency of some of these degassing methods and clearly
identifies the rotor or impeller, as it is usually called, as
superior.

DROSS AND MELTING LOSS

Since metal is the highest single cost element in the produc-

tion of die castings, it is important to get as much of it through
the process and shipped out as salable product as possible.
Dross naturally forms when casting alloys are melted. It is
the physical evidence of melting loss. A loss of 3% in melting
aluminum ingot is considered normal, but this can increase to
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 092904

Metal Handling 159

Figure 13

as much as 15% when back scrap is remelted. The loss may be

slightly lower for zinc and considerably higher for magne-
sium. These losses have a huge economic impact and are
the result of too much dross generation during melting and
holding.
True aluminum dross is really aluminum oxide (Al2O3)
and usually consists of about 80% aluminum and 20% oxide.
Even the untrained eye can detect dross that is too rich in
metallic content because it shines more than low grade dross,
which looks more dusty and gray in color. A large portion of
the aluminum can be recovered by freeing it from the oxide
and returning it to the liquid aluminum bath. This is accom-
plished by treating the dross with exothermic flux.
Fluxing to minimize dross that forms on the surface of
the melt is an essential task in metal handling to prevent
excessive melting loss. Flux materials used in die casting
are mixtures of inorganic and sometimes organic salts.
Flux is a combination of chlorides, fluorides, and oxidi-
zers that superheats the dross floating on the top of the melt
surface. When applied at a rate of about 2 lb.=sq. yd. of
surface, this melts the aluminum content back into the base
metal. The temperature during this process, while very high,
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 092904

160 Chapter 5

is too low to melt the oxides, so they remain on the surface

and can then be dragged off.
Fluxing salts are rabbled into the dross layer to release
entrained metal back into the liquid bath. Metal droplets
are stripped from their thin oxide skin and coalesce back into
the main bath. The flux superheats the dross on the surface of
the melt so that the aluminum is freed when it becomes liquid
again. This process can be enhanced by mechanical agitation,
sometimes through a heavy screen, or even when the dross is
spread out in a refractory pan. The beneficial results, in addi-
tion to reduced melting loss, are better metal quality and
cleanliness, improved product quality and machinability,
and prolonged furnace life.
Sometimes flux serves only as a physical barrier as in the
case of cover fluxes. In this case, flux is spread across the sur-
face of a bath of liquid casting alloy to reduce hydrogen pick
up from the atmosphere. This flux is usually composed of
active fluoride salts. They are also used to absorb lubricants,
dirt, and other debris in the charged metal, especially back
scrap and trimmings.
Other fluxes may be mixed into the main bath to purge
oxides and other impurities. The wetting that occurs causes
agglomeration in which the impurities return to the dross
layer on the surface. The difference in specific gravity
defines a buoyancy in the agglomeration so that it literally
floats up to the top, leaving clean liquid metal in the melt
beneath.
Successful fluxing requires correct composition, proper
quantity and application, and sufficient contact time. Flux
and flux residue must be completely removed by thorough
sedimentation, floatation, and skimming.
Elements that form dross can also be removed with an
inert or active gas flux. Some foreign materials with lower
densities than the casting alloy float to the top of the liquid
metal bath and this is called dross. Others of higher specific
gravity sink to the bottom to create sludge. Also, some undis-
solved foreign particles and=or gas may be suspended in the
melt. However, the removal of undesirable suspended parti-
cles with gas is not efficient since large quantities are
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 092904

Metal Handling 161

required. Fluxes are used to cover the melt surface to

reduce oxidation losses and to separate the dross from the
base alloy.
In die casting zinc alloys, the dominant mechanism is the
intermetallic compound FeAl3. Like aluminum alloys, zinc
dissolves iron, but at a slower rate in the presence of the alu-
minum, which is alloyed as a hardener. The dross, being
lighter than the zinc casting alloy, floats to the surface of
the melt where it is skimmed off.
Conventional melting of magnesium, the other major die
casting alloy, is carried out in steel crucibles since there is no
attraction for iron as with the others. During and after melt-
ing, a salt flux is used on the surface of the melt to prevent
burning and to coagulate oxides that settle to the bottom.
Filtration, sedimentation, or floatation removes solid
particulate from liquid aluminum (Neff, 1991). Sedimentation
allows heavier impurities to sink to the bottom of the melt
where they may be dragged out or restrained from entering
the pouring stream. Foreign materials that are lighter than
the aluminum will escape by the mechanics of floatation dur-
ing degassing.
Many aluminum oxides do not differ significantly in speci-
fic gravity from the aluminum matrix. In this case, the only way
to keep them out of the pouring stream is mechanical filtration.
Nonmetallic inclusions can be filtered out with a fiber
glass or porous ceramic device strategically located in the
pouring stream. Filtration is accomplished by one of two
mechanisms in which the impurities either become trapped
on the inlet side or within the body of the filter. Since the filter
will eventually become clogged, it is essential that it be
replaced on a precise schedule.
The probability of removing all nonmetallic inclusions is
not absolute because the assumption that their size is greater
than the filter openings is not a certainty. The filter in Fig. 14
prevents nonmetallic impurities from moving from the break
down chamber to the ladling well, which significantly
improves the cleanliness of the liquid aluminum. Particles
may just build up on the inside of the filter or become trapped
within it, depending on the type. It is easy to see that metal
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 092904

162 Chapter 5

Figure 14

will eventually cease to flow into the ladling well if the filter is
not changed on schedule.
Magnesium alloys call for more complex handling
because they have a strong tendancy to oxidize and are flam-
mable in some forms. Uneducated people fear superheated
magnesium in the liquid state, but the danger occurs in the
form of chips, shavings, or dust. It can burn intensely and
appears white hot. Water only exacerbates the fire; only sand
will extinguish the flame.
These alloys are more difficult to melt and handle when
liquid because this metal oxidizes so readily. This affinity for
oxygen requires measures that are somewhat awkward when
compared to handling aluminum and zinc.
Material such as SAE 1020 steel or 430 stainless steel is
used for melting and holding crucibles because they do not
contain nickel (Koch et al.). Only high density, high alumina
refractories are compatible with magnesium. Low density,
high silica materials should be avoided.
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Metal Handling 163

It is also important to preheat ingots thoroughly to about

350 F to remove any moisture that might condense. This can
be accomplished from totally automated devices to simply
stacking them on top of a furnace.
Rapid oxidation is prevented by a protective gas atmosphere
such as sulfur hexafluoride in air. Care must be taken not to
unnecessarily disturb the surface so ingots must be submerged
gently. Each time the surface of the melt is broken a new protec-
tive skin forms that contributes to dross accumulation.
Reactive gases from the vapor space above the melt must
be excluded and vaporization of magnesium has to be sup-
pressed (Baker, 1989). Sulfur hexafluoride is usually used
since it is innocuous and only mildly corrosive in concentra-
tions used for liquid magnesium protection. It is used in com-
bination with air and carbon dioxide, or just air.
Recommended concentrations required to protect commonly
used alloy AZ91D are noted in Table 2.
The overall gas flow rate is as critical as the concentra-
tion of SF6 in the gas mixture. A rule of thumb is three times
the volume of vapor space above the melt per hour. This gas is
expensive and should be monitored carefully.
A typical gas distribution system incorporates an air
dryer, pressure and flow regulators for each gas, a mixing
chamber, an in-line gas analyzer, a distribution header to
each furnace, and a flow meter at each furnace. Fluxes must
be kept out of this system because they reduce the degree of
protection and corrosion resistance of the magnesium alloy.
Magnesium back scrap is more complicated than the
other more commonly die cast alloys. Its affinity for oxygen
requires fluxing that is severely corrosive and that requires

Table 2 Recommended Sulfur Hexafloride Concentrations

Melt temperature No surface agitation With surface agitation
( F) Volume % SF6 Volume % SF6

1220 0.02 0.04

1301 0.04 0.12
1400 0.05 1.0–1.5
1499 0.06 Poor at all concentrations
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 092904

164 Chapter 5

remelting in a separate facility. Selling to or employing the

smelter to render it is an option. Another choice is to remelt
it through the original break down furnace but this adds to
the degree of difficulty of controlling contaminants like iron
and oxides. There is, however, a flux-free process that almost
eliminates the other hazards, which suggests the best method.

TRANSFER

There are many methods to transfer liquid casting alloy and

each has advantages and disadvantages.
Hand ladling is the most basic and simple. It offers flex-
ibility, which is desirable, but it is too labor intensive for
transfer between holders. When aluminum is hand ladled into
the cold chamber, it takes a skilled operator to reproduce the
same quality shot after shot, which is very unpredictable.
Gravity metering requires no labor and can be readily
automated. Since there is no mechanism required, there are
no moving parts. Many disadvantages can be expected,
though: Transfer tubes must be heated to keep the metal
liquid; metal levels are extremely important; and, of course,
the holding furnace must be elevated. You can bank on valves
leaking. This method will not work for aluminum castings
that weigh less than 1lb.
Gas displacement has all of the advantages of gravity
and all of the disadvantages as well, except that the holder
need not be elevated.
Centrifugal pumping can move large volumes of metal
rapidly and it can be easily automated. No labor is necessary
and metal levels are not important. Transfer tubes must be
heated and moving parts must be maintained. If this method
is used to deliver metal to the cold chamber, the shot volume
must exceed 10 cu.in.
Siphoning of liquid zinc is very effective but does require
labor to initiate the siphon and also to stop the procedure
when the job is complete.
Automatic ladling has been proven in production
and widely used for cold chamber aluminum casting because
there is no size limitation on the shot and the direct labor is
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Metal Handling 165

eliminated. Ladle wash is used to keep the metal from stick-

ing to the ladle. This transfer method is much more risky
for magnesium and the trend is to go to the hot chamber pro-
cess for automation.
Bull ladles are the usual containers utilized to transport
liquid metal. They are carried by an overhead hoist or a spe-
cially adapted lift truck. The casting alloy is tapped from the
break down furnace into the ladle and then poured out into
the holder at the casting machine. Care must be taken to mini-
mize splashing of metal, which is difficult to completely avoid.
Launders require a high capital expenditure, but transfer
liquid metal from the break down furnace to the casting
machine almost without labor or incident. A launder is an insu-
lated and heated covered trough between the melting and hold-
ing station. It must be lined with a compatible refractory and
temperature must be rigidly controlled. Metal levels in the
casting machine holders are ensured and splashing is elimi-
nated.
Some disadvantages of launders are that they restrict
access to casting machines and require more heat energy to
operate. Of course, only one alloy can be carried at a time.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

There are many ways that raw material received in compliance

to specification can become contaminated with foreign material
or other metals. Therefore, some means of control are necessary.
All smelters provide a spectrographic service to their customers
but there is a time gap that could be problematic. Most die
casting firms have equipment in their quality control laboratory
so that chemical analysis can be performed in house.

SAFETY

Any discourse on metal handling in die casting would be

remiss without noting the safety hazards involved. Liquid
metal splashes are capable of inflicting life threatening
injury. In addition, all tools can be too hot to touch and thus
can cause burns.
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166 Chapter 5

It is important that metal handling equipment be main-

tained in acceptable operating condition as defined by manufac-
turer’s specifications. Safety systems on energy supplies should
be checked regularly and maintained in acceptable operating
condition. The lining and structure of all melting equipment
must be monitored constantly by personnel to whom this
responsibility is specifically assigned. Proper burner adjustment
is necessary to preclude erratic ignition and combustion.
Water on the surface of a liquid metal bath merely bubbles
to form steam and then evaporates. However, given the opportu-
nity to get below the surface, it converts to steam and the rapid
expansion generates a violent explosion powerful enough to
blow all of the metal out of the furnace! Even partially filled soda
cans discarded in a scrap container area are a source for moist-
ure. It is important to preheat all tools so that they are uncom-
fortable to the touch before submerging them into a metal bath.
Ingots or sows should be gently lowered into the bath and
not dropped. When liquid metal is poured, splashing must be
minimized. Splash guards should be provided wherever liquid
metal is poured.
Personal protective gear includes full face shields, heavy
sleeves, hot mill gloves, spats, and safety boots. A system of
enforcement is necessary since safety will be discarded if left
to human nature.

WHERE DOES SUPERHEAT GO?

Since the injection temperature of the casting alloy as it reaches

the gate has such a profound effect upon casting quality, and
because the loss of superheat is difficult to determine in the cold
chamber process, the nomographs included in Figs. 15–17 and
at the end of this chapter should be helpful when aluminum
casting alloys are used. (The transfer of liquid metal in the hot
chamber process is so rapid that the heat loss is not significant.)
It is important to understand that these nomographs
present a very simplistic approach and that they are included
here only as an assist, which is significantly better than
merely guessing at the loss in superheat that occurs in the
cold chamber process prior to injection.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 092904

Metal Handling 167

AN EXAMPLE

The application of the nomographs is illustrated in the discus-

sion that follows. Starting with a holding metal temperature
of 1225
F, which is fairly typical for aluminum die casting
alloys, Fig. 15 is based upon a ladle radius of 4 in.
A construction line is then drawn between the 1225
F tem-
perature and the 4 in. radius and extended to the reference line.
Then, another line is drawn between the reference point
and the ladle time of 7 sec. This line crosses the heat loss line
at 5
F, which means that the metal has lost 5
F during ladling.
Therefore, the temperature is 1225  5 ¼ 1220
F at this
point.
The second nomograph, Fig. 16, is used to determine the
temperature drop that occurs during the time that the liquid
metal is in the shot sleeve. Note that the scales are based
upon the shot sleeve being at least 35% full, which is a good

Figure 15
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 092904

168 Chapter 5

Figure 16

guide to follow in choosing the sleeve size to minimize air

entrapment at this time during the casting cycle.
Care must be taken to minimize wave formation during
the slow shot phase when the plunger tip starts to move. In
other words, the critical slow shot chart should be followed
so that too much aluminum skin does not form on the sides
of the shot sleeve in front of the tip. Of course, this skin is
scraped off and ends up as oxides within the casting.
This phase is especially important because the most
superheat is lost here. In the example, the difference between
the temperature of the shot sleeve material and the liquid
metal is estimated at 820
F. The sleeve temperature is there-
fore about 400
F, which can be measured with a simple
pyrometer.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 092904

Metal Handling 169

A construction line is drawn between the 820
F point on

the left scale and the 7 sec point on the second scale, which is
the time that the metal is in the sleeve. This line is extended
to the reference line. Then, another line is drawn between
this point and the diameter of the shot sleeve, which in
this case is 3 in. This line crosses the superheat loss line at
38
F.
Thus, the 1220
temperature after ladling losses can be
expected to lose another 38
F, making the temperature in
the cold chamber 1225  5  38 ¼ 1182
F.
Finally, heat is lost while the liquid metal travels
through the runner as demonstrated in Fig. 17. Much of this

Figure 17
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 092904

170 Chapter 5

event takes place during the slow shot phase of the casting
cycle, so the velocity is relatively slow.
Again, the temperature gradient between the die surface
and the casting alloy is a prime factor in calculating the freez-
ing schedule as the metal approaches the gate. Therefore, the
first scale is used to establish this ratio and, in the example,
600
F is estimated.
The second scale is designed as a quick way to estimate
the surface-area-to-volume ratio. It loses accuracy since only
the length and thickness of the runner are used rather than
area and volume, but this is not serious since the loss of
superheat in the runner is not too great.
The runner length is divided by the thickness and, in the
example, the ratio is 25. A line is drawn through these two
points to the reference line.
The velocity of the metal flow in the runner must be cal-
culated either manually with the hydraulic formula Q ¼ AV,
where Q is quantity in the runner, A is the area of the runner,
V is the runner velocity. When some CAD software is used,
this calculation is automatic.
In this case, the velocity is 30 feet per second, and the
line between this point on the fourth scale and the point
established on the reference line crosses the heat loss line
at 8
F. The metal temperature has already dropped to 1192

in the second nomograph; the temperature at the gate is cal-
culated by the final formula of 1225  5  38  8 ¼ 1174
F.
Usually, a temperature at the gate closer to 1200
F is
desired, so this scenario cannot be considered optimum and
should thus be enhanced.
These same nomographs, without the work lines used for
this example, are repeated here, in Figs. 18–20 so that they
may be used by the reader as tools to determine the best hold-
ing temperature for specific dies.
An efficient layout for a typical die casting department
integrates the melting (breakdown) operation with casting
to provide a smooth flow of material. This is important if
the modern management philosophies of just-in-time deliv-
ery, and minimum inventories are to be achieved. Since many
bottle necks develop easily in the molten metal and casting
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 092904

Metal Handling 171

Figure 18

Figure 19
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 101504

172 Chapter 5

Figure 20

systems, a simple and efficient layout for smooth material

flow is presented in Fig. 21.
When studying this layout, one should keep the first
chart in this chapter in mind because this puts some of the
routing into real time perspective (Fig. 1, p. 140). Note the
dross rendering station, which is the equipment to force the
80% of dross and skimmings back into usable casting alloy
and sell off the lean dross to the smelter.
Backscrap is usually delivered to remelt via an under-
ground conveyor that is designed with a minimum of obstruc-
tions for ease of maintenance. The course of the conveyor is
close to the trim presses since they are where the casting is
separated from the runners biscuits, sprues, and overflows.
The terminus is directed onto a charging apron so that it
can be easily charged into the furnace for remelting.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch05 R3 092904

Metal Handling 173

Figure 21

Castings may be loaded into a tote for delivery to the sec-

ondary operations, or preferably onto an overhead conveyor
for labor free transport.
Sometimes the bull ladle used to transport the liquid
casting alloy from the melting furnaces to the holding fur-
naces at casting is handled with a specially designed lift
truck, but since this method can be a bottle neck, the monorail
is suggested.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch06 R3 092904

6
Concepts of Cavity Fill

It is necessary to displace the air in the cavity with super

heated liquid metal in order to convert the ingot of casting
alloy into a useful shape. Most issues with cavity fill concern
the metal, but it is just as important to deal with the air in the
cavity that is at atmospheric pressure when the plunger
starts to move. At the end of cavity fill, the air, if not
exhausted from the cavity, becomes compressed. In this case,
the compressed air pressure retards the flow of metal, espe-
cially at the end of cavity fill.
Vacuum systems are commercially available and work
well if properly designed into the die. Natural air venting is
more economical and almost as effective. The important thing
is to size the vent area that sees the atmosphere, proportion-
ally to the gate area. It should be noted that, under the high
pressures used in die casting, a generous portion of air
escapes from the cavity through the spaces between die com-
ponents such as ejector pins and core movements, but most of
all die blow between the two die halves.
Many studies have confirmed that the volume of air that
must be displaced during every shot is much greater than
175
 5935-4 Andresen Ch06 R3 101404

176 Chapter 6

merely the volume of the cavity. In all cold chamber dies that
cast a volume of metal less than 400 cu. in., it is very difficult
to maintain a 40% fill level in the chamber, which means that
60% of the total volume is air! This volume of air plus the air
in the runner and in the cavity must be displaced by the metal
before the casting shape can be formed.
The objective is to design the vents so that the air will
exhaust from the cavity in front of the super heated metal
stream at approximately the speed of sound in air. The speed
of sound in 500 F air is 1608 ft=sec (19,284 in.=sec).
A rule of thumb is to size the vent between 10% and 20%
of the gate area. Most die casting dies do not provide enough
geometry to achieve the latter, so 10% or less is usually what
one sees in most dies.
Since low cavity fill time is desirable to maintain the
casting alloy above the latent heat of fusion during fill, a
larger gate area is one way to accomplish this without exces-
sive gate speeds. Most die designers overlook the effect that
this strategy has on the vent area. Therefore, too many die
casting dies are under-vented.
Cavity fill is dependent upon the thermal behavior of the
superheated casting alloy that is in the liquid state during
this brief but critical period in the die casting cycle. It is
important to understand that the physical state of the alloy
changes from liquid to solid before most cavities are comple-
tely filled. Actually, the state is more plastic since the metal
cooling pattern is in the latent phase of transformation at this
time.
In response to this rapid freezing phenomenon, consider-
able attention must be paid to the time taken to fill the cavity
in an effort to effectively manage the physical state of the metal.
The thermal constants of the various casting alloys used in die
casting (discussed in Chapter 4) have a profound effect upon
the condition of the liquid metal during cavity fill. They define
the thermal behavior as the super heat is lost mostly by conduc-
tion to the die steels.
When the length of time required to fill the cavity is
known, then the temperature of the metal at the end of cavity
fill can be calculated. This is done by comparing the time it
 5935-4 Andresen Ch06 R3 092904

Concepts of Cavity Fill 177

takes for a certain alloy to cool from its liquid specific heat and
to reach the solid specific heat. This event usually takes place
during cavity fill and is established by the latent heat of
fusion.
The temperature of the die steel at the cavity surface pro-
vides the thermal environment in which this whole scenario
takes place. Therefore, it is critical to calculate the most
hospitable temperature for the specific net shape to be die
cast and maintain it within a reasonably close range.
The shape to be cast defines the cavity contours and
dimensions. It is the key to how far the limitations of the
die casting process need to be stretched. This factor is usually
not within the control of the die caster, but is determined by
the product designer and the end use requirements of the
casting.
The ratio between the volume of the cavity and the surface
area is determined by the design of the shape to be cast. A
quick way to appraise this factor is to measure the wall thick-
ness of the casting since a thicker wall will hold heat longer
than a thinner section. Most product designers opt for a thin
wall to minimize the cost of the casting alloy. This determines
the degree of casting difficulty during cavity fill.
Lower ratios of volume-to-surface area are more challen-
ging because issues with surface finish quality can be
expected. The tool engineer must design gating, venting,
and process parameters to avoid cold shut defects. This is
especially true for hardware zinc castings with cosmetic
requirements.
The distance that the super heated liquid casting alloy
must travel after it exits the runner through the gate and
arrives at the last place to fill has just as profound an effect
upon casting quality. Experience by this writer in gating
over 400 different dies suggests that with normal wall thick-
nesses, the maximum distance for aluminum alloys is
approximately 8 in. Since the freezing range of zinc and
magnesium is shorter, this critical distance is about 4 in.
Success requires the shortest possible cavity fill times.
The pattern that the streams of liquid metal travel during
cavity fill is just as important to casting quality as the
 5935-4 Andresen Ch06 R3 092904

178 Chapter 6

thermodynamics. Think of most castings as shells and it

will be easier to visualize the fill pattern. The streams of
metal follow specific routes after they exit the runner
through the gate and enter the cavity. There are definite
reasons that these patterns are formed and the available
paths must be carefully studied so that the routes can be
strategically planned. Too often, however, it is developed
in a random manner. Die casting is a high speed, high pres-
sure, turbulent process, so it is assumed that the metal
stream travels in a straight line until it collides with some
obstruction, such as a core within the cavity. Thus, it is
important for the die caster to incorporate the course of
the metal streams into the design of the fill pattern by cal-
culating runner areas and locating gates so that the opti-
mum direction of flow is achieved.
Some basic assumptions influence the fill pattern. Since
the cavity fill time (measured in milliseconds) is extremely
short, it is assumed that the viscosity of the super heated
casting alloy is approximately equivalent to that of water.
This is the reason for so many early water analogy studies
that taught us so much about fluid flow.
Super heated casting alloy can then can be expected to
behave as a hydraulic fluid during cavity fill. It is therefore cri-
tical that the temperature is kept above the liquidus of the alloy
being die cast during this period of the casting cycle. By the
same token, it is also assumed that the streams of liquid metal
travel in straight lines until they encounter an obstruction.
Two flow theories somewhat explain the flow directions.
One theory expects a frontal flow directly from the gate inlet
to the extremity of the cavity. This condition is illustrated in
Fig. 1, but note that the metal streams back fill along each
side. Arrow heads indicate the direction of flow on the vectors.
A particular advantage of the tapered tangential runner
design is a unique ability to foster a full frontal fill pattern.
The other theory says that the metal will splash off of a
physical detail or the cavity extremity and then backfill the
cavity with liquid metal. Such a pattern is portrayed in Fig. 2.
Actually, some of each theory occurs during the short
period of time that the cavity is being filled.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch06 R3 092904

Concepts of Cavity Fill 179

Figure 1

Figure 2
 5935-4 Andresen Ch06 R3 092904

180 Chapter 6

An example of typical behavior of the super heated liquid

casting alloy during cavity fill confirms the theory. It is
depicted in Fig. 3. A short shot, in which an insufficient
volume of liquid metal is purposely injected, is shown to
describe this phenomenon.
The difficulty in die casting a round shape is certainly evi-
dent here. This metal feed strategy concentrates the fill pat-
tern on the center so that the metal streams will not circle
the perimeter first and back fill the center where it is impossi-
ble to vent out entrapped air and gases. Notice how the center
hub of this cast shape interrupts the metal stream to make it
more difficult for the metal to reach the top edge of the cavity.
This casting was created by a short shot so that the cavity
purposely did not fill completely. There can be no doubt as to
the location of the gate inlet because of the almost acceptable
condition of that zone of the cast shape. The last places to fill
are clearly emphasized by the complete absence of metal in those
zones. It is evident that there are too many overflows and they
are misplaced. Obviously, the purpose of the short shot was to
identify the root cause for poor fill as part of a Six Sigma exercise.
Cavity prefill is a strategy that North American die cas-
ters sometimes copy from a practice more common in Europe.

Figure 3
 5935-4 Andresen Ch06 R3 092904

Concepts of Cavity Fill 181

It is a technique that fills up to 35% of the cavity volume before

the fast shot is initiated. This partial filling during the
slow shot phase of the process helps to overcome defects
caused by too much turbulence at details of the cavity that
are close to the gate location and present severe obstructions
to flow.
This logic is usually used after the metal feed system has
been designed and tried out in an attempt to minimize casting
defects.
Gate speed is another of the several conditions that
determine what happens. This event is best presented by
the analogy to the adjustable nozzle of a common garden hose
as displayed in Fig. 4. Like the hose, the stream of liquid
metal feeding into a die casting die can vary from coarse par-
ticles or droplets, through continuous jet flow, and ultimately
to a finely atomized mist.

Figure 4
 5935-4 Andresen Ch06 R3 092904

182 Chapter 6

The atomized mist describes the gate speed range that

produces the highest quality zinc die castings. The chemical
and physical properties of the casting alloy that is to be
injected into the die cavity determine which fluid consistency
is best.
The recommended speed for aluminum alloys is in the
range of 85–130 ft=sec (1020–1560 in.=sec), and recommended
gate thickness is approximately 50% of the wall thickness of
the casting adjacent to the gate.
Magnesium alloys are produced with thinner gates and
at speeds that vary from 150 to 200 ft=sec (1800 to
2400 in.=sec).
Zinc alloys are produced with very thin gates between
0.012 and 0.020 in. (0.3–0.5 mm) and gate speeds from 170
to 200 ft=sec (2040 to 2400 in.=sec) are suggested.
At first glance, it would appear that casting quality
may be enhanced by an increase in the gate speed, but
adverse consequences are encountered at excessive speeds.
Aluminum, for example, is extremely abrasive (sand
paper is made with aluminum oxide) and also has an affi-
nity to absorb iron. Gate speeds in aluminum above
130 ft=sec (1560 in.=sec) cause serious erosion of the die
steel.
This is an insidious condition that has a delayed effect
upon casting quality. As the gate orifice gradually erodes,
the area increases, which reduces the gate speed with no
change in the process control. Excessive gate speed can also
cause too much turbulence within the cavity that results in
vortices or swirls and voids in the casting surface.
Gate speeds can be calculated by the simple formula:
Ag ¼ V=tVg, where Ag ¼ gate area (length  thickness) in sq.
in. or sq. mm; V ¼ volume of cavity and overflows (all of the
metal that must pass through the gate) in cu. in. or cu. mm;
t ¼ cavity and overflow fill time in sec; Vg ¼ allowed gate
velocity in in.=sec or mm=sec.
While most gate design procedures used today are time
based, since control of cavity fill time can keep the casting
alloy liquid, the most effective technique is to mathematically
define the casting. It is divided into zones of fill that either
 5935-4 Andresen Ch06 R3 092904

Concepts of Cavity Fill 183

receive liquid metal directly from the gate, or are backfilled

after the gated zone has been filled.
This logic examines the volume-to-surface-area ratio to
establish the freezing rate of the casting alloy during cavity
fill. The higher this ratio is, the quicker the freezing rate will
be.
This method also requires the distance that the liquid
metal must travel from where it enters the cavity at the gate
to the farthest extremity of the casting from the gate, a
number that also drastically affects the solidification schedule
of the casting alloy. These data are easily determined by
merely measuring the distance. Many experienced die casting
engineers just use a piece of string for this purpose.
This strategy naturally leads to locating the last point in
the casting to be filled with metal, which is critical to casting
quality. It calls for identification of class ‘‘A’’ surfaces and
then designing the cavity fill pattern so that the last place
to fill is not within such a critical area. More will be offered
on this important subject when vent designs are discussed
in other chapters.
Computer aided engineering software is commercially
available and in fairly common use in the generation of die
casting firms that have survived the severe economic reces-
sion in manufacturing at the start of third millennium. Only
one, however, has been developed solely for the high pressure
die casting process. It is used to create runners in a three-
dimensional wire frame that can be surfaced or converted to
a solid model for subsequent CNC machining into the die
steels. Mathematical cavity fill calculations are used to define
the shape to be cast and the optimum process parameters to
produce it. It requires considerable experience and knowledge
of die casting for effective first shot success, but this author
prefers it to others because it is simple and logical to use.
The results are good in cases where minute (<0.02 inch
diameter) porosity is acceptable.
The other software programs are based upon either finite
element or finite difference analysis methods and are essen-
tially three-dimensional simulators. The problem is that they
are restricted by volume of fluid (VOF) technology that
 5935-4 Andresen Ch06 R3 101404

184 Chapter 6

requires stationary grids. This limits their ability to deal with

the highly dynamic turbulent flows experienced in high pres-
sure die casting. Thus, they only provide some insight when
an engineer is not very familiar with the process and are
not substitutes for experience.
Unfortunately, appealing color and animation seem to be
critical to marketing simulation software to the die casting
industry, rather than strategic results.
Smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH) appears to be the
ultimate simulator to address porosity requirements that are
expressed in parts per million opportunities (ppm) to produce
castings. SPH has been in development for several years to
streamline algorithms so that calculation time requirements
can be reduced from weeks, to days, to hours, to minutes.
The course of this work could take two different paths that
depend upon the health of the die casting industry. It could
be used as a research tool for solving flow problems for large
captive die casting operations such as the car companies, or it
could develop into a commercially available software.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch07 R3 092904

7
Metal Feed System

Runners and gates are the usual name for the metal feed sys-
tem in die casting nomenclature. This description, however,
takes away from the real function, which is to convey liquid
metal via the runner, through the gate, and into the cavity
and overflow. An important event that is part of
the feed system is the venting of air in the cavity in front of
the metal stream that has to be exhausted out into the atmo-
sphere for acceptable casting quality. Otherwise, the air will
compress and form a back pressure that hinders full cavity
fill.
View the metal feed system as a pump and conduit for the
casting alloy between the source (holding furnace or crucible)
and the die cavity. This may be over simplifying the die cast-
ing process, but it need not be complicated . . . it is merely a
plumbing system. Super heated liquid casting alloy has a visc-
osity similar to water and therefore behaves as a hydraulic
fluid. All of the scientific rules like ‘‘water does not flow
uphill’’ apply.
The flow is turbulent in high pressure die casting to
minimize cavity fill time. All of the benefits and drawbacks
185
 5935-4 Andresen Ch07 R3 092904

186 Chapter 7

must be understood and accepted. The liquid metal stream

can be expected to follow a straight line and will be broken
up by any barrier it hits, which disrupts the pattern. Liquid
metal streams do not change direction easily so sharp bends
in runners need to be avoided. Remember, however, that
the turbulent stream can be directed so it is logical to aim it
at the most critical detail in the cavity if obstructions can be
avoided.
The complication comes in with the peripheral equip-
ment like pumps, electronics, computers, robots, safety
guards, etc. The metal feed system is buried deep within
the die casting cell and out of view during the casting cycle.
Therefore, all strategies have to be exercised in the engineer-
ing stage.
Geography is a word sometimes used to describe the
amount of space on the die layout for the metal feed system.
It is important to avoid abrupt changes in direction, which
many times requires space. As discussed in Chapter 6, too often
the size of the die casting die is intentionally made small to fit
into a certain size machine or to minimize die material costs.
All of the wrong reasons limit opportunities for smooth unrest-
ricted flow through the metal feed system. This is why the
metal feed system should be designed before the die is laid out.
Gravity feed is to be avoided in the higher temperature
alloys of aluminum and magnesium that are cast by the cold
chamber process. Like water, these casting alloys will fall by
gravity if allowed to be gated down into the cavity. This slow
gravity feed, occurring before turbulent high speed and high
pressure start to fill the cavity, introduces a separate and colder
portion of casting alloy that will solidify earlier than the main
stream. Cold shut and porosity defects can be expected.
In the cold chamber process, the constant velocity system
explained in Chapter 3 is normally used in North America.
This calls for the cold chamber, sometimes called the shot
sleeve, be completely filled with a volume of liquid metal
equal to the volume of the runner system, cavity and over-
flows, plus a biscuit. During the slow shot phase of the casting
cycle, the air in the chamber is theoretically displaced with
liquid casting alloy.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch07 R3 092904

Metal Feed System 187

A biscuit thickness of at least 1 in. assures that the total

system will receive metal in addition to providing enough
metal supply to pack the cavity during the intensification
phase. Without a respectable biscuit, the possibility of non-fill
in the cavity due to a lack of metal injected into the feed
system is frightening.
Minimize the incidence for porosity caused by entrapped
air by recognizing the critical aspect of the fill level of liquid
metal in the cold chamber after pouring and prior to initiating
the slow shot phase of the cycle. The shot end of the casting
machine is designed with a minimum plunger displacement
to accommodate the stationary platen thickness and also pro-
vide for a reasonable cover die thickness and die shut height.
Therefore, the empty volume of the cold chamber is the
product of the area of the cold chamber times the displace-
ment. Only very massive castings such as automotive trans-
mission cases require enough metal to fill the cold chamber.
Most die castings require only enough metal to fill 25–40%,
which leaves the balance of the air in the shot chamber to
be exhausted through the metal feed system. This condition
must be dealt with carefully and will be expanded upon later.
One method of eliminating this situation that keeps com-
ing up is the use of a vacuum suction of the liquid metal from
the holding bath to the cold chamber without a pour hole.
Another is the vertical die casting machine.
The hot chamber process used for zinc and some magne-
sium operations does not experience the air entrapment
problem, but proper design of the sprue post (spreader pin)
and bushing must be considered.
Two types of sprues are used, the constant area sprue sys-
tem and the runner sprue, which are illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2.
The constant area sprue theoretically provides a constant
area for liquid metal that exceeds the runner area by reducing
the thickness of the space between the male post and the
female bushing as the diameter increases. Caution should
be exercised to assure that the constant area continues at
the base of the post and the intersection with the runner. A
major problem with the standard style of sprue post shown
in Fig. 1 is the opening around the circumference of the post
 5935-4 Andresen Ch07 R3 092904

188 Chapter 7

Figure 1

(sometimes called the spreader pin) that is necessary to pro-

vide an adequate conduit to the runner. It is only coincidental
that the area of this element has the same cross-sectional
area of the rest of the metal feed system and the nozzle.
The runner sprue, on the other hand, provides no theore-
tical space between post and bushing, but a constantly
decreasing runner area is machined into the post between
the nozzle and the runner in the die parting plane. This
configuration is depicted by Fig. 2.
It should be obvious that the cross-sectional areas of the
runners can be better controlled with the runner sprue design.
Of course, the runner from the sprue to the cavity is just
an extension of the sprue runner, but it is important that the
runner area constantly decreases in area until it reaches the
gate (Fig. 2). Again, the hydraulic formula of Q ¼ AV is utilized.
As a matter of fact, the best way to design the runner is
to start at the gate and work in the reverse direction to the
flow of the casting alloy back to the metal source. The runner
area should be increased by a factor of 5% at each bend or
 5935-4 Andresen Ch07 R3 092904

Metal Feed System 189

Figure 2

split, and another 5% at the intersection of the runner to the

sprue.
This strategy is also used in the design of runners for the
cold chamber process as shown in Fig. 3.
It is also referred to as a sprue runner and is intended to
minimize the effect of the phenomenon called vena contracta

Figure 3
 5935-4 Andresen Ch07 R3 092904

190 Chapter 7

to reduce air entrapment as the liquid metal makes a 90

change in direction from horizontal to vertical. Remember,
at super heated temperatures, the casting alloy behaves like
a hydraulic fluid and wants to follow the path of least resis-
tance. Thus, every effort to streamline the metal feed path
will be rewarded with an improvement in internal integrity
of the product.
The usual style where the directional change is made
abruptly at the intersection of the biscuit and runner is
described in, Fig 4, and the possibility for air entrapment in
this option is obvious.
The shot sleeve is a constant problem to most die casters
since it wears away near the pouring hole and requires
continuous lubrication. The shot sleeve is a steel tube that
functions in an open air environment. It is usually water
cooled at the tip end. Super heated casting alloy is poured
into the other end and runs along the length, transferring
heat until it reaches the front end.
The liquid metal is then allowed to stabilize before the
plunger tip starts to move. During this time, a skin of solidi-
fied metal forms against the inside wall, especially near the
water cooled end.
As the metal fills the sleeve and starts to move into the
runner system, the skin is peeled off the wall by the tip. These

Figure 4
 5935-4 Andresen Ch07 R3 101404

Metal Feed System 191

flakes are then entrained into the liquid metal stream and
travel to the gate—the first restriction where they get trapped
and cause a partial blockage. This restriction is signaled by
streak marks in the casting that emanate from the gate
because the flow though the gate is a variable. Random
defects such as cold shut in areas remote from the gate.
Normally, this condition can be eliminated by increasing
the metal temperature or changing the slow shot plunger
velocity.
Increasing metal temperature reduces the thickness and
strength of the flakes so that they may remelt before they
reach the gate restriction.
Increasing slow shot plunger velocity allows less time for
the skin to form, and the flakes that do are thinner and
shorter in length.
Reducing the stabilizing time between pouring and the
start of the first shot stage also produces thinner flakes.
The key to controlling this problem is in maintaining a
reasonably constant shot sleeve temperature. Further
research is needed to determine the ideal shot sleeve
temperature, but early trials suggest a range between 400 F
and 480 F.
The runner is immediately down stream from the source
of the casting alloy and serves as a conduit between the metal
supply at the biscuit for the cold chamber process or the noz-
zle for the hot chamber process. Since the liquid metal follows
the path of least resistance, abrupt changes in direction
should be avoided or provided for in the design of the metal
feed system. Separations of the main runner into separate
branches are minimized because splashing and air entrap-
ment occur at each junction.
The runner design has to be as streamlined as possible to
literally provided a path of least resistance. Another impor-
tant consideration is the speed of the liquid metal as it travels
through it. This is done by constantly reducing the cross-sec-
tional area as each change of direction or impediment to flow
is encountered. It is recommended that the area is reduced 5%
at each directional change or split. The runner area has to be
at least as large as the cross-sectional area of the gate so that
 5935-4 Andresen Ch07 R3 092904

192 Chapter 7

the flow rate does not decrease as the metal passes through
the gate. It is more preferable, however, to design the runner
element that directly feeds the gate with 10–20% larger area.
When tapered tangential runners are used, this also is a
major factor in defining the flow angle.
The perfect cross-section for a runner is the circle since it
offers the most thermal efficiency. It is important to hold the
heat loss as low as possible. However, since the runner is
formed by the two die halves, it is more economical to
machine it into one half and then the other half merely forms
a flat side when the dies close. Draft must be included at each
side, so that most common cross-section is the trapezoid. The
trapezoidal shape should be designed as close to a square as
possible to contain the heat in the metal.
Most runners, however, are designed wide and shallow
for quicker cooling after the cavity has been filled and the shot
is in the dwell stage during solidification. Experience has
proved, however, that if the depth of the runner does not
exceed 1 in. except in extremely large shots, adequate cooling
can be provided. Figure 5 illustrates both runner cross-
sections discussed here.
The ideal runner system is balanced for multiple cavity
dies in which the liquid metal reaches the gates into each
die cavity at the same time. Then, each cavity will fill in the
same time and at the same time. The importance of this basic
strategy is that uniform quality will be produced. If this policy
is followed, there is no logical reason to sort cavities to

Figure 5
 5935-4 Andresen Ch07 R3 092904

Metal Feed System 193

separate one quality level from another. If one part is bad, they
all should be, and conversely, if one is good, they all will be.
Seek a more thermally efficient section so that the more
of the pouring heat is retained by the casting alloy on its path
from the shot tip to the gate. Yes, a square section with draft
on each side is more effective, and an easy way to develop this
runner shape is to calculate the square root of the area to
determine the depth, but remember to limit it to 1 in. except
for very large shots.
Why then do the poorly designed runners produce accep-
table castings? Again, it must be understood that the die cast-
ing process is extremely forgiving. The trouble comes in when
too many rules are broken and complex casting problems
result.
In conclusion, design runners should constantly decrease
in cross-sectional area from the metal source to the gate so
that the velocity of the liquid metal constantly increases as
it travels through this conduit. This is critical because any
deviation in this velocity pattern will generate turbulence
and trap air. This air is encapsulated in an envelope of liquid
metal which, of course, cannot be vented out of the cavity
without spewing metal into the ambient environment. The
result is gas porosity in the casting that is a major reason
for rejection. The metal must exit the runner system in this
manner through a gate to enter the cavity.
Gate design which includes the location, style, direction,
and cross-sectional area is critical to effective cavity fill condi-
tions that have a profound effect upon casting quality.
While there are many styles for gate design, the main
three will be discussed. A poor design of the popular fan gate
is described here. Remember, the principle of constant
reduction in area still must be considered for a proper fan
gate design.
In Fig. 6 the mid area increases the area just before the
metal reaches the gate, which slows down the flow
velocity and then speeds it up, causing turbulence that
entraps air.
The straight sides are easy to machine into the die steels
and the tooling cost is low, but the negative effect on casting
 5935-4 Andresen Ch07 R3 092904

194 Chapter 7

Figure 6

quality will increase production costs of the casting that far

exceed the lower tool cost.
The graphic in Fig. 7 describes an improvement in the
fan gate design since the mid area falls within the prescribed
limits. The concave side walls reduce the horizontal dimen-
sion so the mid area is reduced.

Figure 7
 5935-4 Andresen Ch07 R3 092904

Metal Feed System 195

Figure 8 illustrates the best style for a fan gate where the
mid area is an average of the runner area and the gate area.
Of course, this further increases the machining cost, so most
die casters settle for the straight sided design. However, since
the advent of CNC tool path programming, the cost factor is
rapidly disappearing.
In considering the fan gate style, it must be understood
that the gate speed varies from very fast in the center to
almost zero at the ends. The speed variance is difficult to cal-
culate, so most die casters merely use the hydraulic formula
of Q ¼ AV to calculate the average gate speed.
This procedure is dangerous because the speed at the
center of the fan can cause early erosion of the die steel
if it exceeds 150 ft=sec. Typically, this gate speed variance
generates vortices at either side of the center and swirls
are formed that result in poor surface finish and can be a
site for gas porosity. This scenario is illustrated in Fig. 9
with gate vectors, the length of which describes gate speed.
The distance between the gate exit from the runner and
the leading edge of the cavity is called the gate land which is a
function of the gate thickness, but usually is limited to a

Figure 8
 5935-4 Andresen Ch07 R3 092904

196 Chapter 7

Figure 9

maximum of 0.10 in. If the land is greater, there is a danger of

the gate freezing enough to effect the movement of metal dur-
ing the intensification shot phase.
Again, the reason that the fan gate works in so many
cases is the forgiving nature of the die casting process. The
gate speed is not constant and it is difficult to control the fill
pattern.
The chisel gate is used mostly to feed remote portions of
the cavity where help is needed to strengthen the feed for
surface and internal integrity of the casting. Like the fan
gate, the speed varies and is faster at the center. However,
the width is usually so narrow that the swirling effect is
greatly diminished.
Such a helper runner and gate is a useful adjunct to the
main metal feed system. Where the main gates are chisel
 5935-4 Andresen Ch07 R3 092904

Metal Feed System 197

Figure 10

gates, however, the fill pattern is very limited and the casting
quality suffers. Figure 10 describes a typical chisel type gate.
The tapered tangential runner, sometimes called the
Australian gating system, deals with the undesirable condi-
tion in the other gate styles. A typical gate configuration of
this style is depicted in Fig. 11.
The vectors represent the direction of flow and the length
of each vector describes the relative gate speed. Since these
vectors are approximately the same length, the gate speeds
are considered to be constant.
The cross-sectional areas are computer designed to yield
constant gate speeds. The flow angle of the metal that exits each
runner element is a function of the inlet area to the gate area.
This relationship is not linear so several cross-sectional areas
must be calculated for each runner element in a manner that
will achieve a constant flow angle and a constant gate speed.
This runner style may be designed manually or with a
conventional CAD program, but the most accurate method
is with the software known as CastflowÕ .
The gate is the final restriction upon the metal feed
system and it has a profound effect on cavity fill time, gate
speed, the shot end settings of the die casting machine, and,
of course, the quality of the castings produced.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch07 R3 092904

198 Chapter 7

Figure 11

Keep in mind that the casting alloy loses heat all through
the cavity filling process, so it is minimized by increasing the
gate area and maintaining the same gate speed. This is
usually accomplished by increasing the thickness.
Caution must be taken, however, since enlarging the
gate area also slows down the gate speed. This can be over-
come by increasing the fast shot plunger velocity.
The runner area must also be large enough to support a
larger gate area. Thus, these gate options should be consid-
ered prior to machining the runner into the die steels. Too
many times, gates are revised to deal with quality issues
while the die is in the casting machine. Often, the process
should be examined rather than the die itself.
If you think about it, logic would suggest that even a
scrap figure as high as 50% means that half of the castings
produced meet the quality requirements. The die steels,
including the gates, do not change between cycles! The
process variables can and do experience deviations, however.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch07 R3 092904

Metal Feed System 199

Another thing that must be addressed when discussing

the metal feed system is that abrupt directional changes are
not kind to the die casting process. The runner system is
indeed a plumbing system in that it acts as a conduit for
the liquid metal.
Yes, the metal behaves like a hydraulic fluid at tempera-
tures above the liquidus since it has a viscosity about like water.
Also, in die casting, we are dealing with extremely high pressures
and turbulent velocities. At these high pressures and speeds,
liquid metal resists any change in direction; kinetic energy is
released and causes severe damage to the expensive die.
Gate area has profound effect upon casting defects and
quality. The chart in Table 1 describes conditions in a qualita-
tive manner that suggests what any gate area should be to
accomplish a particular purpose (Von Tachach).
Gate area has no effect upon shrinkage porosity that is a
function of volumetric shrinkage during solidification.
Generally, the higher the specific gravity of the casting
alloy is, the more energy it releases at sharp directional
changes. Thus, lighter alloys such as magnesium and alumi-
num can handle directional changes easier that heavier alloys
like zinc, brass, and lead.
This also leads to cavitation which can badly damage a
die surface in just a few shots.

Table 1
 5935-4 Andresen Ch07 R3 092904

200 Chapter 7

Cavitation is a phenomenon that escalates with liquid

density of the casting alloy. An analogy to a large semi-truck
making a turn at high speed to a small automobile in the same
posture may be helpful to understand cavitation. Of course, it
is more difficult to turn the truck since it is more massive and
wants to continue in a straight line more than the car.
Cavitation is the generation of cavities in a fluid that
occurs when local pressure falls below the vapor pressure of
the fluid whenever bubble nuclei are present. A bubble car-
ried along in a stream of liquid metal is not stable since local
velocity and pressure are continually changing (NADCA,
1991). Bubbles normally collapse after a short lifetime. Often
they collapse near the die surface. This is called an implosion
and frequent repetition at the same spot can cause serious die
pitting that usually occurs down stream (in the cavity) from
the source of the bubble like a sharp bend (in the runner).
Figure 12 illustrates this condition.

Figure 12
 5935-4 Andresen Ch07 R3 092904

Metal Feed System 201

Many times die casters are surprised by this die pitting

when it occurs in zinc die castings because this material is
considered more gentle to die steel surface. The explanation
is that zinc is heavier and therefore resists any change in direc-
tion more than aluminum, which is much harder on the die
steel.
Overflows are part of the metal feed system and serve
several purposes. The primary reason for them is that they
act as heat sinks and are normally located adjacent to the last
location in the cavity to receive metal, which is the coldest in
the system and where the incidence for a cold shut defect is
strong. In this case, the overflow is designed with as much
volume and as little surface area as possible.
Sometimes ejector pin marks are undesirable on a parti-
cular surface of the shape to be cast. This can be overcome by
locating the ejector pin outside of the cavity on an overflow.
Such an overflow is called a false ejector.
Due to the tendency for super heated liquid alloy to back
fill, an overflow can be placed off of the last region to fill where
partially solidified metal, excess air, or gas can be drawn
away from the casting. The science behind this theory is deba-
table, however.
A strategically located overflow can be a good place for
initiating an air vent.
Venting of the die cavity is almost as critical as proper
gate design since entrapped air is a major cause of porosity.
Air that may be become entrapped in a die casting comes from
many different sources. Air occupying the shot sleeve and cav-
ity prior to the injection of metal is the main source. Lubricant
decomposition as a result of contact with hot metal also
creates gas that must be vented out from the cavity prior to
cavity fill to minimize porosity.
Vent area is defined as the smallest area of the vent as it
reaches the outside edge of the die retainer where the air
escapes into the atmosphere. It really is a function of the
volume of the cavity, but since the gate area is also related
to cavity volume, vents are normally sized by relating them
to the gate area. Roughly, the vent should be 10–20% of the
gate area, but most die parting planes are not large enough
 5935-4 Andresen Ch07 R3 092904

202 Chapter 7

to accommodate more than 10% so this becomes the maxi-

mum that is mechanically possible.
The vent path is designed to exit the cavity or
adjacent overflow at a thickness of 1=64 to 1=32 in., usually
in the ejector die and then to step down to 0.007 (alumi-
num) to 0.004 in. thickness (zinc) at the boundary between
the cavity insert and the die retainer. The thicker portion
will fill with metal, which will freeze as it enters the thin
part so that only air is exhausted into the room. The thick
part is in the ejector die so that it can be ejected with the
shot.
Strategy for the shape of the vent path is the reverse of
that used for the runner: Sharp abrupt changes of direction
are used to encourage the rapidly solidifying metal to freeze
and to eliminate the possibility of squirting hot liquid metal
out into the environment of the casting cell.
Gas and air movement is initiated by pressure build up
in the die cavity. The air or gas velocity is measured by mach
number or the velocity relative to the speed of sound. It is
usually considered that the ideal speed is just below or at
mach 1. The speed of sound in air can be calculated approxi-
mately by the formula

Vs ¼ 331:4 þ 0:6 Tc m=sec

where Tc is temperature in Celsius, so that at an air tempera-

ture of 260
C, the speed of sound is

Vs ¼ 331:4 þ 0:6½260 ¼ 487:4 m=sec

In English units, at an air temperature of 500
F, the
speed of sound is 19,284 in.=sec.
Some research has determined that most of the air in the
feed system is exhausted during the slow shot phase and very
little escapes after the plunger velocity reaches 50 in.=sec
(Mangalick, 1976). Fill time can be related to the vent capa-
city of the die so that by increasing vent area, the cavity fill
time decreases because back pressure is diminished.
Cavity fill time is integral to logical vent design because
it is a function of gate area and gate speed. In other words, if
 5935-4 Andresen Ch07 R3 092904

Metal Feed System 203

gate area is increased to reduced cavity fill time without

exceeding guidelines for gate speed, vent area also must be
increased proportionally.
In addition, air in the cavity escapes through core
slides and ejectors pins. Die blow also contributes to air loss
during cavity fill. If it is assumed that the ideal speed at
which air should be exhausted in front of the metal stream
is 0.8 times the speed of sound, or 15,427.2 in.=sec, the opti-
mum vent area can be calculated. Other reasonable
assumptions that can be made are that the air is lost from
the runner during slow shot, and that 60% of the air in the
cavity is lost through leakage and die blow.
A formula to calculate optimum vent area is
Va ¼ 0:5 Vc =Cft ½Vv 

where
Va is vent area;
Vc is cavity volume;
Cft is cavity fill time;
Vv is vent velocity.
An example is offered here. Where cavity volume is
10 in.3 and zinc is the casting alloy, cavity fill time is
0.02 sec, then

Va ¼ 0:4 ð10Þ in:3 =0:02 sec ð15; 427 in:=secÞ ¼ 0:013 in:2

Since a vent thickness of 0.004 in. is recommended for

zinc, the vent area of 0.016 in.2 can be designed as
0.004  3.25 in.
A device called a massive chill plug is sometimes used
to rapidly freeze the vent off with water cooling since the
only purpose of the vent is to remove air, not to transport
metal.
So far, a natural venting system has been described here,
but there are vacuum systems that partially evacuate the
metal feed system and cavity that are sometimes more
effective than the natural vents. These are referred to as power
vents and care must be taken to get tight fits in the die in
locations like the parting planes, ejector pins, and core
 5935-4 Andresen Ch07 R3 092904

204 Chapter 7

slides so that the vacuum cannot bring in air from the

atmosphere.
With either type, however, the strategic location of the
vents at the last place in the cavity that is expected to receive
metal is more critical than the sizing. If this decision is not made
correctly, and liquid metal enters the vent before the cavity is
filled, it will block off the vent, which will stop any further
venting.

DESIGNING THE FILL PATTERN

It is possible to roughly design the fill pattern when conven-

tional runners and gates are used by directing or aiming
the turbulent metal stream at the critical region of the shape
to be cast. After this rough strategy has been established,
there are techniques available to calculate the fill pattern
more accurately.
The layflat technique describes a manual method to
define the fill pattern. The shape to be cast is laid out flat
as if it were to be made from sheet metal. After the gate loca-
tion has been defined and the flow angle determined, mathe-
matical calculations are made to define volume, surface area,
and distance that the liquid metal must flow through the gate
to fill the cavity.
Flow simulation software, into which a three-dimensional
model is imported, the gate and runner attached, and the cast-
ing process defined modeled that can graphically simulate the
flow pattern more accurately. It is wise to analyze the flow pat-
tern before accepting a final design of the metal system for all
shapes with any degree of complication. This needs to be done
before the feed system is cut into the die steels.
Tapered tangential runners, when properly designed,
direct the flow of metal and control its speed as it exits the
runner through the gate. Calculations are accurate and the
results are predictable. It should be noted, however, that this
author sees too many poorly designed tangential runners
at too many die casting plants. In view of its potential for
this purpose, we will focus upon this type of metal feed
system.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch07 R3 092904

Metal Feed System 205

Figure 13

We will start with the flow of liquid metal in the runner

and its predictability that it will follow the path of least resis-
tance in the direction of the runner. This is represented by the
horizontal vector in Fig. 13.
When the runner is located tangential to the edge of the
cavity and a gate orifice is cut between the runner and the
cavity, the flow path also wants to exit the runner at a right
angle, or in the vertical direction. However, it has an equal
interest in continuing the horizontal flow. The vectors shown,
by their relative length, quantify the gate speeds. Since the
vertical vector, normal to the horizontal line, is shorter, the
normal gate speed is slower than the resultant or true gate
speed.
What actually happens is that the metal stream will fol-
low a path in the direction of the resultant of the vertical and
horizontal vectors. This is called the flow angle. It is the basis
for accurately designing the fill pattern that is bounded by the
edges of the metal stream that follows the resultant vector
 5935-4 Andresen Ch07 R3 092904

206 Chapter 7

Figure 14

Figure 15
 5935-4 Andresen Ch07 R3 092904

Metal Feed System 207

until it meets an obstruction, such as a core or interrupting

wall within the cavity.
These edges are three dimensional and can be traced
upon a prototype model or CAD description of the shape to
be die cast. The simple, but difficult to fill, hat shape with
the flow pattern traced onto it is shown in Figs. 14 and 15
in lay flat form. This old but effective method is used to visua-
lize the hat shape fill pattern. This pattern would be accom-
plished with a double tapered tangential runner system and
is not necessarily the optimum fill strategy. It is used only
to explain this design technique.
The hat shape was discussed earlier because it is so dif-
ficult to fill without defects. The metal streams run around
the skirt with a direct frontal flow, but only back fill the top
with colder metal. Cold shut or lamination defects usually
occur because the metal streams flow around the outside
and not over the top. In the case shown in Fig. 14, a small por-
tion of the top is filled, however.
It is always desirable, where mechanically possible, to
explore other gate strategies.
Therefore, a plan to swirl the liquid metal into the skirt
sometimes is more effective for the hat shape. The idea here is
to continue the frontal fill pattern as long as possible. Figure
15 shows that some of the metal stream also fills a portion of
the top. This is a more desirable option because the fill pat-
tern covers a larger area, and venting of the top is possible.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch08 R3 101404

8
Process Control

Control of the process begins with the die casting machine,

especially the vicissitudes of the shot end. ‘‘Vicissitudes’’ is
the word used because even relatively new machines stray
from the original base line design data in proportion to the
amount of abuse they receive in production. The key fixed
elements of the die casting machine are: the diameter of the
shot cylinder, rod diameter, plunger displacement range,
maximum fast shot plunger velocity, locking force intensifi-
cation ratio, and rise time to intensification.
Variables to be addressed in the cold chamber process
are the plunger tip diameter, inside diameter of the cold
chamber, accumulator pressure, operating metal pressure,
biscuit thickness, gate speeds, cavity fill time, and metal tem-
perature at the end of cavity fill. In the hot chamber process,
the goose neck replaces the cold chamber, and the nozzle
length and outlet bore are added.
Locking force is rarely a limiting factor because platen
sizes are small compared to the clamping tonnage, and
size not force usually determines which machine to run a
particular die.
209
 5935-4 Andresen Ch08 R3 100604

210 Chapter 8

Thus, the die casting machine provides the pump at the

shot end to supply the super heated casting alloy to the die,
and the clamp to hold the die halves shut. Compatibility in
all areas between the machine and the die is important to
efficient productivity and quality.
The details of the metal feed system discussed in the
prior chapter define how the process variables must be con-
trolled for statistical results, designed to eliminate sorting
good castings from bad ones. Predictable results of salable
product can be expected in at least the 98 percentile for alumi-
num and magnesium die castings, and at least the 95 percen-
tile for the most challenging product, cosmetic zinc castings.
The role of intensification is covered here since it is uni-
versally used in cold chamber operations to minimize gas por-
osity. It is defined as the controlled increase of pressure on the
casting alloy at the end of cavity fill, immediately following
impact (McClintic, 1995). It is accomplished by increasing
the hydraulic pressure above nominal by shifting to alternate
relief valves, opening high pressure accumulators, or operat-
ing multipliers called cylinder intensifiers. The usual ratio is
3:1 compared to the pressure used for filling the cavity.
Intensification is initiated by a position-based signal dur-
ing the deceleration near impact. Biscuit thickness consis-
tency becomes critical to the timing of this final squeeze.
Since the objective is to compress gas porosity voids that have
occurred during cavity fill, the strategy is to continue to
squeeze metal through the gate orifice before it solidifies to
form a denser cast shape.
An impact pressure surge or spike takes place briefly
(25=100,000 of a second) at the end of cavity fill and the plun-
ger abruptly decelerates. This is due to the inertia of the
hydraulic fluid and the mechanical components of the shot
system. Excessive flash is the result of too great a peak in
impact pressure. Modern die casting machines are equipped
with a deceleration feature on the shot end, triggered either
by a limit switch or encoder signal, at the proper shot cylinder
position. Managing deceleration impact and intensification
pressures properly plays a big role in internal integrity and
casting quality.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch08 R3 100604

Process Control 211

The shot system of the casting machine operates with a

combination of hydraulic principles in addition to the pres-
sure applied upon the casting alloy. High pressure is used
to pack the liquid metal into the cavity, which occurs both
during and after cavity fill. Velocity is the other critical prin-
ciple that has a profound effect on the quality of castings pro-
duced. Effective management of both is what die casting
process control is all about. Critical parameters need to be
identified and their effect upon casting quality must be quan-
tified before there is any real process control.
A typical shot trace that displays both pressure and velo-
city is described here. All process monitoring systems produce
some form of this simple chart to illustrate this important
information graphically. Such a chart quantifies current con-
ditions that may then be compared to the actual quality being
produced. A master trace may also be generated to graph
acceptable limits of a designed process so that all casting
cycles can be compared to this optimum.
This does not solve the problem however; it merely
identifies it. From this point, knowledge of the die process and
experience control or improve upon the existing casting quality.
The different stages are clearly illustrated in the graph
shown in Fig. 1 that describes the performance of a typical

Figure 1
 5935-4 Andresen Ch08 R3 101404

212 Chapter 8

cold chamber shot cycle. It is made in two stages of velocity where

the shot sleeve and runner system is filled with a minimal
amount of turbulence during the slow shot stage, which is
usually in the 5–30 in.=sec range. The cavity is filled during
the fast shot stage, which normally is in a range of 80–150 in.=sec.
sec. Sometimes, the shot valves of cold chamber machines are
configured to use a three-stage plan, where the first stage is very
slow. The purpose is only to move the plunger tip forward enough
to close the pour hole off without splashing metal out. In this case,
the second stage performs as the slow shot described above.
To determine the proper changeover position, the volume
(quantity) of metal required to fill the total shot, including
casting, runner, biscuit, and overflows, must be calculated.
Then, it is important to also determine the volume of all but
the casting and overflows so that the distance traveled to
bring the metal within an inch or two of the gate orifice can
be calculated. This distance is the changeover position. (A
helpful formula follows shortly in this discourse.) It can read-
ily be observed that the plunger velocities are constant and
acceleration occurs only after the changeover position is
reached. This condition is called a constant velocity mode,
which is practiced by most North American die casters.
In other geographical regions, especially Europe, a con-
stant acceleration mode is practiced. There is some evidence
that there is less incidence of gas porosity when this method
is followed because turbulence is reduced.
A graph illustrates the constant acceleration shot mode
in Fig. 2. Pressure peaks are lowered in profile and the gra-
dual build up of velocity can also be observed.
Since die casting can be described as a turbulent process
because of the extremely high velocities and time in milliseconds,
the advantage of a reduction in turbulence becomes apparent.
The universal hydraulic formula, a very basic principle
that is used to calculate the metal flow rate (Q), states:

Q A V
ðquantity or metal ¼ ðarea of
ðvelocity of
flow rateÞ plunger tipÞ plungerÞ
 5935-4 Andresen Ch08 R3 100604

Process Control 213

Figure 2

For example, the area of a 3 in. diameter plunger tip is

p
radius2, or p
1.502, or 7.065 sq. in. Then, if the fast shot
velocity is, say 90 in. per sec,

Q ¼ p
1:50 in:2
90 ¼ 635:85 in:3 per sec

It should be noted that the quantity may be increased or

decreased by changing either the diameter of the tip or the
velocity.
The velocity trace shown here describes acceleration and
deceleration that relate to changes in resistance to flow as the
die cavity is being filled.
Pressure on the shot system affects plunger velocity so it
is also important to understand the equations that are used to
calculate pressures, and especially the pressure that is
applied to the casting alloy during cavity fill. Significant pres-
sure points during the shot cycle are exagerated in Fig. 3.
This all establishes the capability of the casting machine of
choice to supply liquid metal to the die, through the runners
and gates.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch08 R3 100604

214 Chapter 8

Figure 3

The operating pressure and flow rate must be calculated

from measurements of the plunger velocity and pressure,
which are usually obtained by instrumentation that quanti-
fies the machine shot system. Figure 4 illustrates the method
used to instrument a cold chamber machine to derive the

Figure 4
 5935-4 Andresen Ch08 R3 100604

Process Control 215

Figure 5

metal pressure and flow rate. The hot chamber configuration

may be instrumented in a similar manner.
The formula used to calculate the operating pressure
applied to the casting alloy is

Pa ¼ ðP1 A1 Þ  ðP2 A2 Þ=At

where:
Pa ¼ pressure on casting alloy
P1 ¼ inlet or accumulator pressure
P2 ¼ exhaust pressure
A1 ¼ shot piston area at inlet
A2 ¼ rod diameter at outlet (usually piston area minus
outlet rod area)
At ¼ area of plunger tip.
Figure 5 illustrates a schematic description of the hydraulic
shot cylinder and serves as a reference for the above formula.
Critical slow shot velocity (Vss) is the proper slow shot.
Plunger velocity cannot be picked at random because of the
phenomenon illustrated in Fig. 6. If it is too slow, a pocket

Figure 6
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216 Chapter 8

Table 1 Critical Slow Shot Velocity

Cold chamber diameter (in.) Vss (in.=sec.)

1.50 16.9
2.00 19.5
2.50 21.8
2.75 22.9
3.00 23.9
3.50 25.8
4.00 27.6
4.50 29.3
5.00 30.9

of air will be entrapped just in front of the plunger tip. Then,

as the metal stream changes from the horizontal to the
vertical direction, the turbulence at this point encapsulates
the air with an envelope of liquid metal, which can only end
up in the casting as porosity. If too fast, a wave will break,
which also entraps an air pocket with the same result.
The slow shot velocity for any die requires calculation in the
computer aided engineering programs, or it may be chosen from
Table 1, which is abridged here to show the most popular cold
chamber sizes for fill levels of 30–40%. This table was developed
by Dr. Lester Garber during wave celerity research work
conducted at the University of Rhode Island and Prince Cor-
poration on behalf of the Die Casting Research Foundation.
Air entrapment in the cold chamber is a major source of
porosity in the casting by virtue of a low fill level of liquid
metal just before the plunger tip starts to move forward and
the slow shot velocity. To illustrate this phenomenon in real
time, a short shot has been made for the photograph in
Fig. 7. Note the long biscuit that is formed by the inside dia-
meter of the cold chamber, the length of which is purposely
created by the short displacement of the plunger tip. The close
up of the runner in Fig. 8 reveals great voids because of air
entrapment that cannot be vented away.
The automation vs. manual decision usually addresses
direct labor cost that can be eliminated or at least reduced.
This is true, of course, since the die casting operator can be
 5935-4 Andresen Ch08 R3 100604

Process Control 217

Figure 7

Figure 8
 5935-4 Andresen Ch08 R3 100604

218 Chapter 8

replaced by programmable controls to operate the machine;

and robots or extractors and conveyors to remove the shot
from the die after each cycle (Fig. 6).
With a little more commitment to excellence, the trim
operation can be automated when the robot is programmed
to place the shot on the trim die and then remove it. From
here, it does not take much imagination to picture secondary
machining operations being brought into the loop. This is
called a work cell, in modern jargon, and there are companies
dedicated to supplying this type of technology to the die
casting industry.
This writer was privileged to observe a completely auto-
mated die casting operation in Japan! They call it lights out
die casting because the lights are turned off when the last per-
son goes home at night . . . and die castings are produced all
night long.
With this background, why is not the die casting industry
operating automatically with only a few managers and super-
visors? Well, even though complete automation is possible, it
requires near perfect conditions from fit tolerances to almost
total repeatability. Thus far, this perfection has been lacking.
Computerized process controls have, however, taken a
hold in die casting applications and there is a great deal of dif-
ference between the consistency possible through automated
controls and those left to humans.
The variables of metal temperature to die temperature to
gate speed to cavity fill time to dwell time to duration of blow
off and spray time profoundly affect product quality. There-
fore, the substance of the following section will address this
technology, for it is truly directed to quality assurance.
It is important that any automatic process control be pro-
grammable, repeatable, and responsive (valves must activate
in less than 3 msec) from shot to shot and set up to set up.
With conventional manual control, there is too much guess
work at the shot system. Acceleration and deceleration con-
trol must be coupled with the more basic fundamentals. The
control must react to and correct for external variations that
affect the process such as metal temperature, plunger drag,
load pressure, and the viscosity of the hydraulic fluid.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch08 R3 101404

Process Control 219

Process monitoring that was illustrated earlier describes

a typical shot trace that is the graphical form that process
monitoring takes. In addition, it is important that a proper
monitor is capable of mathematical calculations to
quantify the velocity, time, and pressure variables
encountered.
There are many such systems available to monitor just
one die casting machine or many machines. As a matter of
fact, a central control room is usually set up in or near the
die casting department. The cost and installation of this
equipment, which operates on a simple computer dedicated
to the control system, is the easy part.
The hard part is the commitment and education required
to apply all of the available programs to enhancing the
throughput or yield of salable high quality castings. Every
die must be monitored with hard copy confirmation that is
then input into an X bar and R chart where trends may be
studied and operating decisions made that will directly affect
the throughput.
In the case of a difficult die with a small operating win-
dow, process monitoring is used as a diagnostic tool to identify
and solve problems in a quantitative style. Many times Design
of Experiments (DOE), the Taguchi technology, imports the
monitoring data to identify the variables that are the root
cause and must be brought into control.
It is just not as simple as hooking up a computer and
generating a bunch of charts that end up in a file cabinet.
Monitoring has to be viewed as part of the decision making
process. Too often the engineers and technicians that are
qualified for this work have experience dealing with emer-
gencies rather than strategically preventing the emergencies
from ever occurring.
The PQ Squared Concept dates back to the 1970s when
the Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organiza-
tion (CSIRO) developed a method to graphically describe the
power characteristics of the shot end of the high pressure
die casting machine [ADCA, Die Casting Bulletin (Jan=Feb
1995)]. The name is derived from the relationship of the
pressure on the metal (P) to the quantity or flow rate (Q).
 5935-4 Andresen Ch08 R3 100604

220 Chapter 8

Since the flow rate is a function of the velocity of the shot

plunger, the concept is sometimes referred to as the PV
Squared Concept as well. It is widely used by researchers,
machine manufacturers, and working die casters because
the physical principles are the mathematical basis for the
supply of liquid casting alloy to the die cavities.
A broad review of the concept should be helpful. It is
based upon Bernoulli’s equation that is defined for this
purpose as V ¼ k2P=d, where V ¼ velocity; P ¼ pressure;
d ¼ liquid density of the casting alloy; k ¼ discharge coefficient
or efficiency.
A discharge coefficient is not as critical with a cold cham-
ber process since the shot sleeve is straight. Therefore, a
value above 97% or > 0.97 can be used. This is not the case
with the hot chamber process, however, where the losses in
the goose neck caused by abrupt directional changes in the
flow path seriously effect the efficiency. The nozzle also adds
to the problem so a value of k should be in the range of 50–
60% or < 0.60 to be realistic.
When a particular shot sleeve or goose neck is combined
with the casting machine shot system, the pumping mechan-
ism is complete and a value for quantity (Q) can be calculated
by the hydraulic formula Q ¼ AV. Then the equation becomes
Q ¼ Ak2P=d.
It is a good practice to establish the maximum pressure
and dry shot velocity for a particular machine by measuring
the dry shot capability within the pressure range recom-
mended by the machine manufacturer. The mathematical
information is included here to explain the theory and logic
behind the concept.
The equations illustrate the squared relationship between
pressure and velocity with respect to fluid flow. Thus, para-
meters plotted upon a diagram where the pressure scale is
linear and the Q or V scale follows the squared rule will
be represented by straight lines.
The concept is explained by the following diagrams and
discussions (Von Tachach, 1996).
The pressure scale in Fig. 9 is linear and drawn on the Y
axis. The Q scale is quadratic on the X axis where divisions
 5935-4 Andresen Ch08 R3 100604

Process Control 221

Figure 9

represent 1, 2, 3, and 4. PM is the maximum pressure and VM

is the maximum dry shot piston and plunger velocity which is
determined by measurement.
Line PM–VM in Fig. 9 defines the maximum machine
power or capability to pump liquid casting alloy. The area out-
side the triangle as well as the origin cannot be used.
Figure 10 adds the restriction that different gate areas
apply to the system. Lines g1 through g5 are called gate lines
where g1 describes the smallest and g5 the largest gate area
studied. It can be easily seen that flow rate increases with
gate area when all other variables remain constant.

Figure 10
 5935-4 Andresen Ch08 R3 100604

222 Chapter 8

Figure 11

Figure 11 shows what happens when hydraulic pressure

is changed. Increased pressure also increases flow proportion-
ally to the change in pressure. The three pressure lines are
parallel where P1 is the greatest and P3 is the lowest pres-
sure. These lines are connected by a specific gate restriction
and it is clear that a reduction in pressure also reduces the
flow rate and vice versa (Fig. 9).
Figure 12 offers a pqsq. diagram that describes what
happens to the flow rate (Q) when the setting on the shot velo-
city control valve is changed to revise the flow of hydraulic

Figure 12
 5935-4 Andresen Ch08 R3 100604

Process Control 223

fluid into the shot cylinder. This also changes the correspond-
ing flow rate of the casting alloy in that Q1 is less than Q3.
The pressure does not change but when the shot piston
reaches its maximum displacement, the pressure will rise to
the maximum.
The liquid density of the super heated casting alloy has a
profound influence upon the flow rate, which is described in
Fig. 13. Sometimes, this is not fully appreciated, but all die
casters are aware of fluid flow differences in casting alloys.
The two lines m1 and m2 portray casting alloys of different
liquid density where m1 has a higher density than m2. The
flow rate from the alloy with higher density is lower even
though the available pressure (P) does not change. Of course,
the gate area of each is identical as well.
Figure 14 shows how flow rate is affected by change in
diameter (area) of the shot sleeve (cold chamber or goose neck).
This is diagramed with ss1, ss2, and ss3. When the area of the
shot sleeve is increased, the flow rate and the pressure
requirement is decreased. The gate line shown, of course, uti-
lizes the same gate area was used for all three.
Figure 15 illustrates the difference between individual
die casting machines which sometimes vary even though they
are of the same vintage, locking force, and make. A unique
characteristic can be seen in that Mch1 displays a low flow
rate with a high pressure and Mch3 produces just the opposite

Figure 13
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224 Chapter 8

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16
 5935-4 Andresen Ch08 R3 101504

Process Control 225

with a high flow rate at low pressure. This is the reason for
performing a dry shot measurement to characterize the shot
performance of all machines.
The pqsq diagram in Fig. 16 describes a hot chamber
machine—a very different situation because the fluid flow
losses are huge. The cold chamber process discussed up to this
point is considerably more efficient with negligible losses that
are many times ignored. Line GseL graphs the losses in the
goose neck and the restriction of the nozzle. GteL is the gate
line that shows the restriction of the gate. Note that more
than half of the machine power is required merely to pump
the liquid metal to the nozzle.
Even though the hot chamber process is hydraulically
inefficient, it is the most thermally and economically efficient
of the two processes. This explains its popularity for all alloys
except aluminum that acts as a solvent whenever ferrous
materials like cast iron goose necks are immersed into a bath
of this liquid metal.
Figure 17 shows the relationship of different gate areas to
the machine power line. Line g1 describes the smallest gate area
and line g3 the largest. It can be seen that the larger gate area
generates the greatest flow rate with the lowest pressure
applied to the metal.
One application of the diagram is described in Fig. 18. CF
is the pressure (p) and flow rate (q) during cavity fill and P is
the pressure after the plunger movement has stopped at the

Figure 17
 5935-4 Andresen Ch08 R3 100604

226 Chapter 8

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20
 5935-4 Andresen Ch08 R3 100604

Process Control 227

end of cavity fill. This graph is useful after the range of cavity
fill time, gate speed, and gate area has been calculated.
Figure 19 starts to define the operating window (Win) by
describing the acceptable pressure range of the shot system of
the die casting machine within the three pressure lines. P1 is
too high and P3 is too low. The two horizontal lines limit the
acceptable extremes of gate areas.
Figure 20 a diagram that is used to determine the area of
the shot sleeve. Gate area g1 is on the edge of the window but
the other two choices are well within it. The three sleeve
choices are ss1, ss2, and ss3 with ss2 being the best choice
since it and the two gate options of choice are centered in
the window.
Figure 21 establishes the range of acceptable gate
speeds, which are pressure dependent and limited by the
degree of difficulty in casting the product, quality require-
ments, and die life when aluminum is the casting alloy.
Figure 22 deals with cavity fill time, which is a function
of the flow rate. The maximum fill time is defined by the ratio
of surface area to volume, plus distance that the liquid casting
alloy must travel within the net shape of the cavity. The ther-
mal behavior of the metal also is significant to this scenario.
Thus, the horizontal dimension of the operating win-
dow is determined by the acceptable cavity fill time range.
Figure 23 defines perfect limits.

Figure 21
 5935-4 Andresen Ch08 R3 100604

228 Chapter 8

Figure 22

Figure 23

Figure 24
 5935-4 Andresen Ch08 R3 100604

Process Control 229

The previous two diagrams define the limits of the

operating window.
Figure 24 pictures an ideal combination of die casting
machine shot system, shot sleeve, and the metal feed system
in the die that centers in the operating window. This center-
ing allows the die to continue to produce castings of accepta-
ble quality even though process variables may deviate from
the ideal settings.
The PQ Squared diagram illustrated in Fig. 25, demon-
strates the versatility of the concept, in that the operating
window (WIN) is defined by a range of reasonable plunger
velocities that are within the dry shot capability of the casting
machine shot end. These velocities are constant on the dia-
gram. The restriction lines represent a range of gate areas
that meet acceptable thickness criteria to accommodate the
casting alloy and trim requirements. The machine line is
the third limit that identifies the operating window.
Pressure as indicated on the Y axis of the diagrams refers
to hydraulic pressure on the shot piston or that pressure as it is
applied to the metal. The hydraulic pressure is defined by the
area of the shot cylinder; the pressure on the metal is calculated
over the area of the shot sleeve or goose neck.
The theory of the PQ Squared concept is verbally and
graphically explained above, but to complete this discourse,
it is important that the serious die caster be able to make
the necessary calculations and to construct a PQ Square

Figure 25
 5935-4 Andresen Ch08 R3 101404

230 Chapter 8

diagram. This information and the appropriate equations are

outlined on the following pages.

To construct a PQ Squared diagram, the following

information is necessary:

Hydraulic pressure on the shot cylinder (accumulator
pressure  area of cylinder).

Net cross-sectional area of shot piston (Piston area-ram
area).

Maximum dry shot plunger velocity.
Parameters required:

Hydraulic pressure range of machine shot system.

Flow characteristics of shot control valve (% open com-
pared to % of maximum flow).

Locking force of machine.
Calculations for diagram input data are:

Pressure on metal ¼ Net shot piston area  Net hydrau-
lic pressure=Area of shot sleeve

Maximum calculated flow rate ¼ Maximum dry shot
velocity  Largest shot sleeve area

Injection force ¼ Pressure on metal  Area of shot sleeve

Actual flow rate (quantity) ¼ Plunger velocity  Area of
shot sleeve (Q ¼ AV)
Note that the shot sleeve refers to goose neck area in the hot
chamber process. Hot chamber shot systems are inefficient and
the above calculations must be multiplied by the discharge coeffi-
cient which is considerably less than 1 (approximately 60%).
The Scale of the PQ Squared diagram is quadratic and
can be constructed by horizontal lines to represent the pres-
sure that is linear on the Y scale. The quantity (Q) or flow rate
must be calibrated on the X scale by squaring each increment.
Starting with 1 in.3=sec squared ¼ 1 and then continuing with
2 squared ¼ 4, etc. The blank scale in Fig. 26 can be set up as
a basis for plotting the data.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch08 R3 100604

Process Control 231

Figure 26

To calculate the maximum metal pressure:

Select the smallest shot sleeve that can be used on the
machine since this will maximize metal pressure and mini-
mize back scrap.
As an example, a 3 in. diameter is chosen for a machine
with a shot cylinder diameter of 6 in., 3 in. diameter ram, and
a maximum pressure limit of 1800 psi.
We will assume a discharge coefficient of 98%.
Then:
Piston area ¼ p
36=4 ¼ 28.26 in.2
Ram area ¼ p
9=4 ¼ 7.07 in.2
Area of shot sleeve ¼ p
9=4 ¼ 7.07 in.2
Net piston area ¼ 28.26 – 7.07 ¼ 21.19 in.2
Pm ¼ 1800
21.19
98=7.07 ¼ 5287 psi
To calculate the maximum flow rate:

Select the largest shot sleeve that can be used on the

machine because this will maximize the flow rate. For this
example, a 4 in. diameter is picked and the maximum dry shot
plunger velocity is 240 ips.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch08 R3 101404

232 Chapter 8

Then,
Q ¼ p
16=4ð240Þ ¼ 3014 in:3 =sec
The machine power line can now be constructed as
illustrated in Fig. 27.

What if a 3 in. diameter shot sleeve and plunger were used?

Then,
Q ¼ 240
7:07 ¼ 1697 in:3 =sec
This line can be plotted on the diagram in Fig. 26.
What if the shot pressure were redeuced to 1600 psi?
Then,
Pm ¼ 1600
21:19
:987=7:07 ¼ 4733 psi
This line is plotted on the diagram offered in Fig. 27.
To summarize machine related parameters:
 Given two different size shot sleeves, the smaller one
will place more pressure on the casting alloy if the
hydraulic pressure is the same.
 At the same hydraulic pressure, the larger shot sleeve
will generate a higher flow rate.
 Identical shot sleeve or goose neck diameters at differ-
ent hydraulic pressures will be represented by parallel
lines on the PQ Squared diagram.
 Machine power curves at different hydraulic pressures
will be described by parallel lines on the diagram.
 The shot sleeve area and the pressure on the casting
alloy have an inverse relationship.
 The shot sleeve area and the flow rate have a direct
relationship.
 Flow rate influences cavity fill time.
 Both pressure and flow rate affect gate speed.
Process monitoring of shot system repeatability is very
common in the die casting industry and several good
 5935-4 Andresen Ch08 R3 100604

Process Control 233

Figure 27

computerized monitors are commercially available. Almost all

variables can be measured with a wide array of sensors
that feed data into the computer hardware. There it is pro-
cessed by appropriate software to accurately measure vari-
ables when configured into final data.
For purposes of simplification here, the critical variables
that define process control and what they affect are outlined
in Table 2. Temperatures of the casting alloy as it passes
through the various phases from ingot to net shape can
indeed be successfully managed.

Table 2 Product Variables and Controls

Critical variable Control

To control volume of metal supply Biscuit thickness (cold chamber only)

To control chamber (cold chamber Slow shot plunger velocity
only) and runner fill
To control turbulence Fast shot plunger velocity
and cavity fill time Gate speed
To control metal temperature Cavity fill time
at the end of cavity fill

(Continued)
 5935-4 Andresen Ch08 R3 100604

234 Chapter 8

Table 2 (Continued)

Critical variable Control

Die surface temperature at

end of cavity fill, at a specified
strategic location in each die half
Holding furnace temperature
Cycle time
To control dimensional stability Ejection temperature of cast shape
at last detail to solidify
To control internal casting integrity Accumulator pressure
Pressure rise time
Intensification pressure

Die surface temperature at the end of cavity fill must be

measured by thermocouples embedded in the die steels. Of
course, these thermocouples do not see the interface between
the super heated liquid casting alloy and the surface of the die
steel because they are not designed to withstand the extreme
heat and abrasion. Therefore, these data are useful for bench
marking purposes only. Any deviation in temperature signals
an unacceptable event.
A step beyond monitoring is to program the data for each
casting cycle into the rest of the die casting cell. If the robot or
extractor is set up to place an extracted shot into the main
production flow only when all variables are within established
analytical parameters, only good and salable product can
enter the throughput.
Since there is a safety factor calculated into each para-
meter, it is possible that a good portion of the side-tracked
product may be acceptable and salable. Extreme care must
be taken with human inspection to ensure that throughput
is not contaminated.
Sophisticated process control described here is not the
norm in the die casting industry. It certainly is not easy
and requires expert professional, computer-literate, and
skilled electronic technicians. There is no question that all
equipment in the die casting manufacturing cell has to be in
exceptional operating condition. It need not necessarily be
 5935-4 Andresen Ch08 R3 100604

Process Control 235

new, but must be continuously maintained for repeatability

and exceptional operating condition.
Minimum process control is described above. Without all
of it in place, there is no statistical process control and the
quality requirements of automotive die casting users become
merely acronyms and paper work to keep die casting suppli-
ers on the bidders list. APQP is a good example. It stands
for Advanced Product Quality Planning. How can quality
really be planned without quantified process control?
An even better method for process control is more compli-
cated and expensive, but embraces the die casting user’s
perspective in a more modern manner.
Real time closed-loop control of the shot end has been
commercially available for quite some time to remove all
human decisions from the dynamic dimensions of the shot
end (Hedenhag, 1989). The variable factors can be divided
into three categories—static, manual, and dynamic.
Static factors include the condition of the die casting
machine, design and condition of the die, and accumulator
and intensification pressures. Establishing metal tempera-
ture and viscosity of the hydraulic fluid, and setting of valves,
limit switches, and timers are manual factors that are subject
to human influence. More difficult to control are the dynamic
factors of volume of metal in the sleeve or goose neck, plunger
drag, die temperature, and the vacuum pressure profile.
The metal temperature and other factors will inevitably
vary from shot to shot, regardless of how hard we try to keep
them constant. The greatest variations fall into the dynamic
category. Variations in plunger velocity and pressure are sub-
stantial and deviate from an ideal shot trace from cycle to
cycle.
Shot control compensates for dynamic variations from
the ideal by correcting deviant parameters during the shot!
Given the average cavity fill time is between 20 and 80 msec,
it has been determined that correction must occur in approxi-
mately one-tenth of that time or between 2 and 8 ms, to effect
the desired repeatability.
For this purpose, total response time is defined as the
time elapsed from the instant the sensor detects a deviation
 5935-4 Andresen Ch08 R3 101504

236 Chapter 8

to the instant the plunger starts to react. The response time

for the hydraulic system, including valve and shot cylinder
delays, puts heroic demands upon the electric circuitry, which
must respond within a few milliseconds.
An adaptive control system that corrects shot para-
meters based upon the previous cycle is of limited value
because it is unable to adjust for the large and inconsistent
variables that take place from shot to shot and within each
cycle. The real-time closed-loop system controls actual plun-
ger velocity by the hydraulic pressure in the shot cylinder of
the casting machine. The pressure continuously changes so
that the plunger velocity follows the master shot profile.
ISO, QS, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and JIT
(discussed briefly in Chapter 10) are only documentation with-
out controls to restrict human decision. This chapter was
intended to explain methods to close the gap between docu-
mentation and predictable quality and productivity. There is
a test to prove the fallibility of human accuracy. If 10 white
balls are included in 990 black balls, it is impossible for the
human mind and behavior to separate them properly on the
first try. Yes, sorting good ones from bad ones requires too
much manufacturing energy and is not accurate enough.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch09 R3 101404

9
A Thermal Process

Die casting is basically a thermal process even though the

preceding chapters have discussed a variety of mechanical
and hydraulic procedures. After considerable technical invol-
vement in many different die casting plants all over the
world, this writer has been privileged to observe that only
minimal attention is directed toward the thermal dimension
of the process. The focus in this chapter is upon the sometimes
fine line between what works and what does not work.
As a result, only a few dies operate at their maximum
capacity to distribute heat energy evenly and then remove it
efficiently. In other words, the yield of acceptable castings
produced by the typical die casting die is nearer the 80 than
the 100 percentile of efficiency.
At this writing, the hourly cost to operate a die casting
machine (150–2500 ton) is between $200.00 and $1,000.00.
The 20% gap between actual and possible translates into tre-
mendous economic potential!
This chapter discusses the accepted rules to follow to
maximize the life of the die and to produce quality castings.
One die casting firm in North America breaks some of the
237
 5935-4 Andresen Ch09 R3 100604

238 Chapter 9

rules by excessive external cooling (high-velocity application

of cold water at each cycle) by balancing die replacement cost
against production cost economy on high volume parts. This
pressing of the operating envelope must be paying big divi-
dends.
Great heat energy is required to superheat the casting
alloy into the liquid state so that the viscosity approximates
that of water. It is important that each alloy used in the die
casting process behaves as a hydraulic fluid during the cavity
fill phase. This heat energy is quantified in either British
thermal units (btu) or joules (j) when the metric system is
employed. English units are used for the purpose of this text.
For perspective, a btu is defined as the heat energy
required to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water by
1
F. Thus, the specific heat of water is 1 btu. With this ana-
logy in mind, analytical calculations can be made to define
the heat energy that impacts the die surface during the filling
of the cavity to form the net shape of the casting. Such calcu-
lations are critical to die casting production, but it is also
important to monitor the heat energy at different points in
the process such as melting, transfer, ladling (cold chamber)
or pumping (hot chamber), and injection. Energy can be
calculated but not measured, so temperature is the unit of
measure.
The dynamic nature of temperature=heat energy of typi-
cal aluminum alloy die casting cycles is demonstrated in
Fig. 1. It is apparent where high temperatures are necessary
to maintain the liquid state of the casting alloy and where

Figure 1
 5935-4 Andresen Ch09 R3 100604

Thermal Process 239

rapidly decreasing temperatures convert the casting alloy

back to the solid state prior to ejection.
Notice how the large gradient between metal tempera-
ture and die surface temperature during cavity fill closes dra-
matically during solidification that occurs during the dwell
time of the casting cycle. The casting alloy is superheated in
the breakdown (melting) and holding furnaces prior to deli-
vering it to the injection chamber. At this extremely elevated
temperature, the viscosity reduces to about that of water at
room temperature so that the alloy will behave like a hydrau-
lic fluid while the near net shape is formed during the filling
of the cavity.
Superheat varies with each base metal and is sometimes
referred to as the heat load. The base metal is the predomi-
nant metal in an alloy system. At the end of cavity fill, enough
of the superheat must be rapidly removed to solidify the alloy
sufficiently to survive the forces of ejection from the die.
There is a definite schedule to this freezing process that is
dictated by the casting material.
Pure metals that are used in alloys for die casting have
different cooling patterns as described in Fig. 2. Heat is lost
as the length of time away from the energy source increases.
However, temperature does not change even though heat
continues to be lost when the metal changes from the liquid
to the solid state as noted by the flat segment of each curve.
This is called the eutectic or lowest melting point of the base
metal.
The predominant metal in an alloy system is called the
base metal. It is customary to express this metal first in nam-
ing each system. Conversely, when casting alloys are super-
heated, this flat portion of the curve requires the latent
heat of fusion to convert the alloy from solid to liquid. This
is covered in more detail later in the chapter.
Die casting alloys behave a little differently from pure
metals because of the alloying with metals other than the
base metal necessary to satisfy the vicissitudes of
the die casting process. Fig. 3 is based upon two of the most
popular aluminum alloys and shows that the flat element of
the curve is not totally flat during solidification.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch09 R3 100604

240 Chapter 9

Figure 2

Aluminum alloys were chosen for Fig. 3 because they con-

stitute at least 70% of the casting material consumed. As an
aside, it should be noted that the freezing range of the more
common 383 alloys is considerably greater than the 413 alloys
because the latter is designed to contain silicon right at the
eutectic point of 12.6%. This gives it a premium cost and
relatively tight solidification range. This also limits the oppor-
tunity for volumetric reduction that significantly reduces
the possibility for shrinkage porosity, one of the major defects
generated by the high pressure die casting process.
The role of the casting die as a heat exchanger is obvious
from the discussion thus far because raising the casting alloy
to the injection temperature is not a part of the die casting
process! It is the pattern and speed at which the superheat
energy is removed between cavity fill and ejection that are cri-
tical. It is all about heat removal.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch09 R3 100604

Thermal Process 241

Figure 3

The desired dynamics must be controlled by a thermal

strategy that is designed into the die casting die and oper-
ating process. It is called a thermal system here and not
a cooling system because, while it is usually necessary to
remove heat quickly to achieve rapid solidification, some-
times it is also important to retain heat longer in certain
regions of the casting to achieve challenging casting quality
objectives.
The design of the thermal system is important because it
affects (CSIRO, 1991):
 Casting quality
 Casting production rate (economics)
 Die life (economics)
In practice, several thermal circuits are drilled through
the die steels that carry either water or oil that acts as the
heat transfer medium. Water always removes heat, but high
temperature oil can both heat and cool the die component.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch09 R3 100604

242 Chapter 9

Oil is not as efficient as water for cooling, which requires a

larger and longer circuit.
Thus, the die acts as a heat exchanger that helps to convert
the superheated casting alloy from the liquid to the solid state in
a very short period of time. The conversion of metal in the liquid
state to a net shape in the solid state in milliseconds requires
knowledge of the difference between temperature and heat.
It is difficult because, at the levels useful to die casting,
heat energy cannot be seen, has no odor, and cannot be
touched. This may be the reason why many die casting opera-
tions take the thermal aspects as they come, without monitor-
ing or control.
As noted, the design of the thermal system in the die
casting die profoundly affects the quality of the castings, the
production rate, and the life of the die casting die . . . all of
the elements that determine the profitability of the business.
Heat is energy and therefore has quantity that can be
measured, controlled, and monitored. Temperature is the heat
equivalent of pressure, and when measured, the amount of
heat can be calculated, using the size and heat absorbing prop-
erties of the material. Thus, heat in a block of steel, such as a
die casting die, will escape rapidly if the temperature is high.
Heat is transferred by the mechanisms of conduction, con-
vection, and radiation, which are described here in some
detail—it is important to understand the principles of heat
transfer during the dwell phase of the die casting process.
Conduction, the greatest factor, occurs when heat moves
from a higher temperature to a lower temperature within a sin-
gle die component. It depends upon several things:

 Material of the conductor

 Mass of the conductor
 Distance that heat must travel
 Temperature gradient between die=casting alloy
interface and point of interest (i.e., water line)

The conductor is the die component that moves the heat;

the air space between the die component and the retainer is
just the opposite, an insulator. H-13 die steel is not the best
 5935-4 Andresen Ch09 R3 100604

Thermal Process 243

conductor—it is the material of choice because of its fracture

toughness rather than for its thermal conductivity. Copper is
an excellent conductor and is therefore used in North America
as the material for plunger tips since the biscuit is usually the
most massive detail in the shot. The thermal conductivity of
H-13 die steel is 1.93 btu=in.=
F and beryllium copper has a
conductivity of 4.81 btu=in.=
F.
The mass of the die component affects heat transfer by
providing the space for conduction. The larger mass provides
less resistance and therefore conducts heat more easily than
a smaller area. Thus, a good case can be made for larger die
components.
Distance inversely affects heat flow. Less heat will flow
over a longer distance than a shorter one. Therefore, cooling
channels located farther from the die=alloy interface will
remove heat slower than if they were closer.
The temperature difference between the source and the
heat sink is the force that drives the heat. Greater differences
increase heat transfer. Heat will not move if there is no tem-
perature difference; we call this a balanced condition.
Convection is another important mechanism for heat
transfer and takes place when cold fluid passes through a
hot die component. Natural convection happens because the
die retainer surfaces that are exposed to ambient air are hot-
ter than the air. Heat moves from hot to cold. The same
convection would be forced if a fan were directed at the hot die
surfaces. Internal cooling occurs within the die casting die
because the colder medium flowing through the thermal chan-
nels removes the heat conducted to the channel location by force.
The variables that characterize the convection mechan-
ism are:
 Convection film coefficient
 Contact area for heat transfer
 Temperature difference between hot die surfaces and
the cooling mediums
The convection film coefficient is complex in that it is a
function of several variables. It makes a difference whether
the convection is forced or not. In the case of internal cooling
 5935-4 Andresen Ch09 R3 101404

244 Chapter 9

in a die casting die, it is forced. The medium used is a variable

because the usual fluids utilized, oil and water, behave differ-
ently. The velocity of the medium flowing through a channel
has a profound effect upon the convection rate. Believe it or
not, the same flow rate through smaller diameter channels
offers more convection than through larger lines since the
velocity is faster. This is not a good reason to opt for smaller
channels, though, since convection can easily be increased
merely by a higher flow rate.
Table 1 quantifies convection film coefficients under sev-
eral different conditions and may be useful to the serious stu-
dent of heat removal from a die casting die.

Table 1 Convection Film Coefficients

Convection film
Cooling Channel Flow rate coefficient
medium diameter (in.) (gpm) (btu=hr=sq.in.= F)

Water 7=16 1.0 3.5

Oil 1.0 1.4
Water 2.0 6.1
Oil 2.0 2.4
Water 9=16 1.0 2.4
Oil 1.0 0.96
Water 2.0 4.2
Oil 2.0 1.68
Water 3.0 5.7
Oil 3.0 2.28

Notice the dramatic difference between the two most

popular mediums. Heat is removed more gently by oil so the
thermal shock to the die steels is much less than water and
a much longer die life can be expected. The usual logic is to
cool massive elements of the shot like runners, sprues, bis-
cuits, and more massive cavity and core details with water.
Oil is the choice for cavities and cores where the channel
surface is close to the metal=core interface.
Radiation causes the die to lose some heat, but only from
surfaces that are exposed to the ambient air. Air is considered
a fluid and when it moves across the surface of the die, the
 5935-4 Andresen Ch09 R3 100604

Thermal Process 245

fluid (air) absorbs the heat from the hot surface and carries it
away into the atmosphere. Thus, the space around an operat-
ing die casting machine feels hot.
In die casting, we usually think of radiation when super-
heated liquid metal is held or moved and heat is lost when it
radiates from the surface into the atmosphere.
Superheated liquid metal is the main source of the heat
input, which is cyclical. Therefore, it is more useful to consider
the rate of heat input, heat loss, and heat absorbtion. If the
cooling capacity is not sufficient, the die temperature will
increase. Conversely, if the loss to ambient air is too great,
the die temperature will drop.
Heat input into the die casting die from the liquid casting
alloy can be calculated but depends upon the variables listed
below:
 Specific heat
 Latent heat
 Mass of the casting
 Injection and ejection temperature of the casting
 Production rate
Specific heat of a material is the amount of heat required
per unit of mass of the material to raise its temperature by
one unit. Table 2 illustrates the specific heat for typical die
casting alloys and die steels. Please note that there is not
too much difference in the values of casting alloys when
compared on the basis of volume.

Table 2
Specific heat

Material Weight basis Volume basis

Water 1.0 btu=lb=
F 0.036 btu=cu.in.
F

Zinc 0.1 0.024
Aluminum 0.26 0.025
Magnesium 0.34 0.016
Brass 0.10 0.027
Die steel 0.11 0.100
 5935-4 Andresen Ch09 R3 100604

246 Chapter 9

One British thermal unit (btu) is the amount of heat

required to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water by 1
degree Fahrenheit (
F). Thus, the specific heat of water
equals 1 btu=lb=
F.
In die casting, the liquid specific heat rather than the
solid specific heat is of more interest since it is more beneficial
to cast an alloy when it is in the liquid state during cavity fill.
The alloy experiences a slushy state in the range between the
liquid and solid specific heats.
Latent heat of fusion is the amount of heat required per
unit mass of material to convert it from solid to liquid. Latent
heats for some casting alloys are listed in Table 3.
Table 3
Latent heat

Material By weight By volume

Zinc 43.0 btu=lb 10.6 btu=cu.in.

Aluminum 169.0 22.5
Magnesium 157.9 10.6

The thermal behavior of popular casting alloys is illu-

strated in Fig. 4. The heat load of aluminum alloys as com-
pared to zinc and magnesium is described by the significant
difference. Longer casting cycles can be expected with alumi-
num because there is so much more heat to remove during
each cycle. More careful design of the thermal system is called
for to optimize productivity.
This writer has had the opportunity to quantitatively
examine casting productivity over a large cross-section of
the worldwide die casting industry after observing casting
operations at hundreds of plants, I can state that no die cast-
ing firm, save one, ever achieves maximum shots per hour
because not enough attention is paid to calculating the real
time effect of this behavior.
The heat in the casting alloy can be easily calculated; it is
the heat load that is placed upon the die each and every cast-
ing cycle. To do this, it is necessary to calculate the heat
energy required to superheat the melt up to the desired
 5935-4 Andresen Ch09 R3 100604

Thermal Process 247

Figure 4

holding temperature. Visualize this process as occurring in

two steps. First, the metal temperature must be raised from
ambient room temperature up to the solidus temperature.
Then, the latent heat of fusion forces the metal through the
eutectic arrest (see Fig. 3) to convert the metal from the liquid
to the solid state. The sum of these two stages brings the
liquid metal to the desired superheat.
The quantitative formulae that calculate the heat input
are stated as follows:
Qs ¼ V  Hs ðTs  Ta Þ
Qf ¼ V  Hs ðT1  Ts Þ þ Hf
Qsh ¼ V  Hs ðTsh þ T1 Þ
Q ¼ Qs þ Qf þ Qsh
where
Q ¼ Total heat required to super heat casting alloy from
ambient room temperature to holding furnace
temperature
 5935-4 Andresen Ch09 R3 100604

248 Chapter 9

Qs ¼ Heat required to increase casting alloy from ambient

room temperature to the solidus temperature
Qf ¼ Heat required to increase casting alloy from the
solidus to liquidus temperature
Qsh ¼ Heat required to super heat casting alloy to holding
furnace temperature
V ¼ Volume of casting alloy in shot
Hs ¼ Specific heat of alloy,
Hf ¼ Latent heat of fusion of alloy.

To put some numbers to these formulae, a hypothetical

shot with 100 cu.in. volume (9 lbs) of 380 aluminum alloy is
illustrated here to calculate the heat energy necessary to
raise an ingot from 70
F ambient room temperature to a
superheat 1250
F in the holding furnace.
Qs ¼ 100 cu:in:  0:025 btu=cu:in:=
Fð968
F  70
FÞ
¼ 2245 btu
Qf ¼ 100 cu:in:  0:025 btu=cu:in:=
Fð1094
F  968
FÞ
þ 100  22:5 btu=cu:in: ¼ 2565 btu
Qsh ¼ 100 cu:in:  0:025 btu=cu:in:=
Fð1250
F  1094
FÞ
¼ 390 btu
Q ¼ 2245 btu þ 2565 btu þ 390 btu ¼ 5200 btu
In this scenario, since each shot contains 100 cu.in. of 380
aluminum, 2975.5 btu are poured into the cold chamber every
casting cycle. To balance the thermal equation, 2975.5 btu of
heat energy must be removed during each cycle.
Superheat loss between the holding furnace and the gate
is explained in Chapter 5 with some comprehensive nomo-
graphs that reveal approximately 50
F loss. The heat energy
can be calculated for this example as follows:
Qloss ¼ 100 cu:in:  0:025 btu=cu:in:=
Fð1200
F  1250
FÞ
¼ 125 btu
The heat energy that must be removed is calculated with the
same formulae with negative numbers that describe the losses.
Therefore, using the same example with a target ejection
 5935-4 Andresen Ch09 R3 100604

Thermal Process 249

temperature of the casting of 500
F, these calculations estab-

lish the amount of heat removal required each casting cycle.
The ejection temperature of the casting is important here
because the heat loading ends when the shot leaves the die.
The first calculation removes the heat between the
1200
F injection temperature and the liquidus temperature
at the eutectic and looks like this:

Qsh ¼ 100 cu:in:  0:025 btu=cu:in:=
Fð1094
F  1200
FÞ

¼ 265 btu
Qf ¼ 100 cu:in:  0:025 btu=cu:in:=
Fð968
F  1094
FÞ
 100  22:5 btu=cu:in: ¼ 2565 btu
Qs ¼ 100 cu:in:  0:025 btu=cu:in:=
Fð500
F  968
FÞ
¼ 1170 btu
Q ¼ 265 btu  2565 btu  1170 btu ¼ 4000 btu

The difference between 1200 btu of the heat load of 5200 and
4000 btu is ejected away from the die with the shot that is 500
F.
The ejection temperature should never be set arbitrarily since it
has a profound effect upon the productivity of the die. Just put in
an ejection temperature of 300
F, and see what happens!
Normally, the casting shot is quenched to bring it closer
to room temperature prior to trimming. In this case the
energy that the quench must remove can be calculated by
one more formula: Qq ¼ 100 cu:in:  0:025 btu=cu:in:=
F
ð70
F  500
FÞ ¼ 1075 btu.
Productivity in casting cycles per hour is a function of the
heat load calculations and the capacity of the die casting die
to remove heat, which is based upon the heat transfer
mechanisms. For example, heat removed by conduction can
be calculated with this formula:
Q ¼ C  AðTi  To Þ=D

where Q is the heat transferred per hour, C the coefficient

of thermal conductivity, A the area of die component, Ti the
temperature at source, To the temperature at sink, and D
the distance.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch09 R3 101404

250 Chapter 9

Removal of heat load from the die casting die cannot be

taken lightly as it affects both the quality of castings produced
and casting cycle time, which deals with cost. Quality is sup-
ported by consistent maintenance of die surface temperature
so that liquidity of the casting alloy is ensured during cavity
fill. Ideal targeted die surface temperatures are discussed
elsewhere in this book, but it is critical that analytical logic
be incorporated in the design of the thermal system for the
die casting die. Since cavity fill time represents only a very
small portion of the total cycle time, it is not important to
the cost of operation. However, heat removal is critical to opti-
mum cycle speed (shots per hour). Therefore, the important
aspects of die design are now offered.
Heat is conducted through the die components in a
straight line until some other force changes the direction of
heat movement. The route followed is called a heat path.
The thermal paths must be understood so that they can be
identified if the thermal system is to be properly designed.
This is too involved a subject to be covered in depth in this
text, but basically, thermal paths converge away from the
casting and into a core in a die casting die and diverge away
from the cavity. This concept is presented in Fig. 5.
From this simple illustration, it can be seen that heat
paths converge into the core and diverge away from the cav-
ity. According to Boyle’s law, heat increases proportional to
its mass and decreases as the mass reduces. Thus, the core
can be expected to operate at a higher temperature than the
cavity and will require considerably more cooling.

Figure 5
 5935-4 Andresen Ch09 R3 100604

Thermal Process 251

It is critical to control the die surface temperature so that

it is uniform by providing a thermal system for cooling and=or
heating (on rare occasions external heating is used). The sys-
tem has to have sufficient capacity and be located correctly to
ensure that the die temperature can be controlled at the
appropriate level. This is not a simple determination of size
and length of thermal circuits in the die block.
The position must be determined correctly to deal with
the thermal paths as naturally as possible. The goal is to
maintain the die surface temperature at the casting=die inter-
face that will produce quality castings.
If the cooling channel is located too far from a particular
die detail, the surface temperature becomes too hot and heat-
related defects like blisters or solder will be experienced. The
other extreme is to locate the cooling circuit too close to the
die detail, which causes the die surface temperature to run
too low and can lead to cold shut or lamination defects.
This must all be strategically determined before the die
steels are machined and hardened since it is not practical to
change the thermal system after they are finished. In prac-
tice, deficiencies are sometimes discovered after castings are
produced, which forces the alternative of excess external die
spray to remove the additional heat. This works, but slows
down the production rate and seriously reduces die life.
A simple explanation of the heat flow process in die cast-
ing dies may be useful in understanding how heat is
exchanged between the casting alloy and the die, and then
is conducted away through the cooling medium.
The superheated casting alloy is the source of heat energy
that is conducted by the die steel to the surface of the cooling
channel (circumference). The amount of heat transferred is a
function of the difference between the temperatures of the
die steel minus the temperature of the cooling medium (water
or oil) multiplied by the heat transfer coefficient of the medium.
A similar condition is experienced between different die
components. The amount of heat transferred is the tempera-
ture difference between the two separate steels divided by
the distance to the next interface and multiplied by the heat
transfer coefficient of the die material.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch09 R3 100604

252 Chapter 9

The heat transfer coefficients at the interface between

the casting and the die surface vary with the casting tempera-
ture, die surface condition, and the solidification process.
Therefore, heat flow between casting and die is difficult and
time consuming to calculate, so in most die casting die designs
this important calculation is not made. Fortunately, there are
computer aided engineering programs available to quickly
and accurately perform this mathematical task. It is more
complex than the early manual methods, which are now out-
dated.
Caution must be observed when calculating the heat
exchange between two separate die components because they
seldom fit tightly together. The air gap, usually in the range
of 0.002 in., acts as an insulator that retards heat transfer.
The effect of this insulation must be calculated and quantified
to ultimately establish an appropriate heat balance.
Heat energy is required to melt the casting alloy in the
furnace. Some of it is absorbed in the die and die cooling sys-
tem; some is lost to the ambient atmosphere. For the die sur-
face temperature to be constant at a particular location, there
must be a thermal energy balance in the die casting die.
Therefore, Heat input ¼ Heat losses þ Heat absorbed.
The production rate is limited by the heat load per cycle,
which is determined by the specific and latent heat because
they define the relationship between heat contained in the
material and its temperature. Using the specific and latent
heat values given earlier, the total heat released by the cast-
ing alloy between injection and ejection temperatures (heat
load) can be calculated by the following equation:

Qc ¼ mcðTi  Te Þ ¼ Lf
where
Qc ¼ Heat content per casting cycle
m ¼ Mass of casting
c ¼ Specific heat of casting alloy
Ti ¼ Injection temperature
Te ¼ Ejection temperature
Lf ¼ Latent heat of fusion
 5935-4 Andresen Ch09 R3 100604

Thermal Process 253

The rate of heat that is released by a particular net

shape can be calculated by multiplying the production rate
in shots per hour by the heat contained in each shot mass.
This is the heat exchange that must occur by conduction
through the die steels and cooling medium and the
surroundings.
In practice, the production rate is set during cost esti-
mating. Even though this rate is somewhat of a guess, for
economical reasons, it determines the minimum target for
quantitative thermal calculations. Of course, the maximum
possible production rate should be calculated which also
must include dry cycle machine time, injection and solidi-
fication time, die and core movement time, die spray time.
Thus, the heat input rate can be calculated by the
formula:

Qr ¼ Pqc
where Qr is the heat load or the thermal work required from
the die, and P is the production rate in cycles per hour.
Heat flux is the conversion of the heat load distributed
over the entire surface area of the net shape being cast. This
is a more meaningful calculation that is sometimes called the
heat intensity. The heat flux caused by the superheated liquid
metal applied at the die steel=liquid metal interface can be
calculated by this equation:

q ¼ Qr =As

where q is the heat flux in btu=hr=sq.ft., and As is the surface

area of the casting.
Then, the preceding equations can be combined to com-
pute the heat flux as follows:

q ¼ PmcðTi
Te Þ ¼ Lf =As

Heat flux is analogous to pressure since it provides an

understanding for the heat loading from the superheated
liquid metal on the surfaces of the die that come into contact
with it.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch09 R3 100604

254 Chapter 9

Therefore, it is important to study the things that affect

die surface temperature which are:
 Casting size and shape
 Production rate (cycles per hour)
 Casting ejection temperature
 Die construction (components and fits)
 Die materials
 Choice of cooling medium, temperature, and flow rate
 Die spray and air blow—flow rate and duration
 Size of thermal channels
 Location of thermal channels as related to specific
casting details
A primary strategy in die casting is to maintain the tem-
perature of the casting alloy above the liquidus during cavity
fill. Predictable die surface temperature becomes an impor-
tant support for quality casting production.
Casting details to watch for as sources of cold problems
are thin walls and distance from the gate location. This sug-
gests a plan to retain die heat or taking steps to raise the
die surface temperature. Overflows with a low surface-area-
to-volume ratio act as heat sinks and many times are helpful.
Electric cartridge heaters are available to the die caster
to add external heat, but are not popular in practice. In the
past these heaters have not proved to be robust enough and
caused mechanical nuisance problems that accounts for their
lack of use.
One might think that an obvious method to increase die
temperature would be to merely run more shots per hour.
However, cold conditions are not usually consistent for the
whole casting. Therefore, heat problems might crop up where
there were none at the slower production rate.
Heat-related problems occur when the casting alloy is too
hot at the end of cavity fill, and even more often when the die
temperature is too hot. Temperatures at ejection before die
spray is initiated that are above 500–550
F are considered
too high, except at the biscuit.
Details that are significantly more massive than the rest
of the casting, such as heavy bosses or thick walls, especially
 5935-4 Andresen Ch09 R3 100604

Thermal Process 255

Figure 6

when a converging heat condition exists, are prime candi-

dates for quantitative calculated thermal analysis. Experi-
enced die casters can spot these structures and describe
them as the last place to solidify. This is where to look for
shrinkage porosity.
Certainly, the location of the cooling channel is key to
dealing with such segments of the casting that run too hot.
The excess heat must be extracted from the involved die com-
ponent without adverse effects.
Of course, locating a cooling channel close to the hot spot is
effective. However, caution must be exercised not to place it too
close to the die surface because the thermal shock, especially if
water is the cooling medium, is so destructive to the die steel that
a crack can easily develop between the cooling channel and the
die surface. If water seeps through the crack during cavity fill,
steam will form that will eventually generate gas porosity.
The rule of thumb is to keep all cooling channels at least
3=4 in. away from any steel surface at the interface with the
casting alloy. Figure 6 is intended to explain this spacing. It
is not the center of the channel that is the focus, but the point
on the circumference, usually referred to as the top, that is
closest to the cavity surface. Even though hot oil removes heat
more gently, it is well to also use the 3=4 in. rule with this
medium as well.
As with the metal feed system, the hydraulic formula of
Q ¼ AV applies to sizing the thermal channel. Reducing the
 5935-4 Andresen Ch09 R3 100604

256 Chapter 9

diameter increases the velocity and vice versa. The flow rate
of the cooling medium within the channel has a profound
effect upon the transfer of heat from the casting to the die
component, and finally away from the die.
Build up of scale in thermal channels is another factor
that must be considered with cooling channel size. Most water
contains minerals such as iron that combine to build up on the
inside surface of the cooling channel. Waterline efficiency can
be reduced as much as 40% with a scale of 0.005 in.! There-
fore, while it is not an easy or popular procedure, water lines
should be tested by running water (not air) through each cir-
cuit when the die is in the tool room for maintenance. The
testing should also include measurement of maximum flow
rates which should be in a range of 5–10 gallons per minute
to be acceptable.
Usually, a minimum diameter for a through channel is
considered to be 1=4 in., but 3=8 in. is better for water. Hot
oil requires an additional 1=16 in. because of its different visc-
osity.
Another type of cooling channel, in wide use in die casting
dies where it is not possible to machine a through line, is a
fountain, also called a preculator or cascade, and is described
here. The cooling medium is introduced through a hollow tube
inside a channel that is machined into the die steel. Some-
times, though, a baffle strip, usually made of brass, is fastened

Figure 7
 5935-4 Andresen Ch09 R3 100604

Thermal Process 257

at the center of the channel and the medium flows from one
side, over the top, to the other side. This design is frequently
used where a series of this type of cooling is necessary.
Figure 7 illustrates both types.
Since the direction of the flow changes in a tight bend,
the minimum inside diameter of the tube is recommended
at 5=16 in. even though much smaller tubes are commercially
available. With smaller diameters, restriction to flow of the
cooling medium can be expected and the cooling potential is
less efficient. The equivalent hydraulic area between the out-
side diameter of the tube and the inside channel should be cal-
culated to equal the area of a 5=16 in. diameter circle that
represents the inlet area of the channel or pipe that carries
the cooling medium to the fountain.
With the baffle style, the equivalent minimum hydraulic
area is suggested for both sides. Figure 8 illustrates this prin-
ciple. Equal inlet and outlet areas minimize any restriction to
flow of the cooling medium except for the drastic 180
direc-
tional change.
As critical as temperature and heat are to the quality of
die casting production, they are often given too low a priority
because they are invisible, have no odor, and certainly cannot
be felt at the operating level. Of course, thermometers and
pyrometers may be used to measure temperatures at certain
points in the casting cycle, but they are awkward to use. With
convenience in mind, hand-held infrared guns that make reg-
ular temperature monitoring a reality are now available at a
reasonable price. The latest upgrade here is continuous mon-
itoring via a computer link that allows print outs in hard copy
or downloading of electronic files for more comprehensive die
surface temperature management. It is important, to adjust
to the proper emisivity as recommended in the literature that
comes with them.
Process variables are affected by many conditions which
is the reason that the die casting process is considered by
some managers to be so unpredictable and difficult to plan.
This also justifies constant monitoring to control the process.
Get control of the metal temperature in the holding
furnace or metal launder for a leg up on the production of
 5935-4 Andresen Ch09 R3 100604

258 Chapter 9

Figure 8

high-quality castings. As with everything else, there are high

and low limits, but the range is broad enough to easily control.
The reason for the die caster’s interest in metal tempera-
ture is that the objective is to keep the metal liquid during
cavity fill.
Die surface temperature is usually critical because the
casting alloy must travel over and come into contact with
the surface of the die steels as it moves from the gate to the
extremity of the cavity.
Since most die castings are shells with nonuniform wall
thickness, it is desirable to maintain the temperature of the
liquid casting alloy above the liquidus during cavity fill. In
this case, this is an easier task when the metal enters the gate
at a higher temperature.
Sometimes, castings with thick sections, heavy walls
or massive details are prone to shrinkage porosity. Here, it
is better to inject the metal at a lower temperature to
minimize the opportunity for volumetric shrinkage when
 5935-4 Andresen Ch09 R3 100604

Thermal Process 259

the temperature is at or slightly below the liquidus at the end

of cavity fill. This usually involves reducing the injection
plunger velocity.
Why is the plunger velocity of such interest? Most ser-
ious die casters today monitor both the slow and, especially,
the fast shot velocity because the cavity fills during the fast
shot phase. Thus, the temperature of the alloy at the end of
cavity fill can be more easily controlled by manipulating the
fast shot velocity.
The production rate indirectly affects so many of the pro-
cess variables that it must be included in here although it has
no direct bearing upon casting quality. For purposes of this
discussion, the mechanical functions such as closing and open-
ing the platens and extracting the shot will not be considered.
The production rate is slightly affected by the pouring
time, but this portion of the production cycle impacts the
injection temperature of the casting alloy.
A major element of the cycle is the dwell time which is
manipulated so that the metal, which ideally is at the liquidus
at the end of cavity fill, rapidly drops so that the casting is
comfortably in the solid state by the time the dies open. This
ejection temperature of the casting determines its initial
structural integrity.
Of course, the surface-area-to-volume ratio of a specific
casting determines the limits of the dwell time, but in many
cases, the biscuit is the controlling factor because it has the
highest mass in the shot.
External cooling via a water-based lubricant sprayed
upon the hot die surface immediately after ejection in pre-
paration for the next shot has a profound effect upon the
quality of the casting produced. First of all, it must be under-
stood that a major reason for spraying a water-based lubri-
cant directly onto the cavity and core surfaces of the die
prior to each casting cycle, is to keep the casting from sticking
in the die after it has solidified.
However, another important effect is rapid cooling of the
surface, whether intentional or not. When intentional, exter-
nal die spray is utilized to cool only those surfaces whose
shape is difficult or impossible to cool internally with a water
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260 Chapter 9

channel, such as long thin cores with high heat concentration

due to high volume-to-surface-area ratio. Despite the impor-
tance and almost excessive use of die sprays, their heat
removal characteristics are not well documented nor under-
stood.
For example, the mechanism of various parameters and
deposition methods are merely part of the mystery. With this
in mind, studies have been conducted to reveal that the tem-
perature of the lubricant or coolant does not effect the cooling
of the die surface and that most heat removal occurs during
the first second of die spray. Application pressures are nor-
mally in the range of 60–80 psi, but do not significantly affect
die neither cooling nor lubricant deposition.
Average operating surface temperatures vary from 350
to 600
F and, in this range, the dynamics of the interaction
between spray droplets and the die surface is very complex.
Remember this is an average temperature which fluctuates
between 850
and below 350
as described by Fig. 1 in this
chapter. For the spray to effectively cool the die surface and
for the lubricant to be deposited, the droplets must contact
the die surface. Then the lubricant carrier, usually water,
must boil away.
The contact with the die surface is referred to as wetting.
At high surface temperatures, a layer of steam is created and
droplets cannot wet the die. At temperatures below 400
F, the
die surface is relatively cool after spraying and little boiling
occurs. The heat removal mechanism is primarily convection.
Between 400 and 700
F, the surface is hot enough to boil
water on contact and to remove heat through this phase
transformation. For temperatures above 700
F and below
1100
F, the heat transfer decreases because of the layer of
steam beginning to form at the surface. The steam layer is
fully developed above 1100
F, which completely separates
spray droplets from the surface.
The Leidenfrost phenomenon refers to the wetting tem-
perature of the lubricant which is normally in the range of
300–350
F. This means that if the average die surface is
above this temperature, the lubricant will sizzle on the die
and not wet the surface, which seriously detracts from the
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lubricity. Some lubricants demonstrate a wetting ability

in the 400–600
F range and these should be used for alumi-
num casting alloys that require higher operating die surface
temperatures.
The Leidenfrost point is affected by variables such as
droplet size, velocity, and roughness of the die surface. If
the die has not been cooled to this point, no lubricant will
be deposited and little heat can be removed from the die sur-
face. Therefore, water is often sprayed on the die surface
before the lubricant to cool the surface to this point so that
the droplets can make contact.
The ratio of water to lubricant is important since this
ratio determines the lubricity of the application. Normally
this ratio is between 80:1 to 50:1, but sometimes is seen as
low as 30:1 in especially difficult situations.
As a result of the general lack of understanding, external
cooling is used too often to provide too much of the cooling
(>50%) for the die. It becomes an integral part of the thermal
system for too many die casting dies. It is recommended that
this role of die spray be minimized to merely a spurt, which
can only be accomplished with carefully analyzed and
designed internal cooling systems.
In its role as part of the cooling strategy, the flow rate of
the release agent through each spray nozzle is not as impor-
tant as the duration of spray. A flow rate of less than 1 quart
per minute is satisfactory and duration time of application
should be less that 5 sec unless proper thermal calculations
are made. The usual method is to adjust the die spray by trial
and error until the die operates satisfactorily, but such prac-
tices are what have given die casting its reputation for being
unpredictable.
Internal thermal design should be versatile enough to
utilize two cooling mediums. The most widely used is water
which is recirculated at temperatures in the 85–100
F range;
the other is calorific oil which is used in the 200–300
F range.
However, the temperature of the cooling medium is not as
critical as the flow rate but must be controlled in tandem with it.
The flow rate of the cooling medium has a significant
effect upon the die surface temperature, which directly
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262 Chapter 9

determines casting quality. Therefore, this is the facet the

experienced professional will use to deal with quality issues
because it can be calculated and specified into the operating
window. It is more important than the temperature and often
is effective in transferring heat at rates from 1 to 5 gallons per
minute through each channel.
This writer has observed that the capacity of some cen-
tral water recirculating systems are under-designed so that
when the run time of the total casting department exceeds
65% and approaches a more desirable level of greater than
90%, the recirculating pumps cannot keep up and even 5 gal-
lons per minute becomes a challenge. It is very difficult to
quantitatively design a proper recirculating system without
having first calculated the heat transfer requirements of all
of the dies. Thus, the effective system will usually be one that
is over-designed by guess and by golly.
Hot oil systems are designed to operate on a single die or
zone and are more suitably sized because they are isolated
from the indefinite aspect of the other casting machines.
Every one of these conditions can directly impact casting
quality by itself or in tandem with one or more of the others.
All are mechanically controlled by valves, pistons, pumps,
switches, etc., which can deviate from the desired setting or
be easily changed. Therefore, as long as humans have access
to the controls, regular deviations can be expected. It is the
combination of thermal process variables described here that
must be addressed by a well-designed operating window. A
broad window will successfully tolerate a wide range of devia-
tions and the die will be easy, even for beginners, to operate,
and vice versa.
Remember, die casting is a thermal process and heat
energy is the engine that drives it, so for the best results
extreme care must be taken to understand this important
principle.
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10
Designing the Value Stream

Since high-pressure die casting is an extremely capital-intensive

process, it behooves the astute manager to obtain the highest
yield possible from each expensive die casting machine. The
objective of course, is to maximize the return on investment.
Two things that detract from this goal are downtime
caused by tooling or equipment problems, and defective or
scrap castings. It has been said that a 5% reduction in scrap
will double the profit in a die casting operation. This calls for
a problem solving procedure to minimize casting defects. If
left to a cut-and-try or seat-of-the-pants technique, the die
casting process is extremely unpredictable and difficult to
manage.
This brings to mind some quality events that occurred
early in this author’s career that point out inconsistencies
that occur without a strategic system. On difficult jobs, it
was not unusual to pass 5000 salable parts on one shift, only
to see 1000 on the next. How can there be any consistency to
quality or through put, under such circumstances?
Several modern methods are helpful in defining the cause
and ultimately curing the problem to eliminate the defect or
263
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264 Chapter 10

defects. They are all based upon historical and subsequent

data analysis, focus upon the process rather than inspection
of product, and normally call for a severe adjustment of corpo-
rate culture (Crossen, H. M.). Some of these strategies are
reviewed here because they each quantitatively define the
defect and determine the cause. Effective mitigation is the
final result that is usually dramatic.
Lean technology can best be defined by five principles.
(Nicol, 2003):
1. Value—is what the end user of die casting really
wants. It is what sets the end product apart from competition
and establishes its true quality. It is imperative that every
player in the supply chain understands this requirement.
2. The value stream—must be designed to eliminate
waste on corporate resources. In this context, casting defects
represent scrap or unsalable product that is the waste on
which to concentrate. Lean technology is relentless in pursuit
of perfection. Its resoures are totally integrated into the value
system.
3. Flow—must be continuous and the profitability that
results from increasing inventory turns, reducing defects,
and other disciplines that are unrelated to this subject is a
great motivator.
4. Pull—is a function of quick turnaround time and
reduced inventory uncontaminated by defects. The customer
literally expects to pull finished, defect-free castings from
the die casting cell. It is like having the boss press a button
to start all of the manufacturing operations until they
produce the quantity of castings required by the pull.
5. Perfection—is realized when the end user recognizes
that the value stream works so well that on-time defect-free
parts can be pulled.
Lean technology is simplified here for brevity and is not
easy to accomplish. However, the discipline that it inspires
can be a very effective mitigation of casting defects.
Six Sigma is a disciplined data driven method for
eliminating defects that is directed toward six standard devia-
tions between the mean and nearest specified limit (George
Group, Internet Nov. 2003). It statistically describes how
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Designing the Value Stream 265

the die casting process is performing. The objective for Six

Sigma status for a specific die casting process is to produce
no more than 3.4 defects per million opportunities. A Six
Sigma defect is defined as anything outside of customer speci-
fications. A Six Sigma opportunity is then the total number of
chances for a defect.
An improvement system for an existing, nonconforming
process (or die casting die in our case) that defines, measures,
analyses, improves, and controls, is an important facet of
Six Sigma culture. A strategy for development of a
new process that will perform at Six Sigma quality
levels calls for designing, measuring, analyzing, and
verifying.
Unfortunately, there is a gap between the Six Sigma
acceptable status of 3.4 defects per million and this writer’s
experience with the high-pressure die casting process, which
is approximately 5,000–10,000. In order to reduce the defect
rate, it is necessary to tighten the control function, which
requires closed loop adjustments of plunger velocity and pres-
sure or data-based monitoring that prevents castings pro-
duced outside specified limits from entering the value
stream. These systems are explained in the chapter on pro-
cess control.
Design of experiments (DOE) is a more common method
for minimizing defects; determines the root cause that estab-
lishes accepted limits for appropriate variables. As with the
other disciplines, a consensus team composed of critical
players must brainstorm the root cause of defects. The chosen
variables are then inserted into a series of experiments in
which actual parts are die cast and subjected to customer spe-
cified quality standards. Thus, the DOE identifies the root
cause of the defect and sets acceptable limits by experimenta-
tion rather than by analysis. This does not necessarily mean
that optimum operating limits are achieved, only that custo-
mer specifications have been met. The best operating window
is set only for parameters that can be adjusted within the
casting work cell.
If improvement in runner and gate, venting, or internal
thermal system (cooling channels) is suggested by the
 5935-4 Andresen Ch10 R3 101404

266 Chapter 10

consensus team, it needs to be analyzed and calculated physi-

cal revisions made to the die. When this step is added to DOE,
it is possible to set up the die casting process to exceed custo-
mer specifications and the Six Sigma gap starts to close.
The practical approach is to clearly identify the specific
problem that is causing the defect, and then proceed to solve
it with a quantitative strategy. This chapter attempts to sug-
gest some practical methods.
Control charts are used by die casting firms that expect
to survive in an extremely competitive environment to con-
trol, monitor, and improve the casting process. Root causes
for defects are always present because they are attributed
to shot end repeatability, casting alloy, time, or temperature.
If physical details such as sleeve or gooseneck, runner, gates,
vents, and thermal channels are properly designed, only
minor adjustments to the process are necessary to restore it
to specified control. If a trend is noted that suggests a devia-
tion, it should always require only a minor change. Too often,
technicians will over correct by making too great a revision,
which then causes the process to dramatically shift in the
other direction.
A control chart is a graph with limits called control lines
that define the upper control limit (UCL), the central nominal
line, and the lower control limit (LCL). Its purpose is to detect
any deviations in the process that depict abnormal points of col-
lected data. Without closed loop process control or automatic
side tracking, the points should be plotted in real time so that
the die casting technician can make an immediate adjustment.
The adjustment should be recorded, and the cause of the drift
and what action returned the process to a state of control noted.
For broad control, these points are usually averaged into
subgroups to minimize the quantity that must be plotted. It is
when some of these points fall outside the upper or lower con-
trol limits that the root cause needs to be investigated and
appropriate action taken to keep it from recurring. The qual-
ity term for this preventive action is continuous improvement.
Defects can only be prevented if correction is made prior
to the deviation exceeding the limits. If not, scrap is
generated.
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Two types of data are used for control charts. Data such
as time, temperature, or velocity that is based upon measure-
ment are called indiscrete or continuous data. Other data
based on counting, such as quantity of castings produced or
number of defects, are known as discrete values or enumer-
ated data.
The X bar and R control chart is commonly used to
control the high-pressure die casting process. The mean value
(X) describes changes in the process, while the R portion
shows any deviations or process dispersions from the mean.
The analysis of process data requires calculation of the con-
trol limits. Any X data will have both a mean (mu or X bar),
and a standard deviation. Most of the data (99.7%) will fall
within þ or
3 (Sigma) of the mean. Mathematical calcula-
tions that utilize specific formulae are necessary to establish
UCL and LCL limits. These calculations will not be explained
here since expert texts are available elsewhere.
Since both X and R are illustrated at the same time, the
control chart is a very effective method for checking abnorm-
alities within the process. If they are charted during actual
production, a casting problem can be announced in real-time
mode.
For the process to be in control, it is important that X bar
deviations must be random and, of course, lie within the UCL
and the LCL.
Some suspicious data that would not be considered as
random are:
 Too many points in middle third of range
 Too few points in middle third
 Runs of seven data points above or below X mean line
 Cyclic patterns that describe a trend up or down
 Violation of control limits
Process variables that could be plotted are:

 Slow shot plunger velocity

 Fast shot plunger velocity
 Biscuit thickness (cold chamber)
 Die surface temperature
 5935-4 Andresen Ch10 R3 101404

268 Chapter 10

 Holding temperature of casting alloy

 Cavity fill time
 Accumulator pressure
 Rise time
 Cycle time
 Intensification pressure
 Dwell time
 Die spray time
 Flow rate of cooling medium

Most dies, however, will require the gathering and plot-

ting of no more than five variables, depending upon the type
of defect and the shape of the casting produced.
A Pareto chart is sometimes useful to determine the
frequency of defects in order to concentrate improvement
efforts where the potential for improvement is the greatest.
This is a classical method, which determines the vital few
defects that stand in the way of lowering rejected parts-per-
million performance.
Internal defects are sometimes caused by foreign inclusions
in the casting alloy. There are several types from different
sources and are outlined here to alert the die caster of their
possible presence along with some suggestions to deal with
them.
Oxides are formed when oxygen is introduced. This can
occur in melting or alloying. The source can be from floor sweep-
ings or products of combustion, which is exacerbated by humid-
ity and turbulence. Back scrap consists of scrap castings and
runners that have a thin skin of the base metal and oxygen.
The rate of oxidization doubles for every 20 F rise in the
temperature of the liquid metal bath as it is superheated for
die casting. The oxides formed morph into particles or skins.
Aluminum oxide cannot be re-melted back into aluminum
because the soft gamma form converts to the hard alpha form
at elevated temperatures above 1400 F. Corundum is the hard
alpha form. An example of corundum is illustrated in Fig. 1 by
a saw cut through an aluminum casting (Walkington, 1997).
Refractory materials from the furnace lining can
be degraded into inclusions in the form of corundum. This
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Designing the Value Stream 269

Figure 1 Corundum.

eventually forms a hard spot, a casting defect that can

adversely affect machinability.
Carbides come in particle form from scrap that contains
oils; they also contribute to hard spots.
Halide salts are sometimes introduced in particle form
into the bath via reaction of fluxing products.
Inclusions in zinc alloys are composed of aluminum and
iron. A hard spot is formed when the aluminum in the zinc
alloy dissolves the iron from the gooseneck or holding pot, a
good reason to avoid a cast iron pot. Temperatures above
820 F increase the incidence of inclusion.
Scratch marks during buffing and excessive cutting tool
wear in machining are the result of this defect.
Occurrence of inclusions may be minimized by allowing
sufficient settling time for the liquid metal bath after cleaning
of the furnace. Frequency and procedures are covered in the
chapter on metal handling. Excessive melting temperatures
should be avoided. Good maintenance is essential to prevent
air leakage into the furnace and to hold down oxidation. Back
 5935-4 Andresen Ch10 R3 102604

270 Chapter 10

scrap should be charged in a ratio of no more than a 3:1 mix

with virgin alloy.
Degassing to remove hydrogen picked up from the atmo-
sphere, especially in humid weather, is recommended. Inert
gases of argon or more economical nitrogen are suggested. If
a rotor is used, smaller sized hydrogen bubbles with a greater
surface area will be purged.
Most defects are caused by deviations in process vari-
ables. Therefore, in order to quantitatively identify the
problem, the operating window must be examined. (Photo-
graphs of defects are not included here because they are
easily accessible in the NADCA texts.)
Cold shut—sometimes called poor fill or cold lap, or even
lamination—is the most visible defect, as it can be readily
seen on the surface of the casting. As its name implies, it is
caused by temperatures that are too low. This defect suggests
that temperatures during cavity fill are not being managed
properly. This common defect in castings produced from all
casting alloys is depicted in Fig. 2.

Figure 2 Cold shut defect.

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Designing the Value Stream 271

The temperature of the metal in the holding furnace or

crucible is the most likely root cause, outside of the cavity fill-
ing process. Chapter 4 provides some guidelines that define
the recommended range of allowable operating temperatures
for the different casting alloys.
The temperature of the die, especially in the area of the
cold shut, must be checked directly after the shot is ejected
and prior to the application of die spray for the next cycle.
Generally, temperatures below 350 F for zinc, and 450 F for
aluminum and magnesium alloys are too low.
Excessive die spray can create surface impediments to
the flow and can cool the die surface too much to generate cold
shut. Usually, however, a long cavity fill time resulting from a
fast shot plunger velocity that is too slow is the more likely
cause. This allows too high a portion of the metal to solidify
before the cavity is completely filled.
Some suggested allowable limits for percentage of solidifica-
tion during cavity fill are suggested in Table 1 for different cast-
ing alloys with usual wall thicknesses (0.03–0.04 in. for zinc,
0.08–0.125 in. for aluminum, and 0.05–0.08 in. for magnesium).

Table 1 Percentage of Solidification During Cavity Fill

Casting type Zinc Aluminum Magnesium

Highly decorative 0–5% 0–10% 0–7%

Decorative 5–10 5–15 5–10
Functional 10–15 15–20 10–15
Functional (min. porosity) — 5–15 5–10

Many times excessive cavity fill time is the result of

insufficient gate area. In this case, when an attempt is made
to fill the cavity faster by increasing fast shot plunger velo-
city, the gate speed becomes excessive and causes other qual-
ity problems. Flow in superheated liquid metal streams is too
turbulent and creates uncontrollable swirls that exacerbate a
cold shut defect.
Dimensional distortion can be caused by product design
features such as heavy sections, thick ribs attached to thin
walls, or just thin walls with no ribs. Thermal gradients
 5935-4 Andresen Ch10 R3 100604

272 Chapter 10

between different regions of the shape to be cast are always

involved in this defect. However, there are also some process
variables that can be the root cause of distortion as well.
Too great a range between die surface temperatures within
the same die cavity cannot be tolerated if any extraordinary
degree of dimensional tolerance is desired. To minimize this
defect, analytical management of the temperatures of the cast-
ing alloy as it travels through the metal feed system is essential.
Die surface temperatures that are excessive will retard
solidification after the cavity is filled so that the casting is
too ductile for ejection. This plastic condition does not contri-
bute to dimensional stability.
Since it is advantageous to reduce the temperature of the
casting at ejection, another way to deal with this problem is to
increase the time that the dies remain clamped together
(dwell time) to give the metal more time to solidify. This
tactic, of course, also reduces the production rate.
Heat depressions, sometimes called sinks, on the surface
of a casting are usually the result of unbalanced die surface
temperatures where the die temperature is hotter on the side
of the depressions than on the other side of the casting wall.
The depressed areas are located at the last places to solidify.
The surface is smooth and usually has a frosty appearance.
Many times, this defect is located on the opposite side from
a massive or heavy feature of the casting. Since this is a heat
problem, it will be made worse by excessive die spray that is
applied to remove the heat from the die component. An exam-
ple is shown in Fig. 3.
Many times this pattern can be found in a sunken detail
of the casting shape that is formed by a raised die component
because it is more difficult to remove excess heat from a
standing feature in the die cavity. Sometimes the problem
can be minimized by raising the temperature of the die on
the other side of the wall by reducing the flow rate of the cool-
ing medium. It may even be necessary to lower the die surface
temperatures by slowing down the production rate.
It is also possible, however, that the fill strategy is ineffi-
cient, and in this case, an increase in flow rate will solve the
problem. This can be accomplished by either increasing the
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Designing the Value Stream 273

Figure 3 Heat depression or sink.

diameter of the plunger tip or the fast shot velocity, which will
decrease the cavity fill time to maintain the superheated
temperature of the casting alloy.
Another solution for eliminating this defect is to use tung-
sten-based steels that have a greater heat transfer coefficient
than H-13 die material. A reduction in metal injection tem-
perature obviously will help as will a reduction in the nozzle
temperature if the hot chamber casting method is used.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch10 R3 100604

274 Chapter 10

This condition can also be helped by increasing the accu-

mulator pressure as well as the intensification pressure. The
appearance of heat sinks can be diminished by slightly
bowing a flat surface, but this requires the customer to agree
to an engineering change . . . a most difficult task outside of
simultaneous design of product and die casting die.
Solder may not be a defect unless the rough finish is not
acceptable, but it offers an impediment to producing quality
castings. It is described as casting alloy adhering to the cast-
ing die. It is heat related, therefore the cause could be metal
injection temperatures that are too high as well as die surface
temperatures that are too hot. Thus, improved cooling of such
die surfaces can be accomplished by adjusting flow rate of the
cooling medium through adjacent cooling channels or possibly
changing the core material to a tungsten-based steel alloy
that displays greater thermal conductivity than H-13. The
frequently encountered condition is depicted in Fig. 4.
Soldering usually occurs when the metal stream
impinges, at high velocity, upon an obstruction in the die such
as a steel core. The protective coating on the core is washed
away so that the casting alloy may then bond to the die steel.
When the casting skin stays with the core, the metal that
sticks (solders) to the die member is light in color and might
even shine. Since aluminum casting alloys dissolve the iron
in the die steel, 1% iron is alloyed into the aluminum to slow
down this activity. Therefore, if the alloy is low in iron
content, soldering occurs more quickly (Chu et al., 1993).
Since the condition is exaggerated by high gate speeds,
increasing the gate area to reduce the gate speed will help
to minimize the defect.
In addition to dissolution of the substrate elements of the
die material and pitting corrosion by superheated liquid alumi-
num, other patterns are apparent in the die substrate that are
caused by diffusion of aluminum and silicon elements. An inter-
metallic compound (Al–Fe–Si, Al–Cu–Si) is formed.
Diffusion is the spontaneous movement of atoms to new
sites in a material. Processes depend upon many factors,
but mainly on gradients of concentration of related
atoms and temperature. The diffusion rate increases with
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Designing the Value Stream 275

Figure 4 Solder.

temperature since higher temperatures increase atomic

motion. A laboratory section is examined in Fig. 5 with a dis-
tribution profile of the soldering layer.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch10 R3 100604

276 Chapter 10

Figure 5 Distribution profile of soldering layer.

Eventually, the virgin steel is exposed to liquid aluminum

and suffers from thermal corrosion and diffusion. Figure 6
brings perspective to distribution of the elements with the
layer of solder.
Porosity is inherent in the high-pressure die casting
process. It is one of the primary defects that can be found in
all die castings and is in distinct contrast to the fine dense
grain structure that makes die casting a desirable commodity.
This defect is more common when castings are produced in
aluminum alloys. The turbulent nature of the process makes
it difficult to control porosity, so it is a major concern to both
die casters and users of die castings.
These voids are usually quantified by size and quantity
to establish acceptable quality standards. Porosity is found
in different degrees of intensity that are a function of the
casting shape and the methods used to produce the part.
This is of such concern to both producers and users of die
castings, that several methods (CSIRO, 1992; NSM=OSU,
1991) have been scientifically suggested to determine the
extent of porosity in a particular casting. They are listed here
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Designing the Value Stream 277

Figure 6

for information only; it should be understood that each has

limitations:
 Archimedes’ method for density measurement
 Radiography
 Ultrasonic attenuation
 Metalographic examination
 Vacuum fusion to determine contained gas contents
While the methods listed above are very precise, more
mundane but practical methods are used because of cost
and time involved. Some of these are sectioning to expose
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278 Chapter 10

Figure 7 Shrinkage porosity.

the porosity, pressure testing, radiography (also listed above),

and subjecting the casting to the functional requirement that
it is designed for.
There are two basic types of porosity and each is
the result of very different circumstances. These types are
shrinkage porosity and gas porosity that are described
below.
Shrinkage porosity occurs because, as liquid metals soli-
dify, they reduce in volume. Therefore, under the right condi-
tions, voids occur where a usually massive detail (high
volume=low surface area ratio) in the cast shape is literally
torn apart to accomplish this volumetric shrinkage. In such
a detail, the grain structure is more likely to be dendritic or
tree-like. The tearing occurs because the supply of metal to
that detail has been exhausted. These voids are called shrink-
age porosity and can be found at the last place in the casting
to solidify. In the trade, this is called the ‘‘last place to fill’’.
The defect has ragged surfaces, which are the result of tear-
ing and the dendritic structure.
Shrinkage porosity has a distinctive appearance charac-
terized by jagged edges and sharp corners as a result of the
tearing action. An obvious strategy to reduce the mass can
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Designing the Value Stream 279

be initiated by the product designer who recognizes such a

situation early on in the design procedure. A laboratory
section is offered in Fig. 7.
The solution related to the die casting process is to
provide sufficient gate area to continue to feed the area after
the rest of the cavity is completely filled. This is done during
the intensification phase of the casting cycle when the pres-
sure upon the metal is normally tripled.
Another method to deal with shrinkage porosity in
aluminum alloy castings, is to consider using the higher
silicon content alloy specified as 413, which has a freezing
range of only 20 F between liquidus and solidus rather than
the 100 range for A380 alloy. This alloy provides less oppor-
tunity for volumetric shrinkage, which must take place prior
to solidification.
It is always a good practice to check the chemical compo-
sition of the casting alloy since shrinkage defects occur less
often if the alloy has more resistance to hot cracking. This fea-
ture diminishes if the iron content is allowed to fall below
0.8%, the zinc content above 4%, or the magnesium content
below 0.3%.
In the event that all other efforts fail to cure the problem,
a more heroic strategy is also available. A densifier pin can be
installed in the die that is designed to apply external pressure
directly at the point of the shrinkage void. This is done by com-
pacting the still slushy metal into the void so a dummy appen-
dage must be added to the casting to supply the extra metal.
A leaker is a derivative of shrinkage porosity that can be
found in very massive areas of a cast shape in the form of a
long path through which gas or liquid can escape so that
the casting leaks. A leaker path is depicted in Fig. 7, a micro-
scopic 500 photograph where the as cast surface is to the
right and the shrinkage porosity is at the left (The Ohio
University).
Centerline porosity is another form of shrinkage porosity
that forms at a neutral thermal axis within the wall of a cast-
ing during cavity fill. Many times it is microporosity and
almost invisible to the eye, but in some cases it can be a cause
for knashing of teeth.
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280 Chapter 10

The hotter the die surface temperature, the nearer the

thermal axis will be to the surface. Thus, it behooves the
die caster to balance die temperatures in mating die halves
as closely as physically possible. This will locate the thermal
axis nearer to the center of the wall thickness. This condition
is depicted in Fig. 8.
Gas porosity can be identified by the relatively smooth
surface that it presents during examination. The void is actu-
ally an air bubble that becomes encapsulated by the liquid
casting alloy during cavity fill. The entrapped air can origi-
nate at any of several points in the metal feed system. An
example of what typical gas porosity looks like is presented
in Fig. 9 as a sectioned casting.
If the surface of the pore is clean and, possibly, shiny, the
cause is probably over spraying and water left on the die sur-
face prior to injection, or from entrapped air in the runner.
In addition to reducing the resistance to tensile stress or
impact, these air voids also are a major cause for casting
rejection when they are opened up in machining. In such
cases, they can damage cutting tools or cause functional

Figure 8 Centerline porosity.

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Designing the Value Stream 281

Figure 9 Gas porosity.

difficulties on the machined surfaces. Many times porosity

cannot be identified as simplistically as this discourse might
suggest, so a photograph of a casting section that includes
both shrinkage and gas porosity is included here in Fig. 10.
The smoother group to the left is gas porosity and the more
irregular ragged grouping at the right is, of course, shrinkage
porosity.
The usual sources for entrapped air are:
 Gas formed in the metal as a result of poor melting
and handling procedures
 Steam formed by heat from contact of the superheated
casting alloy and moisture on the shot sleeve or die
 Hydrocarbons from burning of excess oil-based release
agents
 Turbulence in the shot sleeve during the slow shot phase
 Splashing at the intersection between the runner and
sleeve
 Poor runner design
 Poor design of cavity fill pattern
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282 Chapter 10

Figure 10 Shrinkage and gas porosity defects in the same casting

section.

Gas porosity can be reduced in size and quantity, and it

can be moved away from the critical area of the casting to
improve the internal integrity of the casting.
Edge porosity is another variation that can occur at
either the gate inlet or at the outlet to overflows or air vents.
It is characterized by small pores (holes) that can be seen
after the gate or overflow has been broken away. Sometimes,
the skiving that takes place during the trim operation can
smear over small holes to diminish their appearance. An
example is shown in Fig. 11.
It is difficult to identify the cause of this defect because
so many different elements are involved. If the condition is
located at the gate inlet, between the runner and the casting
edge, the holes can be the result of air entrapment that
takes place in the metal feed system. It includes the shot
sleeve and the runner. The slow shot velocity must be exam-
ined because excessive splashing during this phase can
cause edge porosity.
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Designing the Value Stream 283

Figure 11 Edge porosity.

The design of the runner could be the cause if it does not

constantly decrease in cross-sectional area as it approaches
the gate location.
If the porosity is between the casting and an overflow, it
probably is caused by a low die surface temperature and=or
low metal temperature in a location that is remote from the
gate. Premature solidification during cavity fill can be the
cause. Also, slow gate speed as the metal exits the runner is
an even more probable cause.
Many strategies are available to deal with porosity
caused by air entrapment because of the multitude of condi-
tions involved.
First, several degassing devices and methods are avail-
able to remove excess gas in the casting alloy. Melting and
holding temperatures of aluminum casting alloys should also
be controlled to minimize the potential to pick up hydrogen
gas from the hydrocarbons from combustion of fuels.
Die spray and plunger tip lubrication should be used as
sparingly as possible by the proper design of the thermal
system in the die.
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Turbulence during the slow shot phase while the sleeve

and runner are gradually filled with liquid metal can be con-
trolled by following the critical slow shot recommendations.
Turbulence in the runner system can be controlled by
streamlining all sharp changes in direction and constant
reduction in cross-sectional area as the metal travels toward
the gate. Thus, the velocity of the metal stream will
constantly increase so that the fastest speed is reached when
the metal exits the runner through the gate.
The fill pattern of the metal streams as they fill the
cavity should be carefully planned and the last place to
receive metal must be accurately identified. It is important
to exhaust as much air from the metal feed system as possible
in front of the metal stream.
By locating the vent away from the place in the cavity to
receive liquid metal, and sizing it so that the air will escape at
approximately the speed of sound, the liquid metal can
displace the air that was in the system before the pour is
made.
Heat-related defects, caused by poor management of the
temperatures of both the casting alloy and the die surface,
are many times manifested as blisters. A blister is gas poros-
ity that is located near the surface of the casting. Entrapped
gas will gravitate to the highest die surface temperature.
During solidification, the gas is under very high pressure—
up to 15,000 psi. Immediately after the casting is ejected from
the supporting die steels, the temperature of the casting alloy
is high enough (500 F) to keep the casting in the plastic range
of deformation. It is during this phase that the soft metal
easily expands to form a blister. Such a defect is illustrated
in Fig. 12.
Cavitation, is mentioned in Chapter 6 on metal feed sys-
tems, is also considered a defect because it causes a type of
erosion to the die steels that forms bumps in the casting that
are the negative of the pits in the die steels. Of course, this
defect affects 100% of the production so it is a problem that
has to be solved immediately. It occurs usually when casting
metals of higher specific gravity such as zinc and lead. It is
rarely seen in casting aluminum alloys, and never with
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Designing the Value Stream 285

Figure 12 Blister.

magnesium. To illustrate this phenomenon, an early scientist,

Brunton, took a series of high-speed motion pictures of the
collapse of a bubble in water, which are presented in Fig. 13.
Note the asymmetrical collapse near the surface that
simulates the high-velocity impact of jets and droplets in
the flow of zinc alloy as it moves through the cavity fill phase.
The cause is the resistance of heavier metals to directional
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286 Chapter 10

Figure 13 Collapse of bubble in water.

change. Cavitation normally happens in the runner, just

upstream from the gate, and manifests itself slightly down-
stream from the gate. The fix is to create a more gentle transi-
tion from one direction to another.
The trouble shooting chart in Fig. 14 may provide a help-
ful reference to the causes and possible cures of many die
casting defects. The defects are posted across the top, and
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Designing the Value Stream 287

Figure 14

the potential strategies to eliminate the defect are at the

right. It must be noted though that this information is offered
only as initial suggestions since actual die casting defects are
not usually so simplistic.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch11 R3 101404

11
Die Materials

The materials used for die casting dies are mild steel alloys,
cold or hot rolled, that are either air, oil, or water hardened.
These materials contain 0.3–0.4% carbon as well as chro-
mium, molybdenum, and vanadium as major alloying ele-
ments. A most challenging application is in the production
of aluminum die castings since over 70% of all die castings
are from this casting alloy. The reference here is to the inserts
that are the heart of each die. The bill of materials for each die
design should specify the type of steel and its hardness for
each die component.
Cavity inserts ‘‘see’’ the superheated liquid casting alloy
and must be strong, tough, wear resistant, and able to with-
stand thermal fatigue. The metallurgical term usually applied
to these characteristics is fracture toughness, which is a factor
of the ductility of the steel. Thus, the material needs to be
designed to minimize deterioration during repeated casting
cycles that require it to dramatically expand and contract.
The thermal fatigue mechanism is the same as that experi-
enced when a wire is bent back and forth until it finally breaks.
In die casting die steels, this behavior is called heat checking.
289
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290 Chapter 11

Heat checking is caused by the dimensional expansion

that occurs as liquid metal at superheated temperatures
and the rapid contraction when the casting alloy solidifies.
However, throughout the casting cycle, the core or interior
temperatures remain relatively stable, which concentrates
the stresses at a thin layer at the interface between the cast-
ing alloy and the steel surface. This layer is normally only
0.06 in. thick.
The external die spray duration for lubrication and cool-
ing has the greatest impact upon die checking because of
tensile stresses at the thin surface layer. The relationship
between these stresses and temperature is described in
Fig. 1.
Therefore, the chemical content, grain structure and
alignment, internal integrity, cleanliness, and heat treatabil-
ity are key factors that must withstand the thermal extremes
of the production cycle. It is more severe and prevalent with
aluminum casting alloys that are injected at higher tempera-
tures. It occurs with zinc, but it is rare.
The useful life of a die is governed by the fracture tough-
ness of the material at the interface with the casting alloy.
Normal die life for zinc dies is at least 1,000,000 cycles, but
only 150,000 for aluminum.

Figure 1
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Die Materials 291

Theoretical die life can be enhanced by as much as 50%

by compressing the gradient between the highest and the low-
est temperatures that the die material experiences during
each casting cycle. The highest temperature occurs when
the casting alloy is aluminum and is typically approximately
900 F during cavity fill. Although this is not really controlla-
ble, the lowest temperature after external die spray of about
400 F can very well be controlled. If the lowest die surface
temperature is increased to 600 F, the thermal stress will
be dramatically reduced by 3=5 or 60%!
How can this be done? As previously stated hundreds of
different die casting plants, every one operated their dies too
slowly, save one, and that one broke all of the accepted ther-
mal rules. Therefore, run the die faster so that the lowest die
surface temperature will increase. Of course one cannot
merely reduce cycle time and more shots per hour without
the necessary preparations.
Dies run too cold except for one or two hot spots and the
biscuit. Usually, it is quite possible to design sufficient
internal cooling to balance the die surface temperatures
within a reasonable range so that more shots per hour are
produced. The die material will perform much longer, and
just think what 10–20% greater productivity will do to cast-
ing cost!
Though heat checking is the most dominant failure
mechanism in die casting, another is gross cracking. It is less
common but more significant because it is unpredictable and
usually catastrophic. The key to optimizing die life is to estab-
lish properties that discourage gross cracking and at the same
time delay initiation and propagation of heat checking as long
as possible.
Most cavity inserts are made of P-20, H-11, H-13. P-20
steel is used for die casting zinc, and H-13 is used for casting
aluminum and magnesium in addition to zinc. In Europe,
H-11 steel is extensively used for casting the same alloys.
For brass castings, H-21 steel is used. All of the available
die materials have limited die life because of creep rupture
properties. H-11 and H-13 are regarded as multipurpose
materials due to properties at high operating temperatures.
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292 Chapter 11

These die materials are usually electroslag remelted, but

the better grades are remelted in a vacuum to control nonme-
tallic inclusions (cleanliness). The steel is then forged to
reduce its volume by a factor of 5 to refine grain structure
and to close any remaining voids.
P-20 steel is a low carbon alloy with 1.5–2.0% chromium,
and small amounts of silicon, manganese, and molybdenum.
This material has good toughness and excellent machinability.
Unfortunately, this material is not adequate for the higher
thermal stresses imposed by the higher temperature casing
alloys. Therefore, it is restricted for use with zinc alloys only.
H-13 steel is a chromium type hot work tool steel used for
die casting aluminum and magnesium, and also for some high
volume zinc die casting. This material contains 5.0–5.5%
chromium, over 1% molybdenum, 0.4 carbon, and almost 1%
vanadium.
Maraging steel is a very low carbon, silicon, and manga-
nese die material with relatively high nickel, cobalt, and
molybdenum. Though not especially popular, it is mentioned
here because it has high strength while still retaining good
ductility. It is used frequently for welding H-13 die compo-
nents since it is relatively soft, but the interface with the
H-13 is very hard. This hard zone is tempered to a more
desirable hardness at 1000 F for 3 hr, which also hardens
the maraging.
Upon hardening at 900 F, maraging steel shrinks
0.0005–0.001 in. per inch in all three dimensions. This makes
dimension calculations too complicated for popular use.
Machining of die steels to create the detail of the shape to
be die cast is accomplished by the usual cutting methods of
milling, drilling, etc. It is almost universally done under com-
puter numerical control (CNC) by following pre-established
tool paths that are imported from a 3D CAD model of the
shape as designed by the product designer. Most cavity
shapes of any size are rough machined (hogged out) prior to
hardening for ease of removal of the mass of steel. This is
done to avoid dimensional distortion that always occurs dur-
ing the violent temperature gradients that the die material
is exposed to during heat treatment.
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Die Materials 293

Final machining is then done with specially hardened

cutting tools applied to the steel in the hardened condition
at a hardness of 44–46 on the Rockwell ‘‘C’’ scale. This proce-
dure does not affect the die surface adversely, but is slow and
expensive.
Electrical discharge machining (EDM) is considerably
more economical since a mirror image of the shape is
machined in a soft graphite electrode that is then transferred
to the die steel. An electrical field is created in dielectric fluid
between the electrode and the work.
The problem is that the process leaves an undesirable
surface condition on the finished steel (Dorsch, 1991). The
EDM’d surface consists of a resolidified ‘‘white’’ layer of as-
cast and as-quenched martinsite plus a soft overtempered
layer approximately 0.003 in. deep, just below the white layer.
EDM literally melts away the material that would be
machined away and then rapidly solidifies the thin surface
of the steel after the desired shape has been thus formed.
Both layers degrade resistance to thermal fatigue
because the white layer is brittle and often contains cracks.
The soft overtempered underlament exhibits poor resistance
to crack initiation and propagation. The ‘‘white’’ layer can
be machined away by mechanical means to restore thermal
fatigue resistance to a limited degree, but it is physically
impossible for some complex geometries.
Premium grade hardened die material (explained later
in this chapter) accepts EDM without the undesirable effects
described above. The resolidified white layer is soft but ductile
and can either be hardened in service or by a simple aging
treatment.
The schematic of the sequence of events that take place
in the EDM process is presented in Fig. 2. In Box 1, an elec-
trical field is created in the dielectric fluid between the work
and the electrode. Box 2 illustrates an electrical spark
between the work piece and the detail on the electrode. Box
3 describes how the heat from the electrical arc melts the
material away from the work and releases it to the fluid. Note
that some material is also removed from the electrode. In Box
4, the current is turned off when most of the melted material
 5935-4 Andresen Ch11 R3 101504

294 Chapter 11

Figure 2

solidifies into spheres that are carried away by the dielectric

fluid. However, some of the molten material solidifies on the
surface of the work piece.
The EDM process is in wide use because of the eco-
nomy in die casting die construction, but is controlled
differently in tool shops where the economic benefit conflicts
with the quality of the die cavity surface (Wallace and
Schwam). The better shops reduce the amperage as the final
die surface is approached to minimize the depth of the melted
and solidified ‘‘white’’ layer, the untempered martinsite layer,
and the amount of tempering. These layers are depicted in
Fig. 3 to give perspective to the layers and hardnesses.
H-13 alloy is offered in regular and premium grades.
Since the cost of the cavity die material is a very small portion
of the total die cost, premium grade produced to meet NADCA
standard No. 207 is recommended. The additional cost is not

Figure 3
 5935-4 Andresen Ch11 R3 101504

Die Materials 295

significant, so most die steel is produced under this standard

with almost isotropic (independent of direction) structure.
Homogeneous distribution of alloying elements when com-
bined with fine segregation of carbides, sulfides, and oxides
enhances toughness properties, primarily in the transverse
direction.
It is essential that premium die material be used to con-
struct, at a minimum, the 20% of the die casting dies that pro-
duce 80% of the castings. As premium grade material becomes
more common, actual usage approaches more than half of all
aluminum dies.
The premium grade acceptance criteria requirements cover:

 Chemical composition
 Hardness
 Microcleanliness:
Sulfide
Aluminate
Silicate
Globular oxides
 Ultrasonic quality
 Impact capability
 Shepherd grain size
 Annealed microstructure
 Microbanding designation level
 Response to heat treating

H-21 die steel is a tungsten-type hot work tool steel that

contains approximately 9% tungsten and over 3% chromium.
Other alloying elements are in the 0.3–0.4% range. This alloy
retains some hardness even when cherry red and displays
good wear resistance and toughness at high temperatures.
These characteristics make it desirable for casting the highest
temperature alloys.
Special die materials are used to control heat flow where
thermal paths converge, as upon a core. These are tungsten-
based alloys with high thermal conductivity. Anviloy 1150
 5935-4 Andresen Ch11 R3 100604

296 Chapter 11

has a very high resistance to thermal shock, but very little

resistance to mechanical shock. Therefore, it is recommended
that its size not exceed 4 in. in diameter.
With a thermal conductivity almost four times that of
H-13, Anviloy 1150 could cause serious casting problems
instead of enhancing castability, so it is suggested that a care-
ful mathematical thermal analysis be made before inserting
this material into an aluminum or magnesium die casting die.
A molybdenum-based steel called Mo-TZM has an even
higher thermal conductivity which brings more risk so it is
only available in small sizes. It is useful, however, for small
core pins or inserts in the cavity.
Of course, only the die components that ‘‘see’’ the super
heater liquid casting alloy are subjected to extreme thermal
fluctuations. Thus, a partial list of recommended materials
for die components is presented in Table 1.
Plunger tips are made both in H-13 steel and beryllium
copper, the preference of die casters in North America because
of its high thermal conductivity. Tips are almost always water

Table 1 Partial List of Recommended Materials for Die

Composition
Die component Material Hardness

Cavity block—Zinc P-20 300–325 BHN

Cavity block—Al, Mg H-13 44–46 Rc
Cores H-13 44–46
Core locks SAE 6150 48–50
Core slide gibs SAE 6150 50–52
Retainer block SAE 4140 30–34
Ejector rails SAE 1020 –
Ejector plates SAE 1020 48–50 Case harden
Ejector pins H-13 Case harden
Leader pin SAE 1020 48–50 Rc Case
Leader pin bushing SAE 1020 58–60 Case
Rack SEA 6150 48–52 Rc
Pinion SAE 6150 43–45
Runner block H-13 44–46
Sprue spreader and bush H-13 44–46
Shot sleeve H-13 44–46
Wear plates M-2 58–60
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Die Materials 297

cooled because the biscuit is the most difficult element of the

cold chamber to cool due to its high mass.
Hot chamber tips are made from H-13 steel and water
cooled, but the tight fit is accomplished by a series of rings
similar to piston rings in an internal combustion engine.
Heat treating is required with H-13 die materials to
accomplish the working hardness of 44–46 on the Rockwell
‘‘C’’ scale, while P-20 is usually prehardened. H-13 die steel
is very delicate as far as heat treatment is concerned: The
time taken to drop H-13 steel from the austenitizing to the
tempering temperature adversely affects the dimensional sta-
bility if it is too short, and the fracture toughness, if it is too
long. This paradox means that proper heat treating is an awe-
some responsibility, not to be taken lightly!
With intermediate rates of cooling, carbides are ejected
from austenite in different forms that offer different
properties, especially toughness, even though the hardness
does not change (Wallace et al.). The ideal metallurgical state
is tempered martinsite with no carbons, which is almost
achievable given modern technology for generating the cavity
shape in the hard rather than the annealed condition. Martin-
site is a distinctive magnetic needle-like structure that exists
in hardened carbon tool steel as a transition stage in the
transformation of austenite. It is the hardest constituent of
the eutectoid composition.
Figure 4 provides a good guide for heat treating decisions
that affect die life and dimensional stability.
It must also be understood that the purchaser of the cast-
ings also becomes the owner of the die since castings and tools

Figure 4
 5935-4 Andresen Ch11 R3 100604

298 Chapter 11

are normally bought as a package. Thus, a chain of financial

responsibility develops all down the line. The die caster is
responsible to the customer for the life of the die, and the tool
maker is responsible to the die caster for the hardening and
tempering, and the heat treater is responsible to the tool
maker. It, therefore, behooves each link in the chain to
request and carefully examine the heat treating records
including furnace charts for discrepancies from specifications.
Now, to explain the above paragraph . . . The trick is in
the cooling rate which is so closely limited that some metal-
lurgists feel that H-13 is not heat treatable. It is important
that the piece to be treated be raised to an austenitizing tem-
perature of 1850 F  25 , and then lowered to a tempering
temperature of 1300 F. Higher autenitizing temperatures
up to 1975 F have been examined. The use of higher tempera-
tures leads to excessive grain boundary growth, which drasti-
cally reduces the toughness because of grain boundary
carbide precipitation. Thus, the piece goes through a transfor-
mation that is determined by the austenitizing temperature
and cooling time.
The time=temperature transformation curve is commonly
used by metallurgists to monitor this phenomenon. A typical
chart is illustrated in Fig. 5. Four quenching rates are shown
from fastest (more dimensional distortion) to slowest (lack of
toughness) (DCRF, 1986).
Curve number 1 generates an ideal martensite structure,
but the quench rate is too fast to be practical. Curve number 2
still results in martensite, but displays some grain boundary
carbides and is only achievable with small tools that are oil or
polymer quenched. Martensite plus bainite plus grain bound-
ary carbides are created by curve number 3, which is a prac-
tical structure for medium to large tools. This is the slowest
recommended quenching rate and is accomplished by a good
gas quench in a fluid bed, etc. The structure represented by
curve number 4 contains pearlite and lacks toughness even
though tempered hardness may be correct. Center zone of
large blocks will have this structure.
Basically, heat treatment for H-13 die steel requires that
the work is placed into a furnace preheated to 600 F alone or
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Die Materials 299

Figure 5

with other work of similar size and specification. The tem-

perature is then raised to 1850 F, with steps at 900 , 1300 ,
1550 to ensure uniformity, and then finally 1850 .
The work and furnace temperatures are allowed to
equalize by soaking at each step for a minimum of 1=2 hr
per inch of thickness at rates of 100–500 F, depending upon
the complexity of the cavity shape. When the austenitizing
temperature of 1800  25 is reached, the piece is soaked for
30 min for the first inch of thickness and 20 min for every
other inch of thickness.
Drawing down the temperatures is called quenching,
which is normally done in vacuum furnaces using inert gases.
The cooling is delayed at 700 F to equalize the temperature
before cooling further.
The desired metallurgical state for H-13 die material is
martensite and it is critical to cool it so as to miss the nose
of the ferrite curve or that will end up being the state of the
steel.
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300 Chapter 11

After a temperature of 130 F is reached, the work is

soaked for 2 hr at 1000 F per inch of thickness. Then it
is dropped to room temperature when the first hardness check
is made and monitored. Two more temperings are made by fol-
lowing the above procedure and heating to 1060 and 1000 .
All of this history (temperatures and time) is recorded on
graphs that are called the furnace charts. Die casting dies cost
hundreds of thousands of dollars and for the die caster or the
customer to ignore these data is inexcusable.
Die life can be extended by surface treatment processes
such as ion nitriding, ball peening, rocklinizing, solveniting,
etc. Ball peening is quite effective in peening the edges of fine
cracks or checks together. Solveniting continues to be very
popular, and periodic stress relief on a regular basis will
prove to be quite effective.
Preheat the die to a temperature above 300 F, but below
the operating temperature to enhance fracture toughness,
reduce the thermal shock of injecting superheated liquid
metal into the die cavities, and to minimize the probability
of gross cracking and die checking for longer die life.
This practice will also reduce start up scrap and increase
machine up time. It should never be done after the die has
been set in the casting machine because the machine will then
be idle during the preheating. It is much more efficient to use
a specially constructed angle iron frame that costs less than
$500.00 rather than an expensive casting machine. However,
very few die casting firms in North America use the special
frame, and some do not even preheat to the proper tempera-
ture before starting a production run. The customer who
actually owns the die would be well advised to monitor these
procedures. Some of the methods used are listed below:
 Steam through the thermal lines
 Electric heaters between the die halves
 Gas torch in the shot hole
 Edge heating
Welding is not recommended but is acceptable in a few
instances (Barton, 1963). When machining errors occur or
unplanned modifications must be made while the die steel is in
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Die Materials 301

the annealed state (before heat treating), an arc weld

(shielded metal arc) using H-13 coated welding rods is
suggested.
TIG weld (gas tungsten arc) using a maraging or H-13
rod is suggested when welding hardened H-13 die material
to repair shallow cracks or make small modifications.
For deep cracks or large modifications, an arc weld using
coated austenitic stainless steel electrodes, topped with an H-
13 or maraging steel rod using TIG welding, should be the
procedure.
When a die is broken in two pieces, the pieces should be
fastened together using arc welding with high-tensile-coated
electrodes. The weld should be completed using an arc weld
with coated H-13 electrodes.
Since this is a heroic strategy, several steps should be fol-
lowed before and after welding. These procedures are outlined
below:

 Degrease by cleaning with trichlorethylene or hot

detergent
 Stress relieve by heating at 1000 F for 1 hr per inch of
section plus 1 hr
 Then air or furnace cool
 Remove all cracks by grinding a ‘‘U’’-shaped groove
 For deep cracks, remove enough metal to allow for at
least two layers of filler weld and 1=8–1=4 in. of finish
weld
 Clean the die by removing oxide, dirt, and discolora-
tion, by vapor blasting, or by chemical cleaning
 Dry thoroughly
 Examine the die block for residual cracks by using
crack detection methods such as die penetrant or mag-
netic particle inspection
When using coated H-13 electrodes:
 Keep rods clean and dry.
 Preheat the die block to at least 600 F, preferably
1000 F, using a temperature-controlled furnace.
Never weld a die at room temperature.
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302 Chapter 11

 Deposit the weld bead using a low current value.

Avoid making heavy deposits to minimize high stress
levels.
 Peen the weld bead after each pass to remove slag and
reduce stress. Do not allow the temperature to drop
below 600 F.
 Examine the weld and cool the die away from drafts to
about 100 F, let it set for 8 hr or it may crack.
 Stress relieve annealed dies by heating slowly to
1200–1300 F followed by air or furnace cool, then heat
treat to desired hardness.
 Temper hardened dies at 50 F below the previous
tempering temperature and alternatively temper
between 1000 F and 1050 F for at least 2 hr.

For TIG welding using maraging steel filler rod:

 Clean and preheat to make sure the weld area is clean
and free from grease, dirt, and oxide so that the weld
will not be porous and cracked. Preheat between
300 F and 500 F and maintain this temperature.
 Weld with an adequate flow of argon-based gas; con-
trol the current for good penetration while avoiding
undercutting. Use a TIG gun kept only for welding
dies and use the correct grade of wire.
 Clean the weld after each pass and peen as necessary.
Do not try to weld over porosity.
 Cool the die slowly and do not quench.
 Heat treat the welded die at 900 F for 4 hr to temper
and stress relieve.

Soldering, described in an earlier chapter as a defect, is a

complex physiochemical interaction between the die material
and the superheated casting alloy (Shankar and Abelian,
1999). In this process, the cast part sticks to the die even after
ejection. This phenomenon is a primary concern in aluminum
die casting since the iron in the die material starts to dissolve
in the aluminum casting alloy during the latent heat of fusion.
A series of intermetallic layers form at the die surfa-
ce=casting alloy interface where the aluminum melt reacts
 5935-4 Andresen Ch11 R3 100604

Die Materials 303

with iron atoms. The intermetallic compounds have a lower

heat transfer coefficient than the die material. Therefore,
the melt in contact with these compounds cools at a slower
rate and separates from the rest of the casting during ejec-
tion. The rate at which the compounds form is a function of
the diffusion of iron species from the die material into the
melt. Three or four layers form with spalling displayed at
the top layer in raft-like intermetallic precipitates. The preci-
pitates exhibit a surface tension effect on the aluminum that
may contribute to soldering.
It is fairly well known that soldering occurs at hot spots
(last place to solidify) on the die surface or where high gate
velocity impinges upon a die detail. Thus, the soldering stages
are erosion of the die surface by the superheated aluminum,
corrosion and diffusion of the die material, and the accumula-
tion of solder.
Since the incidence of soldering is strongly influenced by
operating conditions that can be controlled, aluminum injec-
tion temperature, gate velocity, dwell time, etc. need to be
within chart limits.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch12 R3 101404

12
Mechanical Die Design

Mechanical design is one of the three engineering disciplines

necessary for a practical and economical die design. While it is
the most obvious, mechanical design has to be related to and
based upon the other two previously discussed disciplines
of fluid flow and thermal dynamics. This discipline is the
most tangible, so most die casters focus on it first and, due
to delivery time constraints, it usually carries the highest
priority.
It is customary for the die casting tool engineers and
quality assurance people to interact with the customer’s pro-
duct designers to transfer all available knowledge about the
design and function of the shape to be die cast. Function,
fit, cosmetic appearance, and assembly with mating compo-
nents are the usual interests. Since the die casting process
offers unique incentives to product design like fine dense grain
structure and intricate detail, it is well worthwhile to inti-
mately integrate the product with the process early on. Ulti-
mate assembly can be simplified and total costs minimized.
For the best performance, however, the cavity pattern
should first be oriented to allow the fewest tight bends in
305
 5935-4 Andresen Ch12 R3 100604

306 Chapter 12

the runner and ample geography for effective gating and

venting. This can be accomplished with a quick preliminary
flow analysis that examines all of the possible gating options.
Then, a quick thermal analysis will roughly locate the cooling
channels and fountains to effectively manage the tempera-
tures of both the casting alloy and the die components.
The mechanical design can then be wrapped around the
two functional disciplines and the steels can be sized and
other details like core slides established. This strategy is men-
tioned at the beginning of this important chapter because die
casting dies are usually designed the other way around. Shoe
horning is then required of the metal feed and thermal sys-
tems into the available space that is left after the die is
designed to fit into the smallest possible die casting machine.
This is typical, but not the best way to do the job.
Economy should be a major objective in mechanical
design because, next to the die casting machine, the casting
die is the most expensive tool involved in the manufacture
of high pressure die castings. The design of this tool must
therefore be compatible with the total quantity of parts
required during the life of the part to be produced. Where
the volume of parts is low, it is important to design an inex-
pensive tool. On the other hand, if the volume is very large,
the design must focus upon productivity (cost and quality),
long die life, and efficient maintenance.
Standard die components are commercially available
that have much of the machining done, which save both time
and cost. They include plates, die retainer assemblies, unit
dies, and master die sets.
Plates includes cavity insets machined to appropriate tol-
erances. Complete die sets contain leader pins and bushings,
ejector rails, sprue bushing and spreader pin, etc. Unit dies
offer an economical advantage of multi-cavity operation from
a single cavity die, once the unit retainer is purchased. How-
ever, unit dies tend to fall into the category of inexpensive
tooling to satisfy low volume requirements.
Standardization must be developed by each die casting
firm on an individual basis that serves their product and
equipment mix the best. Such components as sprue bushings
 5935-4 Andresen Ch12 R3 100604

Mechanical Die Design 307

and spreaders, ejector pins, leader pins, guide pins for ejector
plates, alignment guide blocks, screws, and dowels can be
standardized quickly.
For example, ejector pins come in 32 different diameters
and in several lengths so the die caster can limit the choice to
four sizes and then cut the length to suit when needed. Thus,
both new die construction and repair are simplified. This
same strategy can be applied to other items like mounting
clamps, shot sleeves, etc.
Cost justification is a function of both quantity and qual-
ity requirements.
The characteristics of a high performance die are:

Calculated flow and thermal dynamics

Quantified production strategies

Premium grade die steels

Sufficient material for strength and heat exchange

Cavity details less vulnerable to mechanical and
thermal stresses

Optimum number of cavities

Balanced locking force

Efficient lubrication of wear surfaces
The advantages of high performance die design and con-
struction are:

Lower start up costs (first shot success)

Less scrap—better yield

Reduced die maintenance

Longer die life

Better casting quality

Faster production rate

Greater up time
The disadvantages are:

Higher costs

Requires modern skills and technology

Longer delivery time
A graphic justification for high performance die design is
illustrated by the graph in Fig. 1. In this typical case, the
 5935-4 Andresen Ch12 R3 100604

308 Chapter 12

Figure 1

same part can be produced from a die costing between

$50,000.00 and $100,000.00 and each extreme is charted. It
can readily be observed that the break even point is at a
volume of about 45,000 shots. Beyond that lower quality,
higher maintenance, and less up time start to take their toll.
Most economic decisions on tooling relate to die life
because the buyer, who actually owns the tool (the die caster
has sold it to the customer), amortizes the initial cost of the
tool over the estimated working life of the die, which, in this
case, is 180,000 shots. The economic impact of superior perfor-
mance from the die is clear.
Unit dies offer opportunities for economy in the absence of
volume. With a unit die, a different shape can be cast in each
station, in either single or multiple arrangements. Thus, in
cases, where usage does not warrant the tool cost of multiple
cavities, which would be too expensive to amortize over the life
of the shape, a single cavity is the choice. By running with
other casting shapes in the balance of the die, an equivalent
piece cost can be realized without the matching tool cost.
Normally, standard unit die assemblies that are commer-
cially available are used in the trade. This tooling option is
 5935-4 Andresen Ch12 R3 101404

Mechanical Die Design 309

configured in single-, double-, or four-station arrangements

for either cold or hot chamber machines. When utilized by a
custom die caster, castings for more than one customer can
be die cast at the same time. There is nothing unethical about
this practice because the die caster has invested in the unit
holder and the customers have only purchased their particu-
lar unit station.
Core pulls are possible on two or three sides, depending
upon the number of separate stations. When utilizing unit
dies, one must be cautious to produce similar shapes together.
Similarly, the characteristics of volume, surface area, and
complexity must be met.
Die configurations also have a profound effect upon eco-
nomics. Of course, as the number of cavities increases, the
piece cost decreases. Production requirements always have
a way of strongly suggesting the number of cavities. Many
times, especially in the case of mating parts, a family or com-
bination die configuration works well. In this case, multiple
similar shapes can be produced in the same die, as long as
quantity requirements are identical.
Identify the casting machine size and capacity to supply
metal before any layout work is initiated, because the die
must combine with the machine and cold or hot chamber shot
sleeve to complete the work cell to produce the part to be
tooled. It is important that the machine shot system can
pump the required volume of metal to the die. With die cast-
ing machines that have been in service for several years with
no preventive maintenance, the fast shot plunger velocity is
as critical as the space between tie bars. To prepare for this,
the metal feed strategy must be all worked out, which deter-
mines the number of cavities and locates the cavity pattern
with relation to the shot center. This calculation is too often
overlooked, which leads to shot end compromises that detract
from die performance.
An important influence of the casting machine
configuration on the die layout and cavity orientation is the
location of the shot center. Usually, shot ends can be adjusted
to three shot hole positions in the cover platen. They are
center, 6 in. below, and 12 in. below center. For larger
 5935-4 Andresen Ch12 R3 100604

310 Chapter 12

machines, these dimensions increase proportionately. Most

hot chamber dies are center shot and all cold chamber dies
should be shot below center.
Of course, the projected area multiplied by the optimum
accumulator pressure (from the PQ squared diagram) deter-
mines the locking force required, which in turn determines
the choice of available casting machines that are capable of
producing the subject part. It is important to design the die
for the least efficient machine if there are several of the same
size available. Then, when the die is scheduled into the pro-
duction plan, the planner will have a wide choice of machines
and more flexibility.
The machine locking force required for a particular die is
explained in Chapter 3 on the casting machine: The center of
inertia of the cavity pattern must be at the center of the tie
bar pattern if the locking strain on each tie bar is to be
balanced. Die casting is quite forgiving, though, if this orien-
tation is not perfect; the safety factor is usually great enough
to overcome a small imbalance of locking force distributed
over the four tie bars. It should be noted, however, that even
though die casting machines are size rated according to the
available locking force, it is normally the geography between
the tie bars that limits the maximum physical die size the
machine can handle.
Mechanical die casting die designs include a plan view of
the ejector die half as viewed from the cover die position and a
similar view of the cover die half as seen from the ejector die
position. Sections are drawn as viewed from the operator’s
side. Other views are also common.
At least one full section should be cut through the shot cen-
ter and a typical cavity with the die halves closed. Typical lay-
outs and sections are included in Figs. 2 through 5 for reference.
Some of the details in the die sections of the figures are
not necessarily in the location that relate to the plan views;
they are shown only to illustrate details like push backs, sup-
port pillars, etc.
The example used here is a simple open and shut die
intended to explain almost universal features that must
be included in the mechanical die design. Threaded holes
 5935-4 Andresen Ch12 R3 100604

Mechanical Die Design 311

Figure 2

are strategically located on the top and both sides of each

die half for efficient handling. The push back pins are lar-
ger than ejector pins to facilitate the return of the ejector
plate to the closed position without straining them. The
support pillars withstand the compressive force placed
upon the ejector die during high pressure injection of the
casting alloy and final intensification phase at the end of
cavity fill.
When die size permits, it is desirable to show the plan
view of the ejector die and the major section on the same
 5935-4 Andresen Ch12 R3 100604

312 Chapter 12

Figure 3

sheet. The first sheet may also include the bill of material,
change column, reference data such as machine information,
and general notes.
Die details that are expected to require frequent replace-
ment should be segregated on separate sheets or CAD files
for convenience during production.
Detailed designs are sometimes prepared in which every
single component is drawn and dimensioned. A complete
design like this is more expensive and requires more time,
and time is always at a premium. However, even though
engineering time and cost are higher, a detailed design makes
 5935-4 Andresen Ch12 R3 100604

Mechanical Die Design 313

Figure 4

it possible for more tool makers to work on the die at the same
time. Also, with total detail available, less experienced tool
makers or apprentices can be involved, which more than off-
sets the original investment in cost and time in engineering.
Dimensions necessary for the assembly drawing of the
die include (Herman, 1979):

Height

Shut height

Width

Opening stroke

Thickness

Stock list
 5935-4 Andresen Ch12 R3 100604

314 Chapter 12

Figure 5

 Travel of all moving parts (ejector plate and core slides)

The bill of material should include:
 All major details
 All standard purchased components:
Ejector pins
Leader pins
Sprue spreaders
Bushings
Retainer blocks
Unit die master
 Nominal sizes for all catalog items
 Finish sizes of die materials
 The quantity required of each detail
 Heat treat requirement
 5935-4 Andresen Ch12 R3 100604

Mechanical Die Design 315

It is not necessary to describe small screws and dowels in the

stock list.
General notes are suggested here as a guide for inclusion
in the die design.
For cavity dimensions, work to the latest part print,
applying high tolerance limits on coring and internal dimen-
sions, and low limits on external dimensions.
Parting line (die blow), shrinkage, and angularity toler-
ances must be deducted from the product tolerance allowance
to establish ‘‘tool tolerances.’’
Usually a 3D solid model of the product to be cast is used
to define CNC tool paths for machining the cavity shape into
the die steels. The base model must be dimensionally adjusted
in accordance with the previous paragraph.
Water lines must not leak and must be tested accord-
ingly. Stamp identification in location is easily visible in oper-
ating position.
CMM conformance to cavity dimensions or model and
epoxy resin tryout shots of completed die shall be submitted
for approval before the die is shipped.
Parting surfaces of the shut off must be uniformly
spotted together until 90% of spotting dye is transferred to
the opposite die half.
Shut height of die shall be flat and parallel within
0.005 in. TIR.
Tolerances on dimensions that are typical should be
considered as noted here (in the event that a drawing is the
genesis of the cavity shape rather than a computer model),
with the notation ‘‘unless otherwise specified.’’
Two-place decimals  0.03 in.
Three-place decimals  0.5 in.
Angular tolerance in cavity  0 15 min
Angular tolerance  1
Special gaging should be planned prior to detailing the
cavity design because it quickly defines the casting details and
tolerances that are critical to the product designer. The die
dimensions should allow the tool maker no more than 10% of
the tolerance specified on the part drawing or CAD file.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch12 R3 100604

316 Chapter 12

It is important to understand that cavity dimensions,

alignment, etc. are machined into the die steels at room tem-
perature, but that the die must produce the dimensions at a
highly elevated temperature. The dimensional tolerances
are specified for the purpose of accommodating the die casting
process.
Parting line geometry is developed by a careful study of
the shape of the part to be cast. This configuration dictates
and defines any deviation from a flat parting plane which is
called a parting line step. It also describes any holes, depres-
sions, or undercuts that require cores that must move in a
direction other than parallel to the die opening direction.
This geometry defines any mechanical restrictions to
possible gate and vent locations, as well as other die details
like overflows, alignment guides, false ejection, etc. that are
external to the cavity.
In the case of parting geometry that is not flat, it is
probable that the runner system or overflows will be located
close to the edge of a parting line step. There is a danger of
die steel that is structurally too thin between the runner
and the step. Therefore, a minimum distance of 1=4 in. should
be followed. A die section that illustrates this principle is
shown in Fig. 6.
The die layout consists of a plan view of each die half and
records the decisions that have already been made in the flow
and thermal disciplines, and establishes those that are devel-
oped in this design phase.

Figure 6
 5935-4 Andresen Ch12 R3 100604

Mechanical Die Design 317

The die layout includes:

Ejector=cover relationship to the casting net shape

Cavity orientation

Shot center relation to cavity (relates center of cavity
cluster to center of tie bar pattern)

Cavity insert size

Shut off allowance

Retainer size
The relationship of the ejector and cover components to
the casting shape describes how the casting cavity will fit into
each die half. Sometimes, the shape of the casting dictates the
positioning of the cavity within the die halves. Many times,
though, there are several options. Usually, external surfaces
are located in the cover die because they will more easily pull
away after solidification. Internal details are intentionally
located in the ejector die since volumetric shrinkage during
solidification is toward the inside. Figure 7 shows the four
basic choices for locating the parting line for a simple shape.
The cavity may be positioned on edge as in option 1; located
entirely within either die half, as in option 2 or 4; or laid flat
with some of the cavity in each die half as in option 3.
The final decision will be a function of convenient die
construction, location of the metal feed system, position of flash
planes for trimming, the relationship of critical dimensions to a
datum point or plane, coring, ejection, shot removal, etc.

Figure 7
 5935-4 Andresen Ch12 R3 100604

318 Chapter 12

The thickness of each cavity insert is established by the

distance of the extremities of the cavity in each direction from
the parting plane. For both strength and heat conductivity, as
a rule of thumb, another 2–3 in. is recommended, depending
on size, to the thickness of the cover insert. Since the core
stands up into the cavity from the ejector insert, an additional
thickness of half that of the cover die will usually suffice
unless the die sections are similar or even symmetrical. How-
ever, the strength and stability issue is discussed more quan-
titatively later in this chapter.
Cavity orientation is related to the fill pattern strategy
and balanced feed system objective. However, once the orien-
tation is determined, the cavity insert layout can be created.
The location of the shot center and its relationship to the
cavity pattern location are also determined by the fill strat-
egy, but this location is the basis for the shot position in the
die casting machine for cold chamber configurations in which
there is a choice of center and below center of the stationary
platen. The shot block then must be designed around the shot
sleeve or sprue post.
The center of the tie bat pattern should, where possible,
be the central datum for the die layouts.
Cavity insert size can now be determined and then the
retainer can be literally wrapped around it.
Shut off allowance is size sensitive, but a typical distance
between the nearest cavity edge and the edge of the cavity
insert of 2 in. is a good rule of thumb. The shut off distance
around the shot sleeve or sprue post should be another 2 in.
The retainer size works best when another shut off dis-
tance of 4 in. between the insert edge and the outside edge
of the retainer is established. Of course, the dimensions devel-
oped in this manner can then be adjusted upward to fit a stan-
dard die block.
The structural function of the design must address both
the clamping force of the machine and the pressure applied
to the liquid casting alloy during cavity fill. Both exert forces
that can bend or distort individual die components.
The machine clamping force works to compress the die
steels that fortunately exhibit extremely high compressive
 5935-4 Andresen Ch12 R3 100604

Mechanical Die Design 319

Figure 8

strength. This force is applied in the direction of the die clos-

ing and acts through the die retainers and in line with the
ejector rails which represent the smallest compressive area
of the die. Figure 8 illustrates these forces, which spread
through the die retainers and ejector rails. Since the area of
the rails is much smaller, the maximum compressive deflec-
tion will occur here.
Therefore, if the deflection in the rails can be minimized,
the deflection in the die retainers can usually be ignored. The
support pillars, which will be discussed later, are designed to
resist the pressure on the metal and cannot be expected to
resist the machine clamping force.
The amount of deflection in the rails can be calculated by
a formula that states:
C ¼ H  2000 F=M  Ra
where C ¼ total compression; H ¼ height of rails; M ¼
modulous of elasticity (use 30,000,000 psi); F ¼ machine
clamping force; Ra ¼ total area of all rails.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch12 R3 100604

320 Chapter 12

The rail deflection should be below 0.002 in. When the

height has been determined, the area of the rails can be calcu-
lated with this formula.
An example calculation is based on a die that is designed
to run in a 1200-ton machine but requires 1000 ton of locking
force.
If C ¼ 0.002 in., H ¼ 14 in., F¼1000 ton, then
0:002 ¼ 14  2000  1000=30;000;000  Ra

Ra ¼ 14  2000  1000=30;000;000  0:002 ¼ 466:67 in:2

If a rail thickness of 4 in. is chosen, then rail length ¼
466.67=4 ¼ 117 in.
On a die of this size, this length will probably be distributed
around all four sides of the ejector retainer; thus, 30 in. per side.
The ejector rails, even though properly sized, must be
evenly spaced to distribute the load evenly. Otherwise, if
one spot deflects more than others, the nearest tie bar will
not stretch enough and the locking force will be reduced
and excessive flashing will result.
Support pillars, depicted in Fig. 8, are necessary to
support the span of the ejector die over the area of the ejector
system. They are usually round, but can be of any shape that
will fit between inserted cores and ejector pins. The rails
securely support the sides, but the machine locking force
required to oppose the pressure applied to the metal during
cavity fill puts a uniform load on this area.
Clearance holes in the ejector plate allow the support pil-
lars that are attached to the back side of the ejector die to be
supported by the moving machine platen surface. They are
preloaded by designing them 0.004 in. longer than the rails
that determine the space between the platen and the back
side of the die.
Since the rails are designed to resist the total locking
force applied by the machine, it is assumed that the support
pillars only need to resist one-half of the total force generated.
The example is extended to calculate the area required
for the support pillars where
 5935-4 Andresen Ch12 R3 100604

Mechanical Die Design 321

Sp ¼ area of support pillars, then

0:004 ¼ 14  2000 ð1000=2Þ=30;000;000  Sp

Sp ¼ 14  2000  500=30;000;000  0:004 ¼ 116 in:2

Thus, if 4 in. diameter pillars were chosen, 1116=12.56 (area

of 4 in. diameter) ¼ 9.23, or 10 pillars are needed.
Thermal crowning is another significant structural
factor that must be addressed because resistance must be
provided in the mechanical die design. Otherwise, unpredict-
able dimensional deviations will occur, in addition to undesir-
able operating and maintenance conditions. The amount of
unrestrained crowning that can be expected identifies this
natural condition, generated by the temperature gradient
between opposite sides of the die component that is usually
in the range of 200 F. After calculating the gradient as dis-
cussed in Chapter 9, the three charts illustrated in Figs. 9
through 11 can be used to quantify the crowning. Each curve
represents a different die temperature gradient.
To utilize the graphs, locate the length of the die compo-
nent on the horizontal axis project up to the curve that repre-
sents the thickness. The amount of unrestrained thermal

Figure 9
 5935-4 Andresen Ch12 R3 100604

322 Chapter 12

Figure 10

Figure 11
 5935-4 Andresen Ch12 R3 100604

Mechanical Die Design 323

crowning is found at the vertical axis to the left of the inter-

section on the appropriate curve.
The thermal gradients in a die casting die at operating
temperature have a tendency to warp and bend the major
die components. Figure 12 offers a schematic, albeit exag-
gerated, visualization of this movement in hidden lines in
an unrestrained cavity insert steel. In practice, screws are
used to generate a force adequate to restrain thermal
bending.
The force required to accomplish this can be calculated
with the following equation:

F ¼ 1;200;000;000  c  LðT=WÞ3
where F ¼ force required to flatten crown in lb; c ¼ expected
unrestrained crown from Figs. 12 throught 14; L ¼ length of
component in inches; T ¼ thickness of component in inches;
W ¼ width of component in inches.
An example calculation in which there is a cavity insert
that is 8 in. thick by 15 in. long by 10 in. wide, with a tempera-
ture gradient of 200 F. Then

F ¼ 12;000;000  0:004  15 ð8=10Þ3 ¼ 368;640 lb:

This is a tremendous force even though the expected crowning
is only 0.004 in. Extremely large forces are necessary to over-
come even this slight deflection. A 3=4 in. diameter machine

Figure 12
 5935-4 Andresen Ch12 R3 100604

324 Chapter 12

screw can be stressed to approximately 20,000 lb., and a 1 in.

diameter screw will resist about 33,000 lb.
Then, in this example, 386,640=33,000 ¼ 11.17 rounded
to 12 screws are needed to constrain the thermal crowning.
Of course, one at each corner plus one in the center of the long
side is the place to start in locating the screws. Now, a prac-
tical problem arises because the other six will be most effec-
tive near the center of the insert where cores or other
details are usually clustered that conflict with the central
strategy. Therefore, the final result is often less than perfect,
and that is why some thermal bending is expected.
The dies must be aligned so that they will open and close
in a direction that is exactly parallel to the shot line and
machine closure. This is done in several ways, and the two
methods usually used will covered here. Figures 13 and 14
graphically depict them.
Leader pins and bushings are normally employed to line
up the two die halves with either the nozzle in the hot cham-
ber, or the nose of the shot sleeve in the cold chamber process.
To preclude the die halves being put together backward,
which could destroy cavity and core details if the machine were
to close, one pin and bushing is offset from the other three. A
convenient position for the offset is the top operator’s side.

Figure 13
 5935-4 Andresen Ch12 R3 100604

Mechanical Die Design 325

Figure 14

A less popular, but more precise, alignment is the use of

three guide blocks. The center line of each block and mating
ways are located on the horizontal and vertical die center lines.
Even with these alignment features, the die halves or
other die components can be expected to shift with respect
to each other, and provisions must be made for this phenom-
enon in the dimensional tolerance designed into the casting.
Construction tolerances and dimensional analysis define
dimensional restraints that must be recognized because they
affect the tolerances on the casting dimensions and the func-
tioning of the moving parts of the die (NADCA, 1988).
There are many rules that determine construction strat-
egy and only a few will be covered here to present some of the
mechanical elements that must be addressed.
All casting dimensions and allowed tolerances have to be
studied for dimensional variation that will describe the cavity
and core detail.
Parting line separation is called die blow and occurs
because the pressure applied during the injection of the liquid
casting alloy exceeds 5000 psi and the die halves can be
expected to blow apart by approximately 0.01 in.
A key factor in dimensioning cavity details is the allow-
ance for shrinkage. All alloys experience a reduction in
volume during the rapid solidification phase of the casting
 5935-4 Andresen Ch12 R3 100604

326 Chapter 12

operation. This is best explained graphically here. A nominal

10 in. component dimension is traced through the different
phases of the casting operation. In addition to volumetric
shrinkage, variations in die surface temperature exert a pro-
found influence on size.
In practice, it is normally the responsibility of the die caster
to specify the shrink factor, which is the basis the tool maker
uses to revise every casting dimension accordingly. Each takes
a definite responsibility in the ultimate dimension of the as-cast
component. If the dimension of the die steel is within tolerance
(10% of part tolerance multiplied by the specified factor), the die
caster is responsible for correction if the casting is not to print. If
not within tolerance, it is the tool maker’s problem. Figure 15
defines steel dimensions at different stages of the casting cycle.
Other construction tolerances cover the spacing between
cavity inserts and retainers, moving core slides, locking
wedge angles, etc.

Figure 15
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Mechanical Die Design 327

Draft angles, as with all casting processes, are a neces-

sity since the casting alloy shrinks onto the male cores and
away from the female cavity. Therefore, more draft is
required on cores than on cavities.
Comfortable draft is 3 per side for aluminum and mag-
nesium, but, with the right strategy, high quality castings

can be produced with as little as 12 per side on outside sur-
faces. Zinc can be cast with half this draft.
Three-plate die design facilitates what is called center
gating. This is a metal feed strategy that encourages a very
diverse flow pattern with excellent venting opportunities.
Sometimes, where the space is limited, a combination of a
hot chamber style sprue is used to feed the center gate, but
the cold chamber process is used to supply the liquid casting
alloy. With the three plate die, the runner can even be config-
ured to feed multiple gates or multiple cavities.
As described in the schematics shown in Fig. 16, it works
by separating the cover die from the stationary plate when
the machine opens, as illustrated in the middle sketch. The
cover die stops moving at this point, and as the ejector die con-
tinues to move, the biscuit and runner system breaks off and
drops away. The casting, including the sprue runner, stays in
the ejector die and is then ejected in the usual manner as
shown in the lower sequence.
Ejector systems operate mechanically when the ejector
pins stop while the ejector or moving platen continues to
move the cavity back and away from the casting. The ejector
plate is drilled to accept the desired pattern of ejector pins.
Ejector pins are commercially available in standard sizes
with a head on one end. The purpose of the back plate is
to contain the pins so the same pattern is drilled into it blind
(not through) with hole sizes to accept the heads. A pattern
of large diameter bumper pins is placed in the back platen of
the casting machine to stop the movement of the ejector
plate, while the dies continue to move apart. The length of
the bumpers is designed to stop the ejector plate at the start
of ejection.
As the ends of the ejector pins stop, so does the cast shot.
As the ejector cavity continues to move away, the shot is
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328 Chapter 12

Figure 16

cleared from the cavity so it can be extracted or dropped to a

conveyor belt and transported to the trim operation. The sche-
matic in Fig. 17 illustrates the typical ejector system.
The ejector plates are separated from the die retainer by
rails which should be located top and bottom and on both
sides to keep normal debris out of the ejector mechanism.
These rails must be at least 2 12 in: wide. However, since they
are pressed into the ejector platen, the mounting area is best
calculated, as discussed earlier, to minimize the concentration
of locking pressure upon this area.
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Mechanical Die Design 329

Figure 17

Movable details of the shape to be cast that present

undercuts, reverse draft, etc. require special mechanical con-
sideration. These configurations are formed with movable
core slides, sometimes called core pulls. The two most com-
mon methods employed to move these slides are the mechan-
ical angle pin and the hydraulic cylinder.
The angle pin method is illustrated in plan view in Fig.
18 and the next figure in section in Fig. 19. The angle pin
provides the motion that is required, but it is important to
note that the final positioning is accomplished by a wedge
lock that takes its force from the locking pressure of the
die casting machine.
The angle pin is fastened into the cover die retainer, and
provides the basis and control of the core movement. The
length of the pin and its angle determine the distance that
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330 Chapter 12

Figure 18

the core will travel. Normally, the angle pin becomes disen-
gaged when the dies are in the full open position. The spring
loaded detent shown in the next figure holds the core in the
‘‘out’’ position when the dies are open and serves as the open stop.
As the dies close, the leading end of the angle pin enters
the matching hole in the core block where the angle is the
same as that of the pin. The hold of the detent is overcome
and the core moves into its casting position.
Clearance is provided between the pin and hole so that
the wedge lock can pull the core block away from the angle
pin to become the final locator. This clearance also prevents
binding between the two members. The angle of the wedge
lock is purposely designed 3–5 greater than that of the pin
for a tight lock that will resist the high metal pressure that
tries to force the core block away from the cavity.
The pin angle can vary from 15 to 22.5 , with a maximum
of 25 for effective operation. An angle of 15 will move the core

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Mechanical Die Design 331

Figure 19

approximately 0.27 in. per each in. of die opening, and the 22.5
angle will move the core a distance of about 0.41 in. per in.
Angle pins are made from standard leader pins and the
conical end shape is the only modification necessary. Of
course, the head of the pin is machined flush to the bach sur-
face of the cover die retainer.
Most die casters standardize the diameter and length of
angle pins for reasons of efficiency. When this is done, the
movement of the core slide is usually greater than necessary
but the additional travel is seldom detrimental.
The hydraulic cylinder is described in one form at
Fig. 20. Sometimes, it is possible to mount the cylinder directly
to the die retainer without the bracket. An advantage in this
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332 Chapter 12

design is that the movement can be independent from the open-

ing or closing of the die casting machine. The wedge block prin-
ciple can be used also for the final positioning and holding since
it is not intended that the hydraulic cylinder does anything
more than move the core slide in and out.
Consideration for processes after casting the near net
shape is important because it is often possible to include sim-
ple features into the casting die design that can assist second-
ary operations. Such aids must be included in the mechanical
design strategy early since as a design nears completion,
there is a strong reluctance to incorporate changes.
Virtually all high pressure die castings require trimming of
the thin flash that forms at the parting line during injection due
to die blow. Therefore, this is the first item to consider. A die blow
of 0.01 in. is normally expected, but the flash is thinner, maybe
0.003–0.005 in. The trim operation will only fold over such a thin
flash that will still have to be removed with costly extra cleaning
operations. A provision, what is referred to as a safety

Figure 20
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Mechanical Die Design 333

edge, forms a controlled flash line that is about 0.02 in. thick and
1
2 in: wide. This trim bead or safety edge will trim cleanly.
If the safety edge continues around the total periphery, it
can tie the overflows together to form a single piece of debris
for more economical handling. It should be interrupted at the in
gates, however so as not to disrupt the planned metal fill pattern.
Parting line geometry is a major factor in how well the shot
locates in the trim die and also how well it is supported during
the trim operation. Thin flash is really the easiest to trim, but
when the parting geometry is in a plane other than parallel to
the die opening, a different challenge is presented. One of many
such conditions is described in the graphic in Fig. 21 that, when

Figure 21
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334 Chapter 12

handled thoughtfully, can eliminate a secondary trim

operation.
In this example, the vertical direction must be sheared
rather than trimmed so this distance is limited to less than
1 in. to preclude additional deburring. The D dimension that
will be directly trimmed is also important because it must
be at least 0.02 in. greater than the allowance for a die shift
of  0.01 in. It is the draft angle that tolerates this strategy
since adding to the bottom takes away from the top. Note that
the trim edge cannot be directly supported.
Since it is necessary to have a gate into each casting
and sometimes attach overflows, there are segments of the
parting line that are thicker and will display ‘‘gate scars’’
after trimming. These scars can take several forms, as illu-
strated in the two drawings in Figs. 22 and 23. When the
trim is too close as in no. 1, the edge is shaved and leaves
a sharp burr. Another trim condition, shown in no. 2, is
break out. No. 3 is an example of too loose a trim. The
rounded lines represent how a polishing operation can fix
these irregularities.
The trim line can be more uniformly controlled by an
intentional plane of weakness designed into the gate and as
described in the sketch in Fig. 24.
Rather than trying to shear the flash out of a cored hole,
it is sometimes desirable to cast a rather thick slug across the
hole surrounded by a weakness groove. Such a slug can be
punched out from the back side with a round nosed punch
so as not to unnecessarily skive the hole. The arrangement
is illustrated in Fig. 25.
Locating holes or pins can be used to register the shot
or casting either for the trim die or for a secondary machin-
ing operation. If they are not in a critical location with
respect to the part design such as a metal saver, or are
located external to the casting in an overflow, the x-y-z
orientation to a clear datum is very important. This registra-
tion detail is an important item in the mechanical design of
the casting die.
Cavity and run information is a feature that can easily
be incorporated into each die cavity.
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Mechanical Die Design 335

Figure 22

Figure 23

Figure 24
 5935-4 Andresen Ch12 R3 100604

336 Chapter 12

Figure 25

Almost every part design makes an allowance for these

data that includes:

Part number and revision

Die caster logo

Cavity number

Date stamp

Die number
For economy, these data should be raised in the castings
so that it may be depressed in the die. If this is not acceptable
to the product designer, usually raised letters in a depressed
surface will work. Sometimes different versions of the same
part look very much alike, but are actually functionally differ-
ent so the latest part data must be engraved or stamped into
the die.
Many times, it is useful to know when a part was cast so
it is helpful to include a date stamp in each cavity. This stamp
usually includes the year and provides blanks where the
month can easily be stamped with a simple punch mark. An
example is displayed in Fig. 26.
Remember that the die design is an instrument to trans-
fer detailed product information from the final assembly
requirements of the user customer to the die shop and tool-
makers. It is important to describe exactly what the die
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Mechanical Die Design 337

Figure 26

should be when it is finished and ready for production. The

design must be compatible with the machine and facilitate
longevity, operation, manufacture, maintenance, identifica-
tion, handling, and storage. In order to accomplish this, the
design has to communicate these objectives clearly and con-
cisely with adequate detail so that everyone involved with
the project can understand.
Consider the mechanical design discipline as the package
that contains strategies for metal and thermal flow, as well as
forces applied by the injection of super heated liquid casting
alloy and by the die casting machine.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch13 R3 101404

13
Die Set Up Techniques

The most expensive equipment in a die casting plant is the die

casting machine. Modern machines are magnificently
efficient in that they embrace all of the technology that has
evolved over many generations of machine design. Too many
die casters squander this superb asset during die set up
between production runs by taking too long to change from
one die to another. The gap between acceptable set up time
and actual is probably in the range of 1000%. Yes it takes
10 hr, even up to three working shifts or more, when it should
take 1 hr! It does not make any sense to allow a million dollar
die casting machine sit idle for the 9 hr difference because of a
lack of organization.
Lean manufacturing technology is focused to attack this
waste with a vengeance since one of its tenets is to completely
eliminate waste from the value stream to set the end product
apart from competition. Another form of waste is to produce
an inventory of finished goods in excess of shipping require-
ments. It is indeed discouraging to walk through huge storage
areas in many die casting plants. They are really designed to
extend production runs far beyond schedules, and sometimes
339
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340 Chapter 13

beyond purchase order releases, merely to support longer pro-

duction runs between die changes.
Just in time delivery is another management discipline
that expects shorter production runs and more die changes.
The strategy here is to eliminate or at least minimize costly
inventories of either in process or finished goods.
These are marvelous management concepts. However,
the current gap between methodology and formal paperwork
(in the form of Excel spread sheets, etc.) and actual manu-
facturing performance is far too great. Management generally
appears to be too permissive in accepting previous pro-
duction behavior and then wonders why costs are not
competitive.
Management desire to survive in a free market is essen-
tial to eliminate the waste incurred from casting cells sitting
idle between production runs while die are changed. In cases
where efficient die set up is an improvement, such a radical
change can only be accomplished by management with
detailed comprehension of present conditions. It is important
that top management be visibly enthusiastic on the factory
floor, where foremen and employees can be stimulated to
cooperate fully.
This cannot be accomplished by forcibly assigning
such a difficult task to workers without properly educating
them. Their willingness to respond to the demand will
surely diminish as soon as they learn that the special
efforts can hardly meet the objective of quick and multiple
die changes per day and drastically reduce production run
quantities.
Set up techniques vary from die casting plant to die cast-
ing plant. This procedure of removing the die from the
machine at the end of a production run and replacing it
with the next scheduled die is the cause of a disproportionate
amount of down time. The focus of manufacturing is pri-
marily on through put of product, so a higher priority needs
to be placed upon die changing and inventory reduction. This
change of emphasis may seem a paradox, but the serious
blocking factor of die change between runs will eventually
enhance productivity and return on assets exponentially!
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Die Set Up Techniques 341

The present condition is that too many die casting man-

agement teams expect it to take from one to three working
shifts because:
 The required tools (wrenches, hoists, pry bars, etc.)
must be gathered.
 Disunity of items needed, and lack of uniformity of
screws, bolts, bumper pins, etc.
 The die must be located and transported to the
machine.
 The shot sleeve, tip, or nozzle must be located.
 Mounting clamps and required gear must be checked
out of tool crib and brought to the machine.
 Difficulty in wiring of hydraulic core slides.
 Excessive time to fit plunger tip to shot sleeve.
 Dirty work place.
 Electrical and hydraulic adjustments must be made.
 Cooling lines must be connected individually.
 Shot end and locking parameters must be set.
 Die must be preheated.
A casual observer who is not familiar with die casting
would view the changing of dies as one of the most disorga-
nized and inefficient events they have encountered. This is
probably because it is viewed only as a necessary evil to be tol-
erated, so it is given a low priority as compared to the produc-
tion of castings.
Have you ever waited for your car to be fixed at the deal-
er’s service department where you have been advised that the
work will cost $ 40.00–50.00 per hour? The first thing you see
is that it takes 10 min to get it into place on the rack. Then the
mechanic takes another 20 min to obtain replacement parts
from the crib. After that it seems that he must discuss them
with the service manager for another 15 min. Finally, the
defective part is actually replaced in maybe 15 min. The bill
for this ‘‘labor’’ is $ 45.00, but it only really required $ 11.25
worth of the mechanic’s skills. Well, die set up in die casting
is a lot like that.
Usually, only two set up people are used for all the tasks,
which is why it takes so long.
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342 Chapter 13

Instead, why not follow a quick die change policy

(Noguchi and Andresen, 1982)? To survive in the highly
competitive world of die casting, waste has to be eliminated.
Excessive inventories are a prime source of waste—produc-
tion merely for the sake of long production runs is becoming
a thing of the past. It is now common, especially in custom
die casting operations, to see relatively short production runs
and frequent die changes.
First, this requires commitment and dedication from top
management to reduce nonproductive time. Remember, the
average die casting machine represents a financial invest-
ment of about $ 500,000.00 and its time is valued at around
$ 100.00 per hour, so it behooves an astute management to
use it for production more than 80% of the time. This is what
the bean counters call return on assets.
Standardization is necessary to make a quick die change
a reality. A simple list is shown below:
 Carefully decide what has to be done.
 Classify each procedure into detailed tasks.
 Measure the time required to perform each task.
Divide all tasks into two groups.
1. Exterior group—Work that can be done while the
casting machine is in production.
2. Interior group—Work that can be done only while
the machine is down (not in production)
Reduce the number of interior tasks to an absolute mini-
mum.
Write and distribute standard manuals that detail each
entire exterior and interior procedure.
Balance the assigned times of interior tasks so that each
set up person will take the same time as the others.
Perform only the work covered in the manuals . . . avoid
any other work that is not mentioned.
Now, does not this sound like working smart vs. working
hard?
Exterior work has absolutely no effect on casting machine
run time. It is, however, important that this work be done
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Die Set Up Techniques 343

efficiently and without wasted time. It should include pre-

paration of the following items, but not be limited to this list:
Cold chamber Plunger tip and shot rod Nozzle
Die clamps Cooling pipes or manifolds Eye bolts
Cooling hoses Electric cord for core pulls Goose neck
Wire rope or chain Ladle bowl
Plunger with rings Bumper pins

Organize necessary tools to:

Fasten die clamps Assemble ejector rod Assemble plunger tip to
Assemble core slides Assemble hydraulics shot rod

Still as exterior work, and after the above preparations,

these tasks are necessary:
 Assemble movable core slides and related components
onto the die, if possible. Install as many cooling hoses
onto the die as possible, but do not disturb the present
production run in the machine.
 Install eye bolts into all threaded holes on the dies by
screwing them into the shoulder. Do not try to speed
up the process by eliminating any of them.
 Transport dies close to the receiving machine (prefer-
ably onto the preheat rack).
 Organize all hand tools in order of their use in a sui-
table area near the receiving die casting machine.
 Add additional cooling hoses, if necessary.
 Place the cold chamber, plunger tip, and shot rod or
nozzle and goose neck, next to the cover die.
 Locate the ejector rod next to ejector die component.
 Preheat the die halves.

Die preheating is essential to reasonable die life, but

while it is commonly performed as interior set up work, it
absolutely can and should be done as exterior work. It is a
total waste of valuable casting machine time to delay the
production of product until the die is heated up to operating
temperature, which could take 2–3 hr. This task can easily
be taken care of in space near the machine on an inexpensive
angle iron rack rather than a million dollar casting machine.
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344 Chapter 13

The angle iron rack is illustrated in Fig. 1. There is no problem

with setting a hot die into a machine because most dies are
removed from the machine at just below operating temperature.
Three different preheating methods—propane torch,
electric infrared heater, and hot oil, are depicted. Of course,
only one approach is used on a single die, but it would be pos-
sible to use multiple means. These are the usual methods but
they do not necessarily describe all those that are available.
Interior work should start only after all of the exterior
work has been completed and, of course, after the previous
production run in the casting machine is finished. The order
of tasks for the interior procedure are listed here:
 Pull tie bar, if necessary.
 Attach the chain fall to the die halves and move them
into position between the platens of the machine.

Figure 1
 5935-4 Andresen Ch13 R3 101504

Die Set Up Techniques 345

 Set the cold chamber into the stationary machine

platen.
 Set the die in the proper location with respect to the
cold chamber or sprue bushing, as the case may be.
 Set the plunger tip assembly into the cover die and
connect the shot rod to the shot cylinder.
 Align dies both vertically and horizontally.
 Fasten the cover die onto the machine platen.
 Put the ejector rod in place.
 Fasten the ejector die onto the machine platen.
 Connect the hydraulic and electric lines to movable slides.
 Connect the cooling hoses.
Die set up time can be remarkably reduced and possibly cut
in half, as long as these tasks can be done without interruption
and this is the case, even without any special methodology or
expensive installations or devices. If full commitment is made
to quick die change, the improvement in up time of die casting
machines and productivity can indeed be dramatic!
Efficient die set up technique has to be a function of die
casting management that is dedicated to elimination of waste
of available resources, i.e., time, money, or machines. Every
company has its own culture that establishes the manufactur-
ing environment, which includes working conditions, plant
layout, customer orders and schedules, size and type of equip-
ment, die designs, etc.
This concept introduces the following example of a proce-
dure for one trained set up employee (die set up is this per-
son’s only job) and one skilled machine operator to set a die
into a 250 ton cold chamber die casting machine. For simpli-
city, the machine is not automated and the same cold cham-
ber is used. Note that two cranes are used.

Only interior work is described:

Operator’s side of machine: Helper’ side of machine:
Undo die clamping nuts Undo die clamping nuts
Remove clamps from die and Remove clamps from die and
cooling hoses cooling hoses
(Continued)
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346 Chapter 13

Operator’s side of machine: Helper’ side of machine:

Place small bar in pouring hole Hook chain fall to cover die
of cold chamber to hold it in platen
and hook chain fall to cover die
Operate machine to open dies Lock out machine and slide
out cover die from cold chamber
Remove cover die with chain fall and Remove ejector die with chain
hook onto new cover die fall and hook onto new ejector die
Replace bumper pins Wipe fixed platen
Unlock machine and operate to Attach hydraulics to core slides
establish new die height

Set cover die and fasten clamp nuts Set ejector die and fasten clamp
nuts
Attach water hose to cover die Attach water hoses to ejector
and run water to measure flow rate die and run water to measure
flow rate
Adjust tie bar tension Adjust tie bar tension
Make first shot Start next casting run

Accurate time allocation for each task is important so

that one set up employee does not have to wait for the other.
Do not think of die casting as a stand alone operation.
Almost any die can be automated with the technology avail-
able today, so it is not necessary for management to think
of providing a worker for every casting machine. However,
the nature of some of the equipment and adjustments is some-
what fragile, so it is advisable to have an operator nearby.
Thus, another production operation is married to the die cast-
ing function to form a work cell.
Usually, an additional worker is needed for the trim
operation—the worker runs the trim press, and tends the cast-
ing machine, robot, process settings, etc. If it is this easy to
automate the casting operation, which is perceived to be the
most complex, why not automate trimming and add a second-
ary operation? When the work cell starts to include secondary
functions, the production volume has to be sufficient to
warrant the necessary dedication of equipment to specific tools.
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Die Set Up Techniques 347

Much of the flexibility is lost when too much capital

equipment is dedicated to specific projects.
The condition of tooling and equipment is critical to main-
taining run time above the 80% level. Of course, the basic
design has to be robust enough to withstand the rigors of an
environment that is hostile to both people and machines,
but this section is directed toward the procedures required
to keep tooling and equipment in operational condition.
Too much time is consumed in repair work that is consid-
ered emergency and usually made while the die is in the
machine, or, where the machine has failed, to patch it
together well enough to finish the production run. A strategi-
cally planned preventive maintenance program will minimize
these emergencies.
As a reminder, a strategic plan must deal with what
must be done, what resources will be utilized, who will do
it, and what will life be like when the plan has been accom-
plished.
Therefore, tooling must be regularly cleaned, and
serviced, just like an automobile that is expected to perform
efficiently during the expected span of its life. Of course,
preventive tooling maintenance is done during nonproductive
time to prevent the tool from breaking down.
Usually, a group composed of several disciplines (i.e., tool
room, die casting, quality control, and engineering) conducts a
review of the performance of a specific die at the end of the pro-
duction run to determine what should be done, who will do it,
etc. in writing. After the work has been completed, the same
group compares the final condition to the planned preventive
maintenance (PM), the die is then signed off to the production
scheduling department, as available for the next production run.
The condition of the casting machine is a little more dif-
ficult to deal with because it is expected to operate all the time
if return on assets is to be realized. However, a good planner
has to accept the fact that each machine must be scheduled
out of production for regular servicing if efficient operation
is to continue . . . just like your car.
As with tooling, a similar group of different disciplines
should regularly review the performance and repeatability
 5935-4 Andresen Ch13 R3 100604

348 Chapter 13

of each die casting machine for experienced deficiencies and to

see that regular maintenance procedures specified by the
manufacturer are followed. The composition of this group
should be similar to that for tooling except that the mainte-
nance supervisor replaces the tool room foreman. Otherwise,
die casting, quality control, and engineering (which includes
process control) should be consulted.
A similar review of the conducted maintenance needs to
be formalized before the machine is eligible to resume
production.
There is a great temptation to keep the machine is pro-
duction too long because of the pressures for production; when
this is stretched to the point where the only maintenance is
the emergency type, the results can be disastrous.
Standardization of dies is certainly desirable, but easier
for captive die casters than for custom operations. The pro-
pensity for customers to move their dies from one custom
die caster to another, makes for a large population of inher-
ited dies with wide dimensional variations. However, this text
would not be complete without suggesting some basic die
dimensions to standardize. Figures 2 and 3 suggest standard

Figure 2
 5935-4 Andresen Ch13 R3 100604

Die Set Up Techniques 349

Figure 3

Figure 4
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350 Chapter 13

sizes for the ejector and cover die retainers for each size of die
casting machine.
Figure 4 looks for uniformity in the ejection system that
orients to both the machine and shot centers of a particular
size of machine.
Consistent fits between clamps, tee slots on the platen, and
grooves on the die retainer are described in Fig. 5. A spring
can be incorporated for versatility and to reduce the number
of separate parts when clamps are preassembled as exterior
work.
One does not often see the nose of the cold chamber
chamfered as illustrated in Fig. 6, but it makes the task of fit-
ting the shot hole in the cover die onto it much quicker.

Figure 5
 5935-4 Andresen Ch13 R3 100604

Die Set Up Techniques 351

Figure 6

It has been suggested that certain patterns be estab-

lished for internal cooling channels for standardization, but
this is not included in this text since it limits options for effi-
cient temperature management. Effective location of cooling
channels is too closely related to the shape to be cast. Thus,
it is the opinion of this author that connection of hoses not
be standardized.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch14 R3 101404

14
Die and Plunger Lubrication

Die and plunger lubricants position a cushion at the interface

between the superheated casting alloy and the surface of the
die steels. The insulating film is sprayed upon the die surface
and prevents contact between it and liquid metal. The film
must be strong enough to withstand turbulent metal flow.
The lubricants used in die casting are often referred to as
release agents; die lube is another term frequently used.
High-pressure die castings would be impossible to remove
from the permanent steel dies after solidification without
the film of lubricant during ejection.
The science of rapid solidification that sets die casting
apart from all other casting processes dictates that the cast-
ing alloy shrinks onto all male details of the net shape to be
cast. In addition, all of the casting alloys, especially alumi-
num, have some affinity to amalgamate with the iron in the
die steel.
The use of water-based lubricants have been almost uni-
versally motivated by safety, health, and environmental
issues. A few solvent-based lubricants are used neat (without
dilution) for die casting small zinc components. Zinc does not
353
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354 Chapter 14

have the affinity for iron that aluminum has and the tempera-
tures are lower. Thus, the majority of die casting tonnage
utilizes water-based release agents.
The function of die lubricants contributed to the early
view of the die casting process as a black art. The composition
of materials used was mostly a trade secret and all any
one knew was that it worked. This lack of understanding
still prevails even though the industry has long ago out-grown
that reputation. This chapter will attempt to explain the
key role that lubrication plays in efficient high-quality die
casting.
An effective die lubricant imparts a thin invisible film
to the die surface which aids in the ejection of the solidified
casting from the die steels. Movable parts of the die are
also lubricated, which helps to minimize die wear. The film
applied to the cavity surfaces facilitates the flow of liquid
casting alloy during cavity fill since it tends to discourage
adhesion to the steel die surface. This mechanism is called
solder and increases with rising die surface temperature.
The selection of the correct release agent to prevent solder
is important.
The choice is best recommended by the lube supplier who
needs to be aware of the die surface temperature range from
low to high to intelligently suggest the most efficient product.
The chemistry of die lubricants has evolved to the point where
logical selection of additives, wetting agents, emulsifiers, and
polymers is beyond the average layman’s understanding.
Actual performance trials are necessary to determine if
the product is compatible with the water analysis available
at the casting machine. A clean cast shape and die surface
are important under competitive cycle time conditions. Of
course, objectionable fumes or odors must be avoided.
Several things can happen to the lubricant during the
casting cycle that must be addressed when choosing the best
one for a particular die (Palidino, 1991).

 Elevated temperatures can break the lubricant down.

 High-velocity liquid metal streams, especially near
the gate can wash the lubricant off the die surface.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch14 R3 100604

Die and Plunger Lubrication 355

 Sometimes a core detail will present a shadow during

die spray so that a region of the die surface does not
receive lubricant.

Materials that offer lower surface tension, better wet-

ting, and binding characteristics help to offset the above con-
ditions. Graphite or some families of boron compounds have
lower surface tension and offer better creep characteristics,
which allow the lubricant to spread and flow over the die sur-
face more easily.
A general discussion of raw materials used in die casting
lubricants is included here to provide a framework of basic
knowledge for the die caster (Koch et al., 1989). Petroleum
residue oils with a very high molecular weight residue wax
form and retain films at higher temperature ranges. It reverts
to a gelatinous mass at room temperature to suspend and
retain dispersed pigments.
Animal and vegetable fats increase cohesion of residual
films. Synthetic fats such as chemical esters, that are more
polymer than petroleum oils and other fats, increase cohesion
and wetting of metallic surfaces.
Pigments like graphite, aluminum, mica, and other pow-
dered solids are indestructible at high temperatures and con-
trol viscosity and act as insulators.
Chemical additives are capable of changing the chemical
composition of the die surface. It is structurally enhanced and
cohesion is increased with oily ingredients whose antiwelding
properties prevent oxidation or rusting of the die surface.
Special residual fluids are composed of organic com-
pounds of huge molecular weight. They have critical tempera-
ture nodes at which viscosity is lost. During the extremely
short cavity fill time (20–100 msec), a thick viscous layer with
strong antiseparating properties is formed, which then
reverts to a thin nonviscous layer.
Emulsifiers contain soaps, alcohol esters, and etholene
oxide adducts. They are important to the formation of emulsion
with otherwise immiscible materials. This contradicts the
old addage that tells us oil and water do not mix. It explains
how solvent-based release agents can be combined with water.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch14 R3 100604

356 Chapter 14

The whole mix is suspended in inexpensive fluidizers or

carriers that remove heat through evaporation. This external
heat transfer assists the internal cooling system in the die
and has profound effect upon maintaining the desired die sur-
face temperature.
Both water and solvent carriers dilute the concentrate
and are the vehicle that applies the release agent, assisted
by air, to the die surface. Carriers and diluents have the same
function but are different in character and behavior.
Solvent carriers have generally been replaced by water
carriers for reasons of good housekeeping, safety, and cleaner
air. In the past, low flash-low molecular weight solvents like
diesel fuel and kerosene were very effective at releasing the
cast shape from the die cavity. May times a small explosion
occurred on the die surface at every shot. Walking past die
casting operations put one in mind of Dante’s inferno. A major
adverse effect was generated by the organic make-up that
caused an undesirable carbon build up on the die surface.
The solvent carrier dilutes the other materials so that
they are easier to apply in a thin even coat. It also acts as
an insulator and evaporation media in the cooling process.
In theory, the first contact of the die spray with the hot
die surface creates additional heat radiation. The low boiling
point of this carrier causes it to immediately change to vapor,
so that the die surface is cooled by evaporation. The other ele-
ments of the residue remain on the die surface and behave as
an insulator and lubricant. The vaporization process con-
tinues until the boiling point of the highest constituent is
reached. The highest rate of cooling takes place at this point
and the deposit of the insulator is complete (Meister, H. R.).
Water as the diluent is much more common in that
it minimizes air pollution and is safe since it has no flash
point. If water is properly treated to remove minerals, no car-
bon or other deposits will be left on the die surface, but water
cannot be considered chemically clean because of its mineral
content.
Most die casters are aware of the problems caused during
the die casting cycle by variations of mineral content in the
water. Therefore, water treatment systems that also inhibit
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Die and Plunger Lubrication 357

build up on internal water lines in the die are common in the

industry.
The amount of minerals determines hardness which
interferes with water-based lubricant mixtures. Split emul-
sions are unstable; in precipitation of solids in an immiscible
form is possible; mineral deposits on the die surface can cause
poor surface defects on the casting.
Water behaves differently than solvents upon contact
with the die steels. It has only one boiling point at 212 F,
and instantly converts to steam that removes heat as soon
as it comes into contact with the hot die surface. After that,
the lubricant is deposited on the die surface by extending
the spray duration.
Internal cooling channels can be quickly clogged by water
that contains large quantities of minerals such as calcium and
magnesium salts, free iron, and sulfur. The hard water scale
that forms can reduce the diameter so much that only a
trickle flows through. Even when water is run through a soft-
ener, only part of the calcium and magnesium is filtered
out.
If the same water supply is used for diluting external
lubricant, the remaining minerals are suspended into a misci-
ble state that will mix with the water and react the same way
as those in untreated water upon contact with the die steels.
Only deionization is effective. The deionization process
removes all minerals, free iron, sulfur, and other impurities
so that build up in cooling channels is impossible.
Mixtures are described as solutions when petroleum
products are mixed with solvent carriers. When water-based
concentrates are mixed with water, the mix is called an
emulsion. There are different types of emulsions including
molecular structures of water in oil, oil in water, semisyn-
thetic, and synthetic.
Experience has shown that oil in water, in which oil dro-
plets are surrounded by water, performs the best. Upon con-
tact with the hot die surface, the body of water evaporates
first and, in the process, heats the oil or concentrate. The oil
is then deposited upon the die steel for release of the casting
seconds later.
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358 Chapter 14

Water-based lubricants are normally used in the ratio of

30 parts of water to one part of lubricant for many aluminum
castings. The other extreme of the range for small zinc shapes
is 100 parts of water to one part of lubricant.
Application is usually done with a pressure nozzle sup-
plied by either an individual reservoir at the casting site or
from a central supply. Of course, a central supply dictates
that the same mix and ratio be used on all shapes running
at the time. The advantage is standardization but the disad-
vantage is that all casting shapes are not uniform or even
similar so one size usually does not fit all.
Uniform and constant volumes of lubricant on each cast-
ing cycle improve metal flow and produce better looking cast-
ings. It is critical that byproducts of the lubricant not be
encapsulated in the solidifying casting alloy since they will
certainly become nuclei for porosity in the castings.
It is also important that a logical pattern be designed for
each individual die that concentrates on regions such as long
cores or deep ribs where sticking is expected. In other words,
each spray nozzle must be aimed to be effective.
Control of the spray pattern and duration time is usually
accomplished with automatic reciprocating sprayers that
repeat the motion accurately each shot. Manual application
is done with a single gun and sometimes is superior to
automation because it is easier for human motion to reach
difficult areas. Many times sprayers are attached to the
extractor mechanism or the robot that removes the shot from
the die.
Thermal properties characterize the lubricant in both the
concentrated and diluted forms (Osborn and Brevick, 1997).
Surface tension is a property that defines the molecular forces
of the liquid to attract. It must be overcome to increase the
surface area of each drop that typically occurs during increas-
ing temperature.
The oils which have surface tensions lower than water
are added to provide better wetting of the die surface. This
relates to higher Leidenfrost temperatures that will be
explained later in this chapter. The higher surface tension
of water removes heat more effectively.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch14 R3 100604

Die and Plunger Lubrication 359

The contact angle is a factor of the surface tension and

establishes the ability of the droplet of lubricant to spread upon
the die surface. For example, mercury has a very high surface
tension and a 25 contact angle. Water with a much lower sur-
face tension has an angle of 110 . Most neat die lubricants are
designed to have contact angles in the range of 160 .
Viscosity of the lubricant concentrate affects the mixing
property and application. Proportional pumps on central mix-
ing systems usually need to be recalibrated for different visc-
osities. Diluting the mix with water improves atomization at
the spray head.
Thermal decomposition is examined by a thermogravi-
metric analysis in which the boiling point and vapor pressure
determine how long the constituents of the lubricant are
present.
Specific heat can be measured by a deferential canning
calorimetry test which is not normally reported by die lube
suppliers. It also has bearing on how long the lube is present
during the die spray phase of the die casting process.
Thermal conductivity has been studied in lubricants
used for the squeeze casting process and inhibit the heat
transfer so that the interface between die steel and casting
alloy is insulated. Such a lube design may not be good for
high-pressure die casting.
The physical performance during application, cavity fill,
and ejection is more understandable to die casters. Chemical
reaction at the interface between the casting alloy and the die
steel is a factor only if a physical change occurs. Thermal
decomposition at operating temperature will detract from
the efficiency of the lube. An important concern in zones of
high heat concentration is resistance to soldering.
The wetting capability is probably the most important
physical characteristic of die lubricant. The Leidenfrost
phenomenon is a combination of surface tension and vapor
pressure that effects and is often associated with wetting tem-
perature (Alton et al. 1991). At temperatures above the
Leidenfrost point, heat is transferred to the liquid lube
through conduction in the vapor layer. At temperatures
considerably above it, heat is transferred primarily by
 5935-4 Andresen Ch14 R3 100604

360 Chapter 14

radiation from the die, which causes the spray droplets to

vaporize and form a barrier. This prevents the droplet from
wetting the die surface.
In this event, the die lubricant must cool down to the
Leidenfrost temperature before it will wet the die surface
and form a protective barrier. In Fig. 1 the cooling to the Lei-
denfrost point is expressed in curve X–Y and the wetting per-
formance at curve Y–Z (Osborn and Brevick, 1997).

Figure 1
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Die and Plunger Lubrication 361

For optimum management of die surface temperatures,

the gradient between extreme highs and lows becomes a
major objective. A carefully calculated internal thermal sys-
tem design in the die casting die will minimize the gap. This
is not the usual case, however, so some areas of the die sur-
face will be above the Leidenfrost point and some below. This
contradiction requires conflicting strategies that create con-
fusing conditions and less than good yield and quality perfor-
mance. It is best to maintain a more stable die surface
temperature that will consistently react to different die lubri-
cants that are designed for specific Leidenfrost temperatures.
Figure 2 describes how two lubricants that display a range of
temperatures perform differently. They are compared to shop
water where evaporation times were normalized to the long-
est time.
A protective barrier is sometimes applied to the die steel
to help prevent soldering especially when aluminum alloys
are cast. At elevated temperatures aluminum can dissolve
the iron so that the cast shape attempts to amalgamate with
the die surface. Soldering occurs when the lubricant breaks
down during cavity fill, in a hot region of the die surface, the
liquid aluminum bonds to the steel die surface and attempts
to dissolve the iron content. A material with desired proper-
ties is placed upon the die surface as a protective barrier.

Figure 2
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362 Chapter 14

The mechanism for deposition can be by several different

methods. Physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor
deposition (CVD), physical chemical vapor deposition (PCVD),
thermo-reactive deposition (TRD), and thermal spray are the
usual methods used.
Suitable protective barriers require adequate adhesion to
survive several thousand casting cycles, good mechanical
properties (ductility, hardness, shear, tensile, and fatigue
strength), corrosion resistance, high thermal conductivity,
dimensional stability, compatible thermal properties with
the substrate, and low surface wear.
Surface treatments like carburizing, nitriding, cold work-
ing, and work hardening are another method used. Here, the
chemistry and=or microstructure are altered (Lewis, 2000).
Plunger lubricant is important because of the tight
fit between the inside diameter of the shot sleeve and the
outside diameter of the plunger tip. A small clearance of
0.001–0.002 in. per side is necessary to keep the superheated
casting alloy from by-passing the plunger tip. The trick is
that the movement must take place at elevated temperatures
to expand the materials that slide together. In North Amer-
ica, some of the thermal imbalance is overcome by a
beryllium copper alloy plunger tip, which has a much higher
thermal conductivity than steel. The trade off is that it is
softer and wears much more quickly than steel. Usually these
tips must be changed every 10–15 thousand shots. For this
reason, the rest of the world produces aluminum castings
with an H-13 or H-11 steel plunger tip. Life of steel tips
reaches toward 50,000 casting cycles.
Heavy graphited greases are used to lubricate and insu-
late plunger tips. Several methods are used that include drip-
ping onto the back of the tip, brushing onto the front of the
tip, and spraying into the inside of the cold chamber during
retraction of the tip. It is best that the dosage be controlled
by an automated system that is capable of monitoring each
application. Graphite of a fine mesh size is incorporated into
an oil base. The graphite insulates the tip and the oil base
provides lubrication. To ensure both functions, usually more
plunger lube is applied than is required because even slight
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Die and Plunger Lubrication 363

misalignment will cause the tip to stick or chatter as it moves

inside the cold chamber.
The housekeeping problem is generated when excess
lubricant drips off the tip. The oil-based residue is very
difficult to clean off the floor and machine surfaces. Water-
based lubes have been used that leave a thin film of on the
surfaces of the tip and sleeve. The residual mess can more
easily be cleaned than when petroleum-based material is
used. A tight fit and almost perfect alignment are required,
however. Washable lubricants are also commercially avail-
able; they contain emulsifiers and contribute to a cleaner shot
end environment.
A more desirable form of plunger lubrication has become
more common today—a dry coarse powder free of fine dust. It
is possible to maintain a clean shot end area since there is no
oily dripping. It is applied into the pour hole of the cold cham-
ber and is distributed via a burst of air (Camel and Munson,
1996).
It is designed to melt quickly at about 325 F so that it
adheres to the surfaces of the chamber and tip. The partial
melting is enough to provide a uniform coating. It does not
melt and flow under further heating, and remains a smooth
and very viscous liquid where it has to do the work. The phy-
sical form and the fact that the lubricant stays where it is
applied make for a more efficient coating and performance.
Liquid plunger lubricants flow toward the bottom of the cold
chamber, which causes both chamber and tip to wear
unevenly.
This is not as critical to the hot chamber die casting
process used to cast zinc and magnesium alloys. Piston rings
are incorporated with the tip, so a much looser fit can be
tolerated.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch15 R3 101404

15
Safety

The area around the die casting machine is hostile to humans

because it is hot, dirty, at times smoky, wet, noisy, and dan-
gerous! Die casting historically has not demonstrated an
acceptable level of safety performance when compared to
other metal casting industries.
Some type of protective clothing is required at every
plant engaged in die casting. Usually, safety glasses are the
minimum rule. At most plants, however, ear plugs to protect
hearing, steel toed shoes for obvious reasons, and many times
a helmet for head protection are also specified. In special
areas like metal melting, protective clothing like heavy
sleeves and spats prevent burns.
Speaking of noise, it is this writer’s considered opinion,
after many years spent around die casting operations, that
the noise of the hydraulic pumps, constant spraying, electric
motors, impact thumps, fans, trucks, sirens, horns, harsh pub-
lic address systems, etc. forms a constant confusion of sounds
that is so distracting that it dulls the other senses. This author
believes that this contributes to poor communication and many
of the mistakes that occur on the floor of any die casting plant.
365
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366 Chapter 15

ANSI=B152.1 is the safety standard that universally

ensures that uniform safety procedures exist at all manufac-
turers engaged in high-pressure die casting. This American
National Standards Institute document has bench-marked
safety requirements for both equipment suppliers and die cas-
ters. It identifies and quantifies potential safety hazards asso-
ciated with die casting machines and ancillary equipment
(Mangold, 1997). 250 ANSI accredited organizations, from
food processing to nuclear fuel handling, have produced con-
sensus standards. The ANSI standards provide specific and
concise instructions and considerations to the manufacturing
community.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) makes significant use of consensus standards as part
of their review and audit of manufacturing facilities. The
objective of OSHA audits is certainly consistent with that of
die casting management, but there have been many disagree-
ments due to the difference of priorities.
Metal handling is a major safety concern because of the
superheated liquid state and very high temperatures
involved. This subject is covered in detail in Chapter 5. The
dangers to humans are the full range of burns and explosion
directly from the casting alloy in the liquid state. It is difficult
to make people understand that water on the surface of mol-
ten metal will merely boil off into steam, but water that gets
below the surface expands into steam so rapidly that it
explodes violently.
All metal handling equipment from the furnaces to the
ladles to the cold chambers and goose necks is too hot to touch
without a serious injury. Thus, extreme caution must be exer-
cised by following all of the rules for behavior around molten
metals.
Maintenance of automated equipment presents hazards
that are exponential in nature when compared to the normal
use of the same equipment in production. Lock down=lock out
procedures are absolutely essential.
Signage requirements for capital equipment are gov-
erned by both ANSI standards and OSHA. The identification
of potential hazards and warnings that are implicit to the
 5935-4 Andresen Ch15 R3 100604

Safety 367

Figure 1

operator or technician is required to be easy to read in

understandable language appropriate to the population of
employees in the plant. In some regions, Spanish is the
language of choice. Figure 1 describes some of the potential
hazards around a typical die casting machine.
Signage emphasizes the dangers and provides descrip-
tive warnings. Some of the topics are outlined below:
1. Danger—high voltage
Advice—before servicing, turn off, lock out=tag out
main power disconnect. Do not modify electrical or
hydraulic circuits unless authorized by manufac-
turer. Earth ground machine and electrical cabinet
before turning on power.
Warning—failure to comply can cause electrical
shock, burns, or death.
2. Danger—high-speed moving parts.
Advice—do not operate with gate guards removed or
open. Do not reach around, under, over, or through
gate guards while machine is in operation.
Warning—can cause crushing injury or death.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch15 R3 100604

368 Chapter 15

3. Danger—high temperature.
Advice—surface may be hot. Do not touch. Wear
protective gear when working near this area.
Warning—can cause burn injury.
4. Danger—high-speed moving parts between machine
platens.
Advice—with gate open, all safety devices must be
on and functioning properly if entering area
between machine platens.
Warning—can cause crushing injury or death.
5. Danger—crushing injury at pour hole.
Advice—keep hands and fingers out of pour hole. Do
not place objects on bottom C frame shelf. See
Manual for proper procedures on freeing stuck
plungers.
Warning—failure to follow safety procedures can
cause crushing injury.
6. Danger—high-pressure accumulator.
Advice—discharge all gas and hydraulic pressure
before disconnecting or disassembling tank.
Warning—can cause serious injury or death.
7. Danger—high-speed moving robot.
Advice—interlocked perimeter guarding must be in
place and functioning before operating robot.
Warning—can cause serious injury.
Safeguarding devices are summarized here and their
functions described.
Audible alarm—an electrical or mechanical signal,
clearly discernable above the environmental noise to indicate
a condition that requires attention.
Hard stop—rigid mechanical interface device that will pre-
vent movement of a mechanical actuator past the point of contact.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch15 R3 100604

Safety 369

Infrared sensor—an electrical device that monitors the

light spectrum for infrared emissions. The sensor will send
a signal to the controller when the infrared light is detected
at or above a preset level.
Interlock switch—an electrical or mechanical means by
which operation of a component is prevented or maintained
unless required conditions are met.
Light curtain—a noncontact perimeter barrier device
that will send a signal to the die casting machine controller
if an object penetrates or interrupts the plane of the peri-
meter. This signal can then activate an alarm or interrupt
the motion of the die casting machine to prevent damage or
personal injury.
Motion detector—a sensor that monitors an object for
motion. This is often accomplished with several infrared
sensors in close proximity.
Physical barrier—a rigid boundary to prevent or deter
access to a die casting work cell area. Cages, gates, walls,
and fences are examples.
Safety mat—a flat pressure sensitive mat that is placed
on the floor or platform around the casting machine, covering
the full range of motion. If the mat is stepped upon, an alarm
may sound or machine motion may be interrupted.
Safety mirror—a large wide angle placed in a strategic
location to allow the operator to see otherwise obstructed
views of the die casting work cell.
Ultrasonic sensor—an electronic transceiver that will
send a signal to the casting machine controller if an object
reaches a predetermined distance from the transceiver. It
can activate an alarm or terminate machine motion.
Video monitor—video camera equipment located remo-
tely from the operator that allows a clear view of an otherwise
obstructed area, or an improved view of a visible area.
Visual alarm—a mechanical or electronic signal, clearly
discernable above environmental distractions, that informs
the operator of a situation that requires attention. It may be
in the form of steady lights, flashing light, or a flag.
The plunger tip will seize in the cold chamber at times. It
must be removed and refit before production can continue.
 5935-4 Andresen Ch15 R3 100604

370 Chapter 15

There are safe procedures for removing the stuck tip that
need to be followed always, even if they are time consuming.
There is a temptation to hold a bar or pipe between the open
die halves and against the plunger tip. With the bar manually
held in place, the ejector is closed against one end of the bar.
The locking force of the machine then pushes the other end of
the bar against the tip driving it back through the cold
chamber until it moves freely. This procedure is unsafe and
must not be used because pinch hazard is created between
the dies. When the force of the machine frees the tip, the dies
will close suddenly to cause serious injury.
A cheap and simple fixture is depicted in Fig. 2 that will
eliminate the safety hazard. The alternatives are certainly
less than desirable, but life and limb are at risk otherwise.
For employee safety, the power to the machine can be shut
off, with the platens open and the pressure accumulator iso-
lated prior to working between the dies. The cover die and
cold chamber can be removed so that the stuck tip may be
removed on safe ground.
The most common cause is improper maintenance and
operation. It is important ensure the diameters and fit of
the shot sleeve and plunger tip, roundness, and alignment
of the shot rod. Adequate lubrication is critical. The biscuit
is the hottest portion of the shot at ejection so proper thermal

Figure 2
 5935-4 Andresen Ch15 R3 100604

Safety 371

control as discussed in a previous chapter must be in place. In

North America beryllium copper is used as the material for
plunger tips because its thermal conductivity is greater than
the H-13 steel material of the mating cold chamber. Thus, if
excessive cooling is applied to the tip, it will shrink away from
the shot sleeve and allow flash to build up and seize. If it runs
too hot, it will expand too much and seize.
The biscuit will blow up if it is not sufficiently solidified
after the plunger forces it out of the sleeve while still under
high pressure. This occurs during the first few inches of open-
ing when the biscuit bursts and spews out bits of liquid metal,
hopefully onto the spit shields. However, if the machine
operator or anyone else is in the way, they will be severely
burned.
High voltage is a constant around a die casting machine,
so caution must be observed at all times when working on
electrical circuits. Die casting machine electrical systems
are very complex and, apparently simple changes to a layout
may result in extremely hazardous conditions when the
machine is subsequently cycled. Therefore, only qualified
and authorized technicians should work electrical issues. No
changes should be made to the wiring without prior consulta-
tion with the machine builder.
High-pressure hoses are frequently used at various loca-
tions in a die casting work cell. They are used as hydraulic
connections on the machine, or as flexible connections to core
pull cylinders. They are used for flexibility and thus subjected
to fatigue as they whip around. Original equipment hoses are
supplied with the highest possible safety factor for their
size, and, when worn, should be replaced with equal quality.
A common application is to convey hot oil as a thermal
medium to the die. Such hoses are armored to minimize leak-
age and wear. Severe burns result from being hit with
400 F oil!
The helper side of the casting machine is indeed a dan-
gerous place to be during operation because all of the cycle
controls are on the operator side and changes are frequently
made that create a different motion pattern. Therefore, stand
clear of this side during machine cycling. Laser beams are
 5935-4 Andresen Ch15 R3 100604

372 Chapter 15

often used to automatically stop the motion when someone

breaks the beam.
Training is essential, given the hostility of the work place
to humans. The die casting machine operator must be
thoroughly familiar and comfortable with the machine.
An intimate understanding of all its hazards is also critical.
It is important to know the safe procedures and the use of
these procedures must be policed and enforced rigorously.

Table 1 Check List

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Safety 373

Heat-related hazards are everywhere in the die casting

plant. Open flames are so common, that it is important to
know where flame is acceptable and where it is not. All die
casting alloys, even though they are considered in the low-
temperature category (melt below 2000 F), can cause third
degree burns instantly because the metal is always in the
liquid state during the production procedure. At least, liquid
metal is visible, and the danger is obvious.
Occasionally, superheated liquid metal may escape at
high velocity between the parting planes of the two die halves.
This phenomenon is called die spit, and it can seriously burn
any person who stands in line with the die parting plane. All
employees and visitors to the die casting work cell must be
cautioned accordingly. Power-operated gates that close as
the machine platens close provide the most effective and com-
mon protection against die spiting.
Hot die surfaces are extremely dangerous, however,
because the temperatures in the range of 400–500 F are invi-
sible. Castings that have just been cast and not quenched pre-
sent the same hazard. There is also no odor to the heat
exposure, and it certainly may not be felt at the temperatures
that exist; so the only way a person can be aware of it is to be
trained or experienced in where to expect invisible heat.
Train die casting operators thoroughly to prevent acci-
dents and promote safety. The check list in Table 1 is
designed to focus the reader upon safe practices as related
to the main die casting tasks.
It is impossible to eliminate the dangers from the produc-
tion of high-pressure die castings. However, the risks to
employees who work close to the heat and moving equipment
can be reduced to a tolerable level by application of practical
safety practices. It is a clear responsibility of management to
take ownership of a comprehensive safety program that
makes sense so that all exposed associates can enthusiasti-
cally buy into it.
 5935-4 Andresen References R3 100604

References

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Altenpohl, D. (1981). Experiences with an energy action program.
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Australian Die Casting Association. Die Casting Bulletin (Jan=Feb.
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Baker, C. F. Processing molten magnesium in the die casting indus-
try. NADCA congress paper G-T89–111.
Barton, H. K. (1963). How to vent die casting dies.
Camel, T. H., Munson, H. G. (1996). Powdered plunger lubricants
for die casting. Die Casting Engineer Jan=Feb.
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375
 5935-4 Andresen References R3 101504

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 Index

APQP, advanced product Cavitation, 133

quality planning, 235 small pits, 133
Air in the cavity, 203 Cavity fill, 6
core slides and Cavity fill time, 177, 202
ejector pins, 203 fill pattern, 178
Allowance for shrinkage, 325 gate area, 202
shrink factor, 326 gate speed, 202
Angle pin, 329 Cavity insert size, 318
core movement, 329 Cavity orientation, 318
Atomized mist, 182 Cavity prefill, 180
Center gating, 327
Chisel gate, 196
Base metal, 239 Cleanliness, 89
Basic linear tolerances, 50 die casting operation, 89
Biscuit thickness Cold chamber process, 225
consistency, 210 Cold shut defects, 177
Brinell system, 2 poor fill, 270
porosity, defects, 186
Conductor, 242
Cast shape, 180 copper, 243
Casting cycle, 4 Constant area sprue, 187
Casting defects, 54 male post and female
Casting quality, 54 bushing, 187

379
 5935-4 Andresen Ch00 R3 101504

380 Index

Constant velocity mode, 212 Die design, 25

Control charts, 266 die halves, 25
Control lines, 266 Die height adjustment, 84
lower control limit, 266 loosening tie bar nuts, 84
upper control limit, 266 tightening tie bar nuts, 84
Core pulls, 309, 329 Die layout, 316
Corundum, 157 die half, 316
dense form of aluminum Die life, 300
oxide, 157 ion nitriding, ball peening,
Cost justification, 307 rocklinizing, solventing, 300
Creep or stress corrosion Die material costs, 186
cracking, 47 Die materials, 289
Critical design feature, 44 air, oil, or water hardened, 289
Critical temperatures, 107 mild steel alloys, 289
Crystal or grain, 109 Die pitting, 201
Cylinder intensifiers, 210 Die preheating, 343
Draft allowance, 52
Draft angles, 327
Degree of complexity, 23 Dross, 160
Dendrite, 113
Dendrite fingers, 114
arms, 114 Economic dimensions, 63
Design characteristics, 143
Ejection systems, 95
Die and plunger lubricants, 353
bump bar system, 95
release agents, 353
hydraulic system, 95
Die blow, 26
Electrical discharge
degree of difficulty, 26
machining, 293
Die casting alloys, 239
Electrodeposition, 8
Die casting defects, 263
Electroplating, 3
Die casting engineer, 40
Emulsion, 357
best casting design, 40
European die caster, 5
good die caster, 40
Eutectic, 115
Die casting machines, 73
Eutectic or lowest melting
cold-chambered machines, 74
point, 239
hot-chambered machines, 74
Excessive flash, 210
Die castings, 105, 108
Expansion, 131
aluminum, magnesium, zinc,
lead or tin, 105
dense structure, 108
fine grain size, 108 Failure mechanism, 291
superior mechanical gross cracking, 291
properties, 108 heat checking, 291
Die casting suppliers, 235 Fast shot plunger velocity, 309
Die checking, 290 Fill strategy, 318
die spray duration, 290 First shot success, 32
Die configuration, 309 Fit tolerances, 218
 5935-4 Andresen Ch00 R3 102604

Index 381

Flow control valve, 87 Hydraulic pumps, 87

velocity of movement, 87 high pressure=low volume
Fluidity of the casting alloy, 39 configuration, 87
designing wall thickness, 39 low pressure=high volume
Furnace charts, 300 configuration, 87
Hydrogen in liquid aluminum
alloys, 157
density, reduced pressure
Galvanic corrosion, 48 hydrogen probes, 157
electromotive scale, 48 testing, vacuum fusion,
Gate design, 193 Hypereutectic aluminium–
Gate speed, 182 silicon alloy, 122, 390
serious erosion, 182
turbulence, 182
Gating and venting, 306
Geometric tolerances, 24 Ideal runner system, 192
Geometrical shape, 55 IGES (international graphics
boomerang shape, 56 exchange system), 62
box shape, 55 Immersion tube burners, 148
flat plate, 55 melting zinc, 148
hat shape, 55 Implosion, 134, 200
Gravity feed, 186 die pitting, 134
Gross distortion, 47 Insert, 58
Interlocking cores, 57
broken die component, 58
heroic die maintenance, 57
Hard spots, 269 Interlocking core arrangement, 58
Heat checking, 289 Internal defects, 268
dimensional expansion, 290 foreign inclusions, 268
Heat depressions, sinks, 272
Heat exchanger, 240
Heat of fusion, 107
Heat transfer, 155 Latent heat of fusion, 115, 137
radiation, convection, Lean technology, 264
conduction, 155 value, value steam,
Heat transfer medium, 241 flow, pull, perfection, 264
oil, 241 Leidenfrost phenomenon, 359
water, 241 Lettering or any form of artwork, 61
Heavy walls, 60 raised lettering, 61
thin ribs, 60 a mating component, 61
High pressure die castings, 109 Limit switches, 91
Hot chamber machines, 96 activation and=or
casting zinc and magnesium, 96 deactivation of solenoid
low temperature alloys, valves, 91, 92
lead, 96 position of machine
Hot chamber process, 225 component, 91
 5935-4 Andresen Ch00 R3 101404

382 Index

Liquid metal containers, North American die casters, 5

liquid metal treatments,
heat sources, thermal
controls, 141 Occupational safety and health
Liquid specific heat, 137 administration (OSHA), 366
Locking force, 209 Operating window (WIN), 229
dry shot capability, 229
machine line, 229
Machine base, 77
restriction lines, 229
stationary and moving
Overflows, 201
parts, 77
ejector pin marks, 201
Machine clamping force, 318
false ejector, 201
die retainers, 319
ejector rails, 319
Machine locking force, 310
Pareto chart, 268
Machining, 292
Parting line flash, 60
drilling, 292
flash plane, 60
milling, 292
hydraulic or mechanical
Machining stock, 52
trim, 60
Maintenance and interior
trim cutters, 61
cleaning, 154
Parting line geometry, 316, 333
Maintenance of automated
parting line step, 316
equipment, 366
trim die, 333
Manufacture of die castings, 140
trim operation, 333
Martinsite, 297
Physical performance, 359
heat energy, 140
Platens, 79
labor, 140
adjustable platen, 79
metal, 140
ejector platen, 79
Massive chill plug, 203
movable platen, 79
Master shot profile, 236
stationary platen, 79
Maximum fill time, 227
traveling platen, 79
net shape of the cavity, 227
Plunger velocity, 213
Maximum material condition, 46
Porosity, 276
Metal feed system, 187
PPAP, production parts approval
Metal fill pattern, 333
process, 30
Metal handling, 366
PQ Squared concept, 219
Melting loss, 133
Precision draft tolerance, 53
Mid area, 194
Preheating methods, 344
Minimum process control, 235
cold shut, 137
Motorized die height
lamination, 137
adjustment, 86
poor fill, 137
Movement between planes, 112
porosity, 137
twinning mechanism, 112
propane torch, electric infrared
heater, hot oil, 344
Natural air venting, 175 Preventive maintenance,
Near net shape, 42 99, 347
 5935-4 Andresen Ch00 R3 101404

Index 383

Process monitoring, 219, 232 Shut off allowance, 318

shot system Shut off distance, 318
repeatability, 232 Six sigma defect , 265
Process variables, 267 Six sigma exercise, 180
Product design, 54, 64 Six sigma opportunity, 265
Production and assembly, 45 Solderage, 274
Soldering, 49, 302
Soldering stages, 303
Quality of die casting production, Solenoid valve, 87
257 direction of movement, 87
heat, 257 Solid specific heat, 137
temperature, 257 Solidification, 2, 317
Quenching, 299 Solvent carriers, 356
Sophisticated process control, 234
Sources of heat, 141
Rapid solidification rate, 107, 108
natural gas, electricity, 141
Resmelted, 2
Special gaging, 315
Retainer size, 318
casting details and tolerances,
Reverberatory furnace, 144
315
die casting aluminum, 144
Specific heat, 245
Ribs are structural features, 59
Specular reflectance, 10
controlling warpage, 59
Spreader pin, 188
Runners and step, 316
Standard die components, 306
Runners and gates, 185
Sub-assembly supplier, 50
Submarine cores, 58
Safeguarding devices, 368 Support pillars, 320
audible alarm, hard spot, ejector pins, 320
infrared sensor, interlock inserted cores, 320
switch, light curtain, motion Surface tension, 358
detector, physical barrier, Swirling effect, 196
safety mat, safety mirror,
ultrasonic sensor, video
monitor, visual alarm, 368,
369
Scale buildup, 256 T-slots or tapped holes, 80
Set up techniques, 340 Temperature drop, 135
Shoe horning, 306 Thermal conductivity, 359
Shot sleeve, 223 Thermal crowning, 321
Shot sleeve temperature, 191 Thermal decomposition, 359
Shrinkage, 130 Thermal extreme, 290
Shrinkage porosity, 132, 278 chemical content, grain
centerline porosity, 279 structure, alignment,
leaker, 279 internal integrity,
rough and irregular inside cleanliness, heat
surface, 132 treatability, 290
volumetric shrinkage, 132 Thermal properties, 358
 5935-4 Andresen Ch00 R3 101404

384 Index

Throughput or yield of salable [Variable factors]

high quality castings, 219 static factors, 235
Tiebars, 81 Vena contracta, 189
Time, temperature, air entrapment, 190
transformation curve, 298 Vent area, 201
Toggle linkage system, 84 Vent path, 202
Tool economy, 66 cavity insert and the die
Tooling cost, additional, 56 retainer, 202
Tool tolerance, 315 Venting of the die cavity, 201
angularity tolerances, 315 Venting, 13
parting line (die blow), 315
shrinkage, 315
Tooling and equipment, 347 Wall thickness, 27
Tooling cost, 63 surface area to volume
critical economic ingredient, 64 ratio, 28
secondary machining, 65 Water diluent, 356
Trim press, 13

Young’s modulus, 125

Variable factors, 235
dynamic factors, 235
manual factors, 235 Zinc die castings, 134