Abstract
The die cast process is useful for producing parts with smooth surface, high dimensional precision, and complicated shapes. However, with increasing importance placed on energy-saving in recent years, energy-saving has also become an important theme in the die casting process. During the die casting process, molten metal is injected at high velocity and pressure into a mold die cavity to prevent casting defects such as porosity, cold shut, flow line, etc. For this reason, die casting machines require considerable energy using several hydraulic pressure pumps and accumulators. On the other hand, melting furnaces have poor energy efficiency of about 20% due to large energy loss through radiant heat from the furnace surface and exhaust fumes.
To promote energy-saving in the die casting process, we developed the “hybrid die casting machine with servo and hydraulic mechanism” to enhance energy efficiency. By using this technology, we have successfully reduced energy consumption to 1/6 of that of our previous die casting process.
