CA1103882A - Die assembly - Google Patents
Die assemblyInfo
- Publication number
- CA1103882A CA1103882A CA300,585A CA300585A CA1103882A CA 1103882 A CA1103882 A CA 1103882A CA 300585 A CA300585 A CA 300585A CA 1103882 A CA1103882 A CA 1103882A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- die
- members
- cavity
- die assembly
- flat
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
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- Molds, Cores, And Manufacturing Methods Thereof (AREA)
Abstract
DIE ASSEMBLY
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A die assembly is comprised of vertically split upright support blocks formed with flat-surfaced recesses, and includes a plurality of rectilinear members formed with flat surfaces abutting the recess surfaces. The members include flat surfaces located opposite the abutting surfaces and defining a lower die cavity having an open upper end to receive molten metal for squeeze casting.
The rectilinear and flat surface construction simplifies the fabrication and repair of the lower die members. The die assembly includes a guide member positioned above the lower die and formed with a through-passage communicating with the die cavity. The passage is formed with outwardly divergent upper and lower end sections. During the squeeze casting operation, an upper die is inserted into the guide member and cooperates with the lower end section to form a narrow cavity communicating with the die cavity. The narrow cavity acts to contain the initial spit-out of metal and allows it to solidify rapidly, thus forming a seal to prevent further molten metal spit-out from the lower die cavity during the squeeze casting operation.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A die assembly is comprised of vertically split upright support blocks formed with flat-surfaced recesses, and includes a plurality of rectilinear members formed with flat surfaces abutting the recess surfaces. The members include flat surfaces located opposite the abutting surfaces and defining a lower die cavity having an open upper end to receive molten metal for squeeze casting.
The rectilinear and flat surface construction simplifies the fabrication and repair of the lower die members. The die assembly includes a guide member positioned above the lower die and formed with a through-passage communicating with the die cavity. The passage is formed with outwardly divergent upper and lower end sections. During the squeeze casting operation, an upper die is inserted into the guide member and cooperates with the lower end section to form a narrow cavity communicating with the die cavity. The narrow cavity acts to contain the initial spit-out of metal and allows it to solidify rapidly, thus forming a seal to prevent further molten metal spit-out from the lower die cavity during the squeeze casting operation.
Description
;e 4196 3~
BACKGROUND OF IHE IN~NTION' The present invention relates to squeeze casting, and more particularly to an improved die assembly utilized in the casting of high melting point alloys.
The squeeze casting of metals has, in recent years, assumed great industrial potential since it is well known that the forming of metals in this manner eliminates shrinkage voids and produces a casting having superior grain structure.
These improvements are achieved through the application of pressure on the molten metal during solidification in a closed die. The pressure acts to remove voids in the casting and to eliminate any air gap bet~Yeen the casting and the die so as to increase the rate of heat transfer from the casting through the die, t.hus producing a very fine grain size.
Heretofore, commercial application of the squeeze casting process has been generally limited to non-ferrous, loh~ melting point alloys such as aluminum or zinc. This limitation in the commercial use of squeeze casting has been largely due to ~he inability of the prior art ~o provide a die construction capable of casting metals having melting points in excess-of 2000F, without having to resort to costly high temperature resistant materials and/or frequent replacement of the die.
SU~URY OF T~E INVENTION
____ The present invention provides a die assembly con-struction which simplifîes the fabrication of component parts, extends their use life, and improves the squeeze casting operation.
Accordingly, the die assembly is comprised of upright support means formed with flat-surfaced recesses, ~3&~
and includes a lower die defined by end, bottom and side members which are formed with :Elat surfaces that abut the recess sur-faces. The members include flat surfaces located opposite the abutting surfaces and defining a lower die cavity hav.ing its upper end open to receive molten metal for casting. Preferably the lower die incl.udes supports for the end members, the latter being spaced from ad~acent ends of the bottom members to allow the bottom member to therma~ expand longitudinally without restriction. A guide member is preferably disposed above the lower die and has a through-passage communicating with the lower die cavity and formed with outwardly divergent upper and lower end sections. Preferably the passage receives an upper die which applies pressure on the molten metal during solldification, and has a tapered end cooperating with the outwardly divergent lower end section to fo.rm a narrow cavity communicating with the lower die cavity, so that molten metal forced into the narrow cavity solidifies rapidly thus forming a seal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a sectional elevation of the die assembly taken along line 1-1 of Figure 2;
Figure 2 is a sectional elevation of the die assembly taken along line 2-2 of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a detail sectional view o the lower die showing the upper die in the inserted position;
Figure 4 is a detail sectional view of the lower die showing the scored bottom and sides of a worn die cavity;
Figure 5 is a detail sectional view of the lower die showing the resurfaced and shimmed bottom and sides of a repaired die cavity;
30Figure ~ is a detail sectional view showing a scored end of a worn die cavity;
Figure 7 is a detaii sectional view showing the re-surfaced and shimmed end of a repaired die cavity; and .. ~, -2-~L~L~ d ~ s~ 4196 ~, Figure 8 is a plan ~iew of the lo~er die ~aken along line 8-8 of Figure 2.
DESCRIPTION OE I~ PREFERRED`E~ODIME~
_ _ Referring to the igures in the dra~ring, there is sho~n an upright die assembly 10 which, as indicated at Figure 1, is divided along a vertical center plane 12 into a pair of opposed split half sections 14 and 14A that are horizontally movable to~ard and a~a)~ from each other and are.
comprised of separable and substantially identical component parts. The sections 14 and 14A are held tightly together by hydraulically operated pistons, not sho~n, to prevent the leakage of molten metal be~een sections during the squeeze casting operation.
Each of the sections 14 and 14A includes a die block 16 formed with a flat surfaced recess 18 which admits a lowe~ holding block 20, the latter being, in turn, formed with a flat-surfaced recess 22 which admits the lower die 24.
An upper holding block 26 is positioned above the lower block 20 and includes a shoulder 27 overlapping on the die block 16. The die 24 is comprised of end, bottom and side members 28~ 30 and 32, end members supports 34, and a guide member 36 having a passage 37 extending there~hrough. ~he guide member 36 rests on the end and side members Z8 and 32, and is formed with a tongue and groove 38 and 40 which interlocks with a complementary tongue and groove 42 and 44 of the upper holding block 26. The die block 16, and the upper and lower holding blocks 26 and 20 are formed with axial]y aligned openings 46A, 46B and 46C which receive the bolts 48 that are threade~ into the opening 46B to dra~ together and securely fasten the lo~er die 24, the upper and lo~er ~L~ 3~ Case 4196 holding blocks 26 and 20, and the die block 16 into a unitary structure. The die assembly 10 is provided with cooling passages 50 and heating yassages 51 extending throu h the die block 16 and the lower holding block 20, respectively.
Figure 1 shows an ul~per die holder 52, and Figures 1 and 2 show an upper die 54 in i~s elevated or retracted position, and having a tapered end 55. The lower die 24 defines a cavity 56 of rectilinear configuration. At Fig~res 1, 2, 3, and 8, the cavity 56 is shown filled ~ith molten metal 58 preparatory to the squeeze casting operation.
Referring specifically to Figure 2, and in accor-dance with the invention, the lower die 24 is constructed so that a space 57 is provided between adjacent end surfaces of tile bottom member 30 and the end member supports 34 and a space 59 between adjacent surfaces of the side members 32 and the die block 16. The spaces 57 and 59 are sized to accommodate the maxi~un longitudinal thermal growth experienced by the bottom and side members 30 and 32 during the squee7e casting operation, thereby minimizing distortion of the lower die 24.
Referring specifically ~o Figure 3, there is shown the upper die 54 in its downward or inserted position, and, in accordance with the invention, the guide member 36 is formed with the passage 37 having outwardly divergent upper and lower end sections 60 ~nd 62 and a straight intermediate section 64, the latter being sized to slidably engage the upper die 54 to main~ain its alignment during insertion in~o the passage 37. The divergent configuration of the end sec~ion 60 facilitates entry of the upper die 54 and minimizes wear by pTecluding contact be~een the entering upper die 54 -:_ and the end section 60. l~len the upper die 54 is in its inserted ~osition, the divergent configuration of the end section 62 cooperates with the upper die tapered end 55 -4:
Case 4196 to form a relatively narrow cavity 66 therebetween. rne molten metal being forced into the cavity 66, as pressure is applied through the upper die 54, solidifies rapidl)~, thus forming a seal to prevent molt~n ]netal spit-out rom the die cavity 56 during the squeeze casting operation.
In accordance with the invention, the end, bottom and side members 28, 30 and 32 of the l~er die 24 are of rectilinear configuration and have flat surfaces throughout, thereby provi-ding a construction which greatly simplifies the fabrication of the die members~ while also extending their use life as herein-after described with particular references to Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7.
Referring specifically to Figures 4 and 6, there is shown a worn die cavity 56 wherein the exposed surfaces of the end, bottom and side members 28, 30 and 32 are badly scored due to softening, erosion, heat checki.ng, welding and deforma-tion while, as shcwn at ~igure 4, ~he upper edges of the bottom member sides abutting along the center plane lZ are p~rted due to deformation and erosion.
Referring specifically to Figures ~ and 7, there is shown the die cavity 56 after it has been repaired without re-quiring replacement of the damaged end, bottom and side members 28, 30 and 32. In accordance with the invention, the lower die memb~s ~8, 30 and 32 are separable rom each other, and are easily taken out of the die assembly 10 by parting the assembly along the center plane 12, and disengaging the bolts 48 between the upper and lower holding blocks 26 and 20, shown at Figure 1, and removing the upper holding block 26 and the guide member 36 from the die assembly 10. The rectilinear configuration and the flat surfaces of the lo~er die members 28~ 30 and 32 makes them readily adaptable to simplified ma~Lning procedllres such as ~ 5 Casc 41~
the flat surace ~rinding of the scored surfaces. The repaired members 28, 30 and 32 are reinstalled in the die assembly 10 and shinL~ are inserted between the repaired die members and the abuttin~ support surfaces to make up for the loss of metal re-moved by tile grinding operation. Accordingly, as sho~n at Figure 7, a sh.im 68A is inserted between the end member 28 and the die block 16, and, as shown at Figure 5, shims 68B are inserted be-tween the side members 32 and the lower holding block 20, and shims 68C and 68D are inserted between the lower holding block 20 and the underside and sides-of the bottom members 30, re-spectively. The thickness of the shims 68A-B-C equals the metal loss due to the grinding of scored surfaces of the end, bottom and side members 28, 30 and 32, respectively. The thickness of the shim 68D equals the metal loss due to the grinding of the bottom member sides abutting along the center plane 12. so as to prouide new upper edges. This repair procedure can be used repeatedly on the same die until it no longer becomes practical or until the shims start to fill an area con~acting the molten metal.
Referring specifically to Figure 8, there are sho~
the end, bottom and side members 28, 30 and 32 forming the die cavity 56. The exposed surfaces 70 of the end members 28 are sloped ou'.wardly from the cavity 56 in the direction of the center plane.l2, thereby facilitating remoYal of the casting.
While .in accordance with the provisions of the statutes ~here is illustrated and described herein a specific embodiment of the invention, those skillea in the art will understand that changes may be made in the form of the invention covered by ~he claims and that certain features of the invention may sometimes 30 be used to advantage without a corresponding use of ~he other features.
BACKGROUND OF IHE IN~NTION' The present invention relates to squeeze casting, and more particularly to an improved die assembly utilized in the casting of high melting point alloys.
The squeeze casting of metals has, in recent years, assumed great industrial potential since it is well known that the forming of metals in this manner eliminates shrinkage voids and produces a casting having superior grain structure.
These improvements are achieved through the application of pressure on the molten metal during solidification in a closed die. The pressure acts to remove voids in the casting and to eliminate any air gap bet~Yeen the casting and the die so as to increase the rate of heat transfer from the casting through the die, t.hus producing a very fine grain size.
Heretofore, commercial application of the squeeze casting process has been generally limited to non-ferrous, loh~ melting point alloys such as aluminum or zinc. This limitation in the commercial use of squeeze casting has been largely due to ~he inability of the prior art ~o provide a die construction capable of casting metals having melting points in excess-of 2000F, without having to resort to costly high temperature resistant materials and/or frequent replacement of the die.
SU~URY OF T~E INVENTION
____ The present invention provides a die assembly con-struction which simplifîes the fabrication of component parts, extends their use life, and improves the squeeze casting operation.
Accordingly, the die assembly is comprised of upright support means formed with flat-surfaced recesses, ~3&~
and includes a lower die defined by end, bottom and side members which are formed with :Elat surfaces that abut the recess sur-faces. The members include flat surfaces located opposite the abutting surfaces and defining a lower die cavity hav.ing its upper end open to receive molten metal for casting. Preferably the lower die incl.udes supports for the end members, the latter being spaced from ad~acent ends of the bottom members to allow the bottom member to therma~ expand longitudinally without restriction. A guide member is preferably disposed above the lower die and has a through-passage communicating with the lower die cavity and formed with outwardly divergent upper and lower end sections. Preferably the passage receives an upper die which applies pressure on the molten metal during solldification, and has a tapered end cooperating with the outwardly divergent lower end section to fo.rm a narrow cavity communicating with the lower die cavity, so that molten metal forced into the narrow cavity solidifies rapidly thus forming a seal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a sectional elevation of the die assembly taken along line 1-1 of Figure 2;
Figure 2 is a sectional elevation of the die assembly taken along line 2-2 of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a detail sectional view o the lower die showing the upper die in the inserted position;
Figure 4 is a detail sectional view of the lower die showing the scored bottom and sides of a worn die cavity;
Figure 5 is a detail sectional view of the lower die showing the resurfaced and shimmed bottom and sides of a repaired die cavity;
30Figure ~ is a detail sectional view showing a scored end of a worn die cavity;
Figure 7 is a detaii sectional view showing the re-surfaced and shimmed end of a repaired die cavity; and .. ~, -2-~L~L~ d ~ s~ 4196 ~, Figure 8 is a plan ~iew of the lo~er die ~aken along line 8-8 of Figure 2.
DESCRIPTION OE I~ PREFERRED`E~ODIME~
_ _ Referring to the igures in the dra~ring, there is sho~n an upright die assembly 10 which, as indicated at Figure 1, is divided along a vertical center plane 12 into a pair of opposed split half sections 14 and 14A that are horizontally movable to~ard and a~a)~ from each other and are.
comprised of separable and substantially identical component parts. The sections 14 and 14A are held tightly together by hydraulically operated pistons, not sho~n, to prevent the leakage of molten metal be~een sections during the squeeze casting operation.
Each of the sections 14 and 14A includes a die block 16 formed with a flat surfaced recess 18 which admits a lowe~ holding block 20, the latter being, in turn, formed with a flat-surfaced recess 22 which admits the lower die 24.
An upper holding block 26 is positioned above the lower block 20 and includes a shoulder 27 overlapping on the die block 16. The die 24 is comprised of end, bottom and side members 28~ 30 and 32, end members supports 34, and a guide member 36 having a passage 37 extending there~hrough. ~he guide member 36 rests on the end and side members Z8 and 32, and is formed with a tongue and groove 38 and 40 which interlocks with a complementary tongue and groove 42 and 44 of the upper holding block 26. The die block 16, and the upper and lower holding blocks 26 and 20 are formed with axial]y aligned openings 46A, 46B and 46C which receive the bolts 48 that are threade~ into the opening 46B to dra~ together and securely fasten the lo~er die 24, the upper and lo~er ~L~ 3~ Case 4196 holding blocks 26 and 20, and the die block 16 into a unitary structure. The die assembly 10 is provided with cooling passages 50 and heating yassages 51 extending throu h the die block 16 and the lower holding block 20, respectively.
Figure 1 shows an ul~per die holder 52, and Figures 1 and 2 show an upper die 54 in i~s elevated or retracted position, and having a tapered end 55. The lower die 24 defines a cavity 56 of rectilinear configuration. At Fig~res 1, 2, 3, and 8, the cavity 56 is shown filled ~ith molten metal 58 preparatory to the squeeze casting operation.
Referring specifically to Figure 2, and in accor-dance with the invention, the lower die 24 is constructed so that a space 57 is provided between adjacent end surfaces of tile bottom member 30 and the end member supports 34 and a space 59 between adjacent surfaces of the side members 32 and the die block 16. The spaces 57 and 59 are sized to accommodate the maxi~un longitudinal thermal growth experienced by the bottom and side members 30 and 32 during the squee7e casting operation, thereby minimizing distortion of the lower die 24.
Referring specifically ~o Figure 3, there is shown the upper die 54 in its downward or inserted position, and, in accordance with the invention, the guide member 36 is formed with the passage 37 having outwardly divergent upper and lower end sections 60 ~nd 62 and a straight intermediate section 64, the latter being sized to slidably engage the upper die 54 to main~ain its alignment during insertion in~o the passage 37. The divergent configuration of the end sec~ion 60 facilitates entry of the upper die 54 and minimizes wear by pTecluding contact be~een the entering upper die 54 -:_ and the end section 60. l~len the upper die 54 is in its inserted ~osition, the divergent configuration of the end section 62 cooperates with the upper die tapered end 55 -4:
Case 4196 to form a relatively narrow cavity 66 therebetween. rne molten metal being forced into the cavity 66, as pressure is applied through the upper die 54, solidifies rapidl)~, thus forming a seal to prevent molt~n ]netal spit-out rom the die cavity 56 during the squeeze casting operation.
In accordance with the invention, the end, bottom and side members 28, 30 and 32 of the l~er die 24 are of rectilinear configuration and have flat surfaces throughout, thereby provi-ding a construction which greatly simplifies the fabrication of the die members~ while also extending their use life as herein-after described with particular references to Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7.
Referring specifically to Figures 4 and 6, there is shown a worn die cavity 56 wherein the exposed surfaces of the end, bottom and side members 28, 30 and 32 are badly scored due to softening, erosion, heat checki.ng, welding and deforma-tion while, as shcwn at ~igure 4, ~he upper edges of the bottom member sides abutting along the center plane lZ are p~rted due to deformation and erosion.
Referring specifically to Figures ~ and 7, there is shown the die cavity 56 after it has been repaired without re-quiring replacement of the damaged end, bottom and side members 28, 30 and 32. In accordance with the invention, the lower die memb~s ~8, 30 and 32 are separable rom each other, and are easily taken out of the die assembly 10 by parting the assembly along the center plane 12, and disengaging the bolts 48 between the upper and lower holding blocks 26 and 20, shown at Figure 1, and removing the upper holding block 26 and the guide member 36 from the die assembly 10. The rectilinear configuration and the flat surfaces of the lo~er die members 28~ 30 and 32 makes them readily adaptable to simplified ma~Lning procedllres such as ~ 5 Casc 41~
the flat surace ~rinding of the scored surfaces. The repaired members 28, 30 and 32 are reinstalled in the die assembly 10 and shinL~ are inserted between the repaired die members and the abuttin~ support surfaces to make up for the loss of metal re-moved by tile grinding operation. Accordingly, as sho~n at Figure 7, a sh.im 68A is inserted between the end member 28 and the die block 16, and, as shown at Figure 5, shims 68B are inserted be-tween the side members 32 and the lower holding block 20, and shims 68C and 68D are inserted between the lower holding block 20 and the underside and sides-of the bottom members 30, re-spectively. The thickness of the shims 68A-B-C equals the metal loss due to the grinding of scored surfaces of the end, bottom and side members 28, 30 and 32, respectively. The thickness of the shim 68D equals the metal loss due to the grinding of the bottom member sides abutting along the center plane 12. so as to prouide new upper edges. This repair procedure can be used repeatedly on the same die until it no longer becomes practical or until the shims start to fill an area con~acting the molten metal.
Referring specifically to Figure 8, there are sho~
the end, bottom and side members 28, 30 and 32 forming the die cavity 56. The exposed surfaces 70 of the end members 28 are sloped ou'.wardly from the cavity 56 in the direction of the center plane.l2, thereby facilitating remoYal of the casting.
While .in accordance with the provisions of the statutes ~here is illustrated and described herein a specific embodiment of the invention, those skillea in the art will understand that changes may be made in the form of the invention covered by ~he claims and that certain features of the invention may sometimes 30 be used to advantage without a corresponding use of ~he other features.
Claims (7)
1. A die assembly comprising upright support means formed with flat-surfaced recesses, a plurality of members disposed within the recesses and having flat surfaces abutting the recess surfaces, said members including flat surfaces located opposite the abutting surfaces and defining a lower die cavity having its upper end open to receive molten metal for casting.
2. The die assembly according to claim 1 including shims being interposed between abutting flat surfaces of said members and support means recesses.
3. The die assembly according to claim 1 including all of the surfaces of each of said members being flat.
4. The die assembly according to claim 1 wherein the members include end, bottom and side members and supports for the end members, the supports being spaced from adjacent ends of said bottom members.
5. The die assembly according to claim 1 including a guide member disposed above the lower die and having a through-passage communicating with the die cavity, said passage being formed with outwardly divergent upper and lower end sections.
6. The die assembly according to claim 5 including an upper die, means for inserting the upper die into the guide member, and wherein the inserted upper die cooperates with the divergent lower end section to define a cavity communicating with said lower die cavity.
7. The die assembly according to claim 6 including said upper die having a tapered end.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US81964377A | 1977-07-27 | 1977-07-27 | |
| US819,643 | 1986-01-16 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1103882A true CA1103882A (en) | 1981-06-30 |
Family
ID=25228673
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA300,585A Expired CA1103882A (en) | 1977-07-27 | 1978-04-06 | Die assembly |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1103882A (en) |
-
1978
- 1978-04-06 CA CA300,585A patent/CA1103882A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |