[go: up one dir, main page]
More Web Proxy on the site http://driver.im/

US3583467A - Method for controlling die temperature and for pacing the casting cycle in a metal die casting operation - Google Patents

Method for controlling die temperature and for pacing the casting cycle in a metal die casting operation Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3583467A
US3583467A US824476A US3583467DA US3583467A US 3583467 A US3583467 A US 3583467A US 824476 A US824476 A US 824476A US 3583467D A US3583467D A US 3583467DA US 3583467 A US3583467 A US 3583467A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
temperature
die
casting
die assembly
assembly
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 - Lifetime
Application number
US824476A
Inventor
Foster C Bennett
John D Olson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Dow Chemical Co
Original Assignee
Dow Chemical Co
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dow Chemical Co filed Critical Dow Chemical Co
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3583467A publication Critical patent/US3583467A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B22CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
    • B22DCASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
    • B22D17/00Pressure die casting or injection die casting, i.e. casting in which the metal is forced into a mould under high pressure
    • B22D17/20Accessories: Details
    • B22D17/22Dies; Die plates; Die supports; Cooling equipment for dies; Accessories for loosening and ejecting castings from dies
    • B22D17/2218Cooling or heating equipment for dies

Definitions

  • the invention relates broadly to an improved method for metal die casting and, more specifically to a method for automatically controlling temperature distribution in a die assembly to enhance production of salable castings.
  • predetermined amounts of molten metal may be dispensed automatically into the plunger-equipped shot well of a die casting machine, by
  • the shots may be dispensed into the shot well manually by transferring the heated metal in a ladle or similar device from the melting pot into the shot well.
  • the plunger in coordination with the intermittent action of the pump, injects the metal shot into the die cavity of a close, multipieced die assembly (usually two major die pieces)
  • the metal usually solidifies in the die cavity within a few milliseconds and the casting is ejected from the open die. The procedure is repeated with the die closed to cast additional pieces.
  • the optimum casting cycle required to produce salable castings depends on various factors such as the geometry of the die cavity, the size of the casting, the type of metal being cast and, most significantly, by the heat input into the die assembly.
  • Heat input into the die is directly related to the amount of metal and the cycling rate, so that the die temperature during casting is chiefly determined by such heat input.
  • the common practice is to pass a cooling liquid, usually water, through channels positioned behind the die cavity. Water flow into the die is usually controlled by manually opening and closing valves in the water inlet lines to lteep the die cool.
  • the manual operation is somewhat unsatisfactory, however, in that it frequently results in the die temperature being too hot or too cold, causing casting defects visible to the operator.
  • the substantial amount of scrap resulting from the known die casting methods therefore, emphasizes a need in the art for a method which overcomes the problem.
  • One broad object of the present invention is a method for controlling the temperature distribution in a die assembly to achieve an optimum temperature range which will produce a salable metal die casting.
  • Another broad object is a method for pacing the casting cycle to achieve optimum production of metal die castings.
  • a more specific object of the invention is a method for die casting magnesium base alloys in which flow of cooling liquid to the die assembly is manually or automatically regulated to minimize the temperature difference between the hottest and coolest portions of the die cavity.
  • a preferred die casting method of the present invention comprises positioning a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple, in the lowest operating (i.e. coolest) temperature zone of the die cavity on one side of a die assembly and another temperature sensor in the highest operating (i.e. hottest) temperature zone of the 'die cavity in the opposite side of the die assembly. More than one temperature sensor may be used on each side of the die assembly if the size of geometry of the die cavity requires it.
  • the temperature sensors are associated with an indicating controller and operatively connected to a signal means on the controller which gives a visible signal in response to the temperature indicated by the temperature sensors.
  • the die assembly is heated to a predetermined temperature range operable for casting a metal suitable for die casting, such as a magnesium base alloy.
  • a cooling liquid preferably water
  • Flow of cooling liquid into the die assembly is adjusted until the temperature differential between the temperature sensors is within about F. of the median temperature point of the predetermined operable temperature range.
  • the low limit and high limit casting temperatures are set on the indicating controller.
  • the die casting cycle may .then be maintained at an optimum pace to hold the temperature of the die casting assembly between the low limit and high limit casting temperature, as a result of visually observing the signal produced by the signal means of the indicating controller.
  • FIG. of the drawing is a front elevation view of one side of a die assembly and, in schematic, an indicating controller and cooling liquid piping associated with the die assembly, illustrating typical die casting apparatus employed in the practice of the invention.
  • the die piece 10 includes a die cavity or face 12, which for purposes of this illustration represents the female portion of a die cavity for a chain saw housing.
  • a gate 14 communicating with a shot well 16, the gate providing means for filling the cavity with the molten casting metal injected from the shot well.
  • Passageway l8 communicates with a conduit 20, which, in turn, connects with a main supply conduit 21, to provide means for conducting a cooling liquid, usually water, through the die piece adjacent the gate stream filling area, in which the operating temperature of the die tends to be highest.
  • a valve 22 in conduit 20 provides means for regulating flow of the cooling water into passageway 18.
  • a second passageway 24 which extends through the die piece immediately behind the die cavity. Cooling water is circulated into passageway 24 through a conduit 26 which branches into conduit 20 and is intersected by main conduit 21.
  • a solenoid valve 30 in conduit 21 may be operated automatically (as explained hereinafter) to regulate the main water supply into conduits 20 and 26. Where it is desired to by-pass solenoid valve 30 and direct the water supply only through conduit 20 (as explained hereinafter), the water flow may be regulated by a manually operated valve 32 in conduit 20. It will be understood that the water outlet lines for each die assembly are elevated to assure uniform flow of the cooling water through the die.
  • thermocouples such as thermocouples or thermistors
  • onesensor preferably being positioned in each piece or half of the die assembly.
  • both temperature sensors may be positioned in the same piece or half of the die assembly.
  • one thermocouple 34 is positioned in a well below the die cavity 12 close to the gate 14 on one side of the die assembly (female die piece 10), to sense the operating temperature in the highest temperature zone of the die.
  • a second thermocouple 36 is similarly positioned in the opposite side of the die assembly, that is at the end of the die cavity away from or oppositethe gate area, to sense the operating temperature in the lowest temperature zone of the die.
  • thermocouple 36 is actually positioned in the male half of the die assembly (the side opposite die piece 10), which is not shown in the drawing to simplify the description of the invention. More than one temperature sensor may be used in each side of the die assembly if, for example, the size or geometry of the die cavity requires additional sensors to more accurately measure the operating temperature of the die.
  • thermocouple is positioned in its well housing in the die assembly such that the heat-sensitive tip of the device is within about 0.090 in. to 0.125 in. of the die face. If the thermocouple tip is placed closer than 0.090 in. from the die surface, the amplitude response to the die temperature, as registered by the indicating controller 38, will exceed the low limit and high limit temperature set point on the controller, so that it is difficult to establish an operable casting temperature range on the controller. Conversely, if the tip of the thermocouple is placed farther than about 0.125 in. from the die surface, the thermal wave from the casting is dissipated or damped out in the die piece such that the temperature response by the thermocouple is not sensitive enough to be picked up by the controller.
  • Typical of temperature sensors which may be used are nickel-chromium alloy (Chromel” or “Chromel-P”) thermocouples or iron-constantin alloy thermocouples.
  • a preferred instrument is a conventional indicating electronic potentiometer controller (Versatronic two-relay, Honeywell, lnc.).
  • Thermocouple 36 is connected to controller 38 through a lead 40 which connects into one side of a selector switch 42.
  • Switch 432 is connected into a temperature indicating needle 44 on the controller 38 by a common lead 46.
  • the thermocouple M is connected to controller 38 and indicator needle 44 through a lead 48 which connects into the opposite side of selector switch 42.
  • the controller 38 includes a temperatureindicating dial 50, which is graduated in Fahrenheit degrees, with a range of from F. to 800 F.
  • a knob 52 on controller 38 provides a manual control for indicator needle 54, the needle being set on dial 50 at the low limit casting temperature of the die assembly.
  • the knob 56 on controller 38 is a manual control for indicator needle 58, which is set on dial 50 at the high limit casting temperature.
  • Indicating controller 38 further includes a battery of indicator lights 60, 62, 64, which provide a visible signal in response to the die temperature, as sensed by either the thermocouple 34 or 36.
  • Indicator light 60 which is red, is connected into controller 38 through leads 66, 68 and a relay 70.
  • Indicator light 62 which is green, connects into controller 38 through leads 72, 74.
  • a blue indicator light 64 connects into controller 38 through leads 76, 78 and a relay 80.
  • Power for operating the controller 38 is provided by a line 82 (120 V. A. C.) which connects the controller with an appropriate source of power.
  • the method of this invention has been found to be particularly useful in die casting of magnesium base alloys, but it is contemplated to be adapted to casting of any suitable die casting metal, such as aluminum, zinc, brass, or alloys of these metals. It is further contemplated that the present method would be applicable to injection molding of plastic materials.
  • the die assembly is heated to a temperature suitable for casting a magnesium base alloy. This temperature should be between about 515 F. and 535 F the median temperature point, therefore, being about 525 F.
  • the molten metal is injected into the shot well 16 to commence the casting cycle.
  • cooling water is circulated freely and continuously through the passageways l8 and 24 of the die assembly, as received through main conduit 21 and the secondary conduits and 26. The cooling water flow is adjusted by leaving valve 22 in conduit 20 fully open and closing valve 28 in conduit 26 only far enough to restrict the water flow sufficiently to "balance" the temperature distribution in the die assembly.
  • the temperature distribution is balanced" by adjusting valves 28 and 22 until the die temperature in both the cool zone and hot zone, as sensed by the thermocouples 34 and 36 and registered by the needle 44 on dial 50, read as close to the median temperature point (525 F.) as it is possible to attain.
  • Indicator needle 54 is then set on dial 50 at the low limit casting temperature set point, i.e. at about 515 F
  • indicator needle 58 is set on dial 50 at the high limit casting temperature set point, which is about 535 F.
  • the casting cycle can be maintained at the optimum pace for each casting job by merely observing the signals emitted by the indicator lights 60, 62 and 64 on controller 38.
  • the operable casting temperature for each job will vary according to the type of material being cast, size of the casting, and the like. in a typical magnesium die casting cycle, for example, if the die temperature drops below the low limit set point, as sensed by either thermocouple 34 or 36 (as selected by switch 42) relay 70 is actuated to light up the red indicator light 60.
  • the casting cycle pace can then be increased to bring the die temperature above the low limit set point, i.e. somewhere between 515 F. and 535 F.
  • the green indicator light 62 When the die temperature comes up to the desired operating range the green indicator light 62 will light up and remain on so long as the temperature of the die stays in this range. The green light thus gives the operator a visible signal which assures him that the die is operating at the temperature required to produce castings free of defects. Conversely, if the die temperature exceeds the high limit set point (535 F.), as sensed by either thermocouple, relay will be energized to light up the blue indicator light 64!. The casting cycle pace can then be slowed down until the die temperature falls back into the desired operating range, at which point the green light 62 will again come on to indicate that the die is again operating at the proper temperature.
  • the high limit set point 535 F.
  • solenoid valve 30 could be electrically actuated to close the valve and shut off the main water supply through conduit 21, in the event the casting cycle pace slows down too much or stops completely.
  • the water is thus diverted through conduit 20 (acting as a bypass), in which the flow can be manually regulated with valve 32.
  • An additional embodiment contemplated within the practice of this invention is to regulate the casting cycle time with an automatic controller operatively associated with the temperature sensors in the die, to thereby maintain the die temperature within the desired operating range.
  • thermosensors positioning a first temperature sensor in the highest operating temperature zone of one side of a die assembly and a second temperature sensor in the lowest operating temperature zone of an opposing side of said die assembly, said temperature sensors being associated with an indicating controller, the controller including signal means operatively connected to said first and second temperature sensors, the signal means providing a visible signal in response to the temperature indicated by at least one of said temperature sensors, heating the die assembly to a predetermined temperature range operable for casting a metal desired to be die cast,
  • thermocouples 3. The method of claim 1 in which said first and second temperature sensors comprise a set of thermocouples.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Moulds For Moulding Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Injection Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Molds, Cores, And Manufacturing Methods Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

The method disclosed herein involves placing temperature sensors, such as thermocouples, in a die assembly to sense the operating temperature in both the normally cool zone and the normally hot zone of the die. Temperature distribution in the die is balanced by regulating flow of cooling water into the die to bring temperature of cool zone and hot zone as close together as possible. The temperature sensors are associated with an indicating controller and signal means to provide a visible signal indicative of the desired operating temperature range. Casting cycle pace is adjusted according to signal produced to maintain the die temperature within the optimum operating range which will enable production of castings free of defects.

Description

United States Patent Inventors Foster C. Bennett Midland; John D. Olson, Jackson, both of, Mich. Appl. No. 824,476 Filed May 14, I969 Patented June 8, I971 Assignee The Dow Chemical Company Midland, Mich.
METHOD FOR CONTROLLING DIE TEMPERATURE AND FOR PACING THE CASTING CYCLE IN A METAL DIE CASTING OPERATION 9 Claims, 1 Drawing Fig.
[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS l,49l,l73 4/1924 Schwartz 164/4 3,127,753 4/1964 Tinnerrnan l8/30X Primary Examiner-Robert D. Baldwin Attorneys-Griswold and Burdick, V. Dean Clausen and William R. Norris ABSTRACT: The method disclosed herein involves placing temperature sensors, such as thermocouples, in a die assembly to sense theoperating temperature in both the normally cool zone and the normally hot zone of the die. Temperature distribution in the die is balanced by regulating flow of cooling water into the die to bring temperature of cool zone and hot zone as close together as possible. The temperature sensors are associated with an indicating controller and signal means to provide a visible signal indicative of the desired operating temperature range. Casting cycle pace is adjusted according to signal produced to maintain the die temperature within the optiinum operating range which will enable production of castings free of defects.
US. Cl 164/4, 18/30, 541 15g rm. Cl. 1322a 17/09. BZZd 27/04 Field of Search 164/4, I50, 348,128; 18/30 CM, 30 HW Cpo/ing quid g our I Coo/fr; aid
/?O l/. 4- C.
METHOD FOR CONTROLLING DIE TEMPERATURE AND FOR FACING TIIE CASTING CYCLE IN A METAL DIE CASTING OPERATION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates broadly to an improved method for metal die casting and, more specifically to a method for automatically controlling temperature distribution in a die assembly to enhance production of salable castings.
In a die casting operation, predetermined amounts of molten metal, called shots, may be dispensed automatically into the plunger-equipped shot well of a die casting machine, by
pumping the shots from a melting pot or similar source. Alternatively, the shots may be dispensed into the shot well manually by transferring the heated metal in a ladle or similar device from the melting pot into the shot well. The plunger, in coordination with the intermittent action of the pump, injects the metal shot into the die cavity of a close, multipieced die assembly (usually two major die pieces) The metal usually solidifies in the die cavity within a few milliseconds and the casting is ejected from the open die. The procedure is repeated with the die closed to cast additional pieces.
The optimum casting cycle required to produce salable castings depends on various factors such as the geometry of the die cavity, the size of the casting, the type of metal being cast and, most significantly, by the heat input into the die assembly. Heat input into the die is directly related to the amount of metal and the cycling rate, so that the die temperature during casting is chiefly determined by such heat input. To regulate the heat input, the common practice is to pass a cooling liquid, usually water, through channels positioned behind the die cavity. Water flow into the die is usually controlled by manually opening and closing valves in the water inlet lines to lteep the die cool. The manual operation is somewhat unsatisfactory, however, in that it frequently results in the die temperature being too hot or too cold, causing casting defects visible to the operator. The substantial amount of scrap resulting from the known die casting methods, therefore, emphasizes a need in the art for a method which overcomes the problem.
SUMMARY OF TI-IE INVENTION One broad object of the present invention is a method for controlling the temperature distribution in a die assembly to achieve an optimum temperature range which will produce a salable metal die casting.
Another broad object is a method for pacing the casting cycle to achieve optimum production of metal die castings.
A more specific object of the invention isa method for die casting magnesium base alloys in which flow of cooling liquid to the die assembly is manually or automatically regulated to minimize the temperature difference between the hottest and coolest portions of the die cavity.
Broadly stated, a preferred die casting method of the present invention comprises positioning a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple, in the lowest operating (i.e. coolest) temperature zone of the die cavity on one side of a die assembly and another temperature sensor in the highest operating (i.e. hottest) temperature zone of the 'die cavity in the opposite side of the die assembly. More than one temperature sensor may be used on each side of the die assembly if the size of geometry of the die cavity requires it. The temperature sensors are associated with an indicating controller and operatively connected to a signal means on the controller which gives a visible signal in response to the temperature indicated by the temperature sensors. The die assembly is heated to a predetermined temperature range operable for casting a metal suitable for die casting, such as a magnesium base alloy. To commence the die casting cycle, a cooling liquid, preferably water, is passed through the die assembly. Flow of cooling liquid into the die assembly is adjusted until the temperature differential between the temperature sensors is within about F. of the median temperature point of the predetermined operable temperature range. Once the temperature differential between the sensors is determined, the low limit and high limit casting temperatures are set on the indicating controller. The die casting cycle may .then be maintained at an optimum pace to hold the temperature of the die casting assembly between the low limit and high limit casting temperature, as a result of visually observing the signal produced by the signal means of the indicating controller.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The single FIG. of the drawing is a front elevation view of one side of a die assembly and, in schematic, an indicating controller and cooling liquid piping associated with the die assembly, illustrating typical die casting apparatus employed in the practice of the invention.
The apparatus illustrated herein represents only one embodiment of apparatus which may be used in the practice of the invention, the form shown being selected for convenient illustration and clear demonstration of the principles involved.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference to the die casting apparatus shown in the drawing, there is illustrated the stationary half or side of a twopiece die assembly, as designated generally by the numeral 10. The die piece 10 includes a die cavity or face 12, which for purposes of this illustration represents the female portion of a die cavity for a chain saw housing. At the bottom of the cavity 12 is a gate 14 communicating with a shot well 16, the gate providing means for filling the cavity with the molten casting metal injected from the shot well.
Extending through the die piece 10 immediately behind the gate I4 is a passageway 18. Passageway l8 communicates with a conduit 20, which, in turn, connects with a main supply conduit 21, to provide means for conducting a cooling liquid, usually water, through the die piece adjacent the gate stream filling area, in which the operating temperature of the die tends to be highest. A valve 22 in conduit 20 provides means for regulating flow of the cooling water into passageway 18. At the end of the die cavity 12 opposite the gate stream filling area, where the die operating temperature tends to be lowest, is a second passageway 24 which extends through the die piece immediately behind the die cavity. Cooling water is circulated into passageway 24 through a conduit 26 which branches into conduit 20 and is intersected by main conduit 21. A solenoid valve 30 in conduit 21 may be operated automatically (as explained hereinafter) to regulate the main water supply into conduits 20 and 26. Where it is desired to by-pass solenoid valve 30 and direct the water supply only through conduit 20 (as explained hereinafter), the water flow may be regulated by a manually operated valve 32 in conduit 20. It will be understood that the water outlet lines for each die assembly are elevated to assure uniform flow of the cooling water through the die.
Means for sensing the temperature of the die are provided by temperature sensors, such as thermocouples or thermistors, with onesensor preferably being positioned in each piece or half of the die assembly. Alternatively, both temperature sensors may be positioned in the same piece or half of the die assembly. For example, one thermocouple 34 is positioned in a well below the die cavity 12 close to the gate 14 on one side of the die assembly (female die piece 10), to sense the operating temperature in the highest temperature zone of the die. A second thermocouple 36 is similarly positioned in the opposite side of the die assembly, that is at the end of the die cavity away from or oppositethe gate area, to sense the operating temperature in the lowest temperature zone of the die. With reference to the drawing, the thermocouple 36 is actually positioned in the male half of the die assembly (the side opposite die piece 10), which is not shown in the drawing to simplify the description of the invention. More than one temperature sensor may be used in each side of the die assembly if, for example, the size or geometry of the die cavity requires additional sensors to more accurately measure the operating temperature of the die.
Each thermocouple is positioned in its well housing in the die assembly such that the heat-sensitive tip of the device is within about 0.090 in. to 0.125 in. of the die face. If the thermocouple tip is placed closer than 0.090 in. from the die surface, the amplitude response to the die temperature, as registered by the indicating controller 38, will exceed the low limit and high limit temperature set point on the controller, so that it is difficult to establish an operable casting temperature range on the controller. Conversely, if the tip of the thermocouple is placed farther than about 0.125 in. from the die surface, the thermal wave from the casting is dissipated or damped out in the die piece such that the temperature response by the thermocouple is not sensitive enough to be picked up by the controller. Typical of temperature sensors which may be used are nickel-chromium alloy (Chromel" or "Chromel-P") thermocouples or iron-constantin alloy thermocouples. For the indicating controller 38, a preferred instrument is a conventional indicating electronic potentiometer controller (Versatronic two-relay, Honeywell, lnc.).
Thermocouple 36 is connected to controller 38 through a lead 40 which connects into one side of a selector switch 42. Switch 432 is connected into a temperature indicating needle 44 on the controller 38 by a common lead 46. The thermocouple M is connected to controller 38 and indicator needle 44 through a lead 48 which connects into the opposite side of selector switch 42. The controller 38 includes a temperatureindicating dial 50, which is graduated in Fahrenheit degrees, with a range of from F. to 800 F. A knob 52 on controller 38 provides a manual control for indicator needle 54, the needle being set on dial 50 at the low limit casting temperature of the die assembly. Similarly, the knob 56 on controller 38 is a manual control for indicator needle 58, which is set on dial 50 at the high limit casting temperature.
Indicating controller 38 further includes a battery of indicator lights 60, 62, 64, which provide a visible signal in response to the die temperature, as sensed by either the thermocouple 34 or 36. Indicator light 60, which is red, is connected into controller 38 through leads 66, 68 and a relay 70. Indicator light 62, which is green, connects into controller 38 through leads 72, 74. A blue indicator light 64 connects into controller 38 through leads 76, 78 and a relay 80. Power for operating the controller 38 is provided by a line 82 (120 V. A. C.) which connects the controller with an appropriate source of power.
The method of this invention has been found to be particularly useful in die casting of magnesium base alloys, but it is contemplated to be adapted to casting of any suitable die casting metal, such as aluminum, zinc, brass, or alloys of these metals. It is further contemplated that the present method would be applicable to injection molding of plastic materials.
In a typical magnesium base alloy die casting operation, utilizing the present method, the die assembly is heated to a temperature suitable for casting a magnesium base alloy. This temperature should be between about 515 F. and 535 F the median temperature point, therefore, being about 525 F. The molten metal is injected into the shot well 16 to commence the casting cycle. At the same time cooling water is circulated freely and continuously through the passageways l8 and 24 of the die assembly, as received through main conduit 21 and the secondary conduits and 26. The cooling water flow is adjusted by leaving valve 22 in conduit 20 fully open and closing valve 28 in conduit 26 only far enough to restrict the water flow sufficiently to "balance" the temperature distribution in the die assembly. The temperature distribution is balanced" by adjusting valves 28 and 22 until the die temperature in both the cool zone and hot zone, as sensed by the thermocouples 34 and 36 and registered by the needle 44 on dial 50, read as close to the median temperature point (525 F.) as it is possible to attain. Indicator needle 54 is then set on dial 50 at the low limit casting temperature set point, i.e. at about 515 F Similarly, indicator needle 58 is set on dial 50 at the high limit casting temperature set point, which is about 535 F.
Once the operable casting temperature of the die assembly is determined, the casting cycle can be maintained at the optimum pace for each casting job by merely observing the signals emitted by the indicator lights 60, 62 and 64 on controller 38. The operable casting temperature for each job will vary according to the type of material being cast, size of the casting, and the like. in a typical magnesium die casting cycle, for example, if the die temperature drops below the low limit set point, as sensed by either thermocouple 34 or 36 (as selected by switch 42) relay 70 is actuated to light up the red indicator light 60. The casting cycle pace can then be increased to bring the die temperature above the low limit set point, i.e. somewhere between 515 F. and 535 F. When the die temperature comes up to the desired operating range the green indicator light 62 will light up and remain on so long as the temperature of the die stays in this range. The green light thus gives the operator a visible signal which assures him that the die is operating at the temperature required to produce castings free of defects. Conversely, if the die temperature exceeds the high limit set point (535 F.), as sensed by either thermocouple, relay will be energized to light up the blue indicator light 64!. The casting cycle pace can then be slowed down until the die temperature falls back into the desired operating range, at which point the green light 62 will again come on to indicate that the die is again operating at the proper temperature.
With regard to regulating the cooling water flow into the die assembly, it is contemplated that solenoid valve 30 could be electrically actuated to close the valve and shut off the main water supply through conduit 21, in the event the casting cycle pace slows down too much or stops completely. The water is thus diverted through conduit 20 (acting as a bypass), in which the flow can be manually regulated with valve 32. By this arrangement, the flow of cooling' water to the die can be reduced to a safe minimum to prevent cracking of the die upon restarting the casting cycle.
An additional embodiment contemplated within the practice of this invention is to regulate the casting cycle time with an automatic controller operatively associated with the temperature sensors in the die, to thereby maintain the die temperature within the desired operating range.
lclaim: 1. In a metal die casting operation, a method for controlling the die temperature and for pacing the casting cycle of the die, which comprises the steps of:
positioning a first temperature sensor in the highest operating temperature zone of one side of a die assembly and a second temperature sensor in the lowest operating temperature zone of an opposing side of said die assembly, said temperature sensors being associated with an indicating controller, the controller including signal means operatively connected to said first and second temperature sensors, the signal means providing a visible signal in response to the temperature indicated by at least one of said temperature sensors, heating the die assembly to a predetermined temperature range operable for casting a metal desired to be die cast,
injecting the metal to be die cast into said die assembly to commence the casting cycle, while passing a cooling liquid through said die assembly,
adjusting the flow of said cooling liquid into said die assembly until the temperature differential between the first and second temperature sensors is within 10 F. of a median temperature point within said predetermined operable temperature range,
setting on the indicating controller a low limit casting temperature and a high limit casting temperature, as determined by the temperature differential between said first and second temperature sensors,
maintaining the die casting cycle at an optimum pace to hold the temperature of the die casting assembly between the low limit and high limit casting temperature, as determined by visually observing the signal produced by the signal means of said indicating controller.
2. The method of claim 1 in which the metal to be die cast is a magnesium base alloy.
3. The method of claim 1 in which said first and second temperature sensors comprise a set of thermocouples.
4. The method of claim 1 in which said first and second temperature sensors comprise a set of thermistors.
5. The method of claim 1 in which the temperature sensor in each side of the die assembly is positioned within from about 0.090 inch to 0.125 inch ofthe die face.
6. The method of claim 1 in which more than one temperature sensor is positioned in each of the opposing sides of the com-

Claims (9)

1. In a metal die casting operation, a method for controlling the die temperature and for pacing the casting cycle of the die, which comprises the steps of: positioning a first temperature sensor in the highest operating temperature zone of one side of a die assembly and a second temperature sensor in the lowest operating temperature zone of an opposing side of said die assembly, said temperature sensors being associated with an indicating controller, the controller including signal means operatively connected to said first and second temperature sensors, the signal means providing a visible signal in response to the temperature indicated by at least one of said temperature sensors, heating the die assembly to a predetermined temperature range operable for casting a metal desired to be die cast, injecting the metal to be die cast into said die assembly to commence the casting cycle, while passing a cooling liquid through said die assembly, adjusting the flow of said cooling liquid into said die assembly until the temperature differential between the first and second temperature sensors is within 10* F. of a median temperature point within said predetermined operable temperature range, setting on the indicating controller a low limit casting temperature and a high limit casting temperature, as determined by the temperature differential between said first and second temperature sensors, maintaining the die casting cycle at an optimum pace to hold the temperature of the die casting assembly between the low limit and high limit casting temperature, as determined by visually observing the signal produced by the signal means of said indicating controller.
2. The method of claim 1 in which the metal to be die cast is a magnesium base alloy.
3. The method of claim 1 in which said first and second temperature sensors comprise a set of thermocouples.
4. The method of claim 1 in which said first and second temperature sensors comprise a set of thermistors.
5. The method of claim 1 in which the temperature sensor in each side of the die assembly is positioned within from about 0.090 inch to 0.125 inch of the die face.
6. The method of claim 1 in which more than one temperature sensor is positioned in each of the opposing sides of the die assembly.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the first temperature sensor and second temperature sensor are each positioned in the same side of the die assembly.
8. The method of claim 1 in which the cooling liquid comprises water.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the signal means comprises a battery of indicator lights mounted on the indicating controller and operatively connected to the first and second temperature sensors.
US824476A 1969-05-14 1969-05-14 Method for controlling die temperature and for pacing the casting cycle in a metal die casting operation Expired - Lifetime US3583467A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US82447669A 1969-05-14 1969-05-14

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3583467A true US3583467A (en) 1971-06-08

Family

ID=25241498

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US824476A Expired - Lifetime US3583467A (en) 1969-05-14 1969-05-14 Method for controlling die temperature and for pacing the casting cycle in a metal die casting operation

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (1) US3583467A (en)
JP (1) JPS4817414B1 (en)
AU (1) AU1421670A (en)
BE (1) BE750415A (en)
BR (1) BR7019007D0 (en)
DE (1) DE2023454A1 (en)
FR (1) FR2044791A1 (en)
GB (1) GB1297108A (en)
NL (1) NL7006992A (en)

Cited By (30)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4063869A (en) * 1973-08-21 1977-12-20 Kelz Norbert R Pressure moulding machines and mould parts therefor
US4073332A (en) * 1974-09-26 1978-02-14 Centre De Recherches Metallurgiques Centrum Voor Research In De Metallurgie Method of controlling continuous casting of a metal
US4239471A (en) * 1979-12-06 1980-12-16 The Continental Group, Inc. Thermal alignment of cores and cavities in multi-cavity injection molds
US4354812A (en) * 1980-08-20 1982-10-19 Cito Products, Inc. Method and apparatus for mold temperature control
US4368015A (en) * 1980-08-23 1983-01-11 Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho Tire vulcanizer
US4420446A (en) * 1980-08-20 1983-12-13 Cito Products, Inc. Method for mold temperature control
US4508670A (en) * 1981-09-05 1985-04-02 Adolf Illig Maschinenbau Gmbh & Co. Method and apparatus for controlling the temperature in thermoforming machines
US4583579A (en) * 1983-07-25 1986-04-22 Nippon Light Metal Co., Ltd. Method of die casting
US4616690A (en) * 1983-01-06 1986-10-14 Societe Francaise D'electrometallurgie-Sofrem Process and apparatus for moulding ingots of ferro-alloys by chill casting in a cooled copper mould
US4621678A (en) * 1982-09-13 1986-11-11 Cosden Technology, Inc. Heat exchanger apparatus for extruding thermoplastic compositions
US4690789A (en) * 1985-03-13 1987-09-01 Dart Industries Inc. Refrigerant cooled plastic molding, method and apparatus
US4699676A (en) * 1984-12-14 1987-10-13 Kurt Held Process of and device for heating parts of a double band press
US4976305A (en) * 1987-12-01 1990-12-11 Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Method of and apparatus for controlling die temperature in low-pressure casting process
US5264163A (en) * 1957-10-22 1993-11-23 Lemelson Jerome H Method of controlling the internal structure of matter
US5360329A (en) 1957-10-22 1994-11-01 Lemelson Jerome H Molding/extrusion apparatus with temperature and flow control
US6280665B1 (en) * 1997-11-08 2001-08-28 Werner Kotzab Method of injection or diecasting mold temperature control
US6298898B1 (en) * 1999-07-06 2001-10-09 Ford Global Technologies, Inc. Optimizing cycle time and/or casting quality in the making of cast metal products
US6412543B1 (en) 2001-03-07 2002-07-02 Nnorthrop Grumman Corporation Method for controlling solidification rate of a mold-cast structure
US6685458B2 (en) 2001-10-11 2004-02-03 Acushnet Company Split metal die assembly with injection cycle monitor
US6763879B1 (en) * 2002-07-01 2004-07-20 Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc. Mold temperature control for casting system
US20050092457A1 (en) * 2003-11-04 2005-05-05 Jung Chul Park Device for cooling die casting metallic pattern
US20060278264A1 (en) * 2005-06-10 2006-12-14 Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Temperature control apparatus
US7168942B1 (en) 2003-07-31 2007-01-30 Cito Products, Inc. Method and apparatus for mold temperature control using air
US20150144284A1 (en) * 2013-11-26 2015-05-28 Made In Space, Inc. Metal Casting Methods in Microgravity and Other Environments
US20170087627A1 (en) * 2013-02-19 2017-03-30 United Technologies Corporation Die configuration for high temperature diecasting
US20170274447A1 (en) * 2014-09-08 2017-09-28 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Hybrid die cast system for forming a component usable in a gas turbine engine
US10350820B2 (en) 2013-10-21 2019-07-16 Made In Space, Inc. Remote operations of additive manufacturing devices
US10401832B2 (en) 2013-10-21 2019-09-03 Made In Space, Inc. Terrestrial and space-based manufacturing systems
US10836108B1 (en) 2017-06-30 2020-11-17 Made In Space, Inc. System and method for monitoring and inspection of feedstock material for direct feedback into a deposition process
US11285664B2 (en) 2014-02-20 2022-03-29 Redwire Space, Inc. In-situ resource preparation and utilization methods

Families Citing this family (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS6156782A (en) * 1984-08-29 1986-03-22 Takao Kinzoku Kogyo Kk Welding equipment
JPS6156783A (en) * 1984-08-29 1986-03-22 Takao Kinzoku Kogyo Kk Welding equipment
JPS6156784A (en) * 1984-08-29 1986-03-22 Takao Kinzoku Kogyo Kk Welding equipment
JPS6156781A (en) * 1984-08-29 1986-03-22 Takao Kinzoku Kogyo Kk Welding method
JPS61135489A (en) * 1984-12-06 1986-06-23 Takao Kinzoku Kogyo Kk Welding device
JPS61135488A (en) * 1984-12-06 1986-06-23 Takao Kinzoku Kogyo Kk Welding device
JPS61135487A (en) * 1984-12-06 1986-06-23 Takao Kinzoku Kogyo Kk Welding device
JPH01148449A (en) * 1987-12-01 1989-06-09 Honda Motor Co Ltd Method for controlling die temperature in low pressure casting method
JPH0438948Y2 (en) * 1987-12-03 1992-09-11
GB2281797A (en) * 1993-09-14 1995-03-15 Stephen Philip Woolley Temperature range sensor
CN112214047B (en) * 2020-08-27 2021-11-16 烟台三鼎化工有限公司 Temperature regulation and control method and device for reaction kettle, computer equipment and storage medium
CN112828051B (en) * 2020-12-31 2022-08-16 佛山科学技术学院 Mold cleaning control system and control method thereof

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1491173A (en) * 1924-04-22 Method of casting
US3127753A (en) * 1960-01-04 1964-04-07 George A Tinnerman Method of chilling die elements of molding apparatus

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1491173A (en) * 1924-04-22 Method of casting
US3127753A (en) * 1960-01-04 1964-04-07 George A Tinnerman Method of chilling die elements of molding apparatus

Cited By (36)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5264163A (en) * 1957-10-22 1993-11-23 Lemelson Jerome H Method of controlling the internal structure of matter
US5360329A (en) 1957-10-22 1994-11-01 Lemelson Jerome H Molding/extrusion apparatus with temperature and flow control
US4063869A (en) * 1973-08-21 1977-12-20 Kelz Norbert R Pressure moulding machines and mould parts therefor
US4073332A (en) * 1974-09-26 1978-02-14 Centre De Recherches Metallurgiques Centrum Voor Research In De Metallurgie Method of controlling continuous casting of a metal
US4239471A (en) * 1979-12-06 1980-12-16 The Continental Group, Inc. Thermal alignment of cores and cavities in multi-cavity injection molds
US4354812A (en) * 1980-08-20 1982-10-19 Cito Products, Inc. Method and apparatus for mold temperature control
US4420446A (en) * 1980-08-20 1983-12-13 Cito Products, Inc. Method for mold temperature control
US4368015A (en) * 1980-08-23 1983-01-11 Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho Tire vulcanizer
US4508670A (en) * 1981-09-05 1985-04-02 Adolf Illig Maschinenbau Gmbh & Co. Method and apparatus for controlling the temperature in thermoforming machines
US4621678A (en) * 1982-09-13 1986-11-11 Cosden Technology, Inc. Heat exchanger apparatus for extruding thermoplastic compositions
US4616690A (en) * 1983-01-06 1986-10-14 Societe Francaise D'electrometallurgie-Sofrem Process and apparatus for moulding ingots of ferro-alloys by chill casting in a cooled copper mould
US4583579A (en) * 1983-07-25 1986-04-22 Nippon Light Metal Co., Ltd. Method of die casting
US4699676A (en) * 1984-12-14 1987-10-13 Kurt Held Process of and device for heating parts of a double band press
US4690789A (en) * 1985-03-13 1987-09-01 Dart Industries Inc. Refrigerant cooled plastic molding, method and apparatus
US4976305A (en) * 1987-12-01 1990-12-11 Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Method of and apparatus for controlling die temperature in low-pressure casting process
US6280665B1 (en) * 1997-11-08 2001-08-28 Werner Kotzab Method of injection or diecasting mold temperature control
US6298898B1 (en) * 1999-07-06 2001-10-09 Ford Global Technologies, Inc. Optimizing cycle time and/or casting quality in the making of cast metal products
US6412543B1 (en) 2001-03-07 2002-07-02 Nnorthrop Grumman Corporation Method for controlling solidification rate of a mold-cast structure
US6685458B2 (en) 2001-10-11 2004-02-03 Acushnet Company Split metal die assembly with injection cycle monitor
US6763879B1 (en) * 2002-07-01 2004-07-20 Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc. Mold temperature control for casting system
US7168942B1 (en) 2003-07-31 2007-01-30 Cito Products, Inc. Method and apparatus for mold temperature control using air
US20070120297A1 (en) * 2003-07-31 2007-05-31 Cito Products, Inc. Method and apparatus for mold temperature control using air
US20050092457A1 (en) * 2003-11-04 2005-05-05 Jung Chul Park Device for cooling die casting metallic pattern
US7100672B2 (en) * 2003-11-04 2006-09-05 Kia Motors Corporation Device for cooling die casting metallic pattern
US20060278264A1 (en) * 2005-06-10 2006-12-14 Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Temperature control apparatus
US7462026B2 (en) * 2005-06-10 2008-12-09 Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. Mold core having a temperature control apparatus
US20170087627A1 (en) * 2013-02-19 2017-03-30 United Technologies Corporation Die configuration for high temperature diecasting
US10350820B2 (en) 2013-10-21 2019-07-16 Made In Space, Inc. Remote operations of additive manufacturing devices
US10401832B2 (en) 2013-10-21 2019-09-03 Made In Space, Inc. Terrestrial and space-based manufacturing systems
US10725451B2 (en) 2013-10-21 2020-07-28 Made In Space, Inc. Terrestrial and space-based manufacturing systems
US11077607B2 (en) 2013-10-21 2021-08-03 Made In Space, Inc. Manufacturing in microgravity and varying external force environments
US20150144284A1 (en) * 2013-11-26 2015-05-28 Made In Space, Inc. Metal Casting Methods in Microgravity and Other Environments
US10953571B2 (en) * 2013-11-26 2021-03-23 Made In Space, Inc. Metal casting methods in microgravity and other environments
US11285664B2 (en) 2014-02-20 2022-03-29 Redwire Space, Inc. In-situ resource preparation and utilization methods
US20170274447A1 (en) * 2014-09-08 2017-09-28 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Hybrid die cast system for forming a component usable in a gas turbine engine
US10836108B1 (en) 2017-06-30 2020-11-17 Made In Space, Inc. System and method for monitoring and inspection of feedstock material for direct feedback into a deposition process

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NL7006992A (en) 1970-11-17
FR2044791A1 (en) 1971-02-26
DE2023454A1 (en) 1970-11-19
JPS4817414B1 (en) 1973-05-29
AU1421670A (en) 1971-10-28
BE750415A (en) 1970-11-16
GB1297108A (en) 1972-11-22
BR7019007D0 (en) 1973-04-10

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3583467A (en) Method for controlling die temperature and for pacing the casting cycle in a metal die casting operation
US5452999A (en) Temperature regulating system, method and apparatus
KR20050043014A (en) A cooling device for die casting metallic pattern
US4493362A (en) Programmable adaptive control method and system for die-casting machine
GB1409947A (en) Controlling the withdrawal of heat in continuous casting moulds
GB1013851A (en) Improvements in and relating to the production of metal castings
US4079911A (en) Battery grid casting mold
SU1528335A3 (en) Method of controlling start of continuous casting plant
EP0782895B1 (en) Method and apparatus for preheating molds for aluminum castings
US2768413A (en) System for controlling the flow of molten metal
NO781780L (en) METHOD AND DEVICE FOR REGULATING A CASTING OPERATION FOR LOW PRESSURE CASTING OF A METAL
US3570713A (en) Pouring of melts
GB1029165A (en) Method and apparatus for measuring cloud point temperatures
US3121926A (en) Vacuum system for die casting
US2788175A (en) Furnace control system
JPH05200519A (en) Method for controlling temperature of die
JPS55159952A (en) Cooling method for metal mold at injection molding
JPS6250217B2 (en)
US3456714A (en) Casting level-control device for a continuous casting installation
US2523471A (en) Molten metal temperature indicator
JPH084906B2 (en) Casting mold temperature control method
SU1710184A1 (en) Device for automatic control of water-air nozzle cooling system in continuous casting machine
JPH05104209A (en) Method and apparatus for horizontal continuous casting
JPH09225617A (en) Method for controlling temperature of metallic mold for casting
JPS581061B2 (en) Suisai Seizou Sochi