Abstract: The machine includes a carriage assembly supporting a shot sleeve and shot cylinder at a fixed angle relative to vertical. The sleeve follows a first straight line path from a remote position to an intermediate position aligned with an aperture of the die casting die and a second path to a position communicating with the aperture. Docking cylinders lift the shot cylinder, sleeve and a docking plate to a position at which the docking plate is aligned with locking cylinders and to bring the sleeve into engagement with the die aperture. Actuation of the locking cylinders moves the docking plate into engagement with a sleeve frame supporting the shot cylinder which is thereafter actuated to eject molten metal from the sleeve engaged to the die aperture.

Abstract: A method for casting metals around an article having a bore extending along a central axis and defined at least in part by an interior cylindrical wall portion utilizes a mandrel having a cylindrical exterior surface portion sized to be slidingly positioned in said bore in close relationship with said interior cylindrical wall portion. The mandrel has an annular groove in which is positioned a canted coil spring with a series of outer contact points extending radially outwardly beyond said cylindrical exterior surface portion. The article is moved onto the mandrel to compress the spring and deflect the outer contact points such that the spring imparts an outwardly directed force to the article interior cylindrical wall portion to provide frictional resistance between the spring, outer contact points and the interior cylindrical wall portion to retain the article on the mandrel while casting molten metal around the mandrel supported article to form a cast part.