Abstract: Exemplary embodiments described herein relate to methods and systems for casting metal alloys into articles such as BMG articles. In one embodiment, processes involved for storing, pre-treating, alloying, melting, injecting, molding, etc. can be combined as desired and conducted in different chambers. During these processes, each chamber can be independently, separately controlled to have desired chamber environment, e.g., under vacuum, in an inert gas environment, or open to the surrounding environment. Due to the flexible, independent control of each chamber, the casting cycle time can be reduced and the production throughput can be increased. Contaminations of the molten materials and thus the final products are reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A method for the high pressure die casting of an engine block assembly having at least one cast in place cylinder bore in the engine block and a closed head deck surface, and the resultant engine block are disclosed. This closed deck high pressure die cast engine block assembly will preferably have at least two cast in place cylinder bores in the engine block formed by using a composite core of salt core material supported by at least one cylinder bore to be cast in place. The cylinder bores have a lower outer surface preferably defining at least one surface area that interfaces with the engine block during casting such that the at least one cylinder is cast in place in the engine block. An engine block water jacket—as defined by the salt core portion of the composite core—will preferably provide an open passage between each cylinder bore such that water may flow around and entire outer circumference of the upper outer surface of the cylinder bores.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems and methods for casting amorphous alloys. Exemplary casting system may include an insertable and rotatable vessel configured in a non-movable induction heating structure for melting amorphous alloys to form molten materials in the vessel. While the molten materials remain heated, the vessel may be rotated to pour the molten materials into a casting device for casting them into articles.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of melting a bulk metallic glass (BMG) feedstock, comprising: heating at least a portion of the BMG feedstock to temperatures slightly below a solidus temperature of the BMG, wherein the portion remains a solid at the temperatures slightly below the solidus temperature and wherein a temperature distribution of the portion is essentially uniform; heating the portion of the BMG feedstock to temperatures above a liquidus point.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for melting and introducing alloy feedstock for molding by using a hollow branch having a constraint mechanism therein. In one embodiment, a hollow branch can extend upward from a cold chamber that is substantially horizontally configured. The hollow branch including a constraint mechanism can be capable of containing an alloy feedstock for melting into the molten alloy in the hollow branch and introducing the molten alloy to the cold chamber for molding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum die-casting system and a method for operating a vacuum die-casting system.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of melting a bulk metallic glass (BMG) feedstock, comprising: feeding the BMG feedstock into a crucible; melting a first portion of the BMG feedstock to form molten BMG, while maintaining a second portion of the BMG feedstock solid; wherein the second portion and the crucible hold the molten BMG.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for injection molding. In one embodiment, a constraining plunger may be configured in-line with an injection plunger to transfer a molten material from a melt zone and into a mold. The constraining and injection plungers are configured to constrain the molten material there-between while moving. The constrained molten material can be controlled to have an optimum surface area to volume ratio to provide minimized heat loss during the injection molding process. The system can be configured in a longitudinal direction (e.g., horizontally) for movement between the melt zone and mold along a longitudinal axis. A molded bulk amorphous object can be ejected from the mold.

Abstract: A method for die casting a component includes inserting at least one sacrificial core into a die cavity of a die comprised of a plurality of die elements. Molten metal is injected into the die cavity. The molten metal is solidified within the die cavity to form the component. The plurality of die elements are disassembled from the component, and the at least one sacrificial core is destructively removed from the component.

Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention implement bulk metallic glass matrix composites in the fabrication of objects. In one embodiment, a method of fabricating an object including a bulk metallic glass matrix composite includes: forming a bulk metallic glass matrix composite composition into the shape of the object to be fabricated; and developing the bulk metallic glass matrix composite composition to include non-equilibrium inclusions that are softer than the surrounding matrix as measured by one of: the shear modulus, the elastic limit, and the hardness; where the bulk metallic glass matrix composite composition is such that the extent of the presence of the inclusions can be made to vary.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for die casting metals which are more energy efficient and less expensive than the current metal die casting processes. The die casting processes discussed herein utilize a water-soluble die release fluid and hydraulic equipment which uses water-insoluble hydraulic fluid. By doing so, the hydraulic fluid and die release fluid present in the waste collected from the die casting process can be collected via separation techniques. One or both of the collected hydraulic fluid and die release fluid may then be re-used in the same die casting process, another die casting process, or another processes altogether.

Abstract: A process for producing formed parts made of an aluminum alloy, including the steps of exposing the aluminum alloy to high shearing forces in a mixing and kneading machine, feeding the liquid aluminum alloy to the working space at one end of the housing and, at the other end of the housing, removing from the working space the liquid aluminum alloy now formed as a partially solid aluminum alloy with a predefined solids content, and processing the partially solid aluminum alloy with the predefined solids content into formed parts, wherein the solids content of the aluminum alloy in the working space is set to the predefined solids content by cooling and heating the working space in a targeted manner. The mixing and kneading machine includes a housing with a working space, a worm shaft including kneading blades and axial passage openings, and kneading projections.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf club head that enables increasing the moment of inertia while also improving durability, and a manufacturing method for the same. The golf club head of the present invention includes a crown portion. The crown portion has a first region having a first thickness and multiple second regions having a second thickness that is smaller than the first thickness. The second regions are distributed in a radiating fashion so as to extend from an origin toward a peripheral portion of the crown portion excluding the face side, the origin being located within 15 mm of the center of gravity of the golf club head in the toe-heel direction and also being located in the vicinity of the face side in the face-back direction in a plan view.

Abstract: A shield device helps prevent selected surface areas from being painted by a paint material. The shield device includes a sheet member; and a handle member pivotable in a plane defined by the sheet member. The shield device is arranged between a folded configuration where the handle member is positioned generally parallel to an attachment edge of the sheet member, and an unfolded configuration, and an unfolded position.

Abstract: A high-temperature die casting die includes a first die plate with a first recess and a second die plate with a second recess, the first and second recesses defining a main part cavity and gating. A grain selector is in fluid communication with the main cavity, and an in situ zone refining apparatus is adapted to apply a localized thermal gradient to at least one of the first and second die plates. The localized thermal gradient and the at least one die plate are movable relative to each other so as to apply the localized thermal gradient along a first direction extending from the grain selector longitudinally across the main part cavity.

Abstract: In a method for producing cast components for electrical applications, a hardenable aluminum alloy is melted and filled into a die casting mold. The melted aluminum alloy is cooled by the die casting mold that is comprised of a material that has a thermal conductivity causing the melted aluminium alloy to be cooled at a cooling rate of approximately ?5×102 K/s. Prior to filling, the melted aluminum alloy is introduced into a fill chamber and the melted aluminum alloy is displaced at a minimal displacement speed within the fill chamber.

Abstract: A die casting machine (1) is provided, including a die casting mold (3) having at least one stationary first casting mold part (5), at least one second casting mold part (7) that is movable along guide pillars (6), and at least two lateral casting mold parts (8, 9), which are movable relative to one another transversely to the travel path of the at least one second casting mold part (7). Locking pins (14) protrude from at least two lateral casting mold parts (8, 9), which in a locked position engage behind at least the movable second casting mold part (7) such that the travel path of the at least one second casting mold part (7) is limited in the direction away from the at least one first casting mold part (5). The invention further relates to a die casting method for producing metal castings using the casting mold as described above.

Abstract: A stainless steel-and-amorphous alloy composite includes a stainless steel part and an amorphous alloy part. The stainless steel part has nano-pores defined in a surface thereof. The amorphous alloy part is integrally bonded to the surface having the nano-pores. A method for manufacturing the composite is also described.

Abstract: A system (1) for injecting semisolid metal (3) into a mould (2), comprises —a mould (2) which comprises a mould chamber (16) suitable to receive the metal through a mould injection mouth (17); —at least one press device (4) for pressure-injecting metal (3) in said mould (2); —said at least one press device comprises a cylinder (5) having a substantially vertical axis (X-X) and a mouth (15) for coupling to the injection mouth (17) of said mould (2) and a thrust piston (6) accommodated within said cylinder, defining with said cylinder an injection chamber (7) suitable to contain molten metal (10); —said cylinder (5) having passageways (8) to receive cooling fluid (9) for cooling said molten metal (10) poured into said injection chamber (7) in semisolid metal (3); —a cup (18) for drawing the molten metal (10) and pouring the latter into said injection chamber (7); —a positioning device (11); —said positioning device (11) supporting a blending device (12), said blending device (12) having an active portion (14) a

Abstract: A method for controlling a temperature of a portion of a die casting system having a shot tube plunger, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, communicating a fluid through a fluid inlet of a fluid passageway of a thermal control scheme of the shot tube plunger. The fluid circulates through the fluid passageway of the thermal control scheme to selectively adjust a temperature of the shot tube plunger. The fluid is discharged through a fluid outlet of the fluid passageway.

Abstract: Metal alloy injection molding techniques are described. In one or more implementations, these techniques may also include adjustment of injection pressure, configuration of runners, and/or use of vacuum pressure, and so on to encourage flow of the metal alloy through a mold. Techniques are also described that utilize protrusions to counteract thermal expansion and subsequent contraction of the metal alloy upon cooling. Further, techniques are described in which a radius of edges of a feature is configured to encourage flow and reduce voids. A variety of other techniques are also described herein.

Abstract: Metal alloy injection molding techniques are described. In one or more implementations, these techniques may also include adjustment of injection pressure, configuration of runners, and/or use of vacuum pressure, and so on to encourage flow of the metal alloy through a mold. Techniques are also described that utilize protrusions to counteract thermal expansion and subsequent contraction of the metal alloy upon cooling. Further, techniques are described in which a radius of edges of a feature is configured to encourage flow and reduce voids. A variety of other techniques are also described herein.

Abstract: Metal alloy injection molding techniques are described. In one or more implementations, these techniques may also include adjustment of injection pressure, configuration of runners, and/or use of vacuum pressure, and so on to encourage flow of the metal alloy through a mold. Techniques are also described that utilize protrusions to counteract thermal expansion and subsequent contraction of the metal alloy upon cooling. Further, techniques are described in which a radius of edges of a feature is configured to encourage flow and reduce voids. A variety of other techniques are also described herein.

Abstract: An aluminum-and-amorphous alloy composite includes an aluminum part and an amorphous alloy part. The aluminum part has an aluminum oxide film formed on a surface thereof. The aluminum oxide film defines nano-pores. The amorphous alloy part is integrally bonded to the surface of the aluminum part having the aluminum oxide film. A method for manufacturing the composite is also described.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatus for counter-gravity formation of BMG-containing hollow parts. In one embodiment, the BMG-containing hollow parts may be formed by first feeding a molten metal alloy in a counter-gravity direction into a mold cavity to deposit the molten metal alloy on a surface of the mold cavity and then solidifying the deposited molten metal alloy.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of melting a bulk metallic glass (BMG) feedstock, comprising: feeding the BMG feedstock into a crucible; melting a first portion of the BMG feedstock to form molten BMG, while maintaining a second portion of the BMG feedstock solid; wherein the second portion and the crucible hold the molten BMG.

Abstract: Described herein is a device comprising a crucible, a movable base and a heater; wherein the heater is configured to melt BMG to form molten BMG feedstock in the crucible; wherein the movable base configured to slide along a length of the crucible; wherein the movable base and the crucible are configured to hold the molten BMG feedstock.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of melting a bulk metallic glass (BMG) feedstock, comprising: heating at least a portion of the BMG feedstock to temperatures slightly below a solidus temperature of the BMG, wherein the portion remains a solid at the temperatures slightly below the solidus temperature and wherein a temperature distribution of the portion is essentially uniform; heating the portion of the BMG feedstock to temperatures above a liquidus point.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for injection molding. In one embodiment, a constraining plunger may be configured in-line with an injection plunger to transfer a molten material from a melt zone and into a mold. The constraining and injection plungers are configured to constrain the molten material there-between while moving. The constrained molten material can be controlled to have an optimum surface area to volume ratio to provide minimized heat loss during the injection molding process. The system can be configured in a longitudinal direction (e.g., horizontally) for movement between the melt zone and mold along a longitudinal axis. A molded bulk amorphous object can be ejected from the mold.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatus for counter-gravity formation of BMG-containing hollow parts. In one embodiment, the BMG-containing hollow parts may be formed by first feeding a molten metal alloy in a counter-gravity direction into a mold cavity to deposit the molten metal alloy on a surface of the mold cavity and then solidifying the deposited molten metal alloy.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pressure casting a battery part wherein an extendible piston includes sidewalls for shutting off the supply of molten lead and an impact surface that extends in a side-to-side condition to form an end surface of a battery part cavity so that when the extendible piston is brought into an intensifying condition the extendible piston shuts off further supply of molten metal while a heat source maintains the lead in a molten state as the impact surface of the piston forms a side-to-side mold cavity surface to complete the mold cavity surface thereby eliminating unevenness in the surface of the finished battery part by generating a force with the extendible piston which is sufficient to form a battery part so that upon removal from the mold the batter part is substantially free of tears and cracks as well as surface irregularities.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide methods and apparatus for forming bulk metallic glass (BMG) articles using a mold having a stationary mold part and a movable mold part paired to form a mold cavity. A molten material can be injected to fill the mold cavity. The molten material can then be cooled into a BMG article at a desired cooling rate. While injecting and/or cooling the molten material, the movement of the movable mold part can be controlled, such that a thermal contact between the molten material and the mold can be maintained. BMG articles can be formed without forming an underfilled part. Additional structural features can be imparted in the BMG article during formation. At least a portion of the formed BMG article can have an aspect ratio (first dimension/second dimension) of at least 10 or less than 0.1.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide apparatus and methods for melting and introducing alloy feedstock for molding by using a hollow branch having a constraint mechanism therein. In one embodiment, a hollow branch can extend upward from a cold chamber that is substantially horizontally configured. The hollow branch including a constraint mechanism can be capable of containing an alloy feedstock for melting into the molten alloy in the hollow branch and introducing the molten alloy to the cold chamber for molding.

Abstract: A cutting tool having a monolithic construction includes an injection molded shank, and an extruded fluted portion extending forwardly from the shank, the shank and the fluted portion having a monolithic construction. The process for making the cutting tool includes forming a cutting tool green body by injection molding a shank of the green body and extruding a fluted portion of the green body such that the shank and the fluted portion have a monolithic construction; and then sintering the cutting tool green body.

Abstract: A compressor impeller and a method of manufacturing the compressor impeller. The magnesium alloy compressor impeller as a die-cast part comprises a hub shaft part, a hub disk part having a hub surface extending from the hub shaft part in the radial direction, and a plurality of vane parts disposed on the hub surface. The impeller can be manufactured by a die-cast method in which a magnesium alloy heated to a liquidus temperature or higher is supplied into molds with cavities corresponding to the shape of the impeller for a filling time of 1 sec. or shorter, a pressure of 20 MPa or higher is applied to the magnesium alloy in the cavities, and the pressurized state is maintained for a time of 1 sec. or longer.

Abstract: A plate-shaped casing member is a plate-shaped casing having a front surface and a rear surface, wherein the rear surface includes a first surface, and a second surface having a height different from a height of the first surface and having a meandering contour line, and the plate-shaped casing member has a thickness from the meandering contour line in the second surface to the front surface which is different from a thickness from the first surface to the front surface.

Abstract: A method of metal injection molding on a plastics injection molding machine having a heated barrel with an increasing temperature gradient is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a metal alloy feedstock including a first metal alloy with a first melting point and a second metal alloy with a second melting point that is higher than the first melting point, the first metal alloy and the second metal alloy providing a gradient in composition of solids to liquids paralleling the temperature gradient of the heated barrel, feeding the first metal alloy and the second metal alloy into the plastics injection molding machine, heating the first metal alloy and the second metal alloy within the plastics injection molding machine to about 500-700° F./260-372° C.; and forming an equilibrium of about 5% to about 30% solids to liquids between the first metal alloy and second metal alloy within the heated barrel.

Abstract: An aluminum casting alloy contains Si: 3.0 wt.-% to 3.8 wt.-% Mg: 0.3 wt.-% to 0.6 wt.-% Cr: 0.25 wt.-% to 0.35 wt.-% Fe: <0.18 wt.-% Mn: <0.06 wt.-% Ti: <0.16 wt.-% Cu: <0.006 wt.-% Sr: 0.010 wt.-% to 0.030 wt.-% Zr: <0.006 wt.-% Zn: <0.006 wt.-% Contaminants: <0.1 wt.-%, and is supplemented to 100 wt.-%, in each instance, with Al.

Abstract: A method for the production of a hollow body from die casting aluminium in a die casting machine with a die casting die consisting of mould parts with a stationary mould part and with at least two movable mould parts. The movable mould parts are guided in at least one further movable mould part of the die, so that, in the closed position of the die, the movable mould parts are blocked at least by way of an interlock which is attached to the stationary mould part.

Abstract: A feed system for introducing semi-solid metal alloy to a die casting machine includes a first chamber for receiving a metal alloy billet and for preparing the semi-solid metal alloy billet. The first chamber includes heaters and a cutting system. The metal alloy billet is heated by the heaters and cut by the cutting system into predetermined lengths to form semi-solid metal alloy portions. The feed system also includes a second chamber connected to the first chamber by a passage to receive the semi-solid metal alloy portions. The second chamber includes a door that opens and closes the passage and a plunger system that introduces the semi-solid metal portions to a die cast machine. An atmosphere control system is in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber. The atmosphere control system removes oxygen from the feed system. A method using the feed system is also provided.

Abstract: A method of metal injection molding on an injection molding machine having a heated barrel with an increasing temperature gradient is disclosed. A first step includes providing a metal alloy feedstock including a first component having a first melting point and a second component having a second melting point that is higher than the first melting point, the first melting point and the second melting point selected to match the temperature gradient of the heated barrel of the injection molding machine. A second step includes feeding the metal alloy feedstock into the injection molding machine. A third step includes melting the metal alloy feedstock within the heated barrel of the injection molding machine. A fourth step includes maintaining the percentage of solids to liquids in the metal alloy feedstock of the first component and second component within a processable range of about 5% to about 30%.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy casting having high electric resistance, high toughness and high corrosion resistance and optimally usable in manufacturing of electric motor housings, and a method of manufacturing said aluminum alloy casting are provided. The aluminum alloy casting has a composition including Si: 11.0-13.0 mass %, Fe: 0.2-1.0 mass %, Mn: 0.2-2.2 mass %, Mg: 0.7-1.3 mass %, Cr: 0.5-1.3 mass % and Ti: 0.1-0.5 mass %, with the balance consisting of Al and unavoidable impurities, wherein the content of Cu as an unavoidable impurity is limited to 0.2 mass % or less. In some cases, heat treatments such as solution heat treatment or artificial aging hardening treatment are performed after casting.

Abstract: Described herein is a feedstock comprising BMG. The feedstock has a surface with an average roughness of at least 200 microns. Also described herein is a feedstock comprising BMG. The feedstock, when supported on a support during a melting process of the feedstock, has a contact area between the feedstock and the support up to 50% of a total area of the support. These feedstocks can be made by molding ingots of BMG into a mole with surface patterns, enclosing one or more cores into a sheath with a roughened surface, chemical etching, laser ablating, machining, grinding, sandblasting, or shot peening. The feedstocks can be used as starting materials in an injection molding process.

Abstract: Described herein is a feedstock including a core comprising BMG and a sheath attached the core. The sheath has a different physical property, a different chemical property or both from the core. Alternatively, the feedstock can include a sheath that encloses one or more core comprising BMG. The feedstock can be manufactured by attaching the sheath to the core, shot peening the core, etching the core, ion implanting the core, or applying a coating to the core, etc. The feedstock can be used to make a part by injection molding. The sheath can be used to adjust the composition of the core to reach the composition of the part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a die cast component, in particular a water outlet fitting, comprising a base body produced from metal or a metal alloy by the die casting method and having a cavity in which a number of openings are provided by means of which the cavity is accessible from the outside, the cavity being at least partially filled with a casting core that is in two-dimensional contact with the inside of the base body and in which at least one channel is provided for the conveyance of fluid, wherein the casting core is provided with reinforcing ribs and/or bars, wherein in particular bars which pass through the channel are provided in the channel. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing this type of die casting component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a die cast component, in particular a water outlet fitting, comprising a base body produced from metal or a metal alloy by the die casting method and having a cavity in which a number of openings are provided by means of which the cavity is accessible from the outside, the cavity being at least partially filled with a casting core that is in two-dimensional contact with the inside of the base body and in which at least one channel is provided for the conveyance of fluid, the casting core being made of a material the melting point of which is lower than the melting point of the material from which the base body is produced, and that the outside of the casting core rests with at least substantially all of its surface against the inside of the base body. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing this type of die casting component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a die cast component, in particular a water outlet fitting, comprising a base body produced from metal or a metal alloy by the die casting method and having a cavity in which a number of openings are provided by means of which the cavity is accessible from the outside, the cavity being at least partially filled with a casting core that is in two-dimensional contact with the inside of the base body and in which at least one channel is provided for the conveyance of fluid, wherein in a predominant part of the contact surface, in particular in the entire or almost the entire contact surface region between the casting core and the base body, the wall thickness of the casting core is as great as or greater than the wall thickness of the base body. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing this type of die casting component.

Abstract: A magnesium alloy that forms a stable protective film on the surface of molten metal, having excellent ignition resistance restricting natural ignition of a chip thereof as well as having excellent strength and ductility, so that the Mg alloy can be melted and cast in the air or a common inert atmosphere. The magnesium alloy includes, by weight, 7.0% or greater but less than 11% of Al, 0.05% to 2.0% of Ca, 0.05% to 2.0% of Y, greater than 0% but not greater than 6.0% of Zn, and the balance of Mg, and the other unavoidable impurities. The total content of the Ca and the Y is equal to or greater than 0.1% but less than 2.5% of the total weight of the magnesium alloy.

Abstract: The die casting machine comprises a mold closing actuator capable of selectively inducing a closing pressure on first and second platens for forcing them towards a closed position in which their mold portions are pressed against each other along a parting line. An injection sleeve is movable relative to the mold portions between a distal position in which the injection sleeve and the mold portions are spaced apart; and an injection position in which the injection sleeve engages the mold portions at an inlet opening when the first and second platens are in their closed position. The injection sleeve applies a transverse contact pressure when it engages the mold portions. The closing pressure is unevenly distributed on the platens so as to compensate the transverse contact pressure to have a resulting effective molding pressure on the mold portions that is substantially evenly distributed across the parting line.

Abstract: Provided are an aluminum (Al) alloy prepared environment friendly and having excellent oxidation resistance properties, and a method of preparing the Al alloy. An oxidation-resistant Al alloy according to an embodiment of the present invention is casted by adding a magnesium (Mg) master alloy, in which a calcium (Ca)-based compound is distributed in an Mg matrix, into molten Al. An Al matrix includes the Ca-based compound. The Al alloy has superior oxidation resistance to a corresponding Al alloy not including the Ca-based compound.