Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided that increase yield and reduce cycle time. In particular, a gate plate for a die casting machine is configured to lessen the waste produced during die casting, resulting in greater yield. Further, the gate plate is configured with tapered sides to produce a draft, leading to less friction during the gate break/pull back sequence. This draft reduces the amount of unpressurized dwell time and subsequently the cycle time for producing the cast part.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided that increase yield and reduce cycle time. In particular, a gate plate for a die casting machine is configured to lessen the waste produced during die casting, resulting in greater yield. Further, the gate plate is configured with tapered sides to produce a draft, leading to less friction during the gate break/pull back sequence. This draft reduces the amount of unpressurized dwell time and subsequently the cycle time for producing the cast part.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy product is provided that includes an ADC12-T4 aluminum alloy. The ADC12-T4 aluminum alloy is cast into the product utilizing a high pressure, slow velocity casting technique. Further, an alloy is provided that in some embodiments produces cast parts with high strength, wear resistance, hardness and/or ductility, with little or no soldering.

Abstract: An embodiment of the presently claimed invention includes an in-situ slurry formation apparatus mounted to die casting machines to convert liquid metal to semi-solid metal (SSM). Thus, there is no need to modify existing machines or change the cell layout to accommodate more space than would otherwise be necessary. These machines also need not be replaced with machines specially designed for SSM. Further, a method for converting molten metal to semi-solid metal includes coupling a conduit to a die casting machine, wherein the conduit comprises an inlet, an outlet and a body disposed between the inlet and the outlet, regulating the conduit's temperature, surrounding the conduit with a housing, inserting molten metal at the inlet, cooling the molten metal to semi-solid metal in the body, and expelling semi-solid metal from the outlet.