Abstract: A die casting method initially injects an alloy with minimal volumetric contraction during solidification into a die cavity, monitors at least one of the pressure of the shot cylinder and the position of the plunger, and reduces the injection pressure during the final stage of filling of the die mold. A die casting machine includes a shot cylinder having one of a pressure detector located for detecting the hydraulic pressure applied to the cylinder or a position sensor for a plunger rod. The plunger rod includes a tip extending into a cold chamber, which receives a metal alloy having a minimal shrinkage characteristic. A source of hydraulic pressure is coupled to the shot cylinder by a control valve and a control circuit is coupled to said valve and to one of said detector or sensor for reducing the injection pressure near the end of an injection cycle.

Abstract: A mounting system for one or more traverse cylinders of a die cast machine positions the cylinders behind the movable platen on a side out of the die area between the platens. A horizontally extending cylinder support bar is mounted between the ends of the lower tie bars. A traverse cylinder is mounted between the support bar and movable platen. In another embodiment, vertically extending cylinder support bars are mounted to the lower and upper tie bars on each side of the machine, with the lower ends being fixedly secured to the lower tie bars and the upper ends detachably secured to the upper tie bars. The traverse cylinders are mounted between the support bars and the movable platen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a metal component from a non-dendritic, semi-solid metal alloy slurry involves the use of a graphite agitator that is functionally equivalent to conventional metal rod agitators, and has the additional advantage of having a very low surface wettability, whereby labor and expenses associated with removing a metal alloy skin formed after withdrawal of the agitator from a metal slurry is eliminated or at least substantially reduced. The invention also provides an improved process and apparatus for producing a metal component from a non-dendritic semi-solid metal slurry by transferring the slurry to a cooling vessel for subsequent cooling and raising of the solids content without agitation after the slurry has been formed with agitation in a first vessel, whereby more rapid cooling of the slurry and increased production rates are achievable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a metal component from a non-dendritic, semi-solid metal alloy slurry involves the use of a graphite agitator that is functionally equivalent to conventional metal rod agitators, and has the additional advantage of having a very low surface wettability, whereby labor and expenses associated with removing a metal alloy skin formed after withdrawal of the agitator from a metal slurry is eliminated or at least substantially reduced. The invention also provides an improved process and apparatus for producing a metal component from a non-dendritic semi-solid metal slurry by transferring the slurry to a cooling vessel for subsequent cooling and raising of the solids content without agitation after the slurry has been formed with agitation in a first vessel, whereby more rapid cooling of the slurry and increased production rates are achievable.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for providing lock-up pressure between die blocks of a die cast machine includes at least one tie bar engagement mechanism adapted to releasably engage a tie bar of a die cast machine, thereby preventing the tie bar engagement mechanism from sliding with respect to the tie bar. The clamping assembly also includes at least one hydraulic piston assembly having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is adapted to apply pressure to a die block of the die cast machine when the piston assembly is extended, and wherein the second end abuts the tie bar engagement mechanism when the tie bar engagement mechanism is engaged with the tie bar and the piston assembly is extended.