Abstract: An insert for a steel shot sleeve of a high-pressure die casting assembly used to form aluminum vehicle components is provided. The insert is formed by additive manufacturing, for example laser sintering, and is located opposite a pouring hole of the shot sleeve. The insert includes multiple layers formed of metals and ceramic designed to reduce damage to the shot sleeve caused while casting the components. For example, a cylindrical body of the shot sleeve can be formed of steel, and the insert can include a base layer formed of the steel. The insert can include middle layers formed of a mixture of the steel; an alloy of chromium, iron, and molybdenum; and zirconium oxide. The insert can also include an inner layer formed of the zirconium oxide. The amount of ceramic increases and the amount of metal decreases in the direction moving toward the inner layer.

Abstract: A molten metal pump assembly and method to fill a mold with molten metal, such as aluminum. The assembly includes a support frame for suspending the molten metal pump above a furnace. The support frame includes a mechanism for lifting and lowering the molten metal pump into engagement and disengagement with the mold.

Abstract: A sleeve (10) allows flow against gravity of molten metal into a casting mold. The sleeve has a sleeve body (20) with a longitudinal axis that defines a flow conduit for the metal. A check valve (30) is positioned in the flow conduit, arranged for limited axial movement in the sleeve between a closed position and an open position, although it is operatively positioned to be in the closed position in the absence of the pressurized metal. The check valve has a spool (32) with an internal flow conduit, a top end of the conduit blocked by an end cap (40). Flanges (36, 38) on the spool provide the limited axial movement in the sleeve. When lifted into the open position, metal flows into the spool flow conduit and through a porous structure of the spool, causing laminar flow and filtering inclusions.

Abstract: A system for removing molten metal from a vessel is disclosed. The system includes a pump and a refractory casing that houses the pump. As the pump operates it moves molten metal upward through an uptake section of the casing until it reaches an outlet wherein it exits the vessel. The outlet may be attached to a launder. Another system uses a wall to divide a cavity of the chamber into two portions. The wall has an opening and a pump pumps molten metal from a first portion into a second portion until the level in the second portion reaches an outlet and exits the vessel.

Abstract: A wear ring for a piston of a die-casting apparatus comprises an annular body having a gap extending therethrough. The gap is configured to define at least two circumferentially offset pairs of circumferentially spaced apart facing surfaces. The facing surfaces of each pair are angled and configured to contact each other in a flush manner when the wear ring is circumferentially compressed.

Abstract: The damage to devices are avoided, by performing operation control of a hydraulic operating means and an electric servomotor, that are adapted as drive sources in an injection step, separately and not performing coordinate control. A die casting machine 1 includes a tubular injection sleeve 12, an injection plunger 13, an electric servomotor 17 and a hydraulic operating means 21 which are used as a drive source of an injection step, and a control means 30 which controls the electric servomotor 17 and the hydraulic operating means separately, when injecting and filling the cavity of the mold, which has been closed, with the molten metal by the advancing of the injection plunger 13, during a low-speed injection step and a high-speed injection step which is performed at a higher speed than the low-speed injection step, in the injection step.

Abstract: A shop gate and a nozzle are suitable for being coupled with the bottom floor of a tundish, said nozzle comprising a hollow tube with an axial bore extending from an inlet opening at a first end of the nozzle to an opposite outlet opening at or adjacent the second, opposite end, and comprising a flange extending substantially normal to the axis of the tube and located between said first and second ends, characterized in that the flange comprises a lower, guiding surface facing towards the second end of the tube, said guiding surface being flat and substantially normal to the tube.

Abstract: A casting plunger for a casting unit of a casting machine, includes a casting-plunger shut-off valve integrated into the casting plunger, having a valve seat and a valve body interacting therewith, wherein the shut-off valve, in an open position, enables a flow of a melt material through the casting plunger during a melt suction operation and, in a closed position, blocks said flow during a mold-filling operation. The casting plunger has a plunger sleeve, which is placeable against an inner wall of a casting cylinder of the casting unit and contains the valve seat, and a plunger ram which contains the valve body. The plunger sleeve and the plunger ram are movable axially with respect to one another by a predefinable valve stroke.

Abstract: The injection chamber (CI) includes a tubular body formed by a supply portion, having a radial supply window to receive a charge of molten metal (MF) and in which is incorporated an injection portion provided with an outlet end opened to the interior of a molding cavity. A piston is provided to be displaced in the interior of the tubular body to inject the molten metal (MF) in the molding cavity. The supply portion has its inner region, which receives the pouring impact of the charge of molten metal (MF), lined by an insert formed in a high melting point material and presenting an inner contour in the form of a circle arc coinciding with that of the supply and injection portions.

Abstract: By blocking an angular extent of an annular skimming trap used for semi-solid injection, a notable reduction in lenticular defects and porosity are observed. The blocking can be performed by a ring having dimensions to completely occlude a prior art annular skimming trap throughout the angular extent, and providing complete and/or partial flow across the ring throughout the rest of the angular extent. Preferably an outlet to the ring trap includes a chamfered edge and/or a deflector for encouraging flow of the contaminated semi-solid material into the trap.

Abstract: A stopper body of refractory material and cylindrical shape having a first end (10), a second end (14) and an intermediate zone (12) there between, with a bore (16) of circular cross section, extending from said first end (10) in an axial direction of the stopper body into said intermediate zone (12) towards the second end (14), wherein the said bore being provided with an enlarged cross section (at 16s) along at least part of said intermediate Zone (12).

Abstract: An injection sleeve or shot sleeve for a die-casting machine includes an elongated plunger passage and a container supporting portion configured to support an elongated container containing a charge of semi-solid metal alloy. The charge can be axially aligned with the plunger passage, and an interior surface of the container can be axially aligned with an interior surface of the plunger passage.

Abstract: This invention discloses a molten metal supply system that can supply molten metal to a downstream process at a constant pressure and molten metal flow rate. The molten metal supply system includes a molten metal supply source, a plurality of injectors, and a plurality of check valves.

Abstract: The injection chamber (CI) includes a tubular body formed by a supply portion, having a radial supply window to receive a charge of molten metal (MF) and in which is incorporated an injection portion provided with an outlet end opened to the interior of a molding cavity. A piston is provided to be displaced in the interior of the tubular body to inject the molten metal (MF) in the molding cavity. The supply portion has its inner region, which receives the pouring impact of the charge of molten metal (MF), lined by an insert formed in a high melting point material and presenting an inner contour in the form of a circle arc coinciding with that of the supply and injection portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for positioning a feeder needle, and to a production line for optical components, in which a feeder needle of an apparatus for portioning fluid material, preferably softened glass, in particular of a needle feeder, has its position relative to a seat for the feeder needle recorded by means of a force-measuring device, and to further apparatuses which realize this method and to objects produced by the process.

Abstract: A rheo-casting container for containing a charge of semi-solid metal alloy includes an elongated body defining a side wall of the container, a mouth at a first end of the body, an opening at a second end of the body, and a closure member to close the opening. The closure member is configured to be displaceable along an interior volume of the body from the second end towards the first end to displace a charge of semi-solid metal alloy contained in the container. The closure member is of a metal alloy the same as or similar to the semi-solid metal alloy for which the container is to be used and has a melting point which is not less than the temperature at which the metal alloy is to be introduced into the container.

Abstract: A method and a system for jetting droplets of viscous medium, such as solder paste, onto a substrate, such as an electronic circuit board. The volume of the droplets are adjusted by regulating the amount of viscous medium that is fed into a jetting nozzle for subsequent jetting of the viscous medium droplets therefrom. The exit velocity of the jetted droplets is adjusted or maintained substantially constant by regulating the velocity with which the viscous medium is impacted. Furthermore, the rate at which viscous medium is fed, for instance by a feed screw, into the nozzle is adjusted in order to regulate the feeding time required for feeding the viscous medium into the jetting nozzle, for instance in order to maintain a constant feeding time.

Abstract: A mechanical apparatus and method for the casting of metal components is disclosed. The apparatus includes a gooseneck having dual plungers for drawing molten metal from a crucible of hot metal and for forcing the drawn molten metal through the system, a hot runner assembly having a thermal valve developed in time and positioned adjacent the mold cavity, and a machine nozzle positioned between the gooseneck and the hot runner assembly. The dual plunger is fitted with a shot plunger and a shutoff plunger which work in conjunction to allow for molten metal to be drawn into the gooseneck but to stop its passage into the gooseneck when the metal is forced through the system into the die. Both temperature and flow rate are carefully monitored and controlled. Two embodiments of the gooseneck are provided in which the positions of the shot plunger and the shutoff plunger are altered and in which the molten metal is drawn into the gooseneck at different locations.

Abstract: This invention discloses a molten metal supply system that can supply molten metal to a downstream process at a constant pressure and molten metal flow rate. The molten metal supply system includes a molten metal supply source, a plurality of injectors, and a plurality of check valves.

Abstract: A method introduces additives into flowing or fluidised media. The spatially predetermined position of the additives in the flowing material, also called fluid bed, is obtained by controlling the pulsating injection, The introduction and exact dosing of additives, that is hardeners, dyes, gas producers and softener for instance, into a liquid plastic stream or metal stream (10) for instance, or the fluid bed of bulk material, such as powder, granules and pellets, is carried out by means of an injector. The invention is used in melting units, in hot channel systems, in tools, componens of tools and injection moulding machines, extruders, injection moulding, pelleting, burner and injection arrangements.

Abstract: A molten metal supply system (90) includes a plurality of injectors (100) each having an injector housing (102) and a reciprocating piston (104). A molten metal supply source (132) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) of each of the injectors (100). The piston (104) is movable through a first stroke allowing molten metal (134) to be received into the housing (102) from the molten metal supply source (132), and a second stroke for displacing the molten metal (134) from the housing (102). A pressurized gas supply source (144) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) of each of the injectors (100) through respective gas control valves (146). The injectors (100) each include an intake/injection port (138) in the form of a dual action valve (500) adapted to admit and dispense molten metal from the injectors (100).

Abstract: A molten metal supply system (90) includes a plurality of injectors (100) each having an injector housing (102) and a reciprocating piston (104). A molten metal supply source (132) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) of each of the injectors (100). The piston (104) is movable through a return stroke allowing molten metal (134) to be received into the housing (102) from the molten metal supply source (132), and a displacement stroke for displacing the molten metal (134) from the housing (102). A pressurized gas supply source (144) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) of each of the injectors (100) through respective gas control valves (146). The gas supply source (144) is used to pressurize a space formed between the molten metal (134) and the piston (104) during the return stroke of the piston (104) of each of the injectors (100).

Abstract: An injector (100) for a molten metal supply system includes an injector housing (102) configured to contain molten metal. A molten metal supply source (132) is in fluid communication with the housing (102). A piston (104) extends into the housing (102). The piston (102) is movable through a return stroke allowing molten metal (134) to be received into the housing (102) from the molten metal supply source (132), and a displacement stroke for displacing the molten metal (134) from the housing (102). A gas supply source (144) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) through a gas control valve (146). The gas supply source (144) is used to pressurize a space (148) formed between the molten metal (134) and the piston (104) during the return stroke of the piston (104) such that when the piston (104) moves through the displacement stroke a compressed gas filled space is formed.

Abstract: A molten metal supply system (90) includes a plurality of injectors (100) each having an injector housing (102) and a reciprocating piston (104). A molten metal supply source (132) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) of each of the injectors (100). The piston (104) is movable through a return stroke allowing molten metal (134) to be received into the housing (102) from the molten metal supply source (132), and a displacement stroke for displacing the molten metal (134) from the housing (102). A pressurized gas supply source (144) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) of each of the injectors (100) through respective gas control valves (146). The gas supply source (144) is used to pressurize a space formed between the molten metal (134) and the piston (104) during the return stroke of the piston (104) of each of the injectors (100).

Abstract: An injector (100) for a molten metal supply system includes an injector housing (102) configured to contain molten metal. A molten metal supply source (132) is in fluid communication with the housing (102). A piston (104) extends into the housing (102). The piston (102) is movable through a return stroke allowing molten metal (134) to be received into the housing (102) from the molten metal supply source (132), and a displacement stroke for displacing the molten metal (134) from the housing (102). A gas supply source (144) is in fluid communication with the housing (102) through a gas control valve (146). The gas supply source (144) is used to pressurize a space (148) formed between the molten metal (134) and the piston (104) during the return stroke of the piston (104) such that when the piston (104) moves through the displacement stroke a compressed gas filled space is formed.

Abstract: An automatic molten metal injector is provided which has no rotary frictional parts and is thus durable. The injector has a furnace holding a molten metal to a predetermined level and having a first port. A fixed sleeve is provided in the furnace so as to be submerged in the molten metal and has a second port communicating with the first port. A slide sleeve having a side wall formed with a third port and a closed bottom wall is received in the fixed sleeve so as to be vertically slidable between a raised position in which the third port communicates with the second port, and a lowered position in which the third port communicates with the interior of the furnace. A piston is vertically slidably received in the slide sleeve. A drive unit individually or simultaneously raises and lowers the slide sleeve and the piston.

Abstract: A sealing and guiding device for the injection piston (3) of a hot chamber pump for corrosive alloys made up of a body (1) in which a chamber (6) and an injection cavity (2) therebelow are formed, wherein the piston (3) slides with a vertical reciprocating motion (V), includes a bush (8), having an outer diameter smaller than said chamber (6), interposed between centering members housed in the chamber (6) and made coaxial with the chamber (6) and with the piston (3) by a pair of opposite surfaces of revolution (12, 13) formed on said centering members, the upper surface (13) and the relevant centering member performing a pressure-tight sealing. The outer lateral surface (15) of the bush (8) is in communication with the injection cavity (2) whereas the upper side of the bush (8) is in communication with the crucible and immersed therein at a depth (L), measured from the lowest level (23) reachable by the molten alloy, which is greater than the maximum travel (C) of the piston (3).

Abstract: A post for a molten metal pump having an end joined to a hole in a pump base. The post end includes a longitudinal bore opening at the end of the post and a port opening to the side of the post intersecting the bore. A plug is inserted into the bore above the level of the port yet leaving a portion of the upper bore open. Cement can be injected into the bore and out the ports. Thereafter, a second plug can be inserted into the bore to drive cement out. To remove the post, it is cut across its longitudinal axis to expose the open upper portion of the bore. The opening is a pilot hole to drill a longitudinal hole in the post. A device having two members connected by a rod are attached to the upper and lower surfaces of the remaining post, respectively and tightened to break the cement joint.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying melt from a melt-holding vessel to a casting machine comprises a ceramic melt pump casing or housing submersible in the melt. The casing includes a melt-pumping chamber with a melt inlet and melt outlet and a piston-receiving bore communicated to the chamber. A piston having a ceramic pumping portion is movable in the bore relative to the chamber in a suction stroke to draw the melt into the chamber through the melt inlet and in a pumping stroke to discharge the melt from the chamber through the melt outlet to, for example, a melt casting machine. A melt inlet valve having a ceramic valve portion submersible in the melt is movable relative to the melt inlet to open/close the melt inlet when the piston pumping portion is moved in the respective suction/pumping stroke.

Abstract: This invention relates to a delivery assembly for delivering molten metal, to a die-casting machine. The system includes a die-casting liquid metal injector with an operative piston having a cylindrical shuttle valve within the assembly and providing for a lower end portion of the assembly to communicate directly to a reservoir of molten metal, particularly corrosive molten metal such as liquid aluminum or the like. In that respect, the injector surface having contact with the corrosive liquid metal are preferably made of a fine ceramic or composite thereof and in the preferred embodiment by partially stabilized Zirconia. The piston, during its molten metal charging stroke, moves the shuttle away from closing off the inflow conduit which communicates to the liquid metal reservoir supply and the internal cavity defined by the assembly is charged with liquid metal.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and method for controlling the overflow of molten material from a receptacle for the purpose of achieving more uniform casting of the molten material. The apparatus and method utilize a force detector able to detect the change in the buoyant force exerted on a submersible body lowered into a molten material. A differentiating means, a control means, and a drive means are responsive to the force detector, whereby a constant rate of change of buoyant force is translated into a uniform rate of overflow of molten material delivered to a heat extracting substrate for solidification.

Abstract: A small, simple tool used to meter precise volumes of molten metal. It has been effectively utilized by the bullet caster to make expandable projectiles for hunting. This is accomplished by using the tool to meter a small volume of molten soft lead alloy into a bullet mould, the completing the cast with a molten lead alloy of higher strength. This creates a dual-alloy bullet with the structural strength necessary for high velocity shooting, but having a nose soft enough to effectively expand upon impact with a target.The tool consists of a long, hollow barrel with a short drop tube installed in one end. The drop tube is mounted in the nozzle end of the barrel and projects into its hollow interior. The vacant space inside the barrel adjacent to the drop tube forms a reservoir to hold molten metal. When the barrel unit is submerged into a pot of molten metal, the alloy enters the nozzle and flows up the drop tube, thereby filling the interior of the barrel.

Abstract: There is described a device and process for delivering a predetermined quantity of molten metal to a metal casting operation via metal transfer members, such as thermally heated pipes under a positive head to the shot size and delivery system wherein the device has a metal receiving chamber, a hydraulic ram for metal movement and an inert gas sweep capability. The ram chambers has only a nominal relationship to the volume of metal to be used to fill the mold, the true measurement of the volume being a factor of the pressure of the molten metal being delivered to the chamber and the time the molten metal is allowed to flow into the chamber before the ram is activated to force the metal under a definite predetermined pressure into the mold cavity.

Abstract: A die casting apparatus for pumping molten metal from a heated container to a nozzle communicating with an inlet of a mold including a charging mechanism for charging the apparatus with a predetermined amount of molten metal from the container and a multi-piece holder removably joined together by fastener means. The holder defines a shot barrel chamber and a gooseneck chamber extending in a curved path from the charging mechanism to the nozzle. A refractory shot barrel is removably positioned in the shot barrel chamber in communication with the molten metal in the heated container, and two refractory insert halves are removably positioned in the gooseneck chamber and coact to define a gooseneck passage at their parting interface providing fluid communication between the outlet of the shot barrel and the inlet of the nozzle.

Abstract: A die casting apparatus for pumping molten metal from a heated container to a nozzle communicating with an inlet of a mold including a charging mechanism for charging the apparatus with a predetermined amount of molten metal from the container and a multi-piece holder removably joined together by a fastener. The holder defines a shot barrel chamber and a gooseneck chamber extending in a curved path from the charging mechanism to the nozzle. A refractory shot barrel is removably positioned in the shot barrel chamber in communication with the molten metal in the heated container, and two refractory insert halves are removably positioned in the gooseneck chamber and coact to define a gooseneck passage at their parting interface providing fluid communication between the outlet of the shot barrel and the inlet of the nozzle.

Abstract: The removal of residual material from torpedo cars or the like is facilitated with use of apparatus including a generally open topped and a generally flat bottom heat resistant receiving container that permits molten pig iron to be removed from torpedo cars and allows it to go to a ladle while retaining slag to prevent the slag from being transferred to the ladle. Use of the invention permits the elimination of dekishing operations.

Abstract: A melting pot reservoir for non-ferrous metals and the like to be die cast in a cold chamber mold is provided with a pumping mechanism having a displacement plunger for metering out by displacement from the reservoir an exact volume of molten material into the mold. This same plunger is provided with a vernier adjustment and accompanying control circuit that automatically moves the plunger an increment into the molten material after each charge the precise amount to restore the molten material level to a predetermined optimum datum level for delivery of exactly the precise amount of charge into the cold chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing measured amounts of molten metal to a metal casting operation which is automatic in operation and capable of delivering extremely accurately controlled amounts of metal to the casting operation. A positive displacement pump delivers the molten metal from below the surface of the metal to a dispensing point and a pulse generator generates pulses in exact proportion to the displacement of the pump and delivers such pulses to counters, the counters being started in operation when the metal being pumped contacts a probe at the dispensing point, the counters stopping the pump when an exact amount of displacement of the pump has occurred. Rate multipliers are provided between the pulse generator and the counters to compensate for leakage in the pump, variations in volume delivered for a given displacement of the pump or other unanticipated variables.

Abstract: A gooseneck for a hot chamber die casting machine, which gooseneck includes a compression chamber having a pressure piston movably mounted therein with the compression chamber being in communication witha conical mouthpiece by way of transverse and vertical passages. The mouthpiece is arranged in a neck projecting from the gooseneck with the entire gooseneck being forged from a heat-resistant tool steel. The area of the casting container which includes the compression chamber and the vertical passage has in cross-section the form of two cylinders with parallel axes. A heating device may be provided for heating the projecting neck portion forming the mouthpiece of the gooseneck and a further heating construction may be provided for heating the injection nozzle to prevent the solidification of a melt therein.

Abstract: In a pump for use in a hot chamber type die casting machine wherein corrosive molten metal particularly aluminum or alloys thereof is injected into a metal mould through a goose neck shaped passage, a porous ceramic tube having a porosity of 10 to 40% and acting as the goose neck shaped passage is cast in the main body of the pump. The porous ceramic tube comprises sintered zircon or porous graphite.

Abstract: A molten metal metering and transfer device for use with a molding machine and a bath for holding and heating molten metal includes an elongate container which is supported in the bath with one end extending out of the bath and the other extending into the bath. An entry port is formed in the side of the container to allow molten metal to flow into the container and an exit port is formed in the container adjacent the top and above the bath. A uniquely formed plunger seated in the container moves downward into the bath, then upward out of the bath, trapping a predetermined amount of molten metal above its top surface. The formation of the plunger facilitates flow of the molten metal out of the container when the plunger reaches the exit port.