Two-stage Vacuum High Pressure Die Casting Technology

Overview

This technology offers an alternative solution to achieve higher vacuum level inside the metal die casting cavity by an integrated complete system comprising of die casting machine, furnace and two-stage vacuum system, instead of purely relying on the response time of conventional single vacuum pump system and the complicated venting channels of the die cavity.

  • Two-stage Vacuum High Pressure Die Casting Technology 0
  • Two-stage Vacuum High Pressure Die Casting Technology 1
  • Two-stage Vacuum High Pressure Die Casting Technology 2
Technical name of innovation
Two-stage Vacuum High Pressure Die Casting Technology for Production of High Strength Automotive Components with Thin Wall Ribs
Commercialisation opportunities
Exclusive licensing
Problem addressed

To achieve an effective vacuum evacuation process by conventional process, the die cavity should be effectively sealed and highly responsive vacuum system should be adopted. Yet, even these two criteria are met, it is inevitable that gas is not completely removed and hence the residual gas has to be pushed out through air venting. However, gas entrapment will still exist in die-casted products.

Innovation
  • During the molten metal dosing stage, a primary vacuum pump system will be activated to pre-extract the gas stored inside the shot sleeve and die cavity.
  • After the pre-injection phase has begun and the die cavity and shot sleeve have become confined space, a secondary vacuum pump system will be activated to extract the remaining gas inside the die cavity so that a high vacuum level can be achieved during high-speed injection phase.
Key impact
  • Produce metal structural parts with thin wall ribs and lower percentage of porosity.
  • Enhance production yield rate.
  • Ensure the mechanical strength of the die casted parts.
Application
  • High strength metal die casting parts
  • Metal die casting parts with thin wall ribs
Automotive Platforms and Application Systems (APAS)

Automotive Platforms and Application Systems (APAS) R&D Centre was established in 2006 by the Innovation and Technology Commission of HKSAR Government and hosted by the Hong Kong Productivity Council. The Centre undertakes R&D programmes as well as commercialising R&D results in collaboration with industry, universities and technology institutes for the development of the APAS technology. Since its establishment, APAS R&D Centre has carried out over 100 R&D projects and focus on 3 R&D areas, Green Transportation, Smart Mobility and Intelligent Systems. To facilitate greater synergy and further enhance cost effectiveness, APAS is form part of the Hong Kong Productivity Council with effect from 1 Nov 2012.

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