Commercial Processes

Question 1

What is Die Casting?

Answer 1

Molten Metal is forced at high pressure into a mould called a “die”. Often used for non-ferrous metals like zinc or aluminium.

Question 2

Properties of Die Casting?

Answer 2

Precise - (+/- 0.05mm tolerance)
1mm thin parts
Smooth
More economic

Question 3

What is Sand casting?

Answer 3

Molten metal is poured into a sand mould and allowed to solidified. Commonly used with zinc or aluminium/ Ideal for one off production.

Question 4

What is Gravity Die Casting?

Answer 4

Molten metal is poured into mould (“die”) which fills naturally with gravity. It is then tapped out with a hammer once its solidified.

Question 5

What is Mazak?

Answer 5

An alloy of zinc and aluminium which is often melted in a crucible and used for Gravity Die Casting,

Question 6

What is injection moulding?

Answer 6

An injection moulding machine is filled with plastic granules which are then heated up using a 3 zones screw to become melted. They are then pushed into the mould at high speed and cooled off using coolant bores.

Question 7

What type of production is Injection moulding commonly used in?

Answer 7

Larger scale things such as mass production are an ideal use of injection moulding.

Question 8

What are some uses for die casting?

Answer 8

The creation of anything from gold putter heads to large car engine blocks.