Added value of process modelling in development of automotive diecasting parts

Porosity in high performance castings can reduce mechanical properties and consequently degrade both component life and durability. The automotive market increasingly requests high performance castings with high structural integrity and good mechanical properties. These requirements are typically obtained with gravity and low pressure diecastings. High pressure diecasting, due to the process itself, is not completely suitable to deliver such increasing requirements. However, because of the possibility of mass production with reduced shot times and hence costs, several innovations and technologies have continued evolving around this process, making it a competitive and lucrative process for industries to consider. Process modelling provides a wide scope to test several of these technological advancements virtually and be an integral part in the development of the diecasting parts. This would then enable casting engineers to be able to both predict defects in advance and take actions to improve the process/design. © EBSCO Information Services 2019. All rights reserved.