NEW MOLTEN-METAL DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR COLD CHAMBER DIE-CASTING INTRODUCED

This paper describes Westinghouse's new ElectroFeed molten metal delivery system for cold chamber die casting of light metals. The system was designed around an electromagnetic pump that sits submerged in the holding furnace and draws molten aluminum or magnesium from well underneath the melt surface. The layer of oxides floating atop the melt is not disturbed when dosing the casting machine. A protective cover gas can be held above the melt in the holding furnace and is disturbed only while recharging. The pump delivers the melt, without exposure to air, through a system of heated insulated piping. The resulting cast part will benefit from a dramatic reduction in oxide formation and absorption of hydrogen. Parts produced using this system will have reduced porosity, higher mechanical strength, and fewer machining hard spots.