Clever casting cuts weight and cost

摘要

Honda is bringing its advanced semi-solid casting technology to Europe. Honda's process, which produces lightweight diesel cylinder blocks more cheaply, has so far been confined to its main Suzuka plant in Japan.rnAluminium is already used in engine production, but most manufacturers use molten metal injected at high pressure. The process requires special billets of the metal that can be expensive and can have problems with porosity. The main alternative is to usernheavier cast iron. Honda's process uses ordinary aluminium melted to a state between solid and liquid. It is then stirred and the viscosity measured to ensure it is at exactly the right consistency for optimum quality. The semi-solid aluminium is then injected into low-cost sand moulds at pressures lower than inrnconventional casting, producing more precise results.