Zinc Die Caster, Protect That Parting Line: Alternative Tool Steels to Increase Die Life in Hot Chamber Zinc Die Casting

摘要

In the current economic setting, where cost and efficiency are paramount, careful consideration should be given to any opportunities to increase die life. This is also true in zinc die casting applications where many factors influence die life. Some of these factors are die design, die maintenance, casting parameters such as melt temperature and die preheating. Another factor not mentioned in the previous list that influences die life is the tool steel selection. In a recent article discussing surface modifications to improve die life, it was stated that for zinc die casting, ordinary low-alloy tool steel would be sufficient. However, to lower expectations and consider only ordinary tools steels is to preclude possible steps toward improving die life.