Diecaster Introducing New Semi-Hot Chamber Process

May 25, 2004
Mag-tec has North America’s first DXHV350

Mag-tec Casting Corp., Jackson, MI, will be the North American Beta site for testing Toshiba Electric’s new DXHV350 semi-hot chamber diecasting machine. The machine was first introduced last fall at the North American Die Casting Assn.’s annual meeting in Indianapolis.

The machine has been at Mag-tec’s plant since February and running since March while the operators run training, mechanical testing, and process improvements. Mag-tec president Allen Schroeder says“Toshiba has been great to work with on this. They had two to four engineers here for a whole month helping us get up and running. They are very thorough, capable people.”

Schroeder says the DXHV350 is “is a technological leap forward for the die-cast industry.” It is a semi-hot chamber machine that transfers molten aluminum alloy to the die via an electromagnetic pump-aided system. In combination with a special suspended vertical squeeze-casting injection system (patent pending), the DXHV350 makes it possible to entirely fill the sleeve with only minimal temperature loss. As a result, the finished product’s strength and elongation properties are improved. Also, because the molten metal is dumped from below the surface of the melt and never comes in contact with air, there is no generation of oxides or solidified layers during the injection process.

Toshiba has provided the DXHV350 with a state-of-the-art and easy-to-use control system (TosCast) that sets, monitors, and manages the casting process and compensates for various injection conditions. “In my opinion, it’s the finest control system in the world,” says Schroeder.

The new machine also features a dry powder lubrication system that leaves no residue or spray mist. The finished castings exhibit greater strength, elongation, air-pressure resistance and air-tightness, according to Mag-tec, and they can be welded and/or heat-treated.

Applications for these diecastings include cylinder blocks, piston cylinders, engine mounts and brackets, suspension systems, fuel systems, braking systems, or any part where quality, density, and elongation standards are particularly demanding. The process is ideal for components in suspension systems, fuel systems, braking systems.