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Glossary of Die Casting Terms
(courtesy NADCA)A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
Pressure Tightness. A measure of the integrity of a die casting in
terms of its ability to contain a fluid under pressure. The method of
testing and the pressure used must be stated.
Runner. A channel cut into one or both parting faces of a die casting
die to allow the injected molten metal to flow from the sprue or
biscuit to the cavity.
Shot. (1) The injection of molten metal into a die casting die. The
metal is injected so quickly that it can be compared to the shooting
of a gun. (2) The solidified metal-consisting of the castings,
runners, overflows, flash, and biscuit (or sprue) - as it is when
removed from a die casting die.
Shot Sleeve. The molten metal chamber of a cold chamber die
casting machine. This is a hardened steel tube through which the
shot plunger moves to inject the molten metal into the die.
Shut-Off. In a die casting die, any place where two surfaces are
fitted together with the intent of stopping the flow of any molten
metal between them.
Slide. Any member of a tool, die, or machine that moves in a
straight-line motion and is not parallel to the die pull.
Sprue. (1) The hole in a die casting die (for a hot chamber die
casting machine) through which the molten metal first enters. (2)
The portion of a cast shot formed by the spue hole in the die casting
die.
Statistical Quality Control. A technique for monitoring the quality
of manufactured items, such as die castings, in which only a few
individual items are actually inspected. Estimates as to the general
quality level of the entire lot of items are made from the observed
quality of those inspected.
Tie Bar. The bars (usually round), that connect the stationary platen
to the adjustable platen on a die casting machine.
Trim. To remove the flash, overflows, and runners from a die
casting.
Undercut. Any condition in a die casting die cavity that restricts
the ejection of the casting.
Unit. A cavity block for a die casting die that can be installed into
the die block without removing the entire die from the die casting
machine.
Unit Die Holder. A particular type of die frame designed to accept
quick interchange unit die sets. A unit holder may remain mounted
in a machine for long service periods, and is complete with an
ejection mechanism, sprue or shot entries, and runner system, but
no cavities.
Vent. A shallow channel cut into the parting face of a die casting
die to let air and other gasses escape from the cavity to the outside
of the die.
Water Line. A passage through a die casting die in which water
flows to cool the die. The correct placement of these channels is a
highly developed science. The degree to which the water lines are
correctly placed is key to productivity in the die casting process.
Zinc. The major constituent of the zinc-base die casting alloys.