This thesis is focused on defects occurring in products made by high pressure die casting of aluminum alloys. The theoretical part includes introduction to high pressure die casting technology and description of individual defects, causes and corrective procurations. The practical part focuses on the determination of the defect on the pre-selected casting, which is cast in the foundry ALW INDUSTRY, s.r.o. Based on the identification of the defect, there is a corrective procuration to reduce its occurrence.

Ces travaux de recherche portent sur l’étude de l’injection du cuivre. Dans une optique d’amélioration des propriétés du cuivre injecté sous pression, deux grands thèmes de réflexion ont été abordés. La première voie de réflexion porte sur l’influence des paramètres de fusion et d’éléments d’alliages ajoutés en faible quantité sur les caractéristiques des démonstrateurs technologiques produits. La seconde partie discute de l’influence du procédé de fonderie en lui-même, notamment au travers de l’étude de deux paramètres : l’influence du régime d’écoulement du métal en fusion dans l’empreinte, et l’influence de l’emprisonnement de l’air sur les propriétés des pièces injectées. / This research focuses on the study of high pressure die casting (HPDC) of copper. In order to improve the properties of die-cast copper, two main issues were investigated. In the first part, attention is paid to the influence of melting parameters and of addition of alloying elements in small amounts on the characteristics of the specimen produced. The second part discusses the influence of the foundry process itself on properties of die cast part, in particular by studying two parameters : the metal flow type during cavity filling, and the air entrapment.

Pressgjutna Al-Si komponenter förekommer mer och mer i förbränningsmotorer med syfte att reducera vikt och förbättra hållbarhet. Ett problem vid pressgjutning, en process kännetecknad av kostnadseffektivitet vid massproduktion, är porositetsbildning vilket kan resultera i läckage, strukturell svaghet och försämrad hållbarhet och livslängd för tillverkade komponenter. Då porer oftast bildas internt försvåras dessutom identifiering av potentiellt trasiga komponenter. Det är därför av vikt att finna parameterinställningar i pressgjutningsprocessen vilka konsekvent minimerar porositetsbildning. Ett företag som drabbas av återkommande porositets-relaterade defekter är Husqvarna Group. De använder vakuumassisterad pressgjutning för att, bland annat, producera motorcylindrar av Al-Si. Kassationsgraden, specifikt hänförbar till porositet, för en cylindermodell har under de senaste tre åren fördubblats vilket har resulterat i slöseri av produktionstid och kvalitetsbristkostnader. Vakuumassisterad pressgjutning kan beskrivas stegvis: (1) smält metall hälls i en cylindrisk fyllkammare, (2) en skottkolv trycker smältan mot ett mindre inlopp i låg hastighet för att undvika turbulens, samtidigt som vakuum ansätts i fyllkammare och gjutverktyg, (3) skottkolvshastigheten ökar markant vid en förinställd omslagspunkt, vilket spray-fyller gjutverktyget, och (4) högt tryck ansätts för att eftermata smälta till gjutverktyget när solidifiering sker. Syftet med detta examensarbete har varit att undersöka om och hur diverse parametrar, hänförbara till de nämnda processtegen, påverkar porositetsbildning i en industriell produkt. Därefter applicerades den erhållna processförståelsen för att identifera parametrar kritiska för porositetsbildning och slutligen rekommendera parameterinställningar som konsekvent minimerar porositetsgraden. Det experimentella upplägget bestod av två steg varav det första ämnade undersöka, via simulering, vilka av 6 parametrar som påverkade porositetsgraden utifrån en reducerad tvånivåers försöksdesign. Det andra steget var ett verkligt experiment i produktionsmiljö där de tre identiferade parametrarna från screening-experimentet varierades enligt en central-composite design. Analysen av experimenten resulterade i parameterinställningar som förväntas reducera porositetsgraden med över 70%. En lägre porositetsgrad kommer troligen reducera kassationsgraden av den undersökta cylindermodellen, vilket hade resulterat i finansiell besparing och effektivare produktion. I ett industriellt kontext bidrar detta exjobb huvudsakligen med en systematisk kvalitetsförbättrande metod för pressgjutna komponenter baserad i såväl simulerad som verklig miljö. / Pressure die casted Al-Si components are increasingly found inside internal combustion engines, resulting in weight reduction and increased durability. Characteristic to die casting, commonly associated with cost-effective mass production, is the formation of pores which, if unnoticed, can cause leakage, structural deficiencies, and thus reduced durability and life-length of components. Pores commonly appear internally, making identification of faulty components difficult. Therefore, finding parameter settings in the die casting process that consistently minimizes the formation of pores is of importance. A company struggling with porosity-related defects is Husqvarna Group, currently using vacuum-assisted die casting to produce engine cylinders of Al-Si. Scrap-rate, specifically related to porosity, of a particular cylinder model has doubled in the last three years, causing waste of both precious production time and higher quality deficiency costs. A vacuum-assisted die casting process consists of several steps: (1) liquid Al-Si is poured into a cylindrical shot sleeve, (2) a plunger is moved towards a small gate, leading to the die cavity, at low velocity as to not cause turbulence, whilst vacuum is applied throughout the cavity and shot sleeve, (3) plunger velocity is increased substantially at a predetermined switch point, resulting in a spray-filling of the die cavity, and (4) high pressure is applied to continue the feed of molten metal into the cavity as solidification occurs. The purpose of the thesis has been to investigate if and how various parameters, related to the aforementioned four steps of the die casting process, impact the porosity amount in an industrial product. The acquired process knowledge was then applied to identify parameters affecting porosity and recommend settings that consistently minimize the porosity amount. The experimental procedure consisted of two steps: firstly, a screening experiment of six process parameters was made by simulating the die casting process according to a fractional factorial design. Secondly, a real-world experiment was conducted following a central-composite design by varying the three most impactful parameters from the screening experiment.   Analysis of the experiments resulted in a selection of parameter settings, anticipated to reduce porosity by over 70%. A lower porosity amount will most likely reduce the scrap rate of the cylinder model, resulting in substantial savings and higher production efficiency. For practitioners, the main contribution of this thesis is a method of systematic quality-improvement to die-casted components by a combination of simulation experiments and real-world tests.

The aluminium industry is anticipated to witness a surge in demand, with projectionsof a two to three-fold increase by 2050. Meeting environmental objectives andaddressing the growing emphasis on sustainability from both the industry andconsumers seeking eco-friendly products present significant challenges. Energyefficiency will be crucial in addressing these concerns. While primary aluminiumproduction consumes the majority of energy in the industry, the die-casting sector, asan energy-intensive segment, offers opportunities for enhancing energy efficiency. Inhousealuminium smelting in high-pressure die-casting (HPDC) foundries, primarilyemploying gas-fired shaft furnaces with preheating for improved energy efficiency, isa significant energy user.This research examines energy efficiency in High-Pressure Die Casting (HPDC)foundries, particularly in-house aluminium smelting. Utilizing literature reviewsand expert interviews, the study reveals efficient technologies, drivers and barriersto energy efficiency, and the importance of sustainability. The current absence ofwell-defined Best Available Techniques (BAT) and the absence of validated claims bymanufacturers in the HPDC sector emphasize the urgent need for extensive researchand empirical verification.The results from this study show that using gas-fired shaft furnaces is the optimalchoice for the next decade, with waste heat recovery as the primary energy efficiencymethod, supplemented by the implementation of energy management systems andstrategies. Induction furnaces may emerge as a viable future technology, contingenton significant electricity network expansion and low energy prices.

Ce travail est dédié á l´étude de l´influence de nano-particules de alumina (Al2O3) et de di-borure de titane (TiB2) sur la solidification, la microstructure et les propriétés thermiques et mécaniques de l´alliage d´aluminium renforcés, Al-Si9Cu3Fe1. Les matériaux ont été obtenus par un procédé de fonderie à haute pression en coulant les alliages dans les mêmes conditions que les alliages non renforcés correspondants.On a constaté que les particules de Al2O3 et de TiB2 ont une influence directe sur les caractéristiques de l´alliage telles que la microstructure, la précipitation des phases pendant la solidification et les propriétés mécaniques et électriques. On a ainsi montré que les particules de Al2O3 et de TiB2 peuvent être utilisées pour ajuster les caractéristiques des alliages et obtenir des propriétés spécifiques pour des applications dans les secteurs de matériaux légers. / The work has been focused on the study of the influence of TiB2 and Al2O3 nano-particles (up to 1 wt. %) on the properties and physical features of an aluminium casting alloy, Al-Si9Cu3Fe1.Samples have been obtained through the High Pressure Die Casting (HPDC) process and compared with unreinforced samples obtained at the same conditions. It has been observed that the Al2O3 and TiB2 particles have a direct influence on several features of the alloy such as the microstructure and precipitating phases as well as in the improvement of the soundness and mechanical and electrical properties. Al2O3 and TiB2 particles can be used to tailor the properties of the alloy and to match the specifications of light weight applications

Today, there is an essential need for lightweight, energy-efficient, environmentally benign engineering systems, and this is the driving force behind the development of a wide range of structural and functional materials for energy generation, energy storage, propulsion, and transportation. These challenges have motivated the use of magnesium alloys for lightweight structural systems. Magnesium has a density of 1.74 g/cm3, which is almost 30% less than that of aluminium, one quarter of steel, and almost identicalto polymers. The ease of recycling magnesium alloys as compared to polymers makes them environmentally attractive, but their poor mechanical performance is the primary reason for the limited adoption of these alloys for structural applications. The Mg-Al-Zn alloy AZ91D exhibits an excellent combination of strength, die-castability, and corrosion resistance. However, its mechanical performance with regard to creep strength, for example, at evaluated temperatures is poor. Moreover, very little is known about the correlation between its mechanical properties and microstructural features. This thesis aims to provide new knowledge regarding the role played by microstructure in the mechanical performance of the magnesium alloy. The properties/performance of the material in relation to process parameters became of great interest during the investigation. An exhaustive characterisation of the grain size, secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS) distribution, and fraction of Mg17Al12 was performed using optical and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). These microstructural parameters were correlated to the offset yield point (Rp0.2), fracture strength, and elongation to failure of the material. It was proposed that the intermetallic phase, Mg17Al12, plays an important role in determining the mechanical and physical properties of the alloy in a temperature range of room temperature to 190°C by forming a rigid network of intermetallic. The presence of this network was confirmed by studying the thermal expansion behaviour of samples of the alloy containing different amounts of Mg17Al12. A physically based constitutive model with a wide validity range was successfully adapted to describe the flow stress behaviour of AZ91D with various microstructures. The temperature-dependent variables of the model correlated quite well with the underlying physics of the material. The model was validated through comparison with dislocation densities obtained using EBSD. The influence of high-pressure die-cast parameters on the distortion and residual stress of the cast components was studied, as were distortion and residual stress in components after shot peening and painting. Interestingly, it was found that intensification pressure has a major effect on distortion and residual stresses, and that the temperature of the fixed half of the die had a slight influence on the component's distortion and residual stress. / Numera finns det ett väsentligt behov av lätta, energieffektiva och miljövänliga tekniksystem. Detta behov är drivkraften för utveckling av ett brett utbud av material för energigenerering, energilagring, framdrivning och transport. Dessa utmaningar motiverade användningen av magnesiumlegeringar för lättviktskonstruktioner. Magnesium har en densitet på 1,74 g/cm3, vilket är ca 30% lägre än för aluminium, en fjärdedel av densiteten för stål och nästan i nivå med många polymerer. Då magnesiumlegeringar dessutom är lätta att återvinna, jämfört med polymerer, gör det dem miljömässigt attraktiva. Låga mekaniska egenskaper är den främsta orsaken till begränsad användning av dessa legeringar för lastbärande tillämpningar. Mg-Al-Zn-legeringen AZ91D uppvisar en utmärkt kombination av styrka, gjutbarhet och korrosionsbeständighet. Dess mekaniska egenskaper vid förhöjd temperatur, som tex kryphållfasthet, är låga. Dessutom är korrelationen mellan mikrostruktur och mekaniska egenskaper oklar. Denna avhandling syftade till att ge ny kunskap om mikrostrukturens roll för magnesiumlegeringars mekaniska egenskaper. Slutligen var materialets egenskaper i förhållande till processparametrar vid tillverkningen av stort intresse. En omfattande karaktärisering av kornstorleks-, sekundära dendritarmavstånds (SDAS)-fördelning och fraktion av Mg17Al12 utfördes med hjälp av optisk mikroskopering och diffraktion av bakåtspridda elektroner (EBSD). Mikrostrukturen korrelerades till sträckgränsen (Rp0.2), brottstyrkan och brottförlängningen. Det föreslogs att den intermetalliska fasen, Mg17Al12, spelar en viktig roll vid bestämning av legeringens mekaniska och fysikaliska egenskaper vid temperaturintervall från rumstemperatur upp till 190°C genom att bilda ett styvt nätverk av intermetaller. Uppkomsten av ett sådant nätverk stöddes genom en studie av den termiska expansionen av legeringen för olika fraktioner av Mg17Al12. En fysikalisk konstitutiv modell med ett brett giltighetsområde användes framgångsrikt för att beskriva det plastiska flytbeteendet hos AZ91D för olika mikrostrukturer. De temperaturberoende variablerna i modellen korrelerade ganska väl med materialets underliggande fysik. Modellen validerades genom att jämföra dislokationstätheten som predikterades av modellen och den med EBSD uppmätta dislokationstätheten. Påverkan av pressgjutningsparametrar på geometrisk tolerans och restspänning hos de gjutna komponenterna studerades. Vidare studerades geometrisk tolerans och restspänning av komponenter efter pening och målning. Intressant nog hade eftermatningsfasen en stor effekt på geometrisk tolerans och restspänningar. Dessutom hade temperaturen på den fasta formhalvan av verktyget även ett visst inflytande på komponentens geometriska tolerans och restspänning.

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The diploma thesis is focuses on new technology in of high pressure die casting industry. Attention is paid in particular to heating, cooling and the influence of the die lubricants on the quality of castings. theoretical knowledge was applied in practise. The optimization of the production cycle was carried out using a high temperature die lubricant and subsequent evaluation on particular casts in foundry KOVOLIT Modřice a.s.

Kongsberg Automotive is developing a brand-new actuator for engaging and disengaging a clutch for different driveline applications. This master thesis research improves the concept design of the shift fork for the new Dog-Clutch Actuator using Design for Manufacturability (DFM). Initially, the knowledge about the mechanism of the product is gained with the aid of the design team and the proper boundary conditions for the boundary value problem are obtained. The conventional die-cast materials are investigated, and appropriate material is selected to create the material model. Most of the traditional HPDC aluminum alloys are aluminum-silicon system; therefore, a detailed study on the nucleation of Silicon in the melt and how it influences the mechanical properties of the alloy is conducted. During gear engagement, the two rotating gears of the dog-clutch collide and synchronize the angular velocity of the hub and the input gear. The synchronization force is dynamic; therefore, explicit time integration is used to capture the system's response with the assistance of FEM software. As the shift fork undergoes cyclic load during the gear shift, the fatigue analysis is performed to evaluate the life (Nf) of the component using Wohler's curve. The value of the maximum principal stress at the critical spots like notch and its direction are determined using the 3D Mohr's circle. In this analysis, the endurance limit correction factors and notch factor (Kf) are used for the S-N curve correction, and Goodman's criteria are used to incorporate the mean stress effect. Fatigue analysis requires a very fine mesh to estimate the precise stress magnitude at the critical locations and, the structural optimization algorithm requires many iterations to determine the optimal layout of the shift fork. Therefore, the explicit integration scheme is not efficient as it will be computationally expensive and time-consuming to solve the problem. Hence, the equivalent static load is determined for the gear shift force at the peak load and used for calculations and product development. As the initial concept design of the shift fork is asymmetrical, it requires varying stiffness in its structure to transfer the force efficiently to the shift sleeve. The FEA results state that one prong of the shift fork experience up to 75% of the total load, which increases the overall stress of the component (up to 0.9Sy). The shift fork also doesn't have adequate torsional stiffness, and as a result, stress concentration has occurred in one of the fillets in the shift fork. The iterative design is set up to improve the design of the shift fork by optimizing the stiffness of the two prongs which provided the key observations that describe the design changes which improved the design. In this phase, the overall stress of the component is reduced by 20% and minimizes the difference in the load between the two prongs by 27.5% compared to the initial design. The shift fork needs to be light to achieve the necessary acceleration during the gear shift. Therefore, topology optimization using the projected subgradient method is implemented to optimize the mass and compliance of the improved design in the iterative design phase. Then the design realization phase is set up to implement the results obtained from the topology optimization to conceptualize the viable product. The optimized result decreased the overall stress and maximum deflection by 20%. It also reduced the load difference in the two prongs of the shift fork by 35% by maintaining the same mass as the initial concept design.

The project aim is an optimalization of production of pressure die casting, which serves as a one part of handle in office furniture area. The main emphasis was for mass finishing operation, which serves for rounding of very sharp part edges after die casting operation. A few tests of single mass finishing parameter was carried out and as result was a few partial recommendations for an increasing of production efficiency and improving of manufacturing process, namely an adjustment of separation cycle, proposal of optimum amount of pieces in each single batch and an innovation of chips type and dimensions. The project includes a proposal of a new and more efficiency layout of pieces on the transport pallet.