Characterization of Partial Squeeze and Vacuum Die Casting Process in Fabricating Automobile Parts

Abstract

A functional automotive part, reaction shaft support, was fabricated by partial squeeze and vacuum die casting (PSVD) with light-weight Al-15% Si hypereutectic alloy which has good fluidity and excellent wear resistance. The effects of partial squeezing pressure and time-lag of PSVD process on the microstructure of the product were investigated. Measurement of specific gravity with the change of partial squeeze pressure and time-lag showed that the partial squeezing effect can be increased by increasing squeeze pressure and decreasing time-lag. However, too high a squeeze pressure and too a low time-lag brought about insufficient squeezing effect due to instant movement to the squeeze plunger stroke end point. Through the combination of vacuum suction before melt injection and partial squeezing after melt injection in PSVD process, light-weight Al-15% Si alloy reaction shaft support was successfully developed, resulting in excellent microstructural and mechanical properties.