Industry / Association / Community Activity

The acknowledged in-depth reference manual on product standards for the specification of custom die castings has been updated and released by the North American Die Casting Assn.

Among comprehensive alloy and related data is new information on RoHS and REACH compliance; a new simplified formula for calculating draft angles; information on tools for improving Product Integrity and First Article Inspection Requirements; and expanded information on avoiding porosity. Updated specification drawings have been added throughout.

The updated 2009 edition of this 220-page $120 “Product Standards” Manual is available to OEM product designers, engineers & purchasers, as well as independent product design consultants registered at CWM’s OEM Resource Center, for the special CWM discount price of $75. It is also available from your CWM Regional Sales Representative.

To produce die cast parts to precise specifications, molten alloys must be metered and forced into a complex die cavity, at pressures up to 20,000 psi, in about a second. During that second, in an environment of vibration, high heat, fine dust and lubrication mist, a machine sensor must relay the exact position and velocity of the machine’s plunger at all points, to 0.001 in.

Reliable sensor feedback has been an industry challenge. CWM is now using linear digital position sensors in its aluminum die casting machines based on enhanced magnetostrictive technology. These new-generation transducers, encased in a specially sealed energy-absorbent package, have the ability to accurately adjust to vibration and temperature changes. The result is better parts, fewer rejects, and lower costs.

In a candid statement from the China Die and Mold Industry Assn. (CDMIA), its director stated that state ownership suffers a deficient system for producing sophisticated die casting dies and plastic molds based on inadequate numbers of qualified professionals.

According to the association’s year-end report, quoted in Design News, one of the biggest problems plaguing Chinese mold making is lack of skilled workers. It states China’s tooling industry remains substandard and largely incapable of making highly complex tools. Exported tools are termed mostly medium- or low-grade. A clear note of caution to U.S. OEMs.

For more on CWM capabilities, see this website’s Capabilities Section, and click on “How CWM makes the highest quality die cast part at the lowest unit cost.”

The North American Die Casting Association presented CWM CEO Walter G. Treiber their Distinguished Life Achievement Award at the International Reception and Awards Banquet during the NADCA 22nd International Die Casting Congress and Exposition.

The award is given in recognition of outstanding contribution to the die casting industry and a long record of service to the association and its predecessors. He is a past recipient of NADCA’s Austin T. Lillegren Award, Doehler Award, and Gullo & Treiber Award. Walter has served as a member of the NADCA Board of Directors, co-chairman of its National Affairs Committee, and as a founding member of NADCA’s Die Casting Development Council and co-chairman of its first Finance Committee.

He has also served as president of the International Magnesium Association and currently as a member of the IMA’s Executive Committee, Board of Directors and as First Vice President. His record includes service as a board member of the Institute of Magnesium Technology.

A pioneer in the introduction of the hot-chamber magnesium die casting process in North America, Walter brought the first hot-chamber magnesium machine to Chicago White Metal Casting in 1978.