Magna International Inc.
METHOD FOR IMPROVING HIGH-PRESSURE DIE CASTING SHOT SLEEVE BY ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING METAL MATRIX COMPOSITE INSERT

Abstract:

An insert for a steel shot sleeve of a high-pressure die casting assembly used to form aluminum vehicle components is provided. The insert is formed by additive manufacturing, for example laser sintering, and is located opposite a pouring hole of the shot sleeve. The insert includes multiple layers formed of metals and ceramic designed to reduce damage to the shot sleeve caused while casting the components. For example, a cylindrical body of the shot sleeve can be formed of steel, and the insert can include a base layer formed of the steel. The insert can include middle layers formed of a mixture of the steel; an alloy of chromium, iron, and molybdenum; and zirconium oxide. The insert can also include an inner layer formed of the zirconium oxide. The amount of ceramic increases and the amount of metal decreases in the direction moving toward the inner layer.