Failure of dies is typically caused by thermal fatigue cracking or gross cracking. Other modes of failure include soldering to the die surface, erosion and corrosion of the die surface. It is clear that many factors can impact die life, including steel composition, heat treatment conditions, fabrication techniques and die casting processing parameters. The approach used in this 6-part webinar series is to summarize recent research published by NADCA on extending die life.
NADCA Webinar Series
Part 1: Factors that Influence Heat Checking - The impact of heat treatment of the die steel on heat checking will be reviewed.
Date: May 5, 2020
Part 2: Other Factors Affecting Heat Checking & Factors that Impact Gross Cracking - The effect of electric discharge machining and die surface engineering on heat checking will be reviewed. In addition, factors that affect gross cracking during die casting will be summarized, including the steel making process, the annealed microstructure of the steel, the heat treatment process and preheating of the die.
Date: May 6, 2020
Part 3: Factors Impacting Erosion and Soldering - The third part of the webinar series will discuss factors impact soldering and erosion. Factors discussed will include die materials, processing parameters and surface engineering.
Date: May 7, 2020
Part 4: Impact of Die Materials on Die Life - Ferrous Alloys - Part 4 will summarize the impact of die materials on die life. Subjects discussed will include the steel chemistry and constituents, and the hardness of the steel, with a special focus on new die steel compositions. High thermal conductivity die steels will also be discussed.
Date: May 12, 2020
Part 5: Supplementary Technologies - This section of the webinar series will discuss a number of factors, including non-ferrous die materials, bi-metallic cores, techniques for repairing dies, and conformal cooling. The final section of this webinar will focus on shot sleeves, discussing techniques for repair, and the use of alternate materials.
Date: May 14, 2020
Part 6: Impact of Casting Parameters on Die Life and Practical Applications - The final part of the webinar series will discuss the impact of casting parameters on die life. Parameters discussed will include cycle time, die spraying, cooling line size, cooling line position, die preheating, and the surface finish of tool. Practical examples of casters reporting extension of die life will be presented.
Date: May 15, 2020
