Die casting is a process in which molten metal is forced into a
chamber at very high pressure. When the metal cools, it forms the shape of the
mould. In order to prevent any type of reaction, the cast is made of
non-ferrous metals such as steel, copper, aluminium, zinc, magnesium and their
alloys. This metal casting process is relatively simple and doesn’t need a
large investment.
Both magnesium and aluminium alloy are used for die casting process. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Melting Point
The melting point of the metal is the first point of comparison between the two alloys. Magnesium has a melting point of 1800 LB while aluminium has 2500 LB. As aluminium alloy has a lower melting point than magnesium alloy, it will make an economical choice. Again the choice of alloy depends on the type of furnace and melting pot.
Melt Loss
Another point of difference between the two alloys is the melt loss, which depends on the type of die casting technique used. Generally during magnesium casting, melt loss of 5 to 25% is seen while aluminium has less melt loss of 5 to 10%.
Cost
Another point that is generally taken into consideration while choosing either of the two alloys is the cost of production. Magnesium has a quick solidification rate, so, it doesn’t need high pressure like aluminium to be solidified. In many ways, it can be seen that magnesium alloy is more economical than aluminium die casting.
Machinability
While comparing the machines used to die cast both alloys, it is seen that magnesium is advantageous over aluminium. Magnesium machines have natural lubricity and quickly dissipate heat, which enables carving deep cuts without damaging the surface finish. Plus, more magnesium castings can be made as the die caster has a high tolerance to this metal than to aluminium alloy. When you compare the lifespan of carbide tools used to machine magnesium and aluminium, you will see that they last up to 10 times longer when used with magnesium.
Applications
Generally aluminium is used in die casting of automotive parts such as clutch pedal and support bracket. If the die caster is using a hot chamber die casting machine, then magnesium die casting requires 160 metric ton. For, aluminium die casting, it will require a 550-650 metric ton cold chamber die casting machine to do the same. Here, if you compare the price with the machine size required, then magnesium alloy becomes a more affordable option.
Both magnesium and aluminium alloy are used for die casting process. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Melting Point
The melting point of the metal is the first point of comparison between the two alloys. Magnesium has a melting point of 1800 LB while aluminium has 2500 LB. As aluminium alloy has a lower melting point than magnesium alloy, it will make an economical choice. Again the choice of alloy depends on the type of furnace and melting pot.
Melt Loss
Another point of difference between the two alloys is the melt loss, which depends on the type of die casting technique used. Generally during magnesium casting, melt loss of 5 to 25% is seen while aluminium has less melt loss of 5 to 10%.
Cost
Another point that is generally taken into consideration while choosing either of the two alloys is the cost of production. Magnesium has a quick solidification rate, so, it doesn’t need high pressure like aluminium to be solidified. In many ways, it can be seen that magnesium alloy is more economical than aluminium die casting.
Machinability
While comparing the machines used to die cast both alloys, it is seen that magnesium is advantageous over aluminium. Magnesium machines have natural lubricity and quickly dissipate heat, which enables carving deep cuts without damaging the surface finish. Plus, more magnesium castings can be made as the die caster has a high tolerance to this metal than to aluminium alloy. When you compare the lifespan of carbide tools used to machine magnesium and aluminium, you will see that they last up to 10 times longer when used with magnesium.
Applications
Generally aluminium is used in die casting of automotive parts such as clutch pedal and support bracket. If the die caster is using a hot chamber die casting machine, then magnesium die casting requires 160 metric ton. For, aluminium die casting, it will require a 550-650 metric ton cold chamber die casting machine to do the same. Here, if you compare the price with the machine size required, then magnesium alloy becomes a more affordable option.
No comments:
Post a Comment