Die-casting and Precision Machining

Part Cooling Requirements
Once the part is extracted from the die casting, it may need to be cooled prior to further processing or transfer to other
equipment. This can be a liquid quenching or air cooled process based on the product and the desired material
characteristics. For liquid cooled operations, the equipment could be as simple as a quench tank into which the
robot dips the hot part once it is extracted from the al die casting. For air cooled operations, a small fixture or buffer stand
may need to be designed so that the robot can unload the parts. Robotic simulation is a great tool to validate
buffer stand reach and location.
Degating/ Flash Trimming
In some manufacturing operations like engine parts, thedie casting may have metal extensions known as gates or
runners that are deliberately created in the al die casting  process to eliminate air and porosity in the main casting part.
These gates can be removed by several different methods based on the quality and finish requirements of the end
product. In most cases, the gates are removed by using a “knock-off” stand. The degating process generally has
specific orientation and direction requirements to remove the excess material. Robotic simulation must be used to
ensure that the robot can access the desired knock-off position without any reach issues.zinc die casting
An extension of metal is formed on die castings at the parting line of the two die plates and where moving die
components operate. This is known as “flash” and is an unwanted by-product of the manufacturing process. This
flash is generally removed using a trim press or in some cases a CNC machine. The robot loads the casting into
the press or CNC machine, waits for the equipment to cycle before unloading the finished part. Using robotic
simulation to validate this load/ unload sequence is important to ensure that there is sufficient opening and clearance
to enter the machine.
Part Transfer/ Exit
die casting parts may be transferred out of the system in several different ways based on customer requirements.
Some parts may be transferred out onto conveyors for further processing while others may require robotic palletizing
into racks. Robotic simulation is again a
valuable tool to ensure that the robot can reach all
extremes of all pallets at all heights. al die casting,The simulation
can also be used to analyze cycle time based
on stack pattern requirements.zinc die casting