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The Multi-Slide & Four-Slide Die Casting Process Explained

Multi Slide and Four Slide Hot Chamber Zinc Die Casting (sometimes referred to as Miniature Die Casting or High Speed Die Casting) is the manufacturing process in which the injection system is partially immersed in a bath of molten metal contained in a furnace; the furnace is integral to the machine. The main components of the injection system are: Injection Cylinder, Plunger, Piston, Gooseneck and Nozzle. At the beginning of the cycle the piston moves upwards which allows molten metal to be drawn into gooseneck through a port. Next the dies close sealing the cavities of the die. The design of the dies for the multi-slide die casting process is what makes multi-slide die casting machines unique from traditional die casting machines. In a traditional die casting process only one half of the die moves when closing the die; in the multi-slide and four slide processes as many as eight sections of the die (but more typically two to four) move together to close the die. Now that the die is closed, the plunger moves downwards, it seals the port that allowed metal into the gooseneck and forces the molten metal through the gooseneck and nozzle into the die filling the cavities with molten metal. Once the metal solidifies all of the segments or sections that make up the die separate allowing the casting to be ejected from the die. After ejection the process repeats.

Advantages of the Multi-slide hot chamber die casting process

The major advantage of the four slide zinc die casting process is that the process has extremely short cycle times and the ability to cast very complex parts because of the multi-slide technology. Because the die opens and closes in multiple directions (between 2 to 8 directions) simultaneously cycle times are reduced and complex shapes can be cast. Parts can be designed with virtually zero draft due to the multiple slide movements. Additionally the injection process can be made on the parting line. The 4 slide hot chamber die casting process is most commonly used for Zinc and Zinc alloys (such as Zamak alloys); other metals cast include Lead, Pewter and Magnesium. Especially in Zinc and Zinc alloys very complex parts can be cast requiring little or no secondary operations. As an example, threads can be cast directly onto a part during the casting operation. Extremely fast cycle times can be achieved with the four slide hot chamber die casting process, sometimes more than 1,000 cycles per hour. In the four slide hot chamber die casting process the chill time (time required for the metal to solidify) has a significant impact on the number of cycles per hour. Four Slide Hot Chamber Machines are fully automatic often times allowing one worker to tend as many as 10 die casting machines. Used primarily for miniature die castings requiring tight tolerance, fast production rates the multi-slide die cast process is highly regarded for its low tooling cost. Four slide die casting employs parting line injection of the molten metal, perpendicular to the tooling eliminating the traditional sprue associated with conventional hot chamber die casting lowering scrap costs. Major machine manufactures for the hot chamber multi-slide die casting process includes: Techmire, Dynacast, Angelcast, Rex Buckeye Triad Speedcaster, Titus and others.

How much does a hot chamber Four-Slide die casting machine cost?

Multi-slide and four slide die casting machines vary in price depending on size, manufacturer and features especially the total number of slide motions and controls. The new price of machines range from less than $50,000.00 to more than $300,000.00.

What is the total price for a complete Four Slide machine?

Unlike other die casting process, generally speaking multi-slide die casting machines are relatively self-contained and they do not require as much peripheral or support equipment as other types of die casting. As an example, the ability to degate (de-gate) and separate the casting from the gates usually eliminates the need for a secondary trimming operation.

What are the most popular brands and models of Four Slide Die Casting Machines?

Techmire, now owned by Dynacast, is the most popular multi-slide die casting machine in the world. Techmire offers a wide range of models including 22, 24, 44, 66, 88 and most recently the 1212. Versions of these machines include the Techmire H Series, NT Series and NTX Series.

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