An Initial Study of a Lightweight Die Casting Die Using a Modular Design Approach

High-pressure die casting dies are produced in most cases by conventional subtractive manufacturing processes. In this case, a massive design of the die usually ensures high stability during the casting process. However, at the same time, it leads to low flexibility in casting production and high material costs. The basic approach in the present work is to reduce the conventional subtractive production process of a die casting die in favor of a flexible, modular design, where only a few contour elements of the die have to be replaced for achieving different castings. In order to pave the way for this design principle, basic thermal and structural properties of a lightweight design die casting die were analyzed. The finite element calculations carried out showed that the modular lightweight die casting die consumes considerably less energy for preheating and during operation. Due to the reduced stiffness and material, however, calculated deformations and stresses in the die are considerably higher during the casting process. Although the initial calculation results look very promising, further knowledge must be gained in order to ensure the future success of modular lightweight die casting dies.