Fast moving part of a plastic working apparatus

Abstract

A fast moving part for a plastic working apparatus, such as a press. It is formed from a composite containing, e.g., aluminum as a light metal matrix. The composite contains 10% to 45% by volume of a ceramic material and 0.1% to 1.0% by weight of free-cutting inclusions.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A fast moving part for a plastic working apparatus, the part as a whole, or a principal portion thereof, being formed from a composite containing at least 10% by volume of a ceramic material in a light metal matrix, and having a specific gravity not exceeding 3.2, a Brinell hardness of 130 to 400, and a coefficient of linear expansion not exceeding 16.0×10 −6 /° C., the composite further containing 0.1% to 1.0% by weight of free-cutting inclusions.  
     
     
         2 . A fast moving part as set forth in    claim 1   , wherein said matrix is of an aluminum-based material, and said composite contains said ceramic material in the amount of 10% to 45% by volume and said free-cutting inclusions in the amount of 0.20% to 0.35% by weight.  
     
     
         3 . A fast moving part as set forth in    claim 2   , wherein said composite contains said ceramic material in the amount of 15% to 35% by volume and said free-cutting inclusions in the amount of 0.22% to 0.32% by weight.  
     
     
         4 . A fast moving part as set forth in    claim 1   , wherein said matrix comprises an aluminum-based material and a magnesium-based material mixed in a ratio by volume of 9/1 to 1/9, and said composite contains said ceramic material in the amount of 5% to 45% by volume and said free-cutting inclusions in the amount of 0.02% to 0.60% by weight.  
     
     
         5 . A fast moving part as set forth in    claim 1   , wherein said matrix is of a magnesium-based material, and said composite contains said ceramic material in the amount of 10% to 45% by volume and said free-cutting inclusions in the amount of 0.20% to 0.70% by weight.  
     
     
         6 . A fast moving part as set forth in    claim 1   , wherein at least said principal portion is made by casting.  
     
     
         7 . A fast moving part as set forth in    claim 6   , wherein said apparatus is a press, and said part is a slide therefor.  
     
     
         8 . A fast moving part as set forth in    claim 7   , wherein said slide comprises a main body formed by said principal portion, and an adaptor attached detachably to said main body.