Method and apparatus for casting of non-ferrous metals

Abstract

The current invention replaces the toggle clamping mechanism of known die casting machines with a hydraulic clamping mechanism. Advantageously, the machine with hydraulic clamps requires less space than the machines utilizing toggle clamping mechanisms. The machine of this invention has a significantly smaller footprint, takes up less space and is about 30% shorter than machines with toggle clamps. The hydraulic clamping mechanism of the current invention not only decreases the size of the casting machine, but also produces uniform clamping force. The hydraulic clamp according to one presently preferred embodiment of this invention is a hydro-mechanical clamp.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of forming a part from non-ferrous metal, comprising: 
 clamping a pair of die halves together with hydraulic force to form a die cavity; and    injecting a non-ferrous metal into said die cavity.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said step of clamping a pair of die halves together with hydraulic force comprises clamping a pair of die halves together with hydro-mechanical force.  
     
     
         3 . An apparatus for forming non-ferrous metal into parts, comprising: 
 a clamp end comprising: 
 (a) a movable platen having a die half affixed thereto;  
 (b) a stationary platen having a second die half affixed thereto;  
 (c) hydraulic means for engaging said platens and said die halves to form a die cavity;  
   a shot end comprising: 
 (a) a shot sleeve for receiving a slug of non-ferrous metal; and  
 (b) injection means for injecting said non-ferrous metal into said die cavity.  
   
     
     
         4 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 3 , wherein said hydraulic means for engaging comprises a hydraulic cylinder.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 3 , wherein said hydraulic means for engaging comprises a hydro-mechanical connection.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus as recited in  claim 5 , wherein said hydro-mechanical connection comprises: 
 a plurality of retractable tie bars affixed to said movable platen;    a locking means for locking said retractable tie bars to a plurality of hydraulic cylinders; and    hydraulic pressure providing means for applying hydraulic pressure to said hydraulic cylinder and thereby placing said retractable tie bars in tension.