Development of a semi-automated die casting die design system

Abstract

The die casting industry has an imperative need for an automated or semi-automated approach for die casting die design. One of the key challenges that die makers face is how to shorten the lead-time to the market and reduce the cost in die design and manufacturing. Most die makers have employed computer aided design (CAD) systems to improve the efficiency and quality of die design. However, conventional CAD systems do not have the functionality specially for the die casting die design, therefore a specific computer aided system for die casting die design is needed to meet the market demand. This paper describes a prototype system structured by several functional modules as specific add-on applications on a commercial CAD system for die casting die design. These modules include data initialization, cavity layout, gating system design, die-base, parting, standard component design, etc. Focus of the development will be placed on gating, runner and die-base design.