Multi-Slide Die Casting
The multi-slide die casting process uses four perpendicular slides in the tool enabling very complex and accurate castings to be produced. In some cases, up to six slides can be used at angles other than 90 degrees. This die cast tooling process is used predominantly for small zinc components; however, we developed a multi-slide die casting machine capable of casting magnesium. We have excelled at multi-slide for over 80 years and each year we continue to improve our process to create even more complex parts for our customers.
The Multi-Slide Tool
The difference between multi-slide die casting and conventional hot-chamber die casting is the construction and operation of the tooling and the die casting machine required to operate it. Conventional hot-chamber die casting uses a two-part tool, making it difficult and expensive to create parts with complex geometries. Whereas multi-slide tooling is designed to use four perpendicular slides in the tool, enabling complex and accurate castings to be produced. This technology has given our customers the design freedom to create more precise and complex parts.
The multi-slide tool is made up of the die block, sliders, crosshead, and cover plate. Each die block has either a cavity and/or cores on its face, which together form the complete cavity and runner profile into which the molten metal is injected.
Our Proprietary Multi-Slide Process
The die casting industry is innovative and always changing. Over the years, we tested different types of multi-slide machines and processes and eventually developed the proprietary multi-slide process we use today. The multi-slide die blocks are mounted onto sliders, which fit precisely into a crosshead, ensuring repeatable opening and closing operations. A cover plate bolted onto the top of the tool holds all these components together.
Each slide moves independently of the other during both the closing and opening sequences. This movement provides tremendous flexibility, which ensures part integrity and prevents damage to the tool. The metal typically solidifies within seconds and is ejected with an air-blast that blows the shot clear of the cavity and into a padded collection mechanism.
Our multi-slide die casting machines cycle at speeds of up to 55 cycles per minute (~3,000 shots per hour). This is achieved by using pneumatics, rather than slower hydraulics, to operate the different parts of the machine. Mechanical toggle mechanisms and hydraulic thrusters supplement the weaker locking force available with pneumatics, ensuring the die casting tool is held together securely during the injection process. Dynacast has also developed fully hydraulic multi-slide machines, allowing us to further match the process to the part.
Advantages of Multi-Slide Die Casting
Multi-slide die casting has several advantages besides just creating complex parts, other benefits include:
- Consistent part quality
- Elimination or reduction of secondary operations
- Lower tooling costs
- Excellent part-to-part repeatability
- Quick die changeovers
- In-die degating and automatic separation of parts from runners
- Flash-free castings
- Rapid cycle speeds
- Cost savings in material, energy, and labor
Net Shaped, Custom Die Cast Parts
Dynacast is able to create custom precision components with tolerances of +/-0.02mm. With our multi-slide process, we can create net shape parts typically without secondary operations—including internal and external threads. The end result is a high-speed, temperature-controlled process that produces thin-walled components so complex in geometry that they would need to be manufactured from two or more pieces if other methods of die casting were used. If you require small complex components, multi-slide die casting may be your best solution. Contact our engineering team to get started on your project.
