What is an Aluminum Injection Molding Machine?

An aluminum injection machine is a type of metal injection machine used in the process of injecting molten aluminum into molds under pressure. Aluminum is a type of metal that is highly preferred in part production due to its corrosion resistance and high strength. The metal injection machines used in the aluminum injection casting process, which is based on the principle of solidifying molten aluminum by pouring it into a metal mold under pressure, are devices that provide the optimum solution for giving the desired shape to molten aluminum within the desired accuracy and cost framework. Before delving into the working system of these devices, it would be useful to briefly describe the aluminum injection casting method and its features.

What is Aluminum Injection Casting?

Aluminum injection is a production method that is preferred in aluminum part production on a unit basis and carried out with metal injection machines, where molten liquid aluminum is injected into aluminum injection molds by applying pressure and left to cool. Casting of aluminum and its alloys in steel molds was first developed in 1914 and since the production of the first alloy parts in 1915, parts of various sizes and categories that various sectors require can be produced, ranging from the smallest components to large castings.

It is possible to talk about two types of aluminum injection depending on the pressure density used in the process. Pressure casting is a production method where casting is done under external pressure. It is possible to classify this process under two headings as high-pressure injection and low-pressure injection according to the pressure density. While there are some structural differences between the machines where both methods are performed in terms of casting apparatus, the casting process of each method separately is summarized below.

What is High-Pressure Injection?

The high-pressure casting process for aluminum is as follows:

The melting process is carried out in a separate furnace from the pressure casting machines. After melting, the liquid aluminum is transferred to the shot sleeve of the equipment automatically using a manual or robot-arm scoop. The machine piston pushes molten aluminum into the mold with high pressure. Allow the casting to cool and solidify for a predetermined period. After solidification, the finished casting is separated from the opened mold with the help of a rod.

What is Low Pressure Injection?

We can summarize the low pressure injection process as follows:

An aluminum alloy is melted in a furnace with a seal. The mold halves placed on top of the furnace are connected to each other with a riser pipe. Low air pressure is applied to the inside of the furnace. The molten aluminum rises through the tube and fills the mold cavity. The liquid aluminum poured into the mold is exposed to open air pressure until it hardens. After solidification, the molds are opened and the cast part is removed.

How Does an Aluminum Injection Machine Work?

The working process of an aluminum injection machine begins with the journey of the melted aluminum. The liquid aluminum at a high temperature is injected into the molds with high pressure through the injection machine. After the casting process is completed, the molten aluminum is rapidly frozen by applying pressure inside the mold. After achieving the desired shape, the mold is opened and the aluminum parts are removed from the mold with the help of ejector pins.

Metal injection machines are divided into two groups: cold and hot chamber injection casting. Cold chamber injection casting machines are generally used for casting aluminum parts. In this method, the molten aluminum is conveyed to the aluminum injection machine hopper by a ladle, either automatically or manually. The hot chamber injection casting method is used for zinc casting. In this method, the molten metal is injected into the mold by being pushed by a piston-cylinder mechanism mounted inside a pot. It can be said that hot chamber injection casting machines work faster than cold chamber injection casting machines.

What are the Advantages of Aluminum Casting Method?

The superior aspects of the aluminum injection method can be listed as follows:

It can be applied in the casting of simple and complex parts of all sizes. Manufacturing speed is high. It ensures full filling of the mold in thin-walled parts. It is suitable in terms of final product surface quality and dimensional accuracy, and does not require additional finishing operations. Mechanical properties of the thin-grained internal structure of the part, which is solidified with a rapid cooling process, are successful. Aluminum Injection Casting Companies

With over 55 years of experience as an aluminum injection casting company, we have brought Başovalı quality to three continents along with Turkey. We fulfill our responsibilities for preserving nature by producing value with our 850-ton annual aluminum injection capacity, environmentally friendly production process, and energy obtained by using solar energy. Our company, which is a strong part of local production, produces precise, qualified, and high-quality parts with its wide range of aluminum injection machines, and you can contact us to get more information!