Patent ID: 8047258
Filing Date: 2011-11-01
Classification: B22D

Abstract:
1. A die casting method, comprising the steps of: providing a die having a cavity which generally defines the shape of a component to be cast, said die having an opening formed in a first surface of said cavity of said die and an air conduit formed in a second surface of said cavity, said air conduit being disposed in fluid communication between said cavity and the atmosphere; pushing a billet along a path which extends through said opening and toward said second surface, said billet being a semi-solid metal as said pushing step is commenced; causing said billet to deform and flow into said cavity to form said component; and directing air to flow through said conduit and away from said cavity as said billet is deformed, said air being directed to flow through at least one axial passage formed in a generally cylindrical rod and extending through a portion of said second surface, said billet having a rear surface against which a force is exerted to accomplish said pushing step and a generally concave front surface as said billet is pushed through said opening.