Design and optimization of runner and gating systems, in high-pressure casting and sand casting, for an aluminum alloy valve cover

Abstract

The weight and speed advantage of aluminum die-casting leads to its use in many parts in the automotive industry. Casting simulation programs are used, to avoid time-consuming and expensive production costs, and to design the production process. For casting production one of the most important factors is the runner design, which directly affects castability, material selection, and casting quality. With the correct design of runner systems, there will be no problem with the casting part. In this study, the final part and the runner design for the aluminum alloy valve cover were modeled in CAD, according to the empirical calculations. Furthermore, an appropriate casting method was selected for the valve cover not only according to the results of both high-pressure die-casting and sand-casting simulations but also economic calculations. The main technical parameters for selection were mold and part temperature distribution, liquid metal flow rates, cold shut possibilities, final air quantities, microporosity, and microporosity values. After the final decision, the casting part was produced with high pressure die casting by the implementation of the final runner design.