A method of making a test coupon using a mold is provided. The mold defines a mold cavity that comprises a first-grip-portion cavity, a second-grip-portion cavity, an intermediate-portion cavity, interconnecting the first-grip-portion cavity and the second-grip-portion cavity, and runner cavities, directly interconnecting the first-grip-portion cavity and the second-grip-portion cavity and not directly connected to the intermediate-portion cavity. The method comprises injecting feedstock material, comprising a metal powder, into the mold cavity to form a monolithic precursor test coupon in the mold cavity, wherein the monolithic precursor test coupon comprises a first grip portion, a second grip portion, an intermediate portion, and runners. The method also comprises removing the runners from the monolithic precursor test coupon.

A method of making a test coupon using a mold is provided. The mold defines a mold cavity that comprises a first-grip-portion cavity, a second-grip-portion cavity, an intermediate-portion cavity, interconnecting the first-grip-portion cavity and the second-grip-portion cavity, and runner cavities, directly interconnecting the first-grip-portion cavity and the second-grip-portion cavity and not directly connected to the intermediate-portion cavity. The method comprises injecting feedstock material, comprising a metal powder, into the mold cavity to form a monolithic precursor test coupon in the mold cavity, wherein the monolithic precursor test coupon comprises a first grip portion, a second grip portion, an intermediate portion, and runners. The method also comprises removing the runners from the monolithic precursor test coupon.

A vehicle part formed at least in part of a blended material is provided. The blended material is formed by mixing an improved aluminum alloy and a recycled aluminum alloy. The recycled aluminum alloy can be obtained from road wheels. The blended alloy preferable meets the Aural series alloy specifications. The blended material can be cast under high pressure and a vacuum to form a part designed for use in a chassis or structural body of a vehicle, for example a front subframe, a front shock tower, a rear rail, a front kick-down rail, a front body hinge pillar, a tunnel, a front body hinge pillar, or a rear shock mount.

A vacuum sensor system includes a vacuum pump, vacuum tank, solenoid valve, filters, vacuum block, sensors, and a central processing unit (CPU). The vacuum sensor system monitors the performance of a vacuum system connected to a high pressure die casting machine to ensure that the components cast in the mold or die will have a greater yield of acceptable parts. More specifically, the vacuum sensor system uses sensors to monitor and analyze the vacuum pressure at multiple locations to determine which components are clogging and causing a loss of vacuum pressure in the system. When the CPU detects an anomaly in the pressure, the CPU provides notification in one or more of the following ways: sending a command to shut down the die casting machine; visual notification on the screen of the CPU; an audible warning signal; a visual notification on a semaphore installed on the machine; and/or an electronic notification to one or more users via email, text, or other form of telecommunication.

A vacuum sensor system includes a vacuum pump, vacuum tank, solenoid valve, filters, vacuum block, sensors, and a central processing unit (CPU). The vacuum sensor system monitors the performance of a vacuum system connected to a high pressure die casting machine to ensure that the components cast in the mold or die will have a greater yield of acceptable parts. More specifically, the vacuum sensor system uses sensors to monitor and analyze the vacuum pressure at multiple locations to determine which components are clogging and causing a loss of vacuum pressure in the system. When the CPU detects an anomaly in the pressure, the CPU provides notification in one or more of the following ways: sending a command to shut down the die casting machine; visual notification on the screen of the CPU; an audible warning signal; a visual notification on a semaphore installed on the machine; and/or an electronic notification to one or more users via email, text, or other form of telecommunication.

A casting device includes a bore formation core and a water jacket formation core. When a cavity is formed, gas existing in a space between both cores is suctioned through a flow path formed in the bore formation core under operation of a suctioning device. When the bore formation core is viewed from a side, this flow path exists above a virtual axial line that passes a center of the bore formation core and extends along a longitudinal direction of the bore formation core.

A casting device includes a bore formation core and a water jacket formation core. When a cavity is formed, gas existing in a space between both cores is suctioned through a flow path formed in the bore formation core under operation of a suctioning device. When the bore formation core is viewed from a side, this flow path exists above a virtual axial line that passes a center of the bore formation core and extends along a longitudinal direction of the bore formation core.

The present invention provides a non-heat-treatable aluminum alloy for die casting, which can exhibit good castability and is able to confer excellent tensile characteristics (0.2% proof stress and elongation) and excellent corrosion resistance on die cast aluminum alloy materials. Also, the present invention provides a die cast aluminum alloy material having excellent tensile characteristics (0.2% proof stress and elongation) and excellent corrosion resistance. An aluminum alloy for die casting of the present invention comprises Mg: 3.7 to 9.0% by mass and Mn: 0.8 to 1.7% by mass, with the balance being Al and unavoidable impurities. It is preferable that the Mn content is 0.9 to 1.7% by mass and the Mg content is 4.7 to 9.0% by mass.

A casting device for operating stably while suppressing leakage from a gap between a tip and a sleeve is disclosed. The casting device includes: a sliding member in the center of which a rod slides, and in which a gap is formed between the rod and the sleeve; a seal member arranged at an outer periphery of the sliding member; and a suction device for suctioning air inside the sleeve. When the seal member is positioned in a center section closer to a cavity than a pouring hole, and the air in a space between the sliding member and the tip is suctioned, the seal member assumes a first state in which the seal member adheres to the center section, and in the first state, the tip advances toward the cavity.

A casting device for operating stably while suppressing leakage from a gap between a tip and a sleeve is disclosed. The casting device includes: a sliding member in the center of which a rod slides, and in which a gap is formed between the rod and the sleeve; a seal member arranged at an outer periphery of the sliding member; and a suction device for suctioning air inside the sleeve. When the seal member is positioned in a center section closer to a cavity than a pouring hole, and the air in a space between the sliding member and the tip is suctioned, the seal member assumes a first state in which the seal member adheres to the center section, and in the first state, the tip advances toward the cavity.