A programmable networked variable atomizer (PNVA) assembly is provided. In one embodiment, the PNVA assembly includes an atomizing portion. The atomizing portion includes multiple miniature fluid control valves and an air assisted atomizing outlet. The PNVA assembly also includes a PNVA electronic module. The PNVA electronic module includes a microcontroller, at least one pulse width modulation driver, a wireless radio, a differential pressure sensor, and a laser targeting LED.

Lubricant compositions and methods of producing die-cast products by applying such a lubricant composition to a working surface of a die prior to casting a product from a molten metal injected into the die. The composition serves as lubricant between the die and resulting product, and contains at least one active component that reacts with an oxide of the metal to remove a layer of the oxide that forms on a surface of the melt during the die casting process.

A high-pressure die casting apparatus including a shot sleeve extending through a first die half to a molding surface, and a plunger received in the shot sleeve is provided. The shot sleeve includes a side wall presenting a fluid passageway and a partial end wall disposed in a fixed position relative to the side wall. The partial end wall defines a wall opening adjacent the molding surface. Fluid is poured into the shot sleeve while the die apparatus is open, and the partial end wall prevents the fluid from flowing out of the shot sleeve. The plunger then presses the material into the mold cavity until only a portion of the material remains in the shot sleeve and blocks the wall opening. After the solidified material is ejected from the apparatus, the portion of material blocking the wall opening prevents lubricant from entering the shot sleeve.

Provided is a mold release agent composition containing a polymer ester, the composition exerting a good mold releasability even when the temperature of mold increases, and a die casting method using the composition.

A method for casting an aluminum alloy includes: pouring molten metal of an aluminum alloy comprising 6.0 to 9.0 mass % of Si, 0.4 to 0.8 mass % of Mg, 0.25 to 1.0 mass % of Cu, 0.08 to 0.25 mass % of Fe, 0.6 mass % or less of Mn, 0.2 mass % or less of Ti, and 0.01 mass % or less of Sr, with the balance being Al and unavoidable impurities into a shot sleeve of a die casting machine; filling a mold cavity of a center-gate die with the molten metal at a gate speed of 1 msec or less so as to produce a laminar flow, and subjecting T5 heat treatment so as to obtain the aluminum alloy having a tensile strength of 240 MPa or more.

An oil-based release agent of the present invention contains a petroleum-based hydrocarbon solvent (a) and a high temperature adhesive (b), is applied to a metal die used for die casting or casting, has high adhesion and high lubricity even with respect to a metal die at a high temperature particularly of 300 C. or higher, and can prevent seizure. In addition, the present invention provides a method for applying the oil-based release agent of the present invention by controlling an adhesion amount thereof by micronization and speed-control thereof with respect to a metal die at a high temperature, and an electrostatic application method.

In a spray nozzle with a nozzle housing including a dosing chamber for accommodating a release agent to be sprayed into a mold via a discharge line including a check valve and a nozzle body and a venting unit integrated into the nozzle housing for venting air from the spray nozzle, the volume of the dosing chamber is adjustable and the venting unit is activatable by an activation signal by which the venting unit is moved from a dysfunctional position to a venting and opening position in which the check valve is held open by the venting unit for venting the dosing chamber and the discharge line, via the nozzle body.

A device and process for quickly and reliably determining and recording the configuration of multiple spray nozzles on a spray head assembly used for lubricating a die cast mold reduces trial and error associated with maintenance and repair of the spray head assembly. The device includes an adaptor configured to attach to a spray nozzle and an inertial measurement unit fixed to the adaptor to determine the orientation of the spray nozzle relative to a reference. The method involves using the device to determine the orientation of each of a plurality of spray nozzles on a spray head assembly relative to the reference and recording the relative orientation of each nozzle.

A die cast machine for producing a manufactured part includes a fixed die maintaining a fixed position in the die cast machine. The fixed die has an internal fixed die surface. A movable die moves from a first position to a second position in the die cast machine. The movable die has an internal movable die surface. A sprayer applies a die release agent to the internal fixed die surface and the internal movable die surface before operation of the die cast machine. A first thermal imaging apparatus takes thermal images of the fixed die, and a second thermal imaging apparatus takes thermal images of the movable die. Application of die release agent is controlled by the temperatures of the fixed and movable dies as determined by the thermal images.

There is provided a nitrided layer repair method in which a molten metal is pressurized and solidified, and thus a nitrided layer formed on a cavity surface of a mold used to form a casting object is repaired. In the nitrided layer repair method, a nitriding source is applied to the cavity surface, and the cavity surface of the mold is nitrided by heating and pressurizing the cavity surface using the molten metal.