An axial cast hole is formed to have a large diameter side end on one side at a draft angle. A large diameter hole is formed on the one side to form a stepped surface between the large diameter hole and the axial cast hole. The stepped surface has an inner periphery end located on a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. A tool is moved from the one side toward the other side coaxially with the axial cast hole to make contact with the stepped surface. The tool is moved subsequently to cut the inner periphery of the axial cast hole between the large diameter hole and the first port. The tool is moved subsequently to cut the inner periphery of the axial cast hole on the other side relative to the first port.

A hybrid die cast system (10) having an inner liner insert (12) that enables the configuration of a component (18) produced by the system (10) to be easily changed by changing the inner liner insert (12) without having to rework the die housing (16) is disclosed. Because the inner liner insert (12) only need be removed and replaced to change the configuration of an outer surface (18) of a component (18) produced by the system (10), the cost savings is significant in contrast with conventional systems in which the die would have to be reworked. The system (10) may also include a cooling system (20) for controlling the casting process by controlling the rate of solidification and the rate of cooling of the casting. Local heating and cooling may be used to control the microstructure, enhance mold fill and reduce casting defects such as porosity.

A hybrid die cast system (10) having an inner liner insert (12) that enables the configuration of a component (18) produced by the system (10) to be easily changed by changing the inner liner insert (12) without having to rework the die housing (16) is disclosed. Because the inner liner insert (12) only need be removed and replaced to change the configuration of an outer surface (18) of a component (18) produced by the system (10), the cost savings is significant in contrast with conventional systems in which the die would have to be reworked. The system (10) may also include a cooling system (20) for controlling the casting process by controlling the rate of solidification and the rate of cooling of the casting. Local heating and cooling may be used to control the microstructure, enhance mold fill and reduce casting defects such as porosity.

A method and apparatus for producing semi-solid material castings from its liquid state in a shot chamber of a die casting machine where the liquid material is poured into a shot chamber and rapidly cooled from its liquid state to temperatures below its liquidus. High-intensity ultrasonic vibration is coupled to the plunger, shot plate, or sprue-spreader while the cast material is injected by the plunger to fill the die cavity. The combined action of rapid cooling from the shot chamber, vigorous pushing by the plunger, and radiation of ultrasonic vibration on the cast material in the shot chamber directly turns the initial liquid material directly into a semi-solid slurry by breaking up dendrites and making these dendritic fragments globular. The slurry is then injected into the die cavity to form a casting.

A method of casting a casting product having tubular flow passages includes: attaching a cast-in pipe insert, having outer and inner fixing members to which both ends of pipes are coupled, respectively, to a fixed mold; assembling a movable mold with the fixed mold; injecting a molten metal into a cavity defined inside the fixed and movable molds; ejecting a casting product from the assembled molds after injecting the molten metal; and removing the outer and inner fixing members from the casting product.

A die cast system in which an external shell and an internal core usable to form a component of a gas turbine engine are formed together is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the external shell and internal core may be formed from at the same time via a selective laser melting process, thus eliminating the need for using the conventional lost-wax casting system. In at least one embodiment, the external shell and internal core may be formed a ceramic material that may support receiving molten metal to form a turbine component. Once formed, the external shell and internal core may be removed to reveal the turbine component.

A mold assembly includes a first mold part having guide passages defined therein. Protruding members are each movably received in a first portion of a respective guide passage to extend selectively in and out of the mold cavity. At least some of the protruding members are movable along different directions from one another. Cables are each connected to one of the protruding members and extend through a linear second portion of the respective guide passage and out of the first mold part. An actuator is connected to the cables and movable relative to the first mold part between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, each protruding member protrudes into the mold cavity. In the retracted position, each of protruding member is retracted out of the mold cavity and contained within the respective guide passage. A guide element and a method of molding are also discussed.

A mold assembly includes a first mold part having guide passages defined therein. Protruding members are each movably received in a first portion of a respective guide passage to extend selectively in and out of the mold cavity. At least some of the protruding members are movable along different directions from one another. Cables are each connected to one of the protruding members and extend through a linear second portion of the respective guide passage and out of the first mold part. An actuator is connected to the cables and movable relative to the first mold part between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, each protruding member protrudes into the mold cavity. In the retracted position, each of protruding member is retracted out of the mold cavity and contained within the respective guide passage. A guide element and a method of molding are also discussed.

A casting mold having at least one cavity for manufacturing at least one cast article, in which at least some areas of a casting surface of the casting mold delimiting the cavity have a surface texture. The surface texture has multiple elementary cells, wherein each elementary cell has a structure that projects and/or is recessed with respect to the casting surface and ends within the applicable elementary cell. In addition, a cast article produced by the casting mold is provided.

A sub-frame includes: a main body portion that has a vehicle body support portion supported by a vehicle body; and a reinforcement plate that is attached to a bottom surface of the main body portion. The main body portion includes a torque rod support portion which supports a torque rod coupled to a power unit. The torque rod support portion has a first shaft support portion which supports one end of a shaft supporting the torque rod, a first opening portion into which the torque rod is able to be inserted, and a second opening portion which is formed below the first shaft support portion. The reinforcement plate has a second shaft support portion supporting the other end of the shaft and covers the second opening portion from below.