An injection device of a light metal injection molding machine includes: a first inert gas storage part creating an inert gas atmosphere around a plunger insertion port of an injection cylinder; a second inert gas storage part housing surplus molten metal in a melting cylinder and creating an inert gas atmosphere above the molten metal; and a first pressure adjustment part adjusting a pressure in the first inert gas storage part to a pressure equal to or less than a pressure obtained by adding a pressure, which is determined based on a value obtained by multiplying a specific gravity of the molten metal by a height difference between a highest position and a lowest position of the molten metal in a part that includes the inside of the injection cylinder and communicates with the inside of the injection cylinder, and a pressure in the second inert gas storage part.

An injection device of a light metal injection molding machine includes: a first inert gas storage part creating an inert gas atmosphere around a plunger insertion port of an injection cylinder; a second inert gas storage part housing surplus molten metal in a melting cylinder and creating an inert gas atmosphere above the molten metal; and a first pressure adjustment part adjusting a pressure in the first inert gas storage part to a pressure equal to or less than a pressure obtained by adding a pressure, which is determined based on a value obtained by multiplying a specific gravity of the molten metal by a height difference between a highest position and a lowest position of the molten metal in a part that includes the inside of the injection cylinder and communicates with the inside of the injection cylinder, and a pressure in the second inert gas storage part.

A light metal injection molding machine includes a melting unit, a material supply device, and an inert gas supplier. The material supply device includes a supply cylinder and a lower shutter. The supply cylinder includes a passage which communicates vertically, a supply opening disposed on an upper side of the passage and to which a molding material is fed, and a discharge opening which is disposed on a lower side of the passage and discharges the molding material to a material supply port of the melting unit. The lower shutter is disposed in the supply cylinder to open and close the passage, and the molding material is placed on the lower shutter when the passage is closed. The lower shutter has at least one vent-hole that allows an inert gas supplied from below the lower shutter to pass when the passage is closed.

A light metal injection molding machine includes a melting unit, a material supply device, and an inert gas supplier. The material supply device includes a supply cylinder and a lower shutter. The supply cylinder includes a passage which communicates vertically, a supply opening disposed on an upper side of the passage and to which a molding material is fed, and a discharge opening which is disposed on a lower side of the passage and discharges the molding material to a material supply port of the melting unit. The lower shutter is disposed in the supply cylinder to open and close the passage, and the molding material is placed on the lower shutter when the passage is closed. The lower shutter has at least one vent-hole that allows an inert gas supplied from below the lower shutter to pass when the passage is closed.

A shot sleeve assembly for use in the high pressure die casting of aluminum silicon alloys containing 0.40% maximum Fe is also disclosed. The shot sleeve assembly includes a shot sleeve including a pouring hole and a bushing assembly. The bushing assembly includes a refractory metal tube constructed of erosion resistant material surrounded by a bushing of conventional tool steel. The tube includes an opening and an impingement site located opposite the opening. The bushing includes an opening aligned with the opening of the tube, and an end plate. The bushing assembly is readily removed and inserted into the shot sleeve such that the openings of the bushing assembly align with the pouring hole of the shot sleeve. A method of replacing an impingement site of a shot sleeve with an erosion resistant material is also disclosed.

A shot sleeve assembly for use in the high pressure die casting of aluminum silicon alloys containing 0.40% maximum Fe is also disclosed. The shot sleeve assembly includes a shot sleeve including a pouring hole and a bushing assembly. The bushing assembly includes a refractory metal tube constructed of erosion resistant material surrounded by a bushing of conventional tool steel. The tube includes an opening and an impingement site located opposite the opening. The bushing includes an opening aligned with the opening of the tube, and an end plate. The bushing assembly is readily removed and inserted into the shot sleeve such that the openings of the bushing assembly align with the pouring hole of the shot sleeve. A method of replacing an impingement site of a shot sleeve with an erosion resistant material is also disclosed.

A foundry casting system and process employs an inert gas delivery and recovery system for casting parts which results in cast parts having improved metalurgical characteristics. The system may be employed in sand, die casting, semi-permanent and permanent casting environments. Pressurized inert gas may be diffused into the mold before, during and after the metal pouring step. The resulting casting is free from oxides and dissolved hydrogen gas as they are removed from the mold cavity. This results in higher quality castings as well as increased production output due to faster cooling cycles.

A foundry casting system and process employs an inert gas delivery and recovery system for casting parts which results in cast parts having improved metalurgical characteristics. The system may be employed in sand, die casting, semi-permanent and permanent casting environments. Pressurized inert gas may be diffused into the mold before, during and after the metal pouring step. The resulting casting is free from oxides and dissolved hydrogen gas as they are removed from the mold cavity. This results in higher quality castings as well as increased production output due to faster cooling cycles.

According to a first embodiment, a molten metal transferring system is provided. The system includes a device capable of lifting molten metal from a bath to a launder at varying quantity per unit of time. The system includes a sensor, such as a laser, arranged to monitor molten metal flow in the launder. The launder further includes a removeable insert facilitating, reversible modification of a cross-sectional area of the launder.

According to a first embodiment, a molten metal transferring system is provided. The system includes a device capable of lifting molten metal from a bath to a launder at varying quantity per unit of time. The system includes a sensor, such as a laser, arranged to monitor molten metal flow in the launder. The launder further includes a removeable insert facilitating, reversible modification of a cross-sectional area of the launder.