Structural diecasting components are increasingly popular for the automotive industry. Currently, they are proving their strengths above all with upper class cars such as the Audi A8, the BMW series 7 or the Mercedes S class. Foundries that want to take advantage of this development must have the appropriate know-how and suitable facilities.
In car manufacturing, an increasing number of structural components such as shock towers (fig.1) are being implemented. They can be used to replace multiple individual components, thereby substantially lowering the weight of the car. Lightweight construction is significant for hybrid and new electric vehicles coming to market – the additional weight of batteries and the electric motor for hybrids can be substantially offset by replacing steel structures with aluminium diecastings. The market for structural components has already multiplied over the past five years. At the same time, manufacturing costs were decreased by approximately 20 per cent; however, OEMs suggest that an additional 20-30 per cent cost reduction is required to make these parts viable for high volume vehicles (fig.2).
Potential for reducing costs
Within the entire process chain, there are various parameters that could reduce costs. For example, the wall thickness of components could be reduced, secondary alloys could be developed, and the expenses incurred with heat treatments could be reduced.
Encouraging results were achieved with reducing wall thickness. For some components, wall thickness has already been reduced by 20 per cent – while adhering to all mechanical requirements.
“Approximately 40 per cent of the costs of components are for materials. Our estimate shows that approximately 10 per cent of the total costs could be saved if thinner walls could be consistently achieved,” explains Hermann Roos, structural process manager for Bühler Die Casting. “However, reduced wall thickness brings new challenges for diecasting as well as for die production and downstream processes. For example, process fluctuations have an even greater effect on the quality of components. Thinner wall structural parts require close co-operation between the car manufacturer and the foundries with extensive know-how.”
The recent development work of the alloy manufacturers shows encouraging performance of secondary aluminium used for structural components. “We anticipate that secondary alloys will be used in the coming years for automotive body parts”, says Roos. “A substantial advantage, beyond the positive environmental impact, is the lower overall material price.”
Costs can also be lowered if the heat treatment is simplified and/or eliminated. “New alloys offer impressive mechanical properties without heat treatment,” added Roos. “However, these alloys are still being validated by the automotive industry.”
Knowledge leads to greater success
As the diecasting industry continues to develop, three criteria are the focus: short cycle times, high uptime and reliable part quality. More information about this is provided by the overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Optimising the OEE of the diecasting cell requires in-depth process knowledge. This expertise helps engineers quickly find the proper parameters to adjust in order to reach higher output. This is particularly true when casting challenging components like structural parts. “Of course high performance facilities are required, but above all, customers need the know-how we are happy to share with them,” states Roos. “Beyond that, we have a comprehensive portfolio of products and services throughout the entire manufacturing process.” See fig.3.
Defining and selecting the most suitable production process is a crucial step – depending on the components to be manufactured, that is why Bühler works together with the customer to determine not only the suitable diecasting machine and the required peripheral devices, but also to determine the corresponding parameters to ensure optimal production levels. “We also support diecasters by providing professional services such as die design, die cooling and filling simulations,” added Roos. Bühler offers an extensive range of courses at its technology centre or at the customer’s facility. In summary, Roos states: “I think that is also what our customers value – in addition to maintenance and service, we work with them towards process optimisation over the long term.”
Co-operating for the structural process
For further developing structural components, especially as they are applied to high volume product lines, co-operation across the industry is essential. This begins with the development of the BIW (body in white) at automotive manufacturers. “It is conceivable, for example, to provide designers with additional training in designing components for casting”, says Roos, pointing out an option for how structural components could soon become distributed more widely in motor vehicles. But the rest of the industry is also called on to work on making the diecasting process more attractive, thus improving its competitive position versus other processes.
Contact: Hermann Roos, structural process manager, Bühler AG, CH-9240 Uzwil, Switzerland. Tel: +41 71 955 30 76, email: [email protected] [email protected]www.buhlergroup.com/die-casting
To view the figures mentioned in this article, please refer to the printed version of Foundry Trade Journal.