Die-Shot Monitor: Plunger Position
It is the plunger that does the hard physical work of forcing molten metal into the cavity, so it is important to measure its position at each point in time as it is making the shot.
When the pour hole in the shot sleeve has been closed, that defines the start of a new shot. Die-Shot then makes over 1000 measurements per second of the plunger position, so a typical shot will have about 3000 measurements.
Die-Shot displays a chart showing the position of the plunger as the shot progresses. This screen is also used to set and record critical parameters such as
- Start of a new shot
- Position to switch Vacuum ON
- Position for Quick Vacuum ON
- Position where Fast Speed is ON
- Position where Quick Vacuum is switched OFF
- Position of Cavity Fill
Biscuit Length
The length of the biscuit (or 'slug') at the start of the runner, is an important parameter for assessing the quality of a cold chamber Die Casting. A short biscuit is an indication the the die has 'flashed'. Variability in biscuit length is a measure of the ladle filling accuracy.
With Die-Shot you can specify a minimum length and a maximum length and set an 'Alarm' to warn you when it is outside these values. This alarm will display as a Red Light on the plunger position screen and also on the main Control Screen.
Plunger Position Sensors
Hotflo has a range of plunger sensors so you can choose the one that best suits your machines.They are suitable for both Hot Chamber and Cold Chamber Die Casting machines, including:
- Optical Position Sensors (laser light, no moving parts)
- Magnetic Position Sensors (no moving parts)
- Draw String Position Sensors (low cost
Proximity Switch Operation
It is also possible to operate four of the Die-Shot modules without a plunger position sensor, but a Proximity Switch or Limit Switch instead. This applies to the Cavity Pressure, Ejection Force, Vacuum and Duct Clean modules. This enables a quick, simple set-up as you might require for a portable Die-Shot system.
The Die-Shot system is very flexible, easy to use, and a vital tool to control your process.