Process optimization and basis for new activities. Digitization in the die casting technology

The terms "Digitization" and "Industry 4.0", which are continuously mentioned in the media, stand, simply said, for the networking of machines and processes with information and communication technologies that transmit and process large amounts of data at high speed. A key role here is played by the internet. The "Forum Industrie 4.0" organized by the German Engineering Federation VDMA explains on its homepage that digitalization will affect and shape all sectors of industry. The forum, in which the national foundry industry is represented by the VDMA/BDG working group “Gießerei 4.0” (Foundry 4.0), offers publications also in English on Industry 4.0 and points out that the one right solution does not exist: “Be it a revolution or an evolutionary process – each and every company must find its path to Industry 4.0” [1]. Thus, also die casting foundries are faced with the question of which digitization activities make individual sense in order to work more cost-efficiently, to remain competitive and to be able to offer new services and added values.

Digitization of production

Suppliers to the die casting industry provide digital technology that makes the most of machinery performance. According to Stuart Bashford, who is responsible for the digitization strategy of the die casting machine construction company Bühler, many of the company's customers are interested in digitization activities that can reduce unplanned downtime – and the financial losses linked to it: "Using our machine-learning algorithms, for example, we can predict where and when failures will occur. This enables customers to schedule maintenance activities around production schedules without interruption." [2] Bühler's "Predictive Analytics" method is based on the analysis of data which are supplied from various sensors installed inside a die casting cell and enables to monitor the performance in real-time. Anomalies, poor performance and developments are revealed and it is possible to predict where a failure is likely to occur before it actually occurs. The data analysis can be carried out in the cloud made available from Bühler or in the user’s own network [3]. For all types of die casting machines, the Cast Quality Control System (CQC) from Electronics GmbH is suitable, for example. The universally applicable measuring and monitoring system is also based on sensors that are installed at certain points of the die casting cell and measure various functions such as the clamping cylinder pressure, the plunger movements, the movements of the mould during the injection process and the deairing of die casting tools. Via the clamping cylinder pressure, e.g., it is possible to control the clamping force and to keep it constant with the result that the mould and machine load is uniform. The machine and process data collected by sensors during production provide not only indications of the technical condition of production systems, but ultimately help to optimize and sustainably increase the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

Digitizing die cast components

The Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM concentrates, among other things, on combining die cast components with digitization technologies. The "Casttronics Technology" developed by IFAM includes RFID transponders which are cast directly into die cast components made from aluminium and a software which can be used to read out, manage and analyze the transponder data. This makes it possible to permanently mark parts, to protect them against plagiarism and to follow the entire "supply chain" of the parts from manufacture through use to recycling [4].

Holistic way of thinking

In order to be able to optimally use digital technologies in a die casting foundry, its business operations must be holistically captured by figures. This includes transforming data into knowledge, understanding interrelationships and utilising the findings for the manufacturing process [5]. Franz-Josef Wöstmann, Head of Department Casting Technology and Lightweight Construction at the IFAM, goes yet another step further and recommends foundrymen to use Industry 4.0 as a basis for additional new activities. In an interview he said that only if one can use the data also for further functions and user benefits after the production, he will be able to differentiate himself from the market. For this purpose, it is necessary to understand the data that can be obtained, for example, from components, and to use the interface with customers as a platform for new services. The afore-mentioned "Casttronics technology" and the associated digitization of the die cast components also open up the opportunity to exploit their data and to extend the value chain [4].

The trade fair EUROGUSS 2020

An insight into the state-of-the-art in pressure die casting and suggestions as to how die casting foundries can strengthen and expand their market position, but also around resource efficiency and environmental protection, will be provided at the EUROGUSS 2018 –International Trade Fair for  Die Casting: Technology, Processes, Products in Nuremberg, Germany, 14–16 January 2020. The EUROGUSS family includes EUROGUSS trade fair as well as the non-European die casting trade fairs China Die Casting, Alucast in India, EUROGUSS Asia Pacific in Thailand and EUROGUSS Mexico.