The Technical Research On Squeeze Casting Of Magnesium Alloy Bearing Cage

Squeeze casting is a formation technique combining with casting and forging. Liquid metal solidifies under pressure condition in order to obtain high performance casts, which have fined structure, high performance and smooth surface. In this paper, squeeze casting process of magnesium alloy bearing cage is investigated by finite element simulation software. According to the results, numerical simulation can guide the design of mold and the optimum of production technology of squeeze casting of magnesium alloy bearing cage.To begin with, the mold of squeeze casting is designed. Level parting face is designed at the bottom of the cage. The punch shots top-down and liquid metal fills inversely. And simulation basic theory and analytical method of squeeze casting are analyzed. Interface method between SolidWorks and ProCAST software is researched deeply so that SM1+SM2=SM function model can be applied to simulate the punch shooting process, which overcomes the problem of data transferring between the two software. The file is transferred to MeshCAST modular to divide entity mesh to obtain the model used in the laboratory.Furthermore, filling and solidifying of squeeze casting process of magnesium alloy bearing cage was investigated to acquire the best technological parameters by ProCAST software through orthogonal test and defect analysis. The simulated results show that the optimized technological parameters are: casting temperature 710℃, die temperature 180℃, shot speed 25mm/s, specific pressure 200MPa, holding time 20s. Magnesium alloy bearing cage has good moldability under these parameters. The relationship between fill time, the solidification time and the die temperature, the shot speed is analyzed to establish mathematical models of the regularities of distribution of fill time and solidification time according to numerical analysis and C++ program.Experimental examination has certificated the simulated result optimized by adopting the technological parameters above. Computer simulating can be used in technology optimization of squeeze casting of magnesium, developing production reasonably, reducing cycle of production, decreasing the production cost and the risk, increasing the property, and finally achieving the aims of the enhancement of competitive ability of squeeze casting market.