High Pressure Die Casting

Scope / Goals

Develop specifications for the communication between devices of a “High Pressure Die Casting Production Cell” and between the devices and systems outside of the production cell (e.g MES or ERP software systems).
The OPC UA companion specifications will replace the current interfaces (e.g. DISPO) and in particular include all device types used in die casting.
The three use cases

• Machine Identification,
• Machine Status and
• Alarms & Warnings

are adressed first, with extensions planned for use cases such as

• Process Data,
• Job Management,
• Automation and more.

About high pressure die casting (HPDC)

HPDC is characterized by its high efficiency and precision in the production of light metal castings compared to other manufacturing processes.
This fully automated process, which mainly uses aluminum, zinc and magnesium alloys, enables the production of thin-walled and highly complex ready to use components with excellent mechanical properties with relatively high output rate and low production costs.
The components are utilized across various industries, ranging from the smallest parts in the electronics or fittings industry to housings for vehicle transmissions, as well as structurally integrated large-scale batteries in the automotive sector.
An HPDC production cell essentially consists of a die casting machine with injection unit, die spraying device, tool heating and cooling devices, an optional vacuum device for the die, as well as a dosing furnace for the molten metal. Additionally, there is a diverse range of auxiliary equipment for handling, post-processing or transporting the cast parts.

Specification parts

The specification is split up into several parts. A first part includes the definition of “High Pressure Die Casting Devices” (Scope CS). A second part contains the common functionality, the interfaces and the modeling rules for “High Pressure Die Casting Devices” (Technical CS). Additionally, it defines common object types and data types for all “High Pressure Die Casting Devices”.
A list of devices, which should be standardized follows:

• High Pressure Die Casting Production Cell
• High Pressure Die Casting Machine
• High Pressure Die Casting Tool
• High Pressure Die Casting Plunger Lubrication System
• High Pressure Die Casting Furnace
• High Pressure Die Casting Dosing System
• High Pressure Die Casting Spraying System (Actuator)
• High Pressure Die Casting Spraying Head (Tool)
• High Pressure Die Casting Lubricant Mixing System
• High Pressure Die Casting Lubricant Delivery System
• High Pressure Die Casting Thermoregulation System
• High Pressure Die Casting Water Cooling System
• High Pressure Die Casting Jet-Cooling System
• High Pressure Die Casting Vacuum Tank, Pumps and Secondary Valves
• High Pressure Die Casting Vacuum Die Interface (Valve or Vent)
• High Pressure Die Casting Part Separation Systems Cells
• High Pressure Die Casting Trimming Press
• High Pressure Die Casting Trimming Press Tool
• High Pressure Die Casting Part Handling Robot
• High Pressure Die Casting Part Completeness Check System
• Conveyors in High Pressure Die Casting Cells