Prediction and validation of shape distortions in the simulation of high pressure die casting

The use of the thermomechanical simulation is very infrequent in the metal casting industry although the associated results are really useful for the manufacturing process. The main reasons are the complexity, the long calculation times and the difficulties to interpret the results. The parts manufactured by metal casting processes cool from its filling temperature to ambient, which causes a certain stress-strain state. Although the stress levels might be significant, the main worry of the foundrymen is usually the shape distortion. That is, the mismatches between the desired dimensions and the real ones. The problem is that the results obtained from numerical simulation are not directly useful to cover this industrial necessity. This work presents the prediction obtained using the thermomechanical simulation for the final dimensions of a component manufactured in aluminium alloy by high pressure die casting (HPDC) and its validation with the final dimensions of the manufactured component. The methodology established to forecast the mismatches with the reference geometry is also detailed, as it may be useful to encourage the use of this type of simulation in the metal casting industry.