Advantages and Disadvantages of Squeeze Casting

I. What is Squeeze Casting?

Squeeze casting is a process where ​high mechanical pressure​ is applied to liquid (or semi-solid) metal flowing slowly into a squeeze mold/die cavity. This enables the metal to form, solidify, and undergo plastic deformation under pressureto produce dense, high-performance castings.

It is classified by:

• ​Pressure direction: Divided into ​direct squeeze casting​ (pressure applied directly to the melt) and ​indirect squeeze casting​ (pressure transmitted via the melt pool) (Fig. 8-15).

• ​Mold orientation: Categorized into ​vertical squeeze casting​ (vertical injection + vertical parting) and ​horizontal squeeze casting​ (vertical injection + horizontal parting) (Fig. 2).
  
  
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II. Why Squeeze Casting?

It aligns with the automotive lightweighting trend of ​​“aluminum-for-steel”​​ and ​​“casting-for-forging”​, combining casting’s high efficiency/low costwith forging’s superior mechanical properties.

III. Advantages of Squeeze Casting

1. ​More Precise Products & Superior Mechanical Properties​

   Vertical injection minimizes air entrapment and porosity, enhancing density and precision. The small shot sleeve aspect ratio reduces heat loss and cold shuts, improving yield. High-pressure solidification yields finer grains and a denser microstructure—outperforming die casting in mechanical properties, with overall performance close to forging.

2. ​Higher Dimensional Accuracy & Clearer Contours​

   High pressure ensures tight tolerances and smooth part geometries.

3. ​Faster Production & Lower Costs​

   Automated squeeze/hydraulic presses boost efficiency. Mass production cuts costs, with a typical cycle time of ​1–3 minutes.

4. ​Energy Efficiency & Reduced Post-Processing​

   Eliminates waste from gating systems and minimizes secondary machining, lowering expenses.

5. ​Wider Material Compatibility​

   Suitable for non-ferrous alloys, ferrous metals, and metal matrix composites (MMCs).

IV. Disadvantages of Squeeze Casting

1. ​Product Quality Stability Needs Improvement​

   As a newer process with limited historical research, some manufacturers still face consistency challenges during exploration.

2. ​High Initial Investment​

   Costs for squeeze equipment, mold design, alloy selection, and release agents are substantial.

3. ​Process Refinement Required​

   Testing issues demand holistic analysis (e.g., process parameters, upstream materials)—cannot rely solely on changing raw materials.

4. ​Immature Upstream Auxiliary Materials​

   Key materials (e.g., alloys, release agents) still need optimization:

   • Common water-based die casting release agents fail at prolonged high temperatures, causing sticking/carbon buildup.

   • Graphite release agents emit toxic smoke and are hard to clean (non-compliant with environmental rules).

   • ​Powdered water-based release agents​ (e.g., Kemi’s squeeze casting release agents) solve this: they offer high-temperature resistance, strong release force, and safe/clean operation—improving workshop hygiene and part density while reducing sticking/yellowing/cold shuts.

5. ​Unsuitable for Thin-Walled Parts​

   Best for thick-walled castings (3–40 mm); poor performance with thin sections.

For more information about Advantages and Disadvantages of Squeeze Casting or die-casting auxiliary materials, and if you need customized die-casting release agent, please contact 15021483232 (same as Wechat)