What Is the Difference Among Direct and Indirect Squeeze Casting

Imagine that you are in charge of an advanced manufacturing process, and you are now faced with a crucial decision to improve the quality of your automotive casting components.

The decision between direct and indirect squeeze casting methods is not only a choice but also a critical strategic movement for your project!

The primary difference between direct and indirect squeeze casting lies in the method of applying pressure. In direct squeeze casting, pressure is applied directly to the molten aluminum through a punch that acts as a part of the mould. In contrast, indirect squeeze casting involves applying pressure through a secondary medium, often a ram, which moves the molten aluminum into the cavity indirectly. This fundamental distinction affects the equipment used, the process parameters, and the resulting part quality.

To be more specific, direct and indirect squeeze casting comes with a great influence on product quality.

With our profound experience in the aluminum casting industry, we can choose the right method for each project, to improve the mechanical properties of the final products and maximize efficiency.

On this basis, let’s dig deeper into the two methods of squeeze casting.

Direct Squeeze Casting

Direct squeeze casting is highly valued in sectors that require high demands for material properties and part performance.

This process ensures the production of reliable and robust castings essential for critical applications such as automotive and aerospace industries.

What is Direct Squeeze Casting?

Direct squeeze casting involves pouring molten aluminum directly into a mould where it is then subjected to high pressure during solidification.

This process is particularly favored for manufacturing high-integrity, dense, and strength-oriented aluminum components.

direct-squeeze-casting

Direct Squeeze Casting Process

Heating the Aluminum: initially, the aluminum is melted to its appropriate liquid state, typically using a furnace that brings the aluminum to a specific temperature suitable for casting.

Pouring into the Mould: the molten aluminum is then carefully poured into a preheated Mould.Preheating the mould helps in managing the thermal characteristics of the aluminum and prevents premature solidification upon contact.

Applying Pressure: once the molten aluminum is in the mould, the hydraulic punch applies high and sustained pressure.

This pressure is maintained throughout the solidification process, ensuring that the metal fills all cavities of the mould and reduces the formation of porosity.

Cooling and Ejection: under pressure, the aluminum cools and solidifies rapidly.

The high pressure helps in achieving a dense microstructure.

Once the aluminum is solid, the part is ejected from the mould.

Equipment Used in Direct Squeeze Casting

Furnace: used for melting the aluminum to the required temperature.

Transfer Ladle: used to transport and pour the molten aluminum into the mould.

Hydraulic Press: equipped with temperature-controlled mould and punch, this press applies the necessary pressure to the molten aluminum in the mould, which is crucial for the direct squeeze casting process.

Characteristics of Direct Squeeze Casting

Reduced Shrinkage and Warping: the application of pressure during the solidification phase of the casting process could help to minimize shrinkage and warping.

This could be especially beneficial for making the large, flat, or structurally complex castings which could be easily deformed during the casting process by the traditional methods.

Cost-Effectiveness: direct squeeze casting could make near-net shape manufacturing possible, which could reduce the needs for extensive machining and finishing processes.

This could not only reduce material wastage but also lower the production costs. making it a suitable solution for large-scale manufacturing.

Quick Production Cycle: this process could achieve faster production cycles than many traditional casting methods due to the simultaneous application of heat and pressure, which could accelerate the solidification process.

This rapid production capability could make high-volume manufacturing possible within the shorter lead times.

Indirect Squeeze Casting

The indirect squeeze casting is very suitable for applications, where the structural integrity of the complex parts is very important, such as aerospace, automotive, machinery, and high-end electronics industries.

It can provide the detail and quality level, which can meet the strictest industry standards, and keep the mechanical properties of the high-performance components.

What is Indirect Squeeze Casting?

Indirect squeeze casting combines the advantages of traditional casting with the mechanical benefits of forging under pressure.

Different from the direct squeeze casting, the molten aluminum is not poured into the mould directly.

Instead, it is injected into the mould through a secondary chamber by using the ram.

At CEX Casting, we utilize this technique to produce aluminum castings with porosity-free and superior mechanical properties.

indirect-squeeze-casting

Indirect Squeeze Casting Process

Melting the Aluminum: melting aluminum alloys to a specific temperature, ensuring its properties are optimal for casting.

Transferring to a Pressure Chamber: unlike direct squeeze casting, the molten aluminum is first transferred into a pressure chamber.

This step is critical for controlling the introduction of the molten aluminum into the mould.

Injecting into the Mould: by using a hydraulic ram, the molten aluminum is then injected from the pressure chamber into the mould.

The controlled environment reduces turbulence, ensuring a smooth flow and minimizing air entrapment.

Applying Pressure and Solidifying: after the molten aluminum fills the mould, pressure is applied and maintained throughout the solidification process.

Cooling and Ejection: the solidified casting is allowed to cool under pressure to achieve optimal physical characteristics. After cooling, the casting is ejected from the mould.

Equipment Used in Indirect Squeeze Casting

Furnaces: capable of consistently melting aluminum at controlled temperatures.

Transfer Ladle: used for handling and transferring molten aluminum to the pressure chamber.

Hydraulically Operated Pressure Chamber and Ram: these are critical for the accurate and controlled injection of molten aluminum into the mould.

Hydraulic Presse: specially configured for indirect squeeze casting, the press applies the necessary pressure to ensure flawless casting integrity.

Characteristics of Indirect Squeeze Casting

Reduced Porosity and Improved Density: the high pressure applied during the injection and solidification phases compacts the material, filling in potential voids and resulting in a denser and more uniform microstructure.

Reduced Turbulence and Air Entrapment: the controlled injection of molten aluminum from the pressure chamber to the mould minimizes turbulence, leading to fewer defects such as porosity and air pockets.

Superior Thermal Conductivity: due to the reduced porosity and increased density of the materials produced by indirect squeeze casting, the thermal conductivity of castings could be improved as well.

This could make indirect squeeze casting suitable for producing castings that require better heat dissipation properties, such as heat sinks and engine components.

Ability to Cast Complex Geometries: this method excels at producing parts with complex geometries and thin walls, which might be challenging with direct squeeze casting.

High Dimensional Accuracy: the precise control over metal flow and pressure results in castings with excellent dimensional accuracy, reducing the need for post-processing machining.

Advantages of Indirect Squeeze Casting Over Direct Squeeze Casting

Indirect squeeze casting offers several advantages over the direct method, particularly when dealing with complex or high-quality casting requirements.

At CEX Casting, we take the full advantage of indirect squeeze casting to guarantee the high quality and performance of our products.

Several benefits are matched with our production:

Control of Molten Aluminum Flow: the indirect squeeze casting can control the molten aluminum flow better.

It can push the molten aluminum into the mould by using the ram to make it fill the mould uniformly and controlled.

The controlled flow can reduce the defects and ensure the integrity of the final products, which is very suitable for castings with complex designs.

Reduced Turbulence: the indirect squeeze casting can reduce the turbulence, due to the molten aluminum being pushed through the controlled channel before entering the main cavity.

It is very important because it can reduce the risk of air entrapment and other defects caused by the turbulent flow, and improve the integrity of castings.

Uniform Pressure Distribution: the indirect squeeze casting can apply the pressure uniformly on the mould, which is beneficial for the production of geometrically complex parts.

It can guarantee the quality consistency of castings, and improve the mechanical property and structural integrity.

Flexibility in Mould Design: the indirect squeeze casting can separate the filling chamber from the mould cavity, which offers more flexibility for the mould design.

It is particularly suitable for castings with complex details or internal features, which is difficult to cast by the direct squeeze casting method.

At CEX Casting, we offer in-house mould design and production services, learn more.

Improved Mechanical Properties: because of the controlled filling and pressure application, the indirect squeeze casting can produce castings with better mechanical properties.

Additionally, our patented indirect squeeze casting machines are equipped with specially designed feeding systems to further control the formation of porosity and improve the mechanical properties of castings.

Less Metal Degradation: the indirect squeeze casting doesn’t need to pour the molten aluminum into the mould directly, so it can reduce the risk of metal oxidation or degradation.

This is particularly important when working with metals that are sensitive to oxidation or thermal degradation.

CEX Indirect Squeeze Casting

Equipment Capabilities

Squeeze Casting Machines: 300T~1100T
Material Normally Used: A356/A356.2/A380/A383/AlSi9Mg/AlSi10Mg/AlSi9Cu3
Weight: 50g~20kg
Maximum Size: 1.2m*0.8m
Wall Thickness: 4mm-15mm
Tolerance: blank ±0.2mm, ±0.05mm after machining

squeeze casting equipment

Mechanical Properties of Different Alloys

Alloy Type

Process Tensile Strength (MPa) Yield Strength (MPa) Elongation (%) Hardness (HB)

A356

Squeeze Casting 270 240 7-10 95-105

A356.2

Squeeze Casting 280 250 8-12 100-110

A380

Squeeze Casting 310 290 2-4 90-100
A383 Squeeze Casting 280 240 7-9

90-100

AlSi9Mg Squeeze Casting 250 220 10-12

85-95

AlSi10Mg Squeeze Casting 280 240 8-10

90-100

AlSi9Cu3 Squeeze Casting 290 250 7-9

95-105

Cases

At CEX Casting, we have successfully produced a variety of high-performance parts by the indirect squeeze casting method.

These parts usually come with complex shapes and high requirements for mechanical performance and are widely used in automotive, machinery, and fluid control fields, as shown in the figure below.

indirect squeeze casting parts

Conclusion

At CEX Casting, we adopt the indirect squeeze casting method to take advantage of its less turbulence and more uniform pressure distribution.

Each product we produce meets the highest standards of quality and performance, which is especially critical in demanding sectors like the automotive and aerospace industries where precision is paramount.

Through this advanced casting technique, we continue to lead in innovation and deliver solutions that not only meet but exceed our customers’ expectations.

For more details on our squeeze casting process and case studies, please get in touch with us.

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