This summer the Baselodge team had the privilege of attending a sales meeting for Chicago White Metal, the die casting manufacturer that we represent. In these meetings, we learned about the many innovative advantages Chicago White Metal has to offer their customers. Since this was my first exposure to a sales meeting, I had a lot to soak up in such a short amount of time. Although there were many useful things that I learned during the meetings, I want to focus this article on some innovative software that Chicago White Metal has invested in.

The engineering department conducted one of the presentations, and they discussed what they are doing to minimize problems during the design and construction phase of a die. One of the ways they are achieving this is through the use of MagmaSoft© software. During the tooling production process there can be unforeseen problems with the die that can be costly and result in delays.  MagmaSoft© software can reduce the rework required and design optimal dies for castings. Chicago White Metal has invested in this product, and their skilled engineers have become very familiar with this tool.

How does MagmaSoft© work? The software can create a realistic simulation that shows the engineers on the project how the material will be distributed in the die, and allows them to evaluate any weak spots with the design.  Some of the properties that this software evaluates are air entrapment, air pressure, and hot spots. MagmaSoft© is a powerful tool because it simulates a die casting process showing filling and pouring, squeezing, heating and cooling circuits, and spraying and blowing. The video below of a flow simulation comes from CWM, and it will help illustrate how the software works, and how it can forecast avoidable issues. This video demonstrates absolute velocity as the material fills the die.

Casting trials can be costly which can drive up the price of tooling for the customer. MagmaSoft© has created a way to cut down on cost and time through virtual casting trials. Although the up-front price might be more costly due to the price of the software, the overall price of the project will most likely be less, and the customer will have a manufacturable product. Chicago White Metal is celebrating 75 years of business this year. This leads me to believe that their investments in technology like MagmaSoft©, along with their knowledgeable engineers has much to do with their success for those many years.

Let Baselodge Group and CWM help you with your die casting needs. Feel free to contact me at kellen@baselodge.com.