Discussion on "Pressure die-castings" at the Manchester Section of the Institution

F. A. PUCKNELL (Section President, in the Chair) : In the most interesting paper to which we have listened very considerable information has been given on not only the method of producing pressure die-castings and the selection of the correct base for various functions but also the duty of the designer in taking advantage of the weight and cost reductions possible from the use of die-castings by giving due consideration in the initial stages of designing to the incorporation of such parts with consequent savings in manufacturing costs. The clean and pleasing appearance, strength and fine tolerances with which pressure die-castings can be produced should be carefully noted by designers and production engineers so that when quantity requirements economically permit, use should be made of them to the exclusion of other forms of materials not having such points of appeal. I am certain that in general engineering practice the field of application for die-castings has not been anything like sufficiently surveyed and that in many cases it would repay handsomely the full-time attention of a cost reduction engineer. I would enquire of the lecturer whether the application of a hard chromium surface to the dies has the effect of improving the resulting surface of the casting and lengthening the life of the die and whether this is standard practice ?