Light Metals Technologies Ranshofen (LKR), a subsidiary of Austria’s largest research and technology organization AIT (Austrian Institute of Technology), is co-exhibiting at this year’s HANNOVER MESSE with Upper Austrian Research, this federal state’s leading research institute. Among LKR’s exhibits at the joint stand is its latest breakthrough – the K–DAK 1100–112 cold-chamber die-casting machine that is set to add the finishing touch to the center’s industrial casting portfolio.

The fully automated casting cell falls perfectly in line with LKR’s current research focus on developing and optimizing alloys and processes relating to aluminum and magnesium. One key objective is to extend mold service life by using molds that have been produced using additive manufacturing techniques in combination with a more effective cooling system and optimized spraying process. As part of their research, the cold-chamber die-casting machine will produce die-cast aluminum parts with a casting weight of up to 20 kg on a semi-industrial scale. Boasting a locking force of up to 12,000 kN and a form height of up to 1,200 mm, the machine can produce structural die-cast parts in corresponding sizes. What’s more, there are plans to expand the casting cell throughout 2018 to include a magnesium metering system and smelting system.