A Guide to Correcting Soldering

Soldering of aluminum die casting alloys to the die has been a continuing problem in the die casting industry. Soldering is a die casting defect in which aluminum alloy sticks to the die surface during the die casting process. Corrective action to reduce or eliminate soldering requires attention to several factors.

This publication focuses on the theory and development of soldering as it occurs between the die steel and aluminum alloy. This problem can easily cause an interruption in the die casting operation. It can be a serious problem when it occurs and is affected by a number of variables/factors including the composition of the aluminum alloy, velocity and location of the entering stream and the effects of different coatings that are applied to the die surfaces. Effects of these and other variables are described and methods to reduce the occurrence of soldering are provided.