The HardALU project is supported by the European Union. This project is an alternative to High Pressure Die Casting (HDPC), which requires heat treatment to ensure that the entire part surface achieves a homogeneous temperature, and that the entire part is The temperature difference in the surface area must not exceed 3 degrees Celsius.
Fluidized bed technology
For the automotive industry, high-performance lightweight aluminum components are extremely important and can replace heavier cast iron parts, which are often used in engine casings to achieve weight reduction. However, such parts cannot be processed using conventional heat treatment processes (blistering). For this reason, such parts are usually made heavy.
The core of the HardALU process is a fluidized bed solution, which only takes 7-10 minutes to make the temperature of the large engine casing reach 490-540 degrees Celsius, and its heat transfer rate must be 3-4 times that of conventional forced ventilation technology.
The project coordinator Mr. Jaume Tort recalled: "The fluidization process of the fine sand particles has become the biggest challenge for the project. To this end, the researchers conducted a lot of tests and corrections. Finally, at Carlos III University of Madrid, Spain, With the help, we finally got the correct fluidization calibration value. "
From the perspective of environmental protection, with this technology, each part can be processed by heat treatment that was previously unattainable, thereby reducing its thickness and weight, thereby reducing vehicle fuel consumption and ultimately reducing vehicle carbon dioxide emissions. In addition, as processing time is shortened, power consumption during manufacturing will also be reduced.
The system is currently deployed in customer facilities and is undergoing rigorous industrial-grade application testing. It will also be provided to potential customers for technical demonstrations in the future.
Tort said: "It is very exciting that this technology will promote the application of its aluminum die casting in structural parts. For example, this type of structural part includes vehicle suspension, which is currently used in Made of pure steel. Fluidized bed technology is an important technological breakthrough that can reduce the thickness of complex parts. It relies on efficient heat treatment to ensure its strength and reliability. "