Browsing by Author "Plaza, L.M."
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Item Aluminium Foam and Magnesium Compound Casting Produced by High-Pressure Die Casting(2016-01-15) Vicario, Iban; Crespo, Ignacio; Plaza, L.M.; Caballero, Patricia; Idoiaga, Ion Kepa; PROMETAL; Tecnalia Research & InnovationNowadays, fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions are two of the main focal points in vehicle design, promoting the reduction in the weight of vehicles by using lighter materials. The aim of the work is to evaluate the influence of different aluminium foams and injection parameters in order to obtain compound castings with a compromise between the obtained properties and weight by high-pressure die cast (HPDC) using aluminium foams as cores into a magnesium cast part. To evaluate the influence of the different aluminium foams and injection parameters on the final casting products quality, the type and density of the aluminium foam, metal temperature, plunger speed, and multiplication pressure have been varied within a range of suitable values. The obtained compound HPDC castings have been studied by performing visual and RX inspections, obtaining sound composite castings with aluminium foam cores. The presence of an external continuous layer on the foam surface and the correct placement of the foam to support injection conditions permit obtaining good quality parts. A HPDC processed magnesium-aluminium foam composite has been developed for a bicycle application obtaining a suitable combination of mechanical properties and, especially, a reduced weight in the demonstration part.Item New strategy for the optimal design and manufacture of high performance milling heads(2011) Bustillo, A.; Plaza, L.M.; Rodriguez, M.; Tecnalia Research & InnovationHigh-performance mechanical-transmission heads are one of the most complex, costly and problematic parts of a milling machine, owing to the large amount of piping required for transporting fluids and to the high level of mechanical performance that is required from them. This study proposes a strategy for optimising the design and manufacture of head bodies by using aluminium alloys and by integrating tubular stainless steel inserts in the casting of the head. These tubular inserts that are integrated into the aluminium mass are an alternative to cooling conduits currently made by machine drilling. As demonstrated in the experimental validation of the first prototype, the new method has created a design that retains the same mechanical performance, increases its reliability and reduces the weight of the milling machine’s moving parts.