Zinc Diecasting Conference 2010

“Design for the future”
 
The second international conference on zinc die casting took place in Vienna on 23-24 September 2010, gathering about 70 participants from more than ten countries

Outstanding papers were presented by the leading experts in zinc die-casting, covering the latest research and development findings in die casting alloys and technologies and reviewing the evolution and opportunities provided by the main end-use markets, drawing attention of all participants to the benefits of using zinc alloys in applications such as: automotive, building, electric/electronic and advanced applications (medical, space, etc.).

PROGRAMME:

Click here to open/download the detailed programme of the whole event

PROCEEDINGS:

Click here to get immediate and free access to the proceedings

PICTURES:

Click here to get access to the pictures of the conference and of the competition award ceremony

ZINC DIE CASTING INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION:

For the first time in Europe, IZA organized in the frame of the Conference an International zinc die casting competition. "Design for the future" was also the guiding theme of this competition, awarding submissions in 4 market segments categories: automotive, construction, electrical/electronics and applications in high-tech sectors (medical, space, energy production).

All submitted parts were evaluated by an independent expert jury with regard to quality, innovation and cost savings when compared to other processes.
The award ceremony took place during te gala dinner of the conference in the magnificent Daun Kinsky Palais in Vienna.

Prices were awarded to:

DYNACAST AUSTRIA, represented by Mr. Ungerhofer, in the category ‘automotive equipment'
for their steering column housing. The design and use of complex tooling allowed avoiding multiple operations while excellent gating control permitted to achieve the specified mechanical tolerances

FÖHL, represented by Mr. Schwab, in the category ‘building and construction equipment' for a fully casted fitting with thread for pressed air contributor. This part is an excellent example of brass substitution. Redesigning the whole concept allowed to turn to casting technology and to produce the screw thread directly, as cast, without secondary operation (split core technology).

SIOBRA, represented by Mr. Fiumana, in the category ‘electric and electronic equipment', for a new connector. This example highlights the benefits of a close cooperation between the diecaster and its customer. In this case, a modern assembling technology was applied, replacing the screw by a new clipping system and providing a way to avoid creep. This excellent product is the result of a perfect knowledge of tooling and casting.

DIPL.-ING SIEGFRIED MÜLLER, represented by Mr. Abel, in the category ‘advanced applications' for an o cclusal bite holder block , used in dentistry in the 3 D X-ray diagnostic device "Galileo". This part was achieved with an outstanding surface quality, providing a very good example of the potential for development in new demanding niche markets like medical sector.

Two additional prizes were awarded

The special prize of the jury to:
HDO Druckguss-und Oberflächentechnik, represented by Mr. Schäffers, for its car central console, a masterpiece composed of 6 parts showing same surface quality and appearance, fingers print free. This example highlights the large know-how and expertise of the company to conceive, design and produce perfect parts through outstanding control of each step and parameters involved in the full process i.e. from design to final part.

The special prize ‘New technology – design for the future' to:
Havelländische Zinkdruckguss GmbH ( HZD), represented by Mr. Schönberg, who presented the ‘Zincopor-technology' as as a breakthrough in “how to make light weight parts with heavy metal”. This technology allows to produce die cast parts, such as the presented canister vacuum steering wheel, showing fully sealed surfaces like for traditional castings, but with a stable foam structure inside, which makes it easier, lighter and cheaper products.

Sponsorship :

This event was kindly sponsored by Dynacast, Nyrstar, Frech and Grillo.