Gating Manual

NORTH AMERICAN DIE CASTING ASSOCIATION

Publication # 512
 Although great care has been taken to provide accurate and current information, neither the author(s)
nor the publisher, nor anyone else associated with this publication, shall be liable for any loss, damage
or liability directly or indirectly caused or alleged to be caused by this book. The material contained
herein is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any specific situation.
Any opinions expressed by the author(s) are not necessarily those of NADCA.

Trademark notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered trademarks and are used
only for identification and explanation without intent to infringe nor endorse the product or corporation.

© 2006 by North American Die Casting Association, Arlington Heights, Illinois. All Rights Reserved.

Neither this book nor any parts may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, microfilming, and recording, or by any information
storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
 Gating Manual
By: Mike Ward

Introduction 2

4
Gating Design Flow Chart
Chapter 1 Determine the Casting Quality Requirements 5

Chapter 2 Determine the Flow Pattern & Location of the Ingates & Outgates 9

Chapter 3 Determine the Segment Volumes, Cavity Fill Time, and Cavity Metal Flow Rate 19

Chapter 4 Match the Process to the Flow Rate 25

Chapter 5 Determine the Ingate Parameters and Check for Atomized Flow. 27

Chapter 6 Do a PQ2 analysis if desired 35

Chapter 7 Design the Fan and Tangential Runners 43

Chapter 8 Design the Overflows and Vents 61

Chapter 9 Simulation 67

References 69
2 NADCA GATING MANUAL
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 3

Introduction
The die casting die is the heart of the die casting process. Good gating design is essential for making good
parts and leads the way to successful die casting. Conversely, poor gating design makes poor parts and
contributes to the struggles in lowering scrap and meeting operational objectives. This manual describes
what the engineer needs to know to develop a successful die casting gate design. The final gating design
includes a complete set of information and drawings that the tool designer or toolmaker will use to construct
the gating system in the die. There is a lot of thought and calculations that go into developing gating
designs. The best designs come from die casting experience, NADCA gating formulas, and the guidelines
presented in this text. Gating design takes engineering effort and time. However, the time invested yields
higher quality castings and shop floor productivity.
This text is intended for the process engineer, the tooling engineer, the die designer, the toolmaker, the
production supervisor or whoever has input into the gate design. The more people in the organization who are
on the same page for gating theory and practice, the better for a plant’s success. Much of the information will
concern cold chamber aluminum machines, since this comprises most of the world’s die casting activity. However,
the gating techniques presented in this text apply to the zinc and magnesium alloys as well.
Gating design is interactive with the process. Choices made in selecting the process factors will
influence the gate design. Tradeoffs are made in the developing the gating system to fit the plant’s processes.
The analysis is done many times until the best and hopefully most robust design is achieved that works with
the process factors chosen.
For example, selecting a gate area cannot be done properly without knowing the expected shot
speed and plunger size; and this cannot be determined without knowing the desired fill time; and the fill time
cannot be determined without knowing the quality requirements for the part and the machine capabilities.
Changing one of these factors can affect the others.
The gating design effort includes selection of the flow pattern, the geometry and location of the ingates,
runners, overflows, and vents. It also includes the development of the process parameters. If all is done right, then first
shot success is expected with the process parameters very close to those calculated in the gating analysis.
Other factors not considered in the gate design calculations are also important for casting quality.
For example, if the die runs too hot or too cold due to spray conditions, cycle time, water flow, hot oil
temperature, etc., or the process runs with an inconsistent cycle time, then the best gate design in the world
may not work. Even though these factors affect the casting quality, sometimes the gate design is considered
at fault when defects occur. Thus, a gate design that has the right shape, that is in the right location, and
has a good flow pattern, may not generate the expected quality if one or more of the other process factors
are out of control. Changing the gate design is not always the answer to the problem, though some shops
change the gate design as a way to solve almost all kinds of problems. For the designer, this means that
the whole process needs to be examined before developing a gate design, and that the best results are
obtained when the designer knows and makes allowances for the operational practices of the shop where
the die is to be run.
The calculations presented have been used for some time. The formulas and guidelines are based on
empirical data and the results are e successful especially when compared to the “let’s try this” technique.
It is tempting to short cut some of the methods presented, especially when they take more time and
effort than past practice. However, these techniques have been proven to be effective and are always
better if done carefully and completely. Every effort should be made to obtain missing information such
as a good definition of the casting quality requirements or machine performance information and to do
the gate design as a thorough engineering project. This approach may cost more initially, but will always
prove to be substantially cheaper in the long run when all costs are considered. Seat of the pants or trial
and error strategies are expensive and may never achieve scrap and operational efficiency goals.
4 NADCA GATING MANUAL

Small improvements in quality are critical in today’s market. Older methods may achieve a 5 to 10%
scrap rate, and may have been more than adequate for yesterday’s market. However, today’s market is a lot
tougher with slimmer margins and has little room for operational error in order to make a profit. Old methods
won’t cut it any more and better gating designs are needed to survive and succeed in today’s market.
Some believe that we cannot reach the very low levels of scrap without a lot of expensive trial and
error die development costs. However, those companies that track the real costs of die development that
comes from welding and re-cutting a gate or runner, will realize that the up front engineering costs of doing
a proper gate design are a real bargain.
The first gate design should also be the permanent or last design. Although this goal isn’t achieved
100%, it will be the case in the great majority of designs if the NADCA formulas and guidelines are
followed given that good equipment, good process control, and robust dies are also in place.

The Steps to a Good Gate Design

The following steps are used to develop a proper gate design:

1. Determine the casting quality requirements. Good gating designs start with knowledge of the customer
requirements.

2. Determine the intended flow pattern and the ingate and the outgate locations. Visualize the flow of the
metal through the die. Segment the casting and determine the desired flow angles.

3. Determine segment volumes, the cavity fill time, and metal flow rate for each segment and for the entire casting.

4. Define the process constraints of the machine(s) intended to run the part – fast shot velocity, plunger
sizes, and casting pressures. What are the plunger tip, pressure, fast shot velocity alternatives? Can
the intended machine deliver the desired flow rate and pressure?

5. For each casting segment determine the flow rate, the ingate velocity, the apparent ingate area, the
flow angle, the actual ingate area, and the ingate length and thickness. Check for atomized flow.
Check the results for the entire casting against the process limits. Redo the analysis until satisfied.

6. If desired do a PQ2 gating analysis.

7. Design the runner system to support the ingate(s) working back to the biscuit of sprue.

8. Design the vent and overflow system.

9. If desired turn the design over to the simulation software to fine tune the design. The simulator may
show flow patterns, hot and cold areas, and porous areas that were not visualized in Step 2.
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 5

Gating Design Flow Chart

Decide on Gate
Placement
Casting Controlled Machine Controlled

Determine the Cavity Divide the Gate into Generate PQ2 Diagram
Fill Time, “t” Gating Segments for the machine

Calculate Metal Flow Determine the Volume Generate PQ2 Diagram

Rate, of each Segment for the machine

Select Determine the Wall Select Gate Area

Gate Velocity, Gv Thickness, “T”, for Gating Purposes

Calculate Use Gt, vs. G1 for Ga Use overlays of PQ2

Gate Area and Ga, for Cd

NO NO
Atomized Flow?

YES

Establish Shot Speed

Specifications

Distribute the Gate Area

Onto the Casting Gating Complete
6 NADCA GATING MANUAL
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 7

Chapter 1
Step 1 – Determine the Casting Quality Requirements
Quality specifications

The designer needs to understand the customer’s casting quality specifications and how the part functions
in the application. How good does the finish have to be – plating quality, no cold flow, or some cold flow?
How important is porosity – leak test, some porosity in certain areas, or no porosity requirement? What
makes the part work in the application? What are the critical characteristics on the print?
To develop a good gate design, it is important that the casting specifications be defined as
completely as possible. In many cases the customer is not an expert in die casting and looks to the die
caster for guidance. Ideally, the die caster and customer make a joint effort to optimize the design and
quality specifications for the casting. A Design FMEA is useful in this endeavor and should be done for
every casting. After doing a Design FMEA changes are frequently made to make the casting design better
and all parties are on the same page for what is required to make the casting work in the application.
Old methods such as “dumping the design over the transom” forces the die caster to make assumptions
that can lead to sub-optimized gating designs resulting in sub-optimized production with high scrap rates,
misunderstandings, etc.
Sometimes quality specifications that are critical to the die caster seem insignificant to the customer.
For example, an upgrade in the requirements for surface finish or porosity may change the machine
needed, and will likely cause a change in the gating design. If this is discovered after the die is built and
many irrevocable decisions have been made, any changes will be expensive for everyone concerned. It is
incumbent for the die caster to ask the right questions.
There are two major defect problem areas in die casting -surface finish and porosity. Some
considerations for the designer about quality requirements in these areas are listed below:

Surface finish

Surface quality is always a concern and need to be considered in all gate designs. However, the surface
finish requirements can vary widely. There is a big difference in gating development between a chrome
plated decorative zinc casting and a functional aluminum part.
Since surface finish is subjective, the NADCA Product Standards checklist C-8-2-06 is valuable in
helping to develop a more specific standard for any given part. A copy of the checklist is shown on the
next page.
8 NADCA GATING MANUAL
NADCA
C-8-2-06
CHECKLIST
This checklist is for use
Casting Surface Finishing Specifications in consultation with your
die caster prior to estimat-
ing production costs. Use
To be used in consultation with your caster (Use in combination with Checklist C-8-1)* in combination with the
Finishing Checklist C-8-2.
Also review Checklists
Checklist for Finished Die, SSM and Squeeze Casting Part Purchasing T-2-1A and T-2-1B, for Die
Casting Die Specification, in
This Finishing Checklist provides a convenient method for assuring that important factors Section 2.
involved in the surface finishing of cast parts are evaluated and clearly
communicated between the purchaser and the caster.
It should be used as a supplement to the essential dimensional and No. Cost Effect
alloy specifications detailed on part prints submitted for quotation, since
the listed factors directly affect the basis on which the casting quotation 1 Most economical basis for production
is made. The checklist may be reproduced for this purpose. Your caster 2 Involves additional work which may
will clarify any item requiring explanation. affect cost
This checklist provides a numbering system in which the lowest 3-4 Additional work which may increase cost
numbered description for each requirement can be met at the lowest 5 Most difficult surface to cast on a produc-
production cost, as follows: tion basis

Casting Insert 1 No insert used in cast part

K 2 Inserts required, to be supplied by customer at 10% overage
3 Inserts required, to be supplied by caster
Parting Lines 1 Polishing not required
L 2 Polish only where marked on drawing
3 Polish all parting lines (except as noted)
Surface 1 No buffing required
M Preparation 2 Mechanical (burnishing, tumbling, etc.)
3 Buff as indicated on drawing
Plating, 1 Protective Only — Specify: ______________________________________
Anodizing
N or Other
2 Decorative Paint — Specify: ______________________________________
Special Finish 3 Severe Exposure Protection — Specify: ______________________________________
Painting 1 Heavy Paint, Protective Only — Specify: ______________________________________
2 Decorative Paint — Specify: ______________________________________
O
3 Application requires base coat or special treatment: ___________________________________
Specify: ______________________________________
Environmental 1 Normal interior use only
P 2 Exposure to weather — Specify: ______________________________________
3 Exposure ot unusual chemistry — Specify: ______________________________________
As-Cast 1 Utility Grade — surface imperfections acceptable, nondecorative coatings
Surface 2 Functional Grade — slight, removable surface imperfections, heavier coatings
See NADCA 3 Commercial Grade — removable imperfections
Q Guidelines
4 Consumer Grade — no objectionable imperfections, as agreed upon, when viewed under
G-6-6
normal lighting conditions at ___________________ feet viewing distance
5 Superior Grade — specified average surface finish value of ___________________ micro-
inches, per print
Special For special flash removal requirements, see Checklist C-8-1, items C & E
R Requirements For special packaging/weight restrictions, see Checklist C-8-1, item J

* The specification provisions and procedures listed in Section 7, “Quality Assurance,” should also be addressed.
Publisher grants permission to reproduce this checklist as part of a casting Request for Quotation or Production Specification.
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 9

There will be four gating design factors that affect the surface finish – flow pattern, cavity fill time, ingate
velocity, and overflow size. These factors and their effects on surface finish will be discussed later in the
manual. The intent here is to help the designer plan for surface quality requirements and to learn as much
as possible about the finish required.
There will be some judgmental values to be established later for fill time, which is discussed in the
next section, but the following will give some guidance.

Surface Finish Guidance for selections used General considerations in flow

Quality requirements during fill time calculation pattern design
Average (some minor cold flow Middle to high end values of fill Some minor lines and swirls are
permissable) time no problem
Good (no cold flow visible) Middle values of fill time Minimum swirls, minimum flow
lines
Excellent (painting or plating Shortest possible fill time No swirls, no flow lines, even in
grade finish) small areas

The decisions made later when establishing the cavity fill time will determine the machine capabilities
needed, but the choice at this point is about “how good is good”, or what are the required surface quality levels.
The intent of reviewing the surface quality issues at this time is resolve questions that must be referred
to the part designer. Changing the finish quality requirements later may involve changing machines or
doing a different die design, so these issues need to be resolved early.

Internal quality or porosity considerations

The porosity concerns need to be defined so the gate design can be developed accordingly. The two types
of porosity that will cause the most concern are shrink porosity and gas porosity.
Shrink porosity occurs because cast metals shrink when they go from the liquid state to the solid state.
Since the metal freezes to the die steel first, the spaces left over at the end of solidification will be inside the
casting and is called shrink porosity. They will be located at the last point to solidify in the hottest and thickest
areas in the casting. The only way to feed more material into these spaces and reduce them is to shrink feed
more metal during solidification. This is usually done with high pressure applied at the end of the shot. If the
ingate is too thin and freezes prematurely, then the shrink porosity is left in the part.
Shrink porosity can be exposed during machining. It can also cause sinks, leak test failures, and
cracks. The gating system should allow delivery of metal under high pressure at the right location with high
pressure to address the shrink porosity issues.
Gas porosity comes from trapped air, steam, or volatized lubricant. Hydrogen gas porosity can
be a problem in aluminum die casting, but the gas content from the other sources is often so large that
hydrogen gas is a very small percentage of the total.
Gas porosity is often a concern for machined areas, or it may show up as blisters in other areas.
With gas porosity the gate design issues include developing a flow pattern that doesn’t produce swirls or
backfills and developing the proper venting and or vacuum system.
So definition of part quality requirements needs to be understood early as these requirements affect
the gating design strategy and decision making process.
10 NADCA GATING MANUAL
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 11

Chapter 2
Step 2 – Determine the Flow Pattern and Location of the Ingates and Outgates
General considerations

All gating designs start with a grand plan for the metal flow through the die. Where is the most logical and
available place for the metal to come in? Where is the most logical and available place for the air to escape?
What obstacles to the metal flow will be encountered inside the cavity? What pattern is best to satisfy the
quality requirements? Visualizing the flow pattern is a critical step in the gating design process. When the flow
pattern is defined, then the ingates and outgates can be located provide the desired pattern.

In visualizing the metal flow:

1. Use as much of the parting line as possible deliver metal to where it is needed and to spread the heat out,
2. Take the shortest distance across the cavity, and
3. Minimize diverging and converging flow paths.

AA B B AA BB

CC D C C DD

EE FF EE FF

Sample castings Visualize flow for sample castings

Part of visualizing the metal flow paths is also visualizing the components that will feed the metal. Here
are illustrations of the flow coming off a curve sided fan and tangential runner.

Cavity

Cavity

Gate Length
Gate Runner Length

Gate Length
B C
A
r

P.L. P.L.
nne
Ru
Runner

Typ. Section Typ. Section

Between Between
B and C A and B

Flow pattern from Curved Fan Flow pattern from Tangential Runner
12 NADCA GATING MANUAL

The metal flow angle is shown in this figure.

Line Perpendicular
to Edge of Cavity

Direction of Metal
Flow

Cavity Gate Land

Gate Runner

A long rectangular part can be gated with a fan and two tangential runners.

Region filled by Region filled by Fan Gate Region filled by

Tangential Gate Runner Runner Number 2 Tangential Gate Runner
Number 1 Number 3

Flow pattern from Fan and two Tangential Runners

Filling a corner can be done with a fan and possibly two tangential runners. Round parts present
difficulties in getting the pattern right to prevent backfilling at the far end of the casting. The ingates need
to vary in depth.

Region filled by
Tangential Gate Runner
Number 1

Region filled by Fan Gate

Runner Number 2

Region filled by
Tangential Gate Runner
Number 3

o o
30 30

Flow pattern of Fan and two Tangential Runners Gating Round Sections
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 13

The overall metal flow plan can be drawn on the preliminary die design print.

o
30

o o
30 30

Visualize flow plan for casting with flow angles

Of primary importance to the envisioned flow pattern are the quality issues. Flow needs to be
directed to areas that need the best surface finish or to a location where there are porosity requirements.
Thus, any area that has special quality requirements should receive direct flow and should be close to the
gate if possible.
The gate location should be such that there is as much unobstructed metal flow distance the area
of concern. The metal loses a lot of energy when the flow impacts directly on a wall. Adjusting the parting
line or moving the gate so the flow can avoid direct impact is worth the effort.
In setting the flow pattern, the engineer should review the location of areas expected to be last
to fill. These locations are always suspect for possible porosity and poor surface finish. In placing the
part in the die, the last points to fill should be located where it is possible to place vents and overflows.
Determining the location of the last points to fill is an important part of the flow pattern decision, and it is
one of the major uses of simulation software.

Using cavity segments to develop flow patterns and gate locations

The definition of the flow pattern and the gate locations includes dividing the casting up into segments.
While the segmented flow plan is visualized, fan and tangential runner components that feed the ingates
with flow angles are also visualized. Segmenting the casting insures critical areas and difficult to fill areas
are addressed and that segment flows are balanced with the runner components in mind. Best results are
usually obtained by keeping the number of segments to a minimum – typically 2 to 4. Each segment should
have an ingate, and the design should be such that the flow from one gate fills just that segment.

Segments should be chosen by the following guidelines:

Quality issues. If a section of a casting has a different quality requirement than the rest of the casting,
then consider making it a segment. For example, if a section has a very high quality surface
finish requirement as compared to the rest of the casting, then it should be chosen as a segment.
14 NADCA GATING MANUAL

Natural flow paths. Look for ribs or thicker sections that will provide a natural path for metal flow.
Also, look for obstacles that will force the metal to divert. Evaluate the conditions in the natural metal flow
paths. If the casting has an open area that divides the flow, first look at each side of the divided flow to
see if there are different geometries for the two flow paths. For example, if the wall thickness on one side
was double the wall thickness on the other side, then each side probably should be a separate segment.

Casting shape. Segments should be used where two areas have substantially different wall thickness.

Different segments are also appropriate if the flow distance is substantially different from one
segment to another. Consider the path of the metal as it is reflected from wall to wall to develop
the flow distance.

Any portion of the casting with features that are considered hard to fill, especially if these features
are located at the end of the casting with the furthest flow distance, can be made into a separate segment.

In general, segments should be different from each other or fed by a particular runner. Different
wall thickness, different flow length, different quality requirements, or different geometry, or
different runner are typical reasons for selecting segments.

Essentially, segments will divide the casting and are treated in the gating analysis as separate
castings. Each segment will have an ingate, and will be sized in direct proportion to the volume
that it feeds relative to the other segments.

The gate areas should be such that each segment will have the same fill time and the concept
of simultaneous fill is achieved. If the segments were engineered to fill with different times, then
one segment’s flow will spill over into another segment causing swirls and backfills leading to
poor fill and porosity.
A simple way to keep track of segment gate areas is to develop a table like the following:

Segment Volume of Segment Volume as a Percent Gate Area for each Segment
#1 0.2 20% 0.07
#2 0.3 30% 0.105
#3 0.5 50% 0.175
Total 1.00 100% 0.35

The fraction of the total volume of each segment is multiplied times the total casting ingate area
to get the segment ingate area. The principal is to balance segment gate flow areas to segment
volumes. This same principle is used when doing the gating for a multi-cavity die.
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 15

The reason for dividing the casting into segments can be seen in the following example:

Segment
Segment A A Segment
Segment AA
Vol == 22
Vol Vol = 2
Vol 2

Segment B,
Segment B, Vol
Vol ==11 Segment B,
Segment B, Vol == 11

Equal Gate Sizes Proportional Gate Sizes

On the left side is a casting with two equal gates. The casting is divided into two segments, with the
large segment on the left being twice as large as the segment on the right. With equal flow, the right segment
fills quicker, and after it is finished filling, the metal will flow as shown with the red arrow along the back side
of the casting into the other segment, which will tend to be an area of cold flow and poor fill problems.
On the right is the same casting, but the gate areas have been adjusted to match the segment volumes.
Since segment A is twice as large as segment B, the gate for A is made twice as large as the gate for B,
consequently the two segments finish filling at the same time, and cross flow between segments is minimized.
This concept of having the same fill time for all segments or proportioning gate flow areas to segment
casting volumes is fundamental to good gate design. The same concept applies when designing gates for different
cavities in the same die, where the design goal is to have each cavity finish filling at the same time. In this case,
the gates for different cavities in the same die are sized in proportion to the cavity volumes.
Experience will help to logically segment the casting. However, even for complex shapes, the
number of segments is usually kept to 2, 3 or 4.

Flow pattern guidelines

Some general rules and guidelines for setting the flow pattern would be as follows:

1. Distribute the flow. The flow pattern should always be distributed and not focused into small jets with
a few small narrow gates. These small jet gates are good for some kinds of porosity control, but unless the
goal is to focus flow in a small area for porosity control, it is much better to use a distributed flow pattern.
A distributed flow spreads out the ingate, which results in a wider and thinner gate. The heat
is also distributed over a large area allowing for better temperature control and longer die life. Thin
gates will not erode or “burn out” if the gate velocities are within NADCA guidelines. The minimum
thickness in aluminum is about typically about .040, although it can be less if the metal is cleaned and
filtered close to where it is ladled. Zinc gates are typically about .015 to .020, although they can be
thinner as with minature zinc. Magnesium can be the same as zinc, but should start at about .02 to .04.
Fan and tangential runners should be used to distribute the flow from the main runners. Chisel runners
produce a solid jet stream that cause swirls, trapped gas and poor fill. Wide ingates will also trap some gas, but
the distributed flow pattern will also break up and distribute the trapped gas and the metal for better fill.
16 NADCA GATING MANUAL

Distributed Flow Chisel Flow

2. Direct the flow towards the critical quality areas. This is true whether the problem is porosity or surface
finish.

Surface finish. If one of the quality issues is a good surface finish, then direct flow from the ingate
to the ares requiring good surface. The gate should be located as close to these areas as
possible, and the flow should be as unobstructed as possible.

If there is a choice about parting line location, it is important for the best finish if the flow is
directed into the area of concern, as shown below.

Direct Flow For Good Finish

Atomized flow is best for a good finish. If the metal slows down, the flow will drop out of the
atonized flow range, and the finish will become less than optimal. The flow distance for good
finish can be up to 7”. However, this distance depends upon the obstructions encountered, the
metal temperature, the die temperature, the gate velocity, and the casting wall thickness. Incoming
metal will not maintain good speed through more than about 2 or 3 reflections.
Metal velocities higher than normal will provide better finishes, however, with aluminum a
high metal velocity can cause premature gate erosion and solder. High metal velocities with zinc
and magnesium can cause some soldering. Gate velocities should be kept at the high end of the
range for the best finish but not exceed the high limit of NADCA guidelines.
Porosity issues. For shrink porosity, the flow also needs to be directed right at the problem area.
In this case, the gate should be thicker to delay ingate freezing allowing more time for shrink
feeding to occur.
The gate to runner ratio should also be large so there is more local heat. Runners with a
45° ramp to the gate can be used to maintain heat keeping the ingate from freezing too soon.
While this approach keeps the gate area hot, it also tends to reduce die life around the ingate.
A gate thickness of about .080” (2 mm) should be considered a mimimum for porosity control,
and a thicker gate should be considered if it can be trimmed. A gate thickness of.125 in (3.2 mm) can
usually be trimmed, and even thicker gates are possible with properly built trim dies or by sawing.
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 17

A gate intended to feed shrink porosity should be located as close to the problem area
as possible. A small but thick gate can be fed by a larger than normal runner in a location away
from the main gate. The sole purpose of this kind of gate is to feed an area of possible shrink
porosity, and it should not be counted on to improve surface finish.

Always try and flow the metal across the shortest path from ingate to outgate. The metal loses heat and
drops in temperature as it traverses the cavity. Taking the shortest path minimizes thermal differences between
the near and far sides of the flow, and also allows for the best control of the fill pattern within the cavity. The flow
direction should be the short direction across the casting unless there are other flow restrictions or reasons for
not doing so. This means that the first thought is to orient the casting so the gating would be on the long side.
The exceptions will be if there are natural impediments to flow in the short direction. For the shape
below, where the internal squares represent cut outs in the casting, the metal flow would need to come from
the end, the long way, instead of the short way across the casting, which would normally be preferable.

Flow pattern
Flow pattern
direction
direction
because
because of
of slots
slots
on on
toptop

Normal
Normalchoice
choice of
flow
flow pattern
pattern

3. Use the natural casting shape to direct the flow. This is an exception to the rule about flowing the
short way. If, for example, the casting above had fins along the top that extended the long way, then
the natural flow path is with the fins and the flow should be the long way instead of the short way.
Be alert for natural flow paths, and try to use them. Watch for thick sections that will guide the
metal, for example, and try to design a flow path that will utilize this natural flow path.

4. It is important to keep casting wall thickness uniform, especially for large flat surfaces, when a good
surface finish is required.
Sometimes part designers will specify a large thin section, but put a rather large tolerance on it. For
example, the wall section of a large flat piece may be .080 “ +/- .010. It is a lot easier to make the casting
at .088” thickness than at .072” thickness. If there are ribs or bosses on a wall sections, then the NADCA
guidelines for wall thickness and radii are important for metal flow purposes. Working with the tool maker
to take advantage of print tolerances can help with filling the die and robustness of the casting process.

5. Follow the NADCA Product Specification Standards for Die Castings for draft and radius. These
standards allow the casting to release from the die minimizing distortion. However, sometimes
adequate radii make the difference between whether a casting has a flow pattern that works or not.
The difference between having a radius and a sharp corner could be the difference between an
acceptable casting and scrap. Having radii that conform to NADCA design recommendations also
helps with die life.
Therefore, the minimum radius specified in the NADCA specifications should be followed for
good flow pattern development. Larger radii are especially valuable at the point where metal is
expected to flow into bosses or fins. However, a word of caution – if radii are too large, cracks can
occur due to shrink porosity at the base of the rib or vertical wall.
18 NADCA GATING MANUAL

6. The high velocities in die casting mean the metal flow characteristics are dominated by momentum. This
has a number of implications. For example, when considering the flow into a fin or boss on the top of a
flat section, the metal will normally shoot past the boss, go the end of the casting, and then backfill and
start to fill into the boss as as shown below left.

The fin gets some flow early during casting fill, but may not really fill until the whole casting is
pressurizing towards the end of fill. This makes it difficult to fill these features. Sometimes it is
necessary to change the geometry. For example, some die casters add a deflection boss to the
casting to get the metal to deflect as shown below. Adding radii on the bottom of the fin or boss
helps, but may not solve the entire problem as shown below right. When this is a problem, adding
vacuum can be an effective solution because the trapped gas in the fin or boss resists the metal flow
from coming in.

7. Try to avoid gating directly on a vertical wall or on a core. The flow will eventually heat check or
erode the die steel creating an undercut and cause ejection problems. However, if flow is required at this
location, then the lesser of two evils is to gate on these features as the priority is to get the flow pattern right.
The reflection from a wall will tend to go sideways and around the casting unless the metal
impinges at close to a 90° angle. Thus, only that portion of the flow that is perpendicular to the wall
will tend to go up the wall. If the objective is to get the metal to go up the wall, then the gate must be
carefully designed so most of the metal flow impinges on the wall at a 90° angle. Another approach
is to turn the metal in the runner and ingate to flow metal with the wall. However, this strategy requires
face milling as a secondary operation.

A minimum radius of .04 to .12 in

A minimum radius of .04 to .12 in
(1 to 3 mm) is needed at the base (1 to 3 mm) is needed at the base

Metal flow Metal flow

Deflector, can be made a decorative

feature so it is part of the design

8. Avoid mixing the metal flows between segments. The flow angles from adjacent segments should be
coincident where they meet. Diverging metal flows from adjacent segments create weak fill areas
resulting in poor fill and porosity. Converging metal flows from adjacent segments cause hot areas
resulting in thermal control problems.

9. If possible, the flow should not impact on a gasket groove. Gasket grooves generally have a tight
tolerance, and can be easily eroded.
10. Casting areas behind a core or an opening in the casting where the metal flow will be split can be a
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 19

problem. These areas are candidates for poor fill and porosity. If this is a concern, then the flow
needs to come from two directions, as noted in the following sketch. This approach could be used for

Not
Notdesirable, the
desirable, the flowflow Conference with customer
Conference with customer
impacts
impacts directly
directly on
on the allows chage for minimal erosion,
allows change for minimal
the gasket
gasket groovegroove
and willand
not and a flow thatand
erosion willaclimb wall
flow that willbetter
will
go upnotthegowall.
up the wall climb the wall better.

a plated zinc casting that needs a perfect finish, or for an aluminum casting with a large hole that gets
machined where there can be no porosity exposed by machining.
Ingate locations

Once the desired flow pattern is established, then ingate locations can be placed with associated metal
Shadow
Shadow areas
areas behindcore,
behind core,
cancan
bebe poor finish or porosity
poor finish or porosity

Flow from two directions can

Flow from two directions
eliminate shadows
can eliminate shadows

flow angles. Note that flow angles cannot be greater than 45 degrees as will be discussed later.
Except where an effort is made to shrink fill a local area for porosity, ingate thicknesses should
be compatible with wide gates and distributed flow. Gate thickness should not exceed 75% of the part
thickness in order to trim without distortion or breakout. An ingate thickness of 50% of the part thickness is
better for reducing trim distortion and breakout. If simulation is used later, then there may be some changes
in the gate location as a result of information learned in simulation.

Outgate, Overflow, and Vent Locations

The ideal place for outgates, overflows, and vents is where the last of the metal will naturally fill the die. This
is a lot harder to visualize as the metal can get deflected inside during cavity fill. On the other hand, vents
have a drawing effect on the metal flow pattern. Perhaps there are similar castings where the metal flow
pattern can be read on cold start up shots and give insight as to where the ougates, overflows, and vents
should be for the gating system being designed. Areas on the far end of the casting with anticipated poor
fill and porosity problems will benefit with adjacent outgates and vents.
20 NADCA GATING MANUAL
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 21

Chapter 3
Step 3 – Determine the Segment Volumes, Cavity Fill Time, and Cavity
Metal Flow Rate
Segment Volumes

For existing castings, segment volumes can be determined by cutting the casting up with a band saw,
weighing each segment, and calculating the segment volume. The volume of a segment may be calculated
with the following formula.

Volume (in3 ) = Weight (lb)/Density (lb/in3)

Where, densities are: Aluminum = .096 lb/in3

Zinc = .256 lb/in3
Magnesium = .064 lb/in3
Lead = .400 lb/in3

For new castings the easiest way to determine segment volumes is to use 3D CAD software to
generate segment volumes. This method is fast and accurate. When many gating design scenarios are
used and the casting is successively resegmented for each scenario, CAD makes the process fast and
efficient. With 3D CAD and a comprehensive spreadsheet that calculates ingates, runners, outgates, and
vents, many gating interations can be done quickly and efficiently. By doing many scenarios a better job of
approaching the optimum gating design is done.
A more time consuming method would be to determine the casting volumes with a spreadsheet and a
calculator. This method is slower and not as accurate as 3D CAD and gating design quality will suffer.
Planned overflows associated with each segment should be included in segment volumes. Including
overflow volume with segment volume is called “metal through the gate” and yields a more conservative
design. Each segment volume with the planned overflows is placed into the spreadsheet and then summed
to get the total casting volume.

Cavity Fill Time

Cavity fill time is the time from when the metal begins to flow into the die until the cavity is full. Metal flow
into a die casting die time is a race against time. As the metal enters the cavity and hits the die steel, it
loses heat and drops in temperature. The metal must reach all extremities of the cavity before the metal
temperature decreases to the point where the metal no longer flows and meshes with converging streams. If
the race is lost, then poor fill and porosity appear in the casting. When determining the cavity fill time for a
new casting whether by formula, table, or historical data, it is better to normally err on side of a fast fill time.
The exception might be the case of porosity issues and feeding the far side of big cores on thick castings
where fast fill times can actually make the castings worse.
The fill time calculated by the methods presented here are considered to be maximum fill time, and
not ideal fill time. The reason for this is because of varying flow distances and metal deflection within specific
die casting cavities. General equations and tables cannot address specific flow distance and obstruction
issues. So the fill time calculations by formula should be the upper limit for any gating design.
22 NADCA GATING MANUAL

An important design consideration is that shorter fill times benefit surface finish provided the gates areas
are proportional to segment volumes. A casting requiring a good finish needs a fast fill time and becomes
the defining variable for the rest of the process selections.
Fast fill times can be constrained by the vents. There is a limit as to how fast air can flow through vents.
Sometimes fast fill times obtained by modern machines may require more venting area than can be installed
in a given die. In these cases, chill blocks or a vacuum system need to be considered. This is discussed in the
section on venting.
While fill time is the major factor affecting the surface finish, the factors affecting porosity may not be
strongly affected by fill time. In the case where shrink porosity is the dominant quality issue, then the fill time
need only be fast enough to get a good fill with an average finish. In fact, a slower cavity fill time may help
porosity by allowing more air to escape through the vents and by filling with a higher per cent solids.
The NADCA formula contains factors the gating designer must assume. Wall thickness, die temperature,
metal temperature, and percent solids come from the designer’s judgment of what will actually happen when
the casting is in production. Thus, the calculated cavity fill values become a function of the designer’s experience
and perception of actual floor practices. A good database from process engineering on the actual process
conditions of the shop is valuable when used in conjunction with NADCA’s formula.
Deviations from the formula and recommendations should come from historical data which would
be the best for knowing what works for a particular class of castings. The best fill time values may come from
the process engineer who has run similar parts, and has a data base containing fill time numbers. When
good fill time data is available, these values should supercede the NADCA formula values.
Feedback is important for any gating designer. The actual casting results for all designs relative to cavity
fill time should be critiqued. What worked? What did not work so well? Improving gating skills is a journey. Over
time gating designers get better at determining cavity fill time values for any particular operation.
Some castings are tolerant of fill time variations, while some are not. However, gating designers should
give all castings serious thought to a proposed cavity fill time especially if the casting is plated of leak tested.

J. A. Wallace (Practical Application and the results of metal flow and gating research – 1965) developed
the basic NADCA fill time formula. E. A. Herman published the current version in his book, Gating Die
Casting Dies. This basic fill time formula is:

Ti - Tf + SZ
t = K { ---------------------- }T
Tf - Td

Where:
K = Empirically derived constant related to the die steel
T = Wall thickness of the casting
t = Maximum fill time
Tf = Minimum flow temperature of the metal alloy
Ti = Metal temperature at the ingate
Td = Die surface temperature just before the metal arrives
S = Percent solids at the end of fill
Z = Solids units conversion factor, degrees to %
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 23

From observation of the formula, cavity fill time is proportional to:

1. Casting thickness, T. The thicker the wall, the longer the time can be. The thinner the wall, the shorter
the time must be.
2. Metal temperature, Tj. The hotter the metal, the longer the time can be. The colder the metal, the
shorter the time must be.
3. Die temperature, Td. The hotter the die, the longer the time can be. The colder the die, the shorter the
time must be.
4. Percent solids, S. The higher per cent solids at the end of the fill, the longer the fill time. The lower the
percent solids, the shorter the fill time.

Tf, the minimum flow temperature of the alloy is a constant. K is the constant of proportionality and is related
to the thermal conductivity of the type of die steel used. Note that the NADCA formula does not address
flow distance or obstructions within the cavity to the flow.

Values for the variables in the fill time formula can be taken from the following tables:
Selecting the values used in the formula depends on the judgment of the gating designer. The following
are some guidelines:
(“T”) Casting wall thickness. The following methods are used in calculating this value:
Thinnest wall section found anywhere on the casting. This method is conservative, and will yield
shorter fill times than may be required. Using the thinnest wall section in NADCA’s formula decreases
cavity fill time and will increase machine power requirements. A very fast fill time may require a fast
shot velocity that is beyond the machine’s upper limit.

Average casting wall thickness. If the casting wall thickness is fairly uniform, and there are no
specific surface quality issues, then the average wall thickness can be used. However, for typical
castings with unequal wall thickness, the time may be too slow resulting in poor fill in the thin
areas or in areas at the far end of the flow.

Average thinnest wall thickness. This is the method recommended. Most castings have unequal
wall thicknesses. Using the thinnest part wall section that can be found on the casting would place
unrealistic burdens on the die casting machine for flow rates and would not be necessary to make the
casting. If the casting thickness is uneven, then calculate an average thickness of the thinner wall sections.

(“Tf”). Minimum flow temperature of the alloy. This value is found in the charts.

(“Ti “) Temperature of the metal at the gate. On cold chamber machines there is a metal
temperature drop between the holding furnace and the ingate. The drop for aluminum can be as
little as 25°F (14°C) or as much as 70°F (39°C) depending on the amount of metal pored,
the ladle traverse time, the type of ladle cup, the pour rate, the shot delay time, the sleeve and die
temperatures, the slow shot velocity and length, and the length and geometry of the runners.

The following temperature drop values are suggested for typical operations:

Aluminum (cold chamber) = 50°F (28°C)

Zinc (hot chamber) = 30°F (17°C)
Magnesium (cold chamber) = 80°F (44°C)
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 25

The table below shows some recommended values for “S”. Note also that “S” is entered in the
formula as a whole percent, with no decimal point.

Suggested Percent Solids “S” (use lower values for good finish)
Wall thickness (inches) Al Mg Zn
.01-.03” 5% 10% 5-15%
.03-.05” 5-25% 5-15% 10-20%
.05-.08” 15-35% 10-25% 15-30%
.08-.125” 20-50% 20-35% 20-35%

For typical aluminum castings with a commercial finish, the values for “S” will be between about 20
and 50. A percentage below 20 is needed only for the very thin wall castings, while a percentage for “S”
of about 20 to 35 will work for typical castings with a wall thickness over about .125 inches and up. The
lower value would be used for a better finish, or for a longer metal flow path.
One factor not included in the fill time formula is the metal flow distance. This is the distance of
the path the metal takes to reach the last point to fill, or the end of travel for the segment or casting area of
concern. The path includes deflections and angle flow paths, and is not necessarily the shortest distance.
While the ability to flow through long distances is mostly determined by the average wall thickness
along the flow path, some other factors that affect the ability of the metal to flow long distances are: the die
temperature, the metal temperature, and the gate velocity at the start of the flow.
An empirical guide for evaluating flow distance and wall thickness is to divide the flow distance by the
average wall thickness along the flow path. This is a rough guideline as it assumes the die temperature, the metal
temperature, and the ingate velocity are within typical operating ranges. For aluminum, if this number is below
about 150, then the flow distance should not be a big factor. If the number is between 150 and 300, then there
will be increasing difficulty in making the part and the fill time needs to be kept short in order to make the part.
If the number is over 300, it could be very difficult to make the part even with a short fill time. Note that these
numbers are approximate and are intended to help the designer be aware of potential problems with a long flow
distance in choosing the cavity fill time.
For some thin wall parts, the short fill time requirements will force some high metal velocities. The
following example shows how to use the flow distance number and to make adjustments.
An aluminum pan used in a bread-making machine has a .080 inch wall with a flow distance of 23
inches. The metal is directed up one side and down the other. The die runs cold (400°F or 204°C) because
of the thin wall, low metal volume, and no hot oil. The normally selected values for calculating fill time for
a wall thickness of about .080 and an “S” of about 15% would calculate a fill time of .026 seconds. The
flow distance number is 287, which indicates that this is a difficult part that should have a minimum fill time.
This could be done by reducing “S” to the minimum of 5%, which would give a fill time .017 seconds. This
fill time is confirmed by historical data, which suggests a fill time of less than .020 seconds is needed, so a
fill a maximum fill time of .017 seconds is used. The change in fill time is only .009 seconds. However, the
percent fill time decrease of 38% is significant.
26 NADCA GATING MANUAL

A spreadsheet can be used to calculate the fill time formula. NADCA provides a cavity fill time spread sheet
in the Gating class.

Fill Time Spread Sheet

Fill Time Calculation

Emp Const %Solids Solids Factr Wall ThknsDie Temp Flow Temp Metal Tem
0.866 50 8.6 0.09 450 1060 1200

Estimated Fill Time 0.073

Comparison

Emp Const %Solids Solids Factr Wall ThknsDie Temp Flow Temp Metal Tem
0.866 50 8.6 0.09 650 1060 1200

New Time Shot Speed

0.108
% Change 48.8% -32.8%

Notice the effect on cavity fill time by changing the die temperature.

February 2006
44

For the process engineer, there will be some discrepancy between the calculated value of fill time
and the value taken from a typical monitoring system. The fill time value taken from a monitoring system
includes the plunger’s deceleration time, while the calculated fill time from the formula is a theoretical value
that assumes that the plunger speed stays constant throughout fill.
Usually the surface finish is determined in the first part of the fill when the plunger speed is high.
This is the speed that is important for a good finish, and this is the plunger speed needed to meet the fill time
calculated from the theoretical maximum fill time calculations.
The compaction of the metal in the cavity is done while the plunger slows down, and this portion
primarily affects the internal porosity rather than the surface finish. Thus, for practical purposes, the plunger
speed during the first part of cavity fill should match the cavity fill calculations.
If a partial fill under slow speed conditions is being used as a way to reduce porosity for thick
walled castings, then fill time is difficult to measure. It may also be difficult to get a good surface finish
because of the long time lapse during the prefill conditions.
The fill time calculation from the formula can be accurate if care is used in selecting the values.
Experience with feedback from casting floor data will improve the results. This calculation should be done
for every gate design effort.
The following table is useful for picking a cavity fill time. The table is based on the cavity fill time
formula. If in doubt about a fill time to use, use the chart value and reduce it by 25%.

Average Wall Thickness Fill Times in Seconds

(Inches) Zinc 3,5,7 Aluminum Magnesium
0.01 - 0.03 <.015 - <.020
0.04 - 0.05 0.02 - 0.026 0.0173 - 0.0417 0.0132 - 0.0209
0.06 - 0.08 0.0245 - 0.0529 0.0296 - 0.0845 0.0221 - 0.0413
0.09 - 0.125 0.0468 - 0.085 0.0553 - 0.1458 0.0366 - 0.0707
0.13 - 0.15 0.075 - 0.125 0.0956 - 0.2082 0.0579 - 0.0997
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 27

Flow Rates

Given the segment volumes and cavity fill time, the flow rate for each segment and for the entire casting
can be calculated.

Qi = V i / t

Where, Qi = flow rate of a segment (in3/sec)

Vi = volume of a segment volume (in3)
t = cavity fill time (sec), and
Q = ∑( Qi) = flow rate for the entire casting (in3/sec)

This data is entered into the gating spreadsheet.

28 NADCA GATING MANUAL
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 29

Chapter 4
Step 4 – Match the Process to the Flow Rate.
Process factors and limits

For the die casting machine(s) intended to cast the part there are parameter choices. The casting pressure
and fast shot velocity limit can be changed by changing the accumulator pressure. The fast shot velocity can
be changed with the shot valve. There are ranges of plunger tip diameters available that yield varying metal
pressures and flow rates. What accumulator pressure, and sleeve/plunger tip diameter should be used to
satisfy the flow rate calculated in Step 3 (cavity fill time) and to address the pressure issue from Step 1 (quality
requirement). A way to choose plunger tip diameters is make a spreadsheet showing the options.

Required Flow Rate = xxx in3/sec,

Desired metal pressure = x.x tons/in2
Accumulator pressure = xxx lb/in3

Plunger Plunger Area Required Fast Shot Velocity Final Metal Pressure
(in) (in2) (in/sec) (tons/in2)
x.xx xx.x xxx x.x
x.xx xx.x xxx x.x
x.xx xx.x xxx x.x
x.xx xx.x xxx x.x

To do the spreadsheet the relationship between the accumulator pressure and the metal pressure
needs to be known. This information can be obtained from the machine’s manual for the intended
die casting machine. Once the chart is constructed choices can be made. A die casting machine
has a normal range and maximum limit for the fast shot velocity. This information comes from process
engineering.
30 NADCA GATING MANUAL

If the maximum fast shot velocity at a certain accumulator pressure under load for a particular machine is
100 in/sec, then 80% or 80 in/sec should be used in the gating analysis. The gives some wiggle room if
more fast shot is needed to make the part than the gating analysis indicates. The other factor to look at is
final metal pressure. For normal aluminum castings 4 tons/in2 intensified pressure is used. If porosity is a
quality issue or leak testing is required, then 5 tons/in2 final metal pressure should be used.
The first question to ask when reviewing the spreadsheet is can the machine deliver the flow rate
required. If the machine can not deliver the flow rate, then another machine needs to be found or the cavity
fill time in Step 3 needs to be increased.
Assuming the machine can deliver the flow rate, then select a plunger diameter that gives a good
fit for fast shot velocity and final metal pressure. Other issues to consider in making this analysis are:
Can the die casting machine hold the metal at the proposed final metal pressure? What will be the tonnage
on each tie bar with the proposed die design and casting pressure? If the machine can’t hold the metal, then surface
finish and porosity quality standards will be difficult to meet regardless of the quality of the gating system.
Can the accumulator pressure be lowered and still have sufficient fast shot velocity? Casting the part
with the least amount of pressure and fast shot velocity allows the die cast machine to run more smoothly
with less mechanical stress and strain. This is a cost savings opportunity for die casters who normally set the
injection and die close pressures to the maximum regardless of the part being cast.
In choosing a plunger tip diameter, what will the per cent fill of the sleeve be. The greater the per
cent fill, the less air needs to be vented and the lower the probability for trapped residual air at the end of
the shot. In addition, a higher percent sleeve fill conserves heat with less metal temperature drop from the
furnace to the ingate.
These process decisions may appear to be complicated. However, if the gating designer knows the
capabilities of the intended machine(s) and gives some thought to the tradeoffs of casting pressure, fast
shot velocity, and sleeve per cent fill, then intelligent choices are made and the gating system is engineered
to work for the intended machine. The objective at this point is to know that the die casting machine can
deliver the casting flow rate calculated in Step 3 and metal pressure in the cast of porosity from Step 1
without undo stress to the machine.
If the machine can’t deliver the desired flow rate and metal pressure, then the cavity fill time has to
increase or a more powerful machine used.
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 31

Chapter 5
Step 5 – Determine the Ingate Parameters and Check for Atomized Flow.
The next step in the gating analysis is to continue setting up a spreadsheet by segments with flow rate (Q),
ingate velocity (Vg), apparent ingate area (Aag), flow angle (Af), actual ingate area (Ag), ingate length (Lg),
ingate thickness (Tg), and atomization factor (J).

Flow Rate Ingate Velocity Apparent Ingate Flow angle Ingate Area
Segment (in3/sec) (in/sec) Area (in2) (deg) (in2)
x xxx xxx x.xx xx x.xx
x xxx xxx x.xx xx x.xx
x xxx xxx x.xx xx x.xx
Totals xxx x.xx

Flow Rate Ingate Velocity Ratio Length/ Atomization

Segment (in3/sec) (in/sec) Thickness Factor
x x.xxx x.xxx xx xxxx
x x.xxx x.xxx xx xxxx
x x.xxx x.xxx xx xxxx

Segment Flow Rate

These numbers come from Step 3.

Ingate Velocity

The gating designer chooses an ingate velocity for the casting. Normal ranges for ingate velocities are
shown in the following chart. The ingate velocity selected should fall within these ranges.

Alloy Normal Ingate Velocity (in/sec)

Aluminum 700 to 1600
Zinc 900 to 2000
Magnesium 1000 to 2000

Higher velocities are chosen for thin walled castings that require a good surface finish, where the
travel from the near to the far end of the casting is long, or where the geometry is complicated and the
metal will encounter deflections. When using higher velocities more machine power will be required and
die erosion around the ingate will occur sooner.
32 NADCA GATING MANUAL

Lower velocities are chosen when the surface finish is commercial, the travel distance is short, or
where the metal path is straightforward. Lower velocities will require less machine power and die erosion
around the ingate will occur later. Lower ingate velocities are more economical using less power and lower
tool maintenance and replacement costs.
Thus, choosing an ingate velocity has to do with the quality requirements and the geometry of
the casting. Historical gate velocity data would be helpful for the gating designer. Troubles occur when
the chosen ingate velocity is not within the recommended range. The ingate velocity may be changed for
different gating scenarios. Later in the analysis the ingate velocity in combination with the ingate thickness
is tested for atomized flow.

Apparent Ingate Area

The apparent ingate, Aapp, for each segment is calculated.
Aappi = Qi / Vg
Where, Aappi = apparent ingate area of a segment (in2)
Qi = flow rate of a segment volume (in3/sec)
Vg = ingate velocity (in/sec), and
These numbers are calculated in the spreadsheet.

Flow Angles
The metal flows into each segment at some angle, which is measured from an axis perpendicular to the parting
line and can range from 0 to 45 degrees. Flow angles of an existing casting can be observed in a cold start up
shot. In Step 1 the flow plan was visualized. This plan included specific flow angles in each segment.
These flow angles are entered into the spreadsheet.

Actual Ingate

The metal velocity at an angle coming off the ingate can be represented as a vector with magnitude and
direction. This flow vector can be broken into two vectors, one normal to the ingate and one parallel to the
ingate. The vector normal to the ingate represents the metal actually going into the die. The normal vector
= Cos(θ) * flow vector and is illustrated as follows:

θ Metal Flow Vector

Ingate
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 33

To arrive at the actual ingate area for each segment we use:

Agi = Aappi / Cos (θ), and

Ag = ∑ (Agi)

Where, Agi = actual ingate area of a segment (in2)

Aappi = apparent ingate area of a segment (in2)
θ = flow angle rate of the segment (deg)
Ag = total ingate area (in2)

These numbers are calculated in the spread sheet.

Ingate Length & Thickness

The ingate area is the product of the ingate length and the ingate thickness.
Agi = Lgi * Tdi

Where, Agi = actual ingate area of a segment (in2)

Lgi = ingate length of a segment (in)
Tgi = ingate thickness of the segment (in)

Perhaps the ingate length is known or desired from Step 1. Then Tgi = Agi / Lgi. Perhaps we have a desired ingate
thickness, then Lgi = Agi / Tgi. Perhaps for a particular scenario we have a compromise between the two.

These numbers are entered and calculated in the spreadsheet.

Ratio Ingate Length: Thickness

If the ratio of the segment ingate length to the ingate thickness length is less than 10, then the ingate depth
should be corrected.

Lgi / Tgi > 10

Where, Lgi = segment ingate length (in)

Tgi = segment ingate thickness (in)

This condition does not occur very often. Distributing the flow over a large area of the casting normally
yields length to thickness ratios much higher than 10.
34 NADCA GATING MANUAL

10

6
Gate Length
Gate Depth

0
1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0
Gate Depth Correction Factor

Ingate Velocity

The ingate velocity required in die casting is much different than that required for other casting processes.
In other processes such as permanent mold, the goal is to reduce turbulence to reduce trapped gas. The
cavity is filled slowly and requires a thick wall and gate. Die castings have relatively thin walls, thin gates,
and rapid heat absorption by the die steel.
Cavity fill in die casting dies is fast with a range of 10 to 150 milliseconds. Instead of a solid flow
front as in permanent mold, the die casting process sprays the metal into the die.
In permanent mold the metal flow though a large gate is a solid front with laminar flow. As the metal
velocity through a smaller gate is increased, the metal front breaks up and the flow consists of course and
relatively large particles. This is called the course particle range. In die casting, course particle range flow
produces questionable castings with excessive internal porosity and poor surface finish. As the metal velocity is
increased further, there is a point where atomized flow off the ingates begins. The course particles are broken
up and the stream of metal consists of fine particles at very high velocities. While this very turbulent flow may
appear to be undesirable for trapped gas, it is the flow produces successful die castings. In die casting, the
ingate and the process are engineered to deliver atomized metal flow to the cavity.
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 35

Ato

Solid stream - continuous jet Course particle flow Atomized flow

If some metal dribbles through the gate before the fast shot reaches its terminal velocity, the metal may
prematurely freeze at the gate or in the cavity. This will cause cold flow and laminations. Thus, the metal
velocity should be accelerated early enough through the runner system so that the metal is at its final
velocity before it reaches the gate and the metal is atomized through the gate.
In some cases, an operational setting will be used such that the cavity is partially filled (usually about
10% to 15%) with low velocity, and then the metal is accelerated to atomized flow velocities. This is done to
reduce trapped gas porosity. Where this is successful, there is a relatively thick wall (greater than .160 in., or 4
mm) and thick gate, and the gate is on the bottom of the casting going into a thicker wall section. This process
setting for partial fill under low turbulence conditions can sometimes generate a reduction in gas porosity. The
gate design, however, should be done for the standard atomized flow conditions even if it is expected that the
partial fill process setting will be used.
On some castings, it is possible to have a very large gate, and to fill the casting with slow non-
turbulent flow. This will not provide high quality surface finish, but when combined with the high-pressure
capability of the typical die casting machine, it can provide excellent internal quality. This technique is
called squeeze casting, although there can be many different versions of the slow fast fill methods.
The very long fill times used in some of these methods mean that the wall thickness must be greater
than typical die casting and the surface finish requirements are not as good. The method also results in very
high die temperatures that shorten die life. This technique typically uses metal pressure from 15,000 to
25,000 lb/in2. With careful use of die coatings, it can be done with the more common low iron alloys such
as the 356 or 357 alloys. The non-turbulent fill and very low gas porosity results in a casting that can be
heat treated or welded with the potential for higher elongation and some increase in tensile strength after
heat treating.
The slow fill techniques are now done often enough that the line between squeeze casting and
regular die casting is somewhat blurred. A combination of very large gates, low velocity fill at the start
and higher velocity for the final fill will work for some part shapes. However, the gate design techniques
presented here are for conventional die casting and atomized flow.
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 37

The J factor is calculated in the spreadsheet and compared to the minimum required to determine if the
proposed gate velocity and gate thickness will produce atomized metal. If J is less than the minimum, then
the gate thickness or the gate velocity needs to be increased.
If any number falls out of normal recommended ranges such as an ingate thickness of .023 inch for
aluminum, or a length, which exceeds the available ingate length at the parting line, then changes need to
be made. Perhaps the flow plan, the segmentation, the cavity fill time, or ingate velocity need to be changed
and another scenario generated. Doing many scenarios is normal for the gating design process until the best
compromises are made. When the simulators do a gating project, scenario after scenario will be run until the
design is considered optimized. The same process occurs when doing unsimulated gating design.
A special gating case occurs with long castings and small casting volumes such as chrome plated
automotive body side molding. In this case the ingates will calculate to be very thin because of the long
ingate length and small cavity volume. Ingate velocities exceeding the normal ranges would be needed
to atomize the metal. This would demand high machine power and would erode the ingate die steel if
attempted. This remedy for this case is comb gating.

Planned Gate Length

Half Space Spaces
Half Space

Gate Openings

At this point in the gating analysis the ingate width and length have been determined. The gate
velocity is within the normal range. The flow is atomized, and it is known that the intended machine can
deliver the flow with a chosen plunger tip.
38 NADCA GATING MANUAL
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 39

Chapter 6
Step 6 – Do a PQ2 analysis if desired

The goal of the PQ2 analysis is to match the die’s designed gating system to the machine’s total hydraulic
system. In the analysis P stands for metal pressure and Q stands for metal flow rate. The molten metal flow
rate through an orifice such as an ingate is a function of the pressure on the molten metal - the higher the
pressure, the higher the flow rate. However, the relationship of pressure and flow rate is not linear. The
governing equation for fluid flow through an orifice or ingate is Bernoulli equation.

Pm = ( ρ / 2 g) * ((Q / (Ag * Cd ) ) 2

Where,
Pm = metal pressure (lb/in2)
ρ = metal density (lb/in3)
g = gravitational constant (in/sec2)
Q = metal flow rate (in3/sec)
Agapp = apparent area of the ingate (in2)
Cd = coefficient of discharge

The expression in Bernoulli’s equation (Q / Ag) is equal to the ingate velocity Vg. So the equation can also be written as:
Pm = ( ρ / 2 g) * ((Vg / Cd ) ) 2

From observation of the Bernoulli’s equation:

Metal pressure required is directly proportional to metal density.
Increasing the metal pressure increases the flow rate. Decreasing the metal pressure decreases the
flow rate. The relationship is non-linear.
Increasing the apparent ingate area, Agapp, decreases metal pressure, Pm needed. Decreasing the
ingate area increases the required pressure. The relationship is non-linear.
Increasing the coefficient of discharge, Cd, with a more efficient metal and hydraulic system
decreases the pressure required. Decreasing the coefficient of discharge with a more inefficient
metal and hydraulic system increases the pressure required. The relationship is non-linear.
Increasing the metal pressure, increases the ingate velocity, Vg. Decreasing the metal pressure,
decreases the ingate velocity required. The relationship is non-linear.
Values used for liquid density are:
Aluminum = .093 lb/in3
Zinc = .221 lb/in3
Magnesium = .063 lbs/in3

The gravitational constant “g” is 32.2 ft/sec2, or 386.4 in/sec2

40 NADCA GATING MANUAL

The coefficient of discharge (Cd) is a measure of inefficiency of the metal delivery and machine hydraulic system.
It is the ratio of the flow in the actual machine and die to an ideal fluid system that has no friction.

Common values for Cd for die casting applications are:

Cold chamber aluminum = .45 to .5

Cold chamber magnesium = .45 to .5
Hot chamber zinc or mag = .55 to .65

The following graph shows the non-linear relationship between metal pressure and flow.

Machine Performance Lone on PQ Diagram (Non-Linear Relationship)

Special graph paper with a non-linear Q2 scale makes the P and Q2 relationship linear.

Machine Performance Line on PQ2 2nd Order Graph Paper

The PQ2 gating analysis using graph paper or a computer generated graph is:

1. Obtain the appropriate PQ2 graph paper for the machine and die to be analyzed.
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 41

2. Determine the accumulator pressure and convert the accumulator pressure to metal pressure for a
selected plunger diameter. Plot the metal pressure on the PQ2 graph paper on the vertical axis (Q2 = 0).

To find the metal pressure from the accumulator pressure:

Pm = ((Ph * Ah) – (Pr * Ar)) / Ap)

Where, Pm = metal pressure (lb/in2)

Ph = shot cylinder head side pressure (lb/in2)
Ah = area head side (in2)
Pr = shot cylinder rod side pressure (ib/in2)
Ar = area rod side (in2)
Ap = area plunger (in2)
The values for the head side and rod side areas are in the machine manual. The pressures can be
read from gages on the machine.

3. Find out or determine the dry shot fast shot velocity at the accumulator pressure chosen and plot on
the horizontal axis (P = 0). The values for the dry shot speed for given accumulator pressures can be
found in the machine manual or can be determined experimentally on the floor.
4. Draw a straight line between the points of Steps 2 and 3. This is called the Machine Performance Line.
5. Assume a coefficient of discharge.
6. Select an ingate velocity. Calculate the metal pressure required to produce this velocity. Select an
ingate area. Calculate the flow rate associated with this ingate area and ingate velocity (Q = Vg *
Ag). Plot this point on the PQ^s graph from the origin. Draw a straight line though this point. This is
called the Die Resistance Line for the selected ingate velocity and ingate area.

7. The intersection of the Die Resistance Line and the Machine Performance Line is maximum operating
condition for the parameters selected.

Maximum Operating Condition on PQ2 Diagram

 NADCA GATING MANUAL 43

PQ2 Notes

1. Cavity fill time is a function of flow rate. The minimum flow rate for a desired maximum cavity fill time
can be plotted on the PQ2 diagram as a vertical line. Operating conditions must be to the right of this line.

2. For an intended ingate thickness, there is a minimum ingate velocity needed to atomize the metal
for an intended ingate thickness. From Bernoulli’s equation metal pressure can be calculated from
this minimum velocity. This can be drawn as a horizontal line. Operating conditions must be above
this line. The horizontal, vertical, and machine performance lines create an area that can be called
the operational window. The die should operate in this defined area.

Operating Window on PQ2 Diagram

3. Effects of Parameter Changes

Reducing or increasing the accumulator pressure creates parallel Machine Performance Lines on
the PQ2 graph.

Effect of Accumulator Pressure on Machine Performance Line

44 NADCA GATING MANUAL

Closing the shot valve has the effect of creating Machine Performance Lines that pivot from the
metal pressure point with zero flow. This data can come from the machine’s book or be
determined experimentally.

Effect of Shot Valve on Machine Performance Line

Changing the plunger tip has the effect of changing the slope of the Machine Performance Line.
Smaller plungers yield higher metal pressure and less flow. Larger plungers yield lower metal
pressure and more flow.

Effect of Plunger Tip Size on Machine Performance Line

 NADCA GATING MANUAL 45

Changing the ingate area changes the slope of the Die Resistance Line. Smaller ingate areas
yield more pressure, less flow. Larger ingates areas yield less pressure, more flow.

Effect of Gate Area on Die Resistance Line

From all these options many Machine Performance and Die Resistance Lines can be drawn
to show the operating conditions for a given set of gating parameters. Many scenarios are run.
The objective is to find a combination of ingate area, ingate velocity, ingate thickness, plunger tip
diameter, and accumulator pressure that create a large central operational window on the PQ2
diagram. NADCA provides software to help with the PQ2 analysis and calculations.

The PQ2 analysis can be run as a check on the conventional gating analysis or vice versa. Note
the coefficient of discharge appears as a squared term in Bernoulli’s equation which means a
small per cent change in this number results in a significant per cent metal pressure change all
other factor being equal. The machine’s performance and other mechanical issues such as the
alignment of the sleeve and plunger change through time. These factors affect the coefficient of
discharge. Selecting a coefficient of discharge on the low side is a conservative approach.
46 NADCA GATING MANUAL
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 47

Chapter 7
Step 7 – Design the Fan and Tangential Runners
Flow area considerations

The function of the runner is to deliver the metal to the ingate and to generate the desired flow pattern within
the cavity segments. There are three runners used plus the chisel runner that is sometimes used in dealing with
local porosity. The three runners are the straight fan, the curved fan, and the tangential runner.
The ingate controls the metal flow into the cavity. Therefore, the ingate has the smallest area in the metal
flow path from the biscuit or sprue to the cavity. If this were not true, then some other feature in the runner system will
control the metal flow such as an undersized runner or an undersized nozzle on a hot chamber machine.
Runner systems should always be designed starting at the ingate and working back to the sprue or
biscuit and in the case of hot chamber machines working back to the gooseneck plunger. At this point in
the analysis the ingate areas and locations are known so the runner design starts at the gate opening and
works backwards to the sprue or biscuit.
The runner area should decrease as the runner transitions into the gate. This not only maintains
the gate as the smallest area in the flow path, but it also forces the metal flow to spread the full width of the
gate and lets the gate do what it was designed to do. Decreasing the runner area leading up to the ingate
also prevents mixing air with the metal in the runner that might show up in the casting as porosity.
Starting at the gate, the runner will be larger than the gate. The ratio of the runner to gate area
will vary with the design, and will usually range between 1.1:1 and 1.4:1. However, it can be larger as in
the case of small castings where using a ratio of 1.4:1 would result in too much metal heat loss in the fan
or tangential runner system. Thus, if the gate area is 1.00 in2, then the runner area should be between 1.1
and 1.4 square inches except in small castings.
The ratio is determined by several design factors, and it important to realize that there isn’t a magic
number that applies to all circumstances. Some of the factors to consider are:

Aluminum

Typical ratios will be about 1.1 to 1.4. The higher ratios are used where there is a larger flow angle. A flow
angle greater than 35° for a fan gate design will require a ratio of 1.3:1 or greater. A flow angle of 10°
to 35° would be acceptable with a gate to runner ratio of about 1.1:1 to 1.3:1. Higher flow angles require
more restriction to force the metal to conform to the gate shape.
On the other hand, the designer should be cautious about using large ratios for large castings
because the main runner off the biscuit or sprue may up being excessively large. Runners don’t get shipped.
Runners only add to the energy and dross loss costs of the plant.
In some plants, it is common to use a steep 45o ramp for the transition from the fan or tangential
runner to the gate. The thought is to keep the metal hot up to the gate to prevent premature freezing of the
ingate. However, freezing at the gate can usually be corrected with process changes, and this kind of gate
design should not be necessary. It can be used in some cases to help specific porosity spots, but it forces
the metal to accelerate in a very short distance and may not allow the metal to spread to the edges of the
gate. If this gate design technique is used, then it is suggested that the gate to runner ratios will need to be
quite high, typically 1.5:1 or even 2:1.
48 NADCA GATING MANUAL

Zinc

Thinner gates and smaller gates are used in zinc with runners as small as .125 x .125 inches or even smaller in
four slide machines. The smaller runners require a very fast fill time (less than 10 msec) to stay open.
The runner size ratio is often 1.05 to 1.15 times the gate area. These are smaller increases than
those used in aluminum, partly because the area of the sprue or the nozzle feeding the sprue limits the
maximum area of the runner in a hot chamber machine.
When this occurs, most of the available area reduction should be used at the gate, which may
mean that the runner components will be designed with a small area reduction from the sprue start of the
gate. The sprue and nozzle areas need to be reviewed in all hot chamber designs along with the runner
components. Sometimes the nozzle or sprue is smaller than it should be. A good design solution may be to
go to a runner sprue, which will provide less restricted flow and can support a bigger runner system.

Magnesium

Magnesium runners work well with more speed than other metals. High runner speed is desirable to
keep the heat loss down, which is critical in magnesium where the latent heat and the specific heat are
low. Although using the same strategy as in aluminum is suitable for most dies, smaller runner sizes and
higher velocities can be an advantage. The concept is to keep the runner velocities high with modest area
increases from the ingate to the sprue or biscuit to minimize heat loss in the runners.

Fan Runners

Fan runners can be used to feed the entire casting or to split the metal from a main runner to two adjacent
tangential runners. Fans generate a desirable strong center fill. There are two types of fans – a curved sided
fan and a straight sided fan. In order for the fan to have constantly decreasing area from the main runner
to the ingate, a curve sided fan’s depth will decrease linearly, and a straight sided fan will have a depth
which is curved. If the fan is constructed with straight sides and a linear depth reduction, then the fan area
from the runner to the ingate will not decrease linearly though the fan. The metal will pull away from the
sidewall and generate a pocket. This pocket will feed a steam of air bubbles into the flowing metal and
contribute to casting porosity.

Straight and curve sided fans are shown in the next figures.

Plan View Cross-Section View Three Dimensional

Straight Sided Fan

 NADCA GATING MANUAL 49

Plan View Cross-Section View Three Dimensional

Curve Sided Fan

An inferior fan gate with straight sides and depth looks like the following.

Plan View Cross-Section View

Fan with Straight Sides and Depth

The flat fan shape is simple to make and may appear to do reasonably well, but it will add gas porosity
to the casting.
The advantages of straight sided fans are that the flow angle is known and the runner breaks clean
without a trim die. The disadvantage of a straight fan is it is more difficult to machine into the die. The fan
should be modeled and edm’ed in.
The advantage of a curve sided fan is that is easier to machine into the die. The disadvantages
of the curve sided fan is the flow angle is not clearly defined and that the fan does not break cleanly
and must be trimmed.
50 NADCA GATING MANUAL

Fan Flow Angles

The flow angle for the straight sided fan is the angle of the sidewall to the centerline. The straight sided fan design
shown earlier has a flow angle of 26°, which is measured as shown below. The curved fan gate has a flow angle
measured at a point ¼ the distance from the gate to the runner, as shown below.

Curve Sided Fan

The maximum flow angle for any fan is 45°. The flow off the ends of fans with flow angles greater than
45° will be negligible.

Shorter runner system, but

hard to get the metal to follow
the sharp 45° angle - not as
o desirable as the 30° angle
45.000
shown below
GATE AREA = 0.16 GATE AREA = 0.16

RUNNER AREA = 0.208

(30% INCREASE)

RUNNER AREA = 0.208

(30% INCREASE)

Shorter runner system, but

RUNNER AREA = 0.445 hard to get the metal to follow
(10% INCREASE)
the sharp 45° angle - not as
desirable as the 30° angle
shown below
o
30.000

GATE AREA = 0.16 GATE AREA = 0.16

RUNNER AREA = 0.184

(15% INCREASE)

RUNNER AREA = 0.184

(15% INCREASE)
Recommended approach

RUNNER AREA = 0.405

(10% INCREASE)
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 51

The edge of a curved fan tends to break out as shown below. If the part is hand degated or tumbled off, it is
recommended that the gate width be reduced approximately as shown with the red dotted lines to address
the break out issue.

Break line

The flow angle for fans varies from left to center to right. The average fan flow angle used to calculate the
actual ingate area from the apparent ingate area is:

θ = ((θl + θr) / 4) + θc

Where,
θ = average fan flow angle
θl = flow angle left side of fan
θr = flow angle right side of fan
θc = flow angle center of fan

θl
θl θr
52 NADCA GATING MANUAL

Designing Fan Runners

The procedure for designing a fan is:

1. Determine the fan width and the fan length. The fan width at Section A is the same width as the
ingate. The fan length is the distance from the end of the fan to the beginning of the fan, Section I,
joining the main runner. The ratio of the fan width to the fan length determines the fan’s flow angle at
each edge. Increasing the fan length decreases the flow angle at the fan’s edges.

2. Divide the fan into equal sections from beginning to end. A convenient number of sections to use is 9.

3. Determine the area of the end Section A. This area is equal to or greater than the ingate area. It
is customary to make the area of Section A 10% greater than the ingate area it feeds. This gives some
wiggle room if the ingates need to be increased slightly when the part is cast without having to reburn
the fan to enlarge it.

4. Determine the area increase from Section A to the beginning of the fan Section I. In the example the
area increases 200%. This percent increase is a judgement call and will vary with each casting. On
one hand the objective is to deliver hot metal to the ingates, and on the other hand the objective is to
minimize the size of the runners to reduce remelt costs.

5. Determine the area of each section with a linear reduction in area from the beginning of the fan to
end of the fan. If 9 sections are used, then the area of Section E is the average of Sections A and I.
The area of Sections C is the average of sections A and E, etc.

6. Determine dimensions of the beginning of the fan, Section I. The main runner dimensions that feeds
the fan and the dimensions of Section I are the same.

7. For a curve sided fan, the fan depth linearly decreases from the beginning to the end. Determine the
depths of each section with a linear reduction from the beginning to the end. The same method as in
Step 5 can be used.

8. Calculate the average width of each section. This is the section area divided by the section depth.

9. Put all the fan data into a chart and draw a sketch showing the plan view and the cross-sectional view
of the fan. On the cross-sectional view show the relationship of the fan in the ejector half and the
ingate in the cover half overlapping the fan and the land distance.

The straight sided fan is done the same way only the width increases linearly from the fan beginning to
end. The fan depth is calculated from the sectional fan areas and widths and will be non-linear.
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 53

Fan Notes

Curve Sided Fan

Curved Sided Fan Data Table

Ingate Width = 5.000, Ingate Thickness = .063, Flow Angle = 40 degrees

Section Distance Area Depth (h) Avg Width Base (b) Top (t) Side (c) Side (d)
A 0.000 0.347 0.069 5.000 5.012 4.988 0.012 0.012
B 0.750 0.408 0.136 3.009 3.033 2.986 0.024 0.024
C 1.500 0.470 0.202 2.326 2.362 2.291 0.036 0.036
D 2.250 0.532 0.268 1.981 2.028 1.934 0.047 0.047
E 3.000 0.593 0.335 1.773 1.832 1.714 0.059 0.059
F 3.750 0.655 0.401 1.633 1.704 1.563 0.071 0.071
G 4.500 0.717 0.467 1.533 1.616 1.451 0.082 0.082
H 5.250 0.778 0.534 1.458 1.552 1.365 0.094 0.094
I 6.000 0.840 0.600 1.400 1.506 1.294 0.106 0.106
h = Area / depth
Avg Width = Area / h
b = Avg Width + c
t = Avg Width - c
c = 0.176 * h
d = 0.176 * h
Area Ratio Sections I:A 2.42

1. The sides of fans have 10o draft. Any section of the fan is actually a trapezoid.

2. Planned flow with associated flow angles was determined in Step 2. By changing the fan length
relative to the fan width, the flow angle changes. Normally many fan scenarios are generated to get the flow
angle desired and to fit the fan to the space available on the die. It is helpful to have spreadsheets containing
generic straight and curve sided fans so that fan design data can be calculated quickly and accurately.
54 NADCA GATING MANUAL

Either type can be set at an angle to direct the flow towards a problem area. The illustration below shows
how this can be done. The figure below also shows the straight fan gate at left turned at a 30° angle.
The arrows approximate the new flow pattern. This allows the flow to be directed at a particular problem
area.

30.000o
o
26.221

2.000 2.300
0.050

1.127
2.167

Flow patterns for the fan gates

The flow patterns generated by the two different types of fan gates are shown by the following pictures:

Curve sided fan flow pattern Straight side fan flow pattern Straight sides & depth fan flow pattern
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 55

Tangential Runners

Tangential runners run tangent along the side of the cavity. The advantages of tangential runners are:

• the runner is compact and can be kept close to the casting,

• the flow direction can be controlled, and

• hot metal can be distributed over a relatively long distance.

A disadvantage of tangential runners is that runners will get overly big if small flow angles are desired.

The tangential runner flow angle is determined by the ratio of ingate area to runner area. At any
point in the tangential runner the flow angle is the arctangent of the gate area divided by the tangential
runner area. For this calculation, the gate area is the total gate area downstream from the section selected,
and the runner area is measured at the section selected.

Tangential gate flow angle = arc tan (ingate area / runner area)

Because of the flow angle, the metal sees a smaller gate area than that actually cut into the die. It
also means the actual velocity is higher than the apparent ingate velocity.

Actual gate area = Apparent gate area / Cosine (flow angle)

or
Apparent gate area = Actual gate area * Cosine (flow angle)

45.235o EFFECTIVE GATE AREA

SHOCK ABSORBER
Die = sq. root of runner inlet area
Feeder size = 10% runner inlet area
ACTUAL GATE AREA
56 NADCA GATING MANUAL

And,
Actual gate velocity = Apparent gate velocity / cosine (flow angle)

where the Apparent gate velocity is calculated by using the plunger diameter, fast shot velocity,
and measurements of the ingate.
Since the cosine of the flow angle is always less than one, the difference of the Actual and Apparent
ingate velocities can be significant. Solder and erosion problems can occur due to unexpected high actual
ingate velocities especially with aluminum.
The following table shows the approximate flow angles attainable from the tangential runner. Note
that a very large runner is needed to get the metal with a low flow angle into the casting. If this is the flow
pattern that is needed, then a fan gate may be more appropriate than the tangential gate.

Examples of Ratio of Flow

Runner Area Gate Area Gate/Runner Angel Degrees
0.10 0.10 1.00 45.00
0.11 0.10 0.90 41.99
0.13 0.10 0.80 38.66
0.14 0.10 0.70 34.99
0.17 0.10 0.60 30.96
0.20 0.10 0.50 26.57
0.25 0.10 0.40 21.80
0.33 0.10 0.30 16.70
0.50 0.10 0.20 11.31

Practical tangential flow angles vary from 26° to 45°. A shock absorber is desirable for tangential
runners. The shock absorber will prevent spitting of metal into the die at the end of the tangential runner
when the runner is filling. This spurt of metal will eventually erode the runner and the ingate at the end of
the runner. The shock absorber allows the tangential runner to fill and pressurize providing simultaneous
fill along the tangential runner’s length. A proper designed shock absorber will trap compressed air
in the center. Shock absorbers should be feed tangentially to create a whirlpool flow pattern with air
trapped in the center. An ejector pin should always be placed underneath the shock absorber. If there
is no ejector pin under the shock absorber, then the shock absorber will stick to the die. The diameter of
the shock absorber should be large enough to create the air pocket in the center. The shock absorber
diameter should be approximately the square root of the inlet area to the tangential runner.
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 57

Tangential Runner

The dimensions for the designed tangential runners are provided to the toolmaker of die designer with the
above drawing, a data chart, and a generic tangential runner cross section.

Tangential Runner Cross-section 30o Approach

58 NADCA GATING MANUAL

The aspect ratio is the ratio of the average width to the height of the tangential runner. A typical
aspect ratio for tangential runners is 2:1. An aspect ratio of 1:1 would be more compact conserving heat.
An aspect ratio of 3:1 would be more spread out and would dissipate more heat to the runner die steel.

To calculate the dimensional data for each section:

1. Calculate the areas for all sections except the last (Section J). The tangential runner area for any
section is the ingate area that it feeds divided by the cosine of the flow angle.
2. Calculate h, b, d, t, and c for each section except the last (Section J). The formulas for a 2:1 aspect
ratio are given in the example.
3. The tangential runner at section J feeds an ingate of zero. However, it is customary to make section J
at least as thick as the ingate. If a shock absorber is used, it needs to be big enough to feed the shock.

Tangential Runner Data Table

2:1 Aspect Ratio, 30o Approach Angle, 10o Draft
Gate thickness = .066, Flow Angle = 40o

Section J K L M N P
Distance 0.000 1.000 2.000 3.000 4.000 5.000
Area = 0.007 0.078 0.157 0.235 0.313 0.392

h= 0.060 0.198 0.280 0.343 0.396 0.442

b= 0.120 0.584 0.826 1.012 1.168 1.306
d= 0.000 0.035 0.049 0.060 0.070 0.078
t= 0.000 0.207 0.293 0.358 0.414 0.463
c= 0.000 0.342 0.484 0.593 0.685 0.765

h = (Area /2 ) ^ 0.5
b = 2.952 * h
d = 0.176 * h
t = 1.046 * h
c = 1.730 * h
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 59

Tangential runners do not have to be kept parallel to the edge of the casting with tangential gates. The
ramp from the runner to the casting can be extended so this type of gate can feed an irregular edge. This
is shown below.

CASTING

The ramps from the runner to the casting can be lengthened as needed to fit the casting contour.
The ramps are usually sloped about 5° from the runner to the casting (or to the land if one is used).

A side view of the technique is shown below.

GATE RAMP — Sloped about
5o, Rad 0.06 at the runner

Casting

Land, make flat and

as long as required

This technique can also be used to direct the flow of a tangential runner. The runner can be angled
to make the flow pattern go in the direction desired.
60 NADCA GATING MANUAL

The picture below shows a gate design where the tangential gate was shaped so as to direct the flow at
particular problem areas. The flow pattern in this case worked well to solve some defect problems.

If it is desired to have a different angle, it is possible to angle the runner away from the casting in order to
get the flow angle directed better. The gate can be added to the curved sections of the tangential gate
and thus obtain some different flow angles that could not be achieved with a straight section. This is shown
below, where the runner curves were used to direct metal into the two corners of the casting that could not
be reached without using this technique.

Flow angle for

this section is
Flow angle for Flow angle for this
about 26o
this sec is 31o sections is 13o
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 61

This technique is very powerful, especially when a good surface finish is required. This example was done
by computer, but to do it manually, the following procedure will get a close approximation. First, set the
straight section in the middle.
Selected flow direction

30.000o
2

3 R

5
The runner flow angle of
2.027 R = Radius of new 30o is arbitrary, and can
4 runner section, fit be any reasonable value
to initial straight
section

Now do the following steps:

1. Draw the flow vector as it is desired,

2. Add a perpendicular to the line approximately in the area the runner is expected to be.
3. Then add a line at an angle to the line from step 2 of approximately 30°. The end of this line should
intersect the edge casting where the initial gate starts. The runner will then be a curve matching the
existing runner that is tangent to this line.
4. Draw a perpendicular to this line done in step 3, starting where the line from step 3 and the flow
vector intersect.
5. Draw a vertical line from the starting point of the gate for the initial straight section.
6. Where the lines from 4 and 5 intersect is the center of the radius forming the outside of the new runner section.

The 30° is selected as a flow angle that is relatively easy to achieve, this could be any value with in the
range of about 30° to 40°. This curve would be the path for the runner that would flow in the direction
of the vector – if the runner were sized to provide the flow angle selected when drawing the tangent line.

Main Runners and Cavity Layout

Main runners carry the metal from the sprue or biscuit to fan and tangential runners. The runner is usually
done in trapezoidal shape, although round runners are used for miniature zinc 4-slide machines. Round
runners should have a straight section added at the parting line to avoid a slight undercut.
The width to depth ratio is called the aspect ratio, and will usually be between 1:1 and 3:1. The
lowest surface area to volume ratio comes when the when the depth is equal to the width, and this is
typically used for most runners. However, in large aluminum dies where the main runner will get too
large to freeze in a reasonable time, the runner depth is kept constant at about .7 inches and the width is
expanded as necessary to get the required area.
The most important concept in runner design is that the beginning of flow at the biscuit or sprue
must be the largest area, and that the metal encounters an ever decreasing area as it moves to the fan
and tangential runners. Ultimately, the smallest area in the delivery system is the ingate area and this area
controls the flow and velocity going into the cavity not some other feature of the runner system.
62 NADCA GATING MANUAL

Another factor to consider is the high velocity and momentum of the metal in the runner system.
Wherever the metal encounters sharp corners turbulence can be created causing gas entrapment, which
ends up as porosity or blisters. Thus, main runners turns should be smooth and gradual.
Runners don’t get shipped. Energy costs keep rising. Excessively large runners slow the cycle time
and increase energy costs. Therefore, the designer is encouraged to design the runner wisely.

Runner design procedure

Runner design should start at the gate and proceed to the sleeve or sprue. The first step was covered earlier
in the fan and tangential runner design, and should result in the initial runner size about 1.1 to 1.3 times the
gate area. The main runners should be increased in size as the design proceeds from the fan and tangential
runners to the sprue or biscuit. Each turn of transition from one main runner to two should have an area
reduction from entrance to exit. Properly designed bends need only a small increase, usually 3% to about
5%, depending on the sharpness of the bend.
These small increases depend on having a good runner design, and a smooth model of the runner
system, preferably one that can be machined from a CAD model.
“ Y” junctions should also have an increase in area when going upstream from the branches from the
main runner on the order of 3% to 10%. An increase of 5% for good smooth shapes should be adequate.
Larger increases are more conservative and more certain to cover errors, however, they often result
in a large main runner that slows the cycle time.
Tree runners are often used for multi cavity work. They are always a problem because the metal will
not arrive at the top and bottom cavities at the same time. Tree runners violate the principle of simultaneous
fill and should be avoided, as the top and bottom cavities will not run the same creating quality problems.
It is far better to use a die layout with cavities equidistant from the sprue or biscuit.

Cavities not Equidistant to Biscuit Cavities Equidistant to Biscuit

 NADCA GATING MANUAL 63

Cavities Equidistant to Biscuit

Six cavity dies are more difficult, and may require some ingenuity, but the effort is well worth it.

Six Cavity layout with Cavities Equidistant to Biscuit

The design of main runners follows the same pattern as with fan and tangential runners. The cross sections
of all main runners need to be defined for the tool maker or the too designer. The aspect ratio of main
runners is the ratio of the average width to the depth. Typical ratios are 1:1 to 3:1. Here is a spreadsheet
example of Main Runner dimensional data. The whole runner system is drawn on the preliminary die where
the main runner sections are identified.
64 NADCA GATING MANUAL

Main Runner & Fan Cross-section

Main Runner Description

Component Description
1 Tangential
2 Fan
3 Fan
4 Fan
5 Fan
6 Fan
7 Fan

Main Runner: Aspect Ratio = 2:1 Draft = 10o

Main Feeding Area Avg Width h (in) b (in) d (in) t (in) c (in)
Runner (in2) (in)
Section
E 1 0.237 0.688 0.344 0.748 0.061 0.627 0.061
I Any Fan 0.225 0.671 0.335 0.730 0.059 0.612 0.059
F 1+2 0.485 0.984 0.492 1.071 0.087 0.898 0.087
G 1+2+3 0.721 1.201 0.600 1.306 0.106 1.095 0.106
L 7 0.236 0.687 0.344 0.748 0.060 0.627 0.060
K 6+7 0.473 0.972 0.486 1.058 0.086 0.887 0.086
M All 1.643 1.813 0.906 1.972 0.160 1.653 0.160

(Area Section M = All = K + 2*I + G =1.643 )

Main Runner dimension h = (Area / 2).5

formulas for an aspect b = 2.176 * h
ratio of 2:1 d = 0.176 * h
t = 1.824 * h
c = 0.176 * h
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 65

Chapter 8
Step 8 – Design the Overflows and Vents
Overflows and Outgates

Overflows collect the initial contaminated metal that traverses the cavity, provide local heat to the far side of the
cavity, and provide a base to help eject the casting off the die. The number and size of overflows is a function
of the flow distance through the cavity whereas long distances will have more overflows and the surface finish
requirements of the casting whereas good surface quality will have more overflows than a commercial finish.
A guide to overflow size as a percent of the adjacent segment can be found in the table below:

Typical Overflow Sizes

Overflow size as percent of
adjacent cavity segment

Hardware Some Cold Shut

Thickness of Segment Cavity Fill Time - sec.
Quality Surface Allowed - %
- in. (mm) Finish - %
0.035 (0.90) 0.012 - 0.021 150 75
0.050 (1.30) 0.017 - 0.029 100 50
0.075 (1.80) 0.026 - 0.044 50 25
0.100 (2.50) 0.035 - 0.059 25 25
0.120 (3.20) 0.042 - 0.071 ---- ----
NOTE: The values shown are typical values which may change for specific situations.

Overflows that connect to vents should be located at the last portion of the segment to fill. If the
overflow fills before the segment, then backfilling will occur causing poor fill and porosity. Metal will be
drawn to the outgates and overflows, so it is better to have many modest overflows than a few large ones
for purposes of distributed flow within the casting. Like runners, overflows do not get shipped, so the number
and placement of overflows should be judicious.
The outgate connects the casting to the overflow. The sum total of all the outgate areas should be
approximately one half the total ingate area since the outgates provide the passageway for air to escape
through the vents. For aluminum the minimum outgate thickness should be .040 in. For magnesium and zinc the
minimum thickness is .020 in for conventional die casting. Overflows are normally located on the ejector half with
an ejector pin underneath them. Outgates like ingates are normally located in the cover half.
If possible the design of overflows as with vents should be for inefficient metal flow. The concern
is keep the molten metal within the die at the end of the shot. If the die does not hold the metal, then the
packing that occurs at the last instant of fill is diminished causing poor surface finish and porosity. Inefficiency
is created when the outgate is offset from the vent forcing the metal to turn within the overflow.
66 NADCA GATING MANUAL

Overflow dimensional data along the locations need to be provided to the toolmaker or die designer on
the preliminary die layout. The following is an example of an overflow.

Outgate

Vent
1.291

0.310

P/L
0.300

0.050 30° 0.020

0.060 Land

Overflow

Overflow with Outgate and Vent

Vents

Vents are essential to die casting. Vents let the air out of the die throughout the shot. If this doesn’t happen
air and other gasses will be trapped within the cavity with the metal. The trapped gas will be in the form
of smooth round bubbles that form gas porosity. These bubbles can be anywhere, but will be concentrated
in the areas that were the last to fill or at the last points to solidify. It is difficult in die casting to vent all the
air. However, there is a big difference in residual air and the resultant casting quality between no vents and
proper vents. If the die is designed with insufficient vents, over time the air will find a way out. The die will
flash, and some of the flash will stick to the die causing inserts to be crushed unevenly into the holder block
or the holder block itself will be crushed around the perimeter of the cavity inserts causing continuous flash
or “natural venting”. This all can be avoided by designing proper vents.
Vent

Vent

Vent

Vents
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 67

The best locations for the vents are the last points to fill. The simulation programs best predict these points.
A program distributed by NADCA called CastView will do a good job of predicting these last to fill locations.
Air is compressible and reaches a terminal velocity in the vents no matter how much pressure is
applied to the air. The air velocity in the vents assuming the terminal velocity is not reached is a function of
the ingate velocity of the metal and the vent area. The air velocity in the vents is directly proportional to the
ingate metal velocity and inversely proportional to the vent area. A way to determine the vent area is to
calculate the incoming metal flow rate, and set the vent area so the volume of air that can escape through
the vents must do so without exceeding a speed that is 70% of the speed of sound at standard conditions.
To calculate this vent area, the metal flow rate (“Q”) is calculated first, and then it is assumed that the air
escaping has the same flow rate. If the maximum reasonable velocity in the vents is assumed to be about
70% of the speed of sound or 8000 in/sec (200 m/s), then the approximate minimum area for the vents
can be found from:

Minimum Vent Area = Q / 8000

Depending on the choice of variables, this calculation approximates the formula developed by J. F.
Wallace:
AV = (0.00571)(V)/(T)(K)
Where:

AV = the minimum area of the vent

V = the total volume of gas in the system, including runner and shot sleeve
T = the cavity fill time
K = the percentage of the vent area remaining open during filling

It would be reasonable to assume the air in the shot sleeve is moved out under slow speed conditions,
and so is not a factor during cavity filling. If this is the case, we could let V = cavity and runner volume only, and
assume the percentage of vents remaining open is about 50%; then the two formulas will be about the same.

Another way to determine the vent area is to divide the ingate area by four or:

Vent Area = Ingate Area / 4

Since the normal range of ingate velocities is less than 2000 in/sec, this formula can also be used.

The problem in designing a venting system with the proper area is finding real estate on the die to
put all the vents in. It is always a good idea to have a plan for the vents before signing off on the cavity insert
sizes. Sometimes the steel is ordered and there isn’t enough room to install the vents. This issue also becomes
complicated with slides and other features that make it difficult or impossible to install the proper venting. If the
casting is sensitive to gas porosity, then this should be a strong warning that there will be some gas porosity
in the casting, or that freeze blocks or vacuum should be considered. On the other hand, if the casting is
not machined, and gas porosity is not an issue, then probably the designer should add as much venting as
possible and accept the remaining porosity. The following is an illustration of a freeze block. The freeze block
allows for a large vent area in a small die area.
68 NADCA GATING MANUAL

Freeze Block

Vents need to be cut into the cavity insert steel and polished so the cast metal does not stick to them. Vent
thickness varies from .005 to .020. The air has less resistance flowing though vents that are .020 versus ones
that are thinner. It is a good idea to machine a small radius between the overflow and vent to help pull the
vent upon ejection. Some vents are designed with steps to help pull the vent off the die. For example, the vent
thickness starts at .020, and then goes to .015, and finally to .010. However, with stepped vents it is the last
thickness that sees the atmosphere that counts for vent area. Vents need to receive die lube spray. Die lube
spray enhances release, washes fragments of metal off the vents before the next shot, and cools the vent die
steel. Sometimes the problem of insufficient cavity insert preload occurs. If the cavity insert preload is .002 inch
or greater per die half, then the space between both holder blocks when the die is closed should be sufficient
for the air to escape.
Vents should be designed for inefficiency. Turns slow the metal down and promote freezing. The
objective is to have the metal stop dead before reaching the holder block. If metal reaches the holder block
then flash and inevitable crushing will occur. The vent length required to stop the metal before reaching the
holder block is a function of vent thickness - the thicker the vent the further the metal will travel. Experience
and judgment are the best guide to estimating the vent length needed to stop the metal. If the vents are .020
inches thick, then about 4 inches of vent length will be required to stop the metal. However, this is contingent
on metal temperature, die temperature, ingate velocity, amount of die lube spray on the vents, etc.
A better system than vents to remove the air is to evacuate it during the shot with a vacuum system.
Vacuum removes the air and also lowers the required shot pressure as the metal wants to fill the nooks and
crannies of the cavity. However, vacuum has problems of its own as it another thing in the process that
can go wrong such as when the vacuum valve fills with metal in the middle of a production run producing
neither vacuum or venting. For gating design purposes, it is important that the proper effort be applied to
finding the last point to fill to locate the vacuum channels. Many vacuum runners look like the ingate runner
system as vacuum is pulled from multiple locations and fed to main vacuum runner leading to be inefficient
with turns and blind runners.
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 69

The vacuum channels need to be large enough with low resistance to handle the airflow during evacuation
for the system to work properly. The time available for the vacuum system to work is less than 1 second.
Although the pressure from the incoming metal will push some of the air out, the vacuum system should
have evacuated most of the air before the metal arrives. The vacuum system suppliers are a good source
for vacuum runner design information.
The vacuum valve pulls vacuum throughout the entire shot including fast shot. What triggers the
valve to close is the metal itself reaching the valve. However, the valve is prone to failing as metal eventually
gets into the valve. An alternative to this approach is to pull the vacuum though a freeze block or freeze
blocks. In this case, a slow shot velocity of around 10 in/sec is used and the vacuum is shut off prior to
going into fast shot. The vacuum levels achieved with this method will not be as good as with valves, but
it is simpler and easier to maintain. The freeze block needs to be sprayed with air and die lube to prevent
metal fragments from sticking and building up on the freeze block.
70 NADCA GATING MANUAL
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 71

Chapter 9
Step 9 – Simulation
The use of simulation is certain to become more popular as computers become more
powerful and the capability of the simulation software gets better. Simulation is a useful engineering
tool, and should be used to supplement the engineering work of gating and not to replace it. In
the described gating process in this book there are a lot of assumptions made by the designer and
a lot of thought that is needed for any well designed gating system. Simulation is not a substitute for
the techniques described in this book and should be done after the gating design is complete
Ideally, simulation should be done as early as possible so the results can so the results can influence
the part design. Using simulation has several useful and important objectives that can assist making the
gating design better:

1. What does the simulator say about the flow pattern? Is the flow pattern similar to one envisioned in Step 2?

2. Where are the last areas to fill? Are the outgates adjacent to these areas?

3. Are there areas of trapped gas critical to porosity control? Does the proposed design and pattern address them?

4. Does shrink porosity occur in areas critical to porosity control? Does the proposed ingate location
and thickness address them?

5. Is there strong flow to areas where surface finish matters?

The last areas to fill is the easiest, and probably the most important of the factors located by the first
simulation run. There may be several pockets of possible trapped gas where the gas has no escape path, and
is surrounded by liquid metal at the end of fill. These locations could have gas porosity and perhaps poor fill..
A product of the NADCA research efforts is a program called CastView, which is designed to locate the
last point to fill quickly. The program can run in minutes as opposed to the hours needed by full blown commercial
simulation software. It also can be run by anyone, and does not need a trained simulation operator to use it.
The designer should determine if these last to fill points are at a location where overflows and vents
can be relocated or added. If they are in areas where surface finish or porosity matters, then possibly flow
patterns with revised ingate locations can be changed and another simulation done.
If there are areas critical to surface finish requirements, then the area should be checked for smooth
flow conditions, for a very minimum amount of swirls, and particularly for any indication of early metal flow
mixing with late metal flow on the surface.
If there is an area of concern about gas porosity, then the user should check for swirls or trapped gas
pockets in this area. There should be smooth metal flow through this area, and the pockets should be in other
locations. If the software is capable, this should include examining the internal flow inside the casting.
The flow simulations may need to be changed and repeated several times for different gating and
process conditions to get the optimum gating situation. This will be similar to the same trial and error method that
used to be done on the die casting machine. However, it is just a lot cheaper and faster on the computer. The
information learned from simulation can be valuable, but the user needs make sure the results are interpreted
properly by someone familiar with die casting and not just familiar with simulation.
72 NADCA GATING MANUAL

If there is concern about shrink porosity, then an initial thermal analysis should be run. The thermal analysis
will be needed for oil and water cooling channel placement and can predict the cold areas and the hot
areas that may affect surface finish or shrink porosity. Most systems at this time can not predict the results
of applying intensified pressure during solidification as they were designed for other casting processes
not pressure casting. The user should have some experience in die casting to interpret the results and be
somewhat cautious with the simulator’s results.
Since simulators will predict the cold and the hot locations, this information can be effective in
placing water or hot oil lines. Die lube spray also removes heat but not all systems can account for the
effects of the spray. Many interations of the thermal simulation are done where the cooling channels are
moved, resized, and the coolant changed in order to optimize the design.
Once the gating system and the heating/cooling systems are optimized, then the die design can
be finalized and given to the die designer of tool maker so construction can start.
Computer are getting faster and software is getting cheaper and better. The days are coming where
simulation will be the standard method of verifying and optimizing gating designs.
 NADCA GATING MANUAL 73

References
1. E.A. Herman, J. F. Wallace, “Copper Alloy Pressure Die Casting”, International Copper Research
Association, 1975

2. E. A. Herman, “Gating Die Casting Dies”, Society of Die Casting Engineers, 1979

3. E. A. Herman, “Die Casting Dies, Designing”, Society of Die Casting Engineers, 1979

4. J. A. Wallace, “Practical Application and the Results of Metal Flow and Gating Research”, , 1965

5. Russ Van Rens ,“Gating Design”, NADCA, 1996

6. W. Walkington, “Seven Steps to Quality Gating Design”, NADCA, 2001

7. Derek Cocks, “Fan and Tangent Gate Feed Design System” , American Die Casting Institute, 1987
74 NADCA GATING MANUAL