Squeeze Casting of Steel Weapon Components
Abstract
The project efforts described in this report demonstrate the feasibility of squeeze casting two specific steel weapon components -- the receiver base and the barrel support of the M85 Machine Gun. Squeeze casting is a hybrid of the conventional casting and forging techniques: molten metal is poured into a lower die cavity, and an upper die descends, displaces the liquid to fill the cavity, and compresses the confined molten form until solidified. Project efforts relate how molten, low-carbon alloy steel is vertically displaced through adjoining tubular and flat-walled columns and squeeze cast to form the barrel support. Auxiliary ram pressure applied in the die system for squeeze casting the receiver base, independent of the main ram pressure, effectively eliminates shrinkage in the abruptly thicker, last-to-freeze sections. Squeeze casting yields (ready-to-machine weight compared to melt-charge weight) for producing radiographically sound supports and bases exceed 90 percent, whereas conventional sand mold casting yields approach 30 and 45 percent, respectively. The most favorable components to squeeze cast have compact, symmetrical designs without more complexity than a simple U-shaped cross section.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA031769
Entities
People
- D. A. Stawarz
- K. M. Kulkarni
- K. R. Iyer
- R. B. Miclot
Organizations
- IIT Research Institute