| In-line monitoring of die-casting of aluminum (A356, A357, 86S), magnesium (AZ91) and a metal matrix composite (Gra-NiRTM 6S:3G) will be monitored using the reflection coefficient obtained by using an ultrasonic technique, the pulse/echo. For each of the materials enumerated above, the average temperature of the mold through its thickness, the end of filling of the part, the solidification of the part in the cavity of the mold, the gap and/or the detachment of the part, the sound velocity and the attenuation of the material will be measured by this ultrasonic technique during the process.; For the materials the melt temperature will not exceed 600°C because the casting is made at the semi-solid state, between the solidus and liquidus, of the materials. A novel high performance buffer rod with a cooling system is integrated into the die. Therefore, ultrasonic measurements can be carried out with high signal-to-noise ratio at elevated temperatures. |
