Global trends in automotive industry for weight reduction drives an interest for casting of structural aluminum parts. High pressure die casting (HPDC) is chosen for this purpose since it enables manufacturing of large series parts where complexity and repeatability is demanded. Aluminum alloys have hence been developed through the years to obtain suitable mechanical properties for high strength parts. These alloys have been investigated to predict the types of potential failure mechanisms during HPDC in order to determine die life through simulations. Die life prediction was performed through simulations in MAGMAsoft 5.4 with the help of a die life module, which is based on thermal stresses generated in the die material during casting cycles. Fatigue data at elevated temperature obtained from literature review of AISI H11 tool steel was complemented to the Wöhler curve in the software database.

Comparison of two aluminum alloys showed that chemical composition had a major influence on die life. Chemical composition had a direct impact on solidification time and with longer solidification time, the thermal load on the die increased. Since the stress range on the die is temperature dependent, the ability of heat transfer over time proved to be critical for die life results. The most crucial process parameter to achieve a longer die life was constant cooling by tempering channels, due to their high potential to remove heat. Tempering channels and die spray also prevent the die from exceeding a critical temperature resulting in soldering formation. Mold erosion was consistently observed in the same location for all simulations.