ATM: A Greener Variant of High Pressure Die Casting

ATM high pressure die casting technology (ATM) is a variant of the traditional high pressure die casting (HPDC) process and is distinguishable by its characteristic lean runners that increase process yields. Reduced raw material consumption helps ATM leave a smaller footprint on the environment by lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during primary processing of the alloys and in their melting and handling in the foundry. Further avenues for reducing GHG emissions are raised by the use of ATM technology which improves the integrity of castings - facilitating the adoption of lighter weight components in automobiles. In the present paper, reductions in GHG emissions achieved by ATM are illustrated with the aid of a commercial case study; potential mass reduction opportunities for the automotive sector are explored with the aid of finite element analysis.