|
PIAD's partnership with Nissan Forklift Corporation
resulted in the development of a chill-cast "Steering Linkage
Assembly." This fab-to-cast conversion showcases a creative design
that performs multiple functions within a single part. The assembly
is an integral part of the overall operation of a pallet truck for
the material handling industry.
This
conversion presented PIAD with the challenge of developing a product
that would not only accommodate the requirements necessary for
accurately steering the vehicle, but one that would also become the
focal point of the lifting-hub in the handle mechanism.
This single casting replaces a current
weldment that is made up of 10 individual pre-fabricated pieces, 19
weld joints, and 4 bushings. |
It also eliminated
a significant amount of machining, as well as the need for stress
relieving. PIAD's non-ferrous chill mold
castings provided the customer with near net shape configurations
that include cast to size holes, bosses, access holes and arc slots. PIAD eliminated the need for machining certain features used for
mounting proximity switches, handle return bumpers, pivot shafts,
swinging rods, wire harness clips and adjustment cams. Where
finishing is required PIAD added a minimal amount of finishing stock
(.030"). The excellent repeatability of PIAD's chill cast process
aided with set-up and fixturing issues.
PIAD is able to utilize its process to cast
the |
complex geometry required for an overall design
that is unique in shape, facilitates the mounting of additional
components, while reducing the overall part weight by 10%.
For this project PIAD's alloy S010 was selected.
S010 is a high quality special brass which has good mechanical
properties and is resistant to corrosion in industrial atmospheres.
Because the linkage will see impact and torque forces during
everyday use, the increased yield and tensile strengths of S010
allowed PIAD to produce a sound casting with sufficient mechanical
integrity. Besides eliminating many components and reducing labor
cost to assemble and weld the various components, the one piece PIAD
chill casting simplified the supply chain logistics significantly. |
What's New
