Experimental-Numerical Model of the Initiation and Propagation of Cracks in Die Inserts

The aim of the research presented in this paper was to develop an experimental - numerical model for predicting the life of die inserts. For this purpose, using FEM, the temperature and stress fields in the insert during stable operating cycle of a die casting machine were determined. The study of WCL steel, of which inserts are made, included fatigue tests and tests from the range of fracture mechanics. From the results obtained, a relationship was derived between the number of the die casting machine operating cycles and the propagation speed of cracks formed on the insert working surface.