An eco design strategy for high pressure die casting components: microstructural analysis applied to mass reducing processes

In this work the study focused on the possibility of use of new aluminium alloys with optimized microstructures that ensure the mechanical properties requested for cast components made by high pressure die casting. The objective was to check the possibility of manufacture of structurally sound eco-steps for escalators with reduced structural integrity. The former arises as a result of a new redesign of the traditional steps aiming at a significant weight reduction. The experimental results show that it is feasible to cut the use of materials during processing and therefore to reduce the impact of the components during its lifetime, whilst the performance and safety standards are kept identical or even improved. (Author) 17 refs