Abstract:
The goal of this study was to identify the cause and design a solution to the problem of
warpage of a hard disk drive (Suruga Pattern B). The frames are cast from aluminum
(Grade ADC-12) and then post processed by forging. The forging step is necessary to
remove warpage resulting from the casting process, but creates additional costs. If the
forging step could be removed through better die casting control, money can be saved.
The method of problem solving for warpage is obtained by a theoretical study and on
the advice provided by an expert in die casting. It was determined that the warpage is
caused by exceeding of acceptable specifications of the side wall thickness of the frame
by plus minus 0.100 millimeter. A redesign of the casting mold was studied using the finite
element program DEFORM 2. The program was used to evaluate the optimal clearance
values of the mold. The clearance of the mold was studied at 1%, 4% and 8% of the
thickness of the frame. The result of the modeling indicates that using a clearance value
of 1% provides the best quality with respect to the height of the fins, the length of
curvature and the length of tearing. Frames were cast using the redesigned mold
incorporating a 1% clearance. The frames were measured at 12 different positions and it
was found that the warpage was within acceptable specifications with a 95% confidence
level. Before the redesign, 9600 frames were post processed by forging at a cost of
60,900 Baht per month. After the mold was redesigned, there was no occurrence of
warpage, which decreases the cost by 6 Baht per frame. Finally the cost per mold is
260,000 Baht with a break-even point of 19,259 frames.