Controlled pressure casting

摘要

An automotive component including a composite casting is provided. The composite casting includes a steel member and an end cap fastened to an end portion of the steel member. A cast coupling member is cast about the end portion of the steel member including the end cap, thereby positively and rigidly securing the cast coupling member to the steel member. The automotive component can comprise an engine cradle, a control arm, an instrument panel support structure, a bumper assembly, or a twist axle. The cast coupling member is typically formed by casting-in-place aluminum about the end cap and the end portion of the steel member. The steel member is typically a tubular member, and the end cap typically includes a flange designed to provide a mechanical interlock surface with the cast coupling member. For example, the flange can have a polygonal shape, an outwardly extending member, or notches.

主权项

1. An engine cradle for a motor vehicle, comprising:
a frame assembly having a pair of spaced rails secured by spaced cross members; at least one of the spaced rails and the spaced cross members including a composite casting, including: a steel member; an end cap fastened to an end portion of the steel member, the end cap including a flange; the flange of the end cap including one of a circular and a non-circular configuration and notches for providing a mechanical interlock surface, or the flange of the end cap including a polygonal shape for providing a mechanical interlock surface; and a cast coupling member cast about the end portion of the steel member including the end cap, thereby positively and rigidly securing the cast coupling member to the steel member.