Method and apparatus for extending service life of shot chamber for die casting application

A method for receiving a molten metal from a vessel, then seasoning and delivering the received molten metal through a pour hole located on a top wall to a horizontal shot chamber of a die casting machine for making a metal component, comprising the steps of:

• preparing the molten metal at predetermined temperatures;
• preparing an apparatus comprising a cup for receiving the molten metal, a tunnel leading the molten metal from the cup downwards, a baffle plate absorbing impact of the molten metal during pouring operation and altering flow direction of the molten metal, and a plurality of side outlets at the end of the tunnel allowing the received molten metal to flow out of the tunnel, to contact a side wall of the pour hole and then flow along an inner side wall of the shot chamber, wherein the flow rates of the molten metal in the said apparatus are controlled by the size of said tunnel or said plurality of side outlets;
• placing the apparatus over the pour hole of the shot chamber;
• positioning the apparatus to direct said plurality of side outlets at selected locations and orientations in the pour hole;
• pouring the molten metal into the apparatus to fill the shot chamber while the apparatus is controlled at predetermined locations and orientations,
• wherein the molten metal is seasoned in the cup held at predetermined temperatures, impacts the side wall of the pour hole, and flows along the inner side wall of the shot chamber to reduce erosion of the shot chamber under the pour hole wherein the pour hole of the shot chamber has its top opening smaller than its bottom opening when said plurality of side outlets are located within the pour hole.