Die locking system and methods of using the same

A method of operating a die casting press, the method comprising:

• providing a die comprising a first die half and a second die half, wherein closing the first die half against the second die half encloses a mold cavity;
• providing a die locking system, the die locking system comprising a locking post, a locking cam, and a locking actuator;
• attaching the locking post to the first die half;
• attaching the locking actuator to the second die half;
• closing the first die half against the second die half with a main actuator, wherein the main actuator applies a clamping force to the die;
• actuating the locking actuator to move the locking cam from an unlocked position to a locked position, wherein in the locked position the locking cam engages the locking post;
• and
• actuating the locking actuator when the locking cam is in the locked position to apply a locking force between the locking post and the locking cam of the die locking system.

A die casting press comprising:

• a first platen and a second platen, wherein the first platen and the second platen are movable relative to each other via a plurality of tie bars;
• an actuator for moving at least one of the first platen and the second platen relative to the other of the first platen and the second platen;
• a die comprising a first die half mounted on the first platen and a second die half mounted on the second platen;
• a die locking system attached to the first die half and the second die half, the die locking system comprising:
• a locking post attached to and extending from the first die half, wherein the locking post is attached to the first die half between a side of the first die half and a parting line formed at a perimeter of a mold cavity enclosed by the first die half and the second die half when the die is in a closed condition;
• a locking actuator attached to the second die half, the locking actuator comprising an extendable shaft;
• and
• a locking cam attached to the extendable shaft of the actuator;
• wherein the locking actuator extends the extendable shaft to move the locking cam from an unlocked position wherein the locking cam is disengaged from the locking post to a locked position wherein the locking cam engages the locking post;
• and
• wherein in the locked position, the locking actuator can be further actuated to provide additional locking for between the first die half and the second die half.