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Die-cast

2008-03-15T16:13:50Z

58.69.55.16:

A '''die-cast''' product is one which was produced by the injection of molten metal into steel molds under high pressure. The process is practically identical in concept to plastic injection molding, but uses molten metal. Many non-ferrous metals can be die-cast. The process is quick and precise, and is used to produce a wide variety of parts in many sizes. Some toys, including certain [[toy|''Transformers'' toys]], are made partly or wholly from die-cast parts.

The metal used in die-cast toys is one of a family of alloys known as ZAMAK or ZAMAC. This peculiar name comes from the alloys' composition, which includes '''Z'''inc, '''A'''luminum, '''MA'''gnesium, and '''C'''opper ('''K'''upfer to the alloy's German originators), in varying amounts.

...did I mention it's a lost art?

==Use in Transformers toys==
The amount of die-cast in old Transformers toys varies wildly, though it almost never makes up the majority of the toy. In most cases it was used merely for car hoods and occasionally side-panels for the larger toys. In some examples, like [[Tracks]] or the [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]]/[[Grapple (G1)|Grapple]] mold, only a very small amount of the toy uses die-cast metal.

==Die cast metal vs. injection molded plastic==

The similar processes used allow practically the same parts to be produced in die-cast metal or injection-molded plastic. Both processes are capable of reproducing very fine detail, though in either case, higher pressures must be used as the detail becomes finer.

Advantages of die-cast metal include strength and stability. ZAMAC alloys have a breaking strength of about 41,000 psi; the high-impact polystyrene and PVC plastics used in Transformers can only withstand 6000 psi. Suppose two copies of Generation 1 Bluestreak's roof were made: one from die-cast ZAMAC; the other from molded, unfilled (clear) polystyrene. The die-cast roof would withstand a force roughly 6.8 times greater than the plastic part before breaking.

It should be borne in mind, however, that the die-cast roof would also weigh 6.2 times as much as the plastic part. This is sometimes an advantage: G1 Grapple and Inferno have die-cast feet, which lowers their centers of gravity, allowing them to stand more stably. In most cases, however, the added weight increases loads on joints, adds greater potential for damage when dropped, and raises shipping costs, so the strength advantage of die-cast parts is usually offset by the thinner sections and smaller stressed areas that are used to save weight.

Furthermore, high-impact polystyrene can deform about three times as far as an equivalent ZAMAC part before breaking. Frequently, this makes the plastic parts more forgiving than the die-cast would be of slight misalignments and unexpected loads, though they do not resist them as well. The resilience of molded plastic can also be increased by the addition of various fillers; many fans are well aware of the greater durability of opaque (filled) plastic parts over clear (unfilled) parts, though the resins are usually the same.

Another advantage of molded plastic, when used in Transformers toys, is that it can be easily molded in color. [[Neon]], [[Playskool]], or subdued, none are possible for ZAMAC, which must be its natural color or be coated with paint. Paint can chip with impact, and toys live a life of many impacts, be they a small nick from a spring-fired projectile, or a high-speed re-entry from a second-floor landing. The need for paint can make it difficult to make die-cast parts with very fine detail, which a thick coat of paint would obscure.

Stability is seldom a major consideration in toy design. While plastics do deteriorate with age far faster than properly mixed ZAMAC, they both last far longer than necessary for any child's plaything. There still remain other reasons besides strength (and sometimes weight distribution) to use die-cast parts. Plastic is derived from fossil fuels, and when these are expensive, it may well cost less to substitute equivalent die-cast parts (keeping in mind that the volumes and areas of sections can usually be greatly reduced, due to the greater strength of die-cast metal). This seems to have been the case in early [[Generation 1]], when most Transformers toys included some die-cast parts (some of which were later redesigned in plastic when that material became cheaper). Finally, the "heft" of a heavy die-cast toy is equated by some fans, and perhaps some parents, with high quality. While this may not be a reason [[Swerve (G1)|Swerve]] the metallurgist would give, it is nevertheless a valid marketing consideration.

Perhaps this perception of high quality also comes from their memories of the early toys with die-cast parts. Unfortunately,the Generation 1 toys with die-cast metal are among the most breakable of Transformer toys. Examples include [[Bluestreak]]'s and [[Jazz]]'s roofs, [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage's]] waist, and [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop's]] wings and beak. This is not all the fault of the die-cast parts - the plastics used were more brittle, and the methods of joining and construction less forgiving of abuse - but they certainly must share the blame.

==Differing reputations==
For its real advantages of strength and perhaps weight, and for its perceived advantage in that nebulous quantity known as "quality", die-cast construction still commands respect from a good many fans, casual and avid. As normally used in Transformers, however, the material is less forgiving of abuse, and must usually be coated in chip-prone paint. These real disadvantages, coupled maybe with a dislike of nebulous quantities, cause a good many other fans to dislike die-cast construction.

==Die-cast construction today==
Nowadays, die-cast is only used extensively in more "adult-aimed" toy lines, such as the now-defunct Japanese ''[[Alternators|Binaltech]]'' and [[Hasbro]]'s [[Titanium Series]] toy lines (both of which still used much plastic, including the ''Titanium'' 3-inch figurines).

==Fiction==
The legendary [[Autobot]] starship known as the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] was created using die-cast construction. By the era of the [[Maximal]]s and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s, this technique was considered to be a "lost art." This is an in-joke to the fact the Beast Wars toys were molded from plastic as opposed to the original Transformers line, which was molded from die-cast.

==External Links==
* [http://www.diecasting.org NADCA website, including a die casting FAQ]
* [http://www.efunda.org EFunda, Good source for materials/process information]

[[Category: Beast Wars]]
[[Category: Fandom]]
[[Category: Technology]]
[[Category: Toys]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>

Code of Hero

2008-03-15T15:51:08Z

58.69.55.16:

'''Dinobot makes the ultimate sacrifice to save those who are still to come.

[[Image:CodeofHero_titlepic.jpg|right|thumb|350px|The rest is silence...]]

{{episodenav |BW |season=2 |9 |prev=Bad Spark |next=Transmutate (episode)}}

==Detailed synopsis==
In a wild valley, a group of primitive hominids forage for food. A gargantuan snake attacks two of their number, and the protohumans are helpless to stop it...

At the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'', a haunted Dinobot meditates on his sword... and holds its blade ominously over his chest. But after a long moment of tension and hesitation, he casts it aside.

On the bridge, Rhinox announces that he's been calculating the path of the [[Transwarp Wave]] from the [[Planet Buster]]'s destruction -- it's travelling through time at an accelerated rate, and will reach [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] in the "present". Optimus fears Megatron has made similar calculations, and the group realizes they need to increase their defenses.

Dinobot, still somber, runs into Rattrap, who rips him a new one over his turning the Disk over to Megatron. Dinobot is left to reflect that his actions cannot be undone... but may yet be "mitigated". He arms himself and heads off into the wastes.

Megatron and Rampage are out for a stroll, when Cheetor observes them. They drive him off with some damage, but Cheetor calls in the sighting to Dinobot, who promises to follow up.

At [[Tarantulas' lair|his lair]], Tarantulas has captured a tasty antelope for his dinner. But as he creeps up to the struggling beast, Dinobot bursts out of the ground, holding him at gunpoint and demanding to know what information is on the Golden Disk. Tarantulas doesn't know -- there are no more copies remaining, and Megatron is keeping the Disk on his person at all times. Dinobot uses Tarantulas as his unwilling ride.

Megatron and Rampage have arrived at a particular mountain near the protohuman valley. Rampage sneers that the Maximals will come from Cybertron and that he anticipates Megatron's imminent demise. Megatron admits that's very likely, unless he changes reality. He pulls out the disk and explains that it contains images recorded in the future, including one of the same mountain. Megatron has Rampage destroy the mountain, and the image on the disk changes to suit the altered reality. Dinobot observes all this with dawning dread: Megatron has the power to change the future.

The Predacon leader intends to change the outcome of the [[Great War]] in the [[Decepticon]]s' favor... by destroying the protohumans and depriving the [[Autobot]]s of an important ally race. The rest of the Predacons arrive, and begin a full assalt on the valley. While Dinobot's back is turned, Tarantulas blasts him; Dinobot reciprocates by squashing him under a rock. Dinobot contacts Optimus, who orders him to maintain position, but Dinobot knows there is no time to wait. He moves in to attack the entire Predacon force single-handed.

Dinobot is able to take out the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s, but he loses his weapons in the process, suffers considerable damage, and drains most of his energy supply, rendering his [[optic laser]]s unusable. Soon, it's just Megatron and Dinobot, who reveals a human captive. On his last bit of [[Energon]], Dinobot plunges a rock into a stick, creating a makeshift hammer. He knocks the disk out Megatron's hand and then destroys it with his optic lasers, expending his last bit of energy. Megatron flees as the [[Maximal]]s arrive, but it is too late for Dinobot. As he lays dying, Dinobot solidifies his friendship with Rattrap, and asks Optimus to tell the whole truth about him, the good and the bad, and allow him to be judged accordingly. With that, Dinobot's [[spark]] leaves his [[structure]], and he dies. The next morning, the Maximals hold a funeral for Dinobot. The fliers soar through the air in a salute, as Rattrap and Rhinox dissolve Dinobot's remains.

At the valley, a curious protohuman finds Dinobot's hammer. He soon figures out how to use it to help gather food... and to fend off predators like the giant snake. Dinobot's actions have not only saved the protohumans, but also helped them take a step toward evolving into [[human]]ity.

==Quotes==
'''Rhinox: ''' "Remember that transwarp explosion?"<br>
''[Primal gives him a serious look]''<br>
'''Rhinox:''' "Okay, stupid question..."
:—The rhino has a once-in-a-lifetime lapse in intelligence.

"Shut up and accelerate!"
:—'''Dinobot''', forcing '''Tarantulas''' in vehicle mode to transport him to '''Megatron''''s location

"Destroy this valley and everything in it! The human race shall never have existed!"
:—'''Megatron''', announcing the impending genocide of the proto-humans

"The question that once haunted my being has been answered. The future is not fixed, and my choices are my own. And yet, how ironic...for I now find that I have no choice at all! I am a warrior...let the battle be joined."
:—'''Dinobot''', realizing his destiny

"One lonely turncoat, battling on against impossible odds." ''(Wiping fake tear)'' "I'm almost touched.... Fortunately, such moments pass quickly. Quickstrike, scrap him!"
:—'''Megatron''', observing '''Dinobot'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s fight to save the valley single-handedly

"What's a warrior without weapons, eh?"<br>
"A warrior ''still!''"
:—'''Quickstrike''' goading '''Dinobot''' into a fight

"Hmm, my ears are burning! Yesss! Why, Dinobot, what a delightful surprise! Let's see, where are we now? I have the Golden Disk, I have the power to change the future, and the only obstacle in my path to ''unimaginable'' glory...is yourself. Exhausted. Damaged beyond recovery. ''Defeated''."<br>
"Not just yet!"<br>
"Ah-ah-ah!" ''(Megatron reveals a proto-human bound in energon bindings.)'' "One more step, and it's raining bits of early anthropoid, yesss." ''(He sees Dinobot hesitate.)'' "Oh dear, how positively ''Maximal'' of you. You were weakened before you started, Dinobot. Weakened by ''compassion''."
:—'''Megatron''' confronting the severely damaged '''Dinobot'''.

'''Megatron:''' "Oh-ho-ho-ho, really, Dinobot, a ''stick''—against a ''Transmetal''? I think ''not''."<br>
'''Computer:''' "Final Warning: Power failing. Jeopardy extreme. Repeat: Extreme."<br>
'''Megatron:''' "Please. Face it, Dinobot. You're old technology. ''Obsolete''. What could ''you'' possibly do?"<br>
'''Dinobot:''' "Improvise."
:—'''Dinobot'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s down but not out yet.

"Well fought, my friend. You saved the valley. You saved the lives of those who live here...and of those who are still to come."
:—'''Optimus Primal'''

"Like I said, you're just a blasted, slag-spouting saurian, but...it's nice to know where you stand."<br>
"Upwind of you, for preference, vermin."
:—'''Rattrap''' and '''Dinobot''' sharing one last banter.

"Tell my tale to those who ask. Tell it truly, the ill deeds along with the good, and let me be judged accordingly. The rest...is silence..."<br>
:—'''Dinobot''''s last words

"He lived a warrior...and died a hero. Let his spark join the Matrix, the greatest of Cybertron."
:—'''Optimus Primal's''' eulogy to '''Dinobot'''

==Stats==
'''Written by:''' [[Ian Weir]]<br>
'''Original airdate:''' March 9, 1998 (Special Cartoon Network Preview); April 25, 1998 (Regular Syndication)

===Featured characters===
(''Numbers indicate order of appearance.)
{|border=5 cellpadding=5 cellspacing=5 align=center style="border:#800000"
! style="background:#FFEEEE" | [[Maximals]]
! style="background:#EEEEFE" | [[Predacons]]
! style="background:#FFEEB8" | Others
|-
| style="background:#FFEEEE" valign="top" |
* [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] (1)
* [[Optimus Primal]] (2)
* [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] (3)
* [[Rattrap]] (4)
* [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]] (5)
* [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]] (13)

| style="background:#EEEEFE" valign="top" |
* [[Tarantulas]] (6)
* [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] (7)
* [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]] (8)
* [[Waspinator]] (9)
* [[Blackarachnia]] (10)
* [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] (11)
* [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] (12)

| style="background:#FFEEB8" valign="top" |

|}

==Notes==
===Technical/animation glitches===
* As Quickstrike approaches Dinobot, his left shin is backwards.
* At Dinobot's funeral, Rattrap is in his pre-Transmetal body.
* When Megatron is flying over the proto-human valley, his legs are missing and his body has very little detail.

===Transformers references===
*Megatron orders the destruction of the prehumans to prevent the development of mankind. Humans assisted the Autobots to win the Great War. Notable humans include [[Spike Witwicky]], [[Sparkplug Witwicky]] and [[Daniel Witwicky]].

===Real-world references===
* As the Predacons jump into the valley to destroy the hominids, Rampage crushes a butterfly. This evokes the famous Ray Bradbury short story "[[Wikipedia:A_Sound_of_Thunder|A Sound of Thunder]]", in which a time traveler in the past steps on a butterfly, thus dramatically altering the future of humanity. It is also reminiscent of the [[Wikipedia:Butterfly Effect|Butterfly Effect]], a principle of chaos theory which holds that a small change (a flap of a butterfly's wings, killing a few dozen hominids) can eventually lead to vast changes (changes in storm systems a world away, the dominion of Predacons over Maximals). Of course, the writers may have merely intended Rampage's act to symbolize how killing the hominids would be no more difficult for the Predacons than crushing a butterfly . . .
* Dinobot's final words, "The rest is silence", are taken directly from Shakespeare's "Hamlet".

===Miscellaneous trivia===
* ''Beast Wars'' co-story editor [[Bob Forward]] drew storyboards for this episode. Not only is it the only ''Beast Wars'' episode to be directed by the series' writers, but it's also the only episode to be done up in storyboards, traditionally, rather than being directed on-the-fly. Bob Forward worked in person with the [[Mainframe]] animators for this episode.
* The original storyboards were auctioned for charity at a [[BotCon]].
* According to Bob Forward, Megatron's transformation sequence had to be reconstructed to be able to show his transformation from underneath for one shot. Previously, the animation only "worked" when seen from eye-level or above.
* This episode marks the very last appearance of [[Rhinox]] in beast mode.
* During the recording of this episode, [[Scott McNeil]] was attempting to deliver Dinobot's last words, but was continually interrupted by the recording crew's laughter. He is reputed to have said while still in character, "Do you mind?!! I'm trying to die here!!!"

==External links==
*Link

[[Category:Beast Wars episodes]]<div id="wikia-credits"><br /><br /><small>From [http://transformers.wikia.com Teletraan I: The Transformers Wiki], a [http://www.wikia.com Wikia] wiki.</small></div>