Metal casting and materials used
Casting is one of the oldest methods of making metal parts. It is believed that mankind has been using it for over 7 thousand years. Initially, this method was used to make various crafts, then household items, production tools, and then weapons. Casting was especially widespread in Ancient Egypt, and in Ancient Rome, technologies were improved and brought almost to the present state.
The casting process itself is simple. It uses the principle that molten metal has good fluidity. First, a form is created into which the filling will be made, then the necessary compositions are selected. Next, hot metal is poured into the mold so that it fills all the voids. After cooling, the mold is disassembled and a finished product is obtained.
In fact, in most cases, the casting needs to be further processed. Therefore, they make it a little larger and subsequently remove the metal layer, adjusting it to the specified dimensions. The main task of the process is to create the highest quality workpiece, which will require minimal post-processing, which increases the production speed, reduces costs and increases profitability. To do this, you need not only to polish the technology, but also to choose high-quality casting materials , which will make it possible to manufacture parts that fully meet the technical characteristics and terms of reference.
Methods of the foundry process
At the moment, the industry uses several types of casting:
- Into the ground. This is the classic version. An impression is created in the cleaned sand or sandy-clay mixture, then it is compacted by vibration. The impression is slightly larger than the part because the metal shrinks as it cools. Usually forms are created from two parts, before use they are folded into a single whole and metal is poured through a special hole. The disadvantage of this method is that the forms are, in fact, disposable, and you need to constantly form new ones. However, this is not difficult: if necessary, the process can be automated, which increases speed and profitability.
- In the chill mold (form). Another popular casting method. The mold is made of metal and consists of two halves. Special rods are usually inserted into the molds, which form the product (the chill mold itself plays the role of a container). This technique is used to work with metals with high fluidity.
- Centrifugal. This method is used for the manufacture of hollow parts. The metal is poured into the mold, after which it begins to rotate in a horizontal, vertical or complex plane. Due to centrifugal forces, the liquid splashes along the walls of the mold and solidifies, forming a cavity inside. Bushings, rings, pipes and other industrial parts are made in this way.
- Shell. A modern technique that allows you to get high quality products. For molding, a filler is used, which is usually quartz sand, and a fixing agent (usually phenol-formaldehyde resins). In this way, it is possible to create a high-quality and durable form, into which the metal is practically not absorbed.
There are other types of casting. The technology is usually selected for specific workpieces and materials with which you will have to work.
Where to order
If you want to purchase high-quality materials and equipment for casting, we recommend contacting the company "Ukrfavorit". It offers customers a wide range of products from trusted manufacturers with a worldwide reputation. The company's specialists will help you find the right products, as well as modernize your foundry to maximize productivity and process profitability.