Metal Casting Introduction Virtually nothing moves, turns, rolls, or flies without the benefit of cast metal products.

The metal casting industry plays a key role in all the major sectors of our economy. There are castings in locomotives, cars trucks, aircraft, office buildings, factories, schools, and homes. Figure some metal cast parts. Metal Casting is one of the oldest materials shaping methods known. Casting means pouring molten metal into a mold with a cavity of the shape to be made, and allowing it to solidify. When solidified, the desired metal object is taken out from the mold either by breaking the mold or taking the mold apart. The solidified object is called the casting. By this process, intricate parts can be given strength and rigidity frequently not obtainable by any other manufacturing process. The mold, into which the metal is poured, is made of some heat resisting material. Sand is most often used as it resists the high temperature of the molten metal. Permanent molds of metal can also be used to cast products.

Figure 0: Metal Cast parts

The metal casting process is extensively used in manufacturing because of its many advantages. 1. Molten material can flow into very small sections so that intricate shapes can be made by this process. As a result, many other operations, such as machining, forging, and welding, can be minimized or eliminated. 2. It is possible to cast practically any material that is ferrous or non-ferrous. 3. As the metal can be placed exactly where it is required, large saving in weight can be achieved.

4. The necessary tools required for casting molds are very simple and inexpensive. As a result, for production of a small lot, it is the ideal process. 5. There are certain parts made from metals and alloys that can only be processed this way. 6. Size and weight of the product is not a limitation for the casting process. Limitations 1. Dimensional accuracy and surface finish of the castings made by sand casting processes are a limitation to this technique. Many new casting processes have been developed which can take into consideration the aspects of dimensional accuracy and surface finish. Some of these processes are die casting process, investment casting process, vacuumsealed molding process, and shell molding process. 2. The metal casting process is a labor intensive process 1. Flask: A metal or wood frame, without fixed top or bottom, in which the mold is formed. Depending upon the position of the flask in the molding structure, it is referred to by various names such as drag lower molding flask, cope upper molding flask, cheek intermediate molding flask used in three piece molding. 2. Pattern: It is the replica of the final object to be made. The mold cavity is made with the help of pattern. 3. Parting line: This is the dividing line between the two molding flasks that makes up the mold. 4. Molding sand: Sand, which binds strongly without losing its permeability to air or gases. It is a mixture of silica sand, clay, and moisture in appropriate proportions. 5. Facing sand: The small amount of carbonaceous material sprinkled on the inner surface of the mold cavity to give a better surface finish to the castings. 6. Core: A separate part of the mold, made of sand and generally baked, which is used to create openings and various shaped cavities in the castings. 7. Pouring basin: A small funnel shaped cavity at the top of the mold into which the molten metal is poured. 8. Sprue: The passage through which the molten metal, from the pouring basin, reaches the mold cavity. In many cases it controls the flow of metal into the mold. 9. Runner: The channel through which the molten metal is carried from the sprue to the gate. 10. Gate: A channel through which the molten metal enters the mold cavity. 11. Chaplets: Chaplets are used to support the cores inside the mold cavity to take care of its own weight and overcome the metallostatic force. 12. Riser: A column of molten metal placed in the mold to feed the castings as it shrinks and solidifies. Also known as feed head. 13. Vent: Small opening in the mold to facilitate escape of air and gases.

Figure 1 : Mold Section showing some casting terms Steps in Making Sand Castings There are six basic steps in making sand castings: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Patternmaking Core making Molding Melting and pouring Cleaning

Pattern making The pattern is a physical model of the casting used to make the mold. The mold is made by packing some readily formed aggregate material, such as molding sand, around the pattern. When the pattern is withdrawn, its imprint provides the mold cavity, which is ultimately filled with metal to become the casting. If the casting is to be hollow, as in the case of pipe fittings, additional patterns, referred to as cores, are used to form these cavities. Core making

Cores are forms, usually made of sand, which are placed into a mold cavity to form the interior surfaces of castings. Thus the void space between the core and mold-cavity surface is what eventually becomes the casting. Molding Molding consists of all operations necessary to prepare a mold for receiving molten metal. Molding usually involves placing a molding aggregate around a pattern held with a supporting frame, withdrawing the pattern to leave the mold cavity, setting the cores in the mold cavity and finishing and closing the mold. Melting and Pouring The preparation of molten metal for casting is referred to simply as melting. Melting is usually done in a specifically designated area of the foundry, and the molten metal is transferred to the pouring area where the molds are filled. Cleaning Cleaning refers to all operations necessary to the removal of sand, scale, and excess metal from the casting. Burned-on sand and scale are removed to improved the surface appearance of the casting. Excess metal, in the form of fins, wires, parting line fins, and gates, is removed. Inspection of the casting for defects and general quality is performed.

Lecture 3
Pattern (Click on Figure 2 to view a typical pattern)

The pattern is the principal tool during the casting process. It is the replica of the object to be made by the casting process, with some modifications. The main modifications are the addition of pattern allowances, and the provision of core prints. If the casting is to be hollow, additional patterns called cores are used to create these cavities in the finished product. The quality of the casting produced depends upon the material of the pattern, its design, and construction. The costs of the pattern and the related equipment are reflected in the cost of the casting. The use of an expensive pattern is justified when the quantity of castings required is substantial.
Functions of the Pattern

1. A pattern prepares a mold cavity for the purpose of making a casting. 2. A pattern may contain projections known as core prints if the casting requires a core and need to be made hollow. 3. Runner, gates, and risers used for feeding molten metal in the mold cavity may form a part of the pattern.

4. Patterns properly made and having finished and smooth surfaces reduce casting defects. 5. A properly constructed pattern minimizes the overall cost of the castings.
Pattern Material

Patterns may be constructed from the following materials. Each material has its own advantages, limitations, and field of application. Some materials used for making patterns are: wood, metals and alloys, plastic, plaster of Paris, plastic and rubbers, wax, and resins. To be suitable for use, the pattern material should be: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Easily worked, shaped and joined Light in weight Strong, hard and durable Resistant to wear and abrasion Resistant to corrosion, and to chemical reactions Dimensionally stable and unaffected by variations in temperature and humidity Available at low cost

The usual pattern materials are wood, metal, and plastics. The most commonly used pattern material is wood, since it is readily available and of low weight. Also, it can be easily shaped and is relatively cheap. The main disadvantage of wood is its absorption of moisture, which can cause distortion and dimensional changes. Hence, proper seasoning and upkeep of wood is almost a pre-requisite for large-scale use of wood as a pattern material.

Figure 2: A typical pattern attached with gating and risering system

Pattern Allowances

Pattern allowance is a vital feature as it affects the dimensional characteristics of the casting. Thus, when the pattern is produced, certain allowances must be given on the sizes specified in the finished component drawing so that a casting with the particular specification can be made. The selection of correct allowances greatly helps to reduce machining costs and avoid rejections. The allowances usually considered on patterns and core boxes are as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Shrinkage or contraction allowance Draft or taper allowance Machining or finish allowance Distortion or camber allowance Rapping allowance

Shrinkage or Contraction Allowance ( click on Table 1 to view various rate of contraction of various materials)

All most all cast metals shrink or contract volumetrically on cooling. The metal shrinkage is of two types: i. Liquid Shrinkage: it refers to the reduction in volume when the metal changes from liquid state to solid state at the solidus temperature. To account for this shrinkage; riser, which feed the liquid metal to the casting, are provided in the mold. Solid Shrinkage: it refers to the reduction in volume caused when metal loses temperature in solid state. To account for this, shrinkage allowance is provided on the patterns.

ii.

The rate of contraction with temperature is dependent on the material. For example steel contracts to a higher degree compared to aluminum. To compensate the solid shrinkage, a shrink rule must be used in laying out the measurements for the pattern. A shrink rule for cast iron is 1/8 inch longer per foot than a standard rule. If a gear blank of 4 inch in diameter was planned to produce out of cast iron, the shrink rule in measuring it 4 inch would actually measure 4 -1/24 inch, thus compensating for the shrinkage. The various rate of contraction of various materials are given in Table 1. Table 1 : Rate of Contraction of Various Metals Material Grey Cast Iron Dimension
Up to 2 feet 2 feet to 4 feet over 4 feet

Shrinkage allowance (inch/ft) 0.125 0.105 0.083 0.251 0.191 0.155

Cast Steel

Up to 2 feet 2 feet to 6 feet over 6 feet

Aluminum

Up to 4 feet 4 feet to 6 feet over 6 feet Up to 4 feet Over 4 feet

0.155 0.143 0.125 0.173 0.155

Magnesium

Draft or Taper Allowance By draft is meant the taper provided by the pattern maker on all vertical surfaces of the pattern so that it can be removed from the sand without tearing away the sides of the sand mold and without excessive rapping by the molder. Figure 3 (a) shows a pattern having no draft allowance being removed from the pattern. In this case, till the pattern is completely lifted out, its sides will remain in contact with the walls of the mold, thus tending to break it. Figure 3 (b) is an illustration of a pattern having proper draft allowance. Here, the moment the pattern lifting commences, all of its surfaces are well away from the sand surface. Thus the pattern can be removed without damaging the mold cavity.

Distortion or Camber Allowance Sometimes castings get distorted, during solidification, due to their typical shape. For example, if the casting has the form of the letter U, V, T, or L etc. it will tend to contract at the closed end causing the vertical legs to look slightly inclined. This can be prevented by making the legs of the U, V, T, or L shaped pattern converge slightly (inward) so that the casting after distortion will have its sides vertical ( (Figure 4). The distortion in casting may occur due to internal stresses. These internal stresses are caused on account of unequal cooling of different section of the casting and hindered contraction. Measure taken to prevent the distortion in casting include: i. ii. iii. Modification of casting design Providing sufficient machining allowance to cover the distortion affect Providing suitable allowance on the pattern, called camber or distortion allowance (inverse reflection)

Figure 4: Distortions in Casting Rapping Allowance Before the withdrawal from the sand mold, the pattern is rapped all around the vertical faces to enlarge the mold cavity slightly, which facilitate its removal. Since it enlarges the final casting made, it is desirable that the original pattern dimension should be reduced to account for this increase. There is no sure way of quantifying this allowance, since it is highly dependent on the foundry personnel practice involved. It is a negative allowance and is to be applied only to those dimensions that are parallel to the parting plane. Core and Core Prints Castings are often required to have holes, recesses, etc. of various sizes and shapes. These impressions can be obtained by using cores. So where coring is required, provision should be made to support the core inside the mold cavity. Core prints are used to serve this purpose. The core print is an added projection on the pattern and it forms a seat in the mold on which the sand core rests during pouring of the mold. The core print must be of adequate size and shape so that it can support the weight of the core during the casting operation. Depending upon the requirement a core can be placed horizontal, vertical and can be hanged inside the mold cavity. A typical job, its pattern and the mold cavity with core and core print is shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5: A Typical Job, its Pattern and the Mold Cavity

Types of Pattern Patterns are of various types, each satisfying certain casting requirements. 1. Single piece pattern 2. Split or two piece pattern 3. Match plate pattern

Single Piece Pattern

The one piece or single pattern is the most inexpensive of all types of patterns. This type of pattern is used only in cases where the job is very simple and does not create any withdrawal problems. It is also used for application in very small-scale production or in prototype development. This type of pattern is expected to be entirely in the drag and one of the surface is is expected to be flat which is used as the parting plane. A gating system is made in the mold by cutting sand with the help of sand tools. If no such flat surface exists, the molding becomes complicated. A typical one-piece pattern is shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6: A Typical One Piece Pattern Split or Two Piece Pattern Split or two piece pattern is most widely used type of pattern for intricate castings. It is split along the parting surface, the position of which is determined by the shape of the casting. One half of the pattern is molded in drag and the other half in cope. The two halves of the pattern must be aligned properly by making use of the dowel pins, which are fitted, to the cope half of the pattern. These dowel pins match with the precisely made holes in the drag half of the pattern. A typical split pattern of a cast iron wheel Figure 7 (a) is shown in Figure 7 (b).

Figure 7 (a): The Details of a Cast Iron Wheel

Figure 7 (b): The Split Piece or Two Piece Pattern of a Cast Iron Wheel Classification of casting Processes Casting processes can be classified into following FOUR categories: 1. Conventional Molding Processes a. Green Sand Molding b. Dry Sand Molding c. Flask less Molding 2. Chemical Sand Molding Processes a. Shell Molding b. Sodium Silicate Molding c. No-Bake Molding 3. Permanent Mold Processes a. Gravity Die casting b. Low and High Pressure Die Casting 4. Special Casting Processes a. b. c. d. e. Lost Wax Ceramics Shell Molding Evaporative Pattern Casting Vacuum Sealed Molding Centrifugal Casting

Green Sand Molding Green sand is the most diversified molding method used in metal casting operations. The process utilizes a mold made of compressed or compacted moist sand. The term "green" denotes the presence of moisture in the molding sand. The mold material consists of silica sand mixed with a suitable bonding agent (usually clay) and moisture.

Advantages 1. Most metals can be cast by this method. 2. Pattern costs and material costs are relatively low. 3. No Limitation with respect to size of casting and type of metal or alloy used Disadvantages Surface Finish of the castings obtained by this process is not good and machining is often required to achieve the finished product. Sand Mold Making Procedure The procedure for making mold of a cast iron wheel is shown in (Figure 8(a),(b),(c)).

The first step in making mold is to place the pattern on the molding board. The drag is placed on the board ((Figure 8(a)). Dry facing sand is sprinkled over the board and pattern to provide a non sticky layer. Molding sand is then riddled in to cover the pattern with the fingers; then the drag is completely filled. The sand is then firmly packed in the drag by means of hand rammers. The ramming must be proper i.e. it must neither be too hard or soft. After the ramming is over, the excess sand is leveled off with a straight bar known as a strike rod. With the help of vent rod, vent holes are made in the drag to the full depth of the flask as well as to the pattern to facilitate the removal of gases during pouring and solidification. The finished drag flask is now rolled over to the bottom board exposing the pattern. Cope half of the pattern is then placed over the drag pattern with the help of locating pins. The cope flask on the drag is located aligning again with the help of pins ( (Figure 8 (b)). The dry parting sand is sprinkled all over the drag and on the pattern. A sprue pin for making the sprue passage is located at a small distance from the pattern. Also, riser pin, if required, is placed at an appropriate place. The operation of filling, ramming and venting of the cope proceed in the same manner as performed in the drag. The sprue and riser pins are removed first and a pouring basin is scooped out at the top to pour the liquid metal. Then pattern from the cope and drag is removed and facing sand in the form of paste is applied all over the mold cavity and runners which would give the finished casting a good surface finish. The mold is now assembled. The mold now is ready for pouring (see ((Figure 8 (c) )

Figure 8 (a)

Figure 8 (b)

Molding Material and Properties A large variety of molding materials is used in foundries for manufacturing molds and cores. They include molding sand, system sand or backing sand, facing sand, parting sand, and core sand. The choice of molding materials is based on their processing properties. The properties that are generally required in molding materials are: Refractoriness It is the ability of the molding material to resist the temperature of the liquid metal to be poured so that it does not get fused with the metal. The refractoriness of the silica sand is highest. Permeability During pouring and subsequent solidification of a casting, a large amount of gases and steam is generated. These gases are those that have been absorbed by the metal during melting, air absorbed from the atmosphere and the steam generated by the molding and core sand. If these gases are not allowed to escape from the mold, they would be entrapped inside the casting and cause casting defects. To overcome this problem the molding material must be porous. Proper venting of the mold also helps in escaping the gases that are generated inside the mold cavity.

Green Strength The molding sand that contains moisture is termed as green sand. The green sand particles must have the ability to cling to each other to impart sufficient strength to the mold. The green sand must have enough strength so that the constructed mold retains its shape. Dry Strength When the molten metal is poured in the mold, the sand around the mold cavity is quickly converted into dry sand as the moisture in the sand evaporates due to the heat of the molten metal. At this stage the molding sand must posses the sufficient strength to retain the exact shape of the mold cavity and at the same time it must be able to withstand the metallostatic pressure of the liquid material. Hot Strength As soon as the moisture is eliminated, the sand would reach at a high temperature when the metal in the mold is still in liquid state. The strength of the sand that is required to hold the shape of the cavity is called hot strength. Collapsibility The molding sand should also have collapsibility so that during the contraction of the solidified casting it does not provide any resistance, which may result in cracks in the castings.Besides these specific properties the molding material should be cheap, reusable and should have good thermal conductivity. Molding Sand Composition The main ingredients of any molding sand are:

Base sand, Binder, and Moisture

Base Sand Silica sand is most commonly used base sand. Other base sands that are also used for making mold are zircon sand, Chromite sand, and olivine sand. Silica sand is cheapest among all types of base sand and it is easily available. Binder Binders are of many types such as: 1. Clay binders,

2. Organic binders and 3. Inorganic binders Clay binders are most commonly used binding agents mixed with the molding sands to provide the strength. The most popular clay types are: Kaolinite or fire clay (Al2O3 2 SiO2 2 H2O) and Bentonite (Al2O3 4 SiO2 nH2O) Of the two the Bentonite can absorb more water which increases its bonding power. Moisture Clay acquires its bonding action only in the presence of the required amount of moisture. When water is added to clay, it penetrates the mixture and forms a microfilm, which coats the surface of each flake of the clay. The amount of water used should be properly controlled. This is because a part of the water, which coats the surface of the clay flakes, helps in bonding, while the remainder helps in improving the plasticity. A typical composition of molding sand is given in (Table 4). Table 4 : A Typical Composition of Molding Sand Molding Sand Constituent Silica sand Clay (Sodium Bentonite) Water 8 4 Weight Percent 92

Molding Material and Properties A large variety of molding materials is used in foundries for manufacturing molds and cores. They include molding sand, system sand or backing sand, facing sand, parting sand, and core sand. The choice of molding materials is based on their processing properties. The properties that are generally required in molding materials are: Refractoriness It is the ability of the molding material to resist the temperature of the liquid metal to be poured so that it does not get fused with the metal. The refractoriness of the silica sand is highest. Permeability

During pouring and subsequent solidification of a casting, a large amount of gases and steam is generated. These gases are those that have been absorbed by the metal during melting, air absorbed from the atmosphere and the steam generated by the molding and core sand. If these gases are not allowed to escape from the mold, they would be entrapped inside the casting and cause casting defects. To overcome this problem the molding material must be porous. Proper venting of the mold also helps in escaping the gases that are generated inside the mold cavity. Green Strength The molding sand that contains moisture is termed as green sand. The green sand particles must have the ability to cling to each other to impart sufficient strength to the mold. The green sand must have enough strength so that the constructed mold retains its shape. Dry Strength When the molten metal is poured in the mold, the sand around the mold cavity is quickly converted into dry sand as the moisture in the sand evaporates due to the heat of the molten metal. At this stage the molding sand must posses the sufficient strength to retain the exact shape of the mold cavity and at the same time it must be able to withstand the metallostatic pressure of the liquid material. Hot Strength As soon as the moisture is eliminated, the sand would reach at a high temperature when the metal in the mold is still in liquid state. The strength of the sand that is required to hold the shape of the cavity is called hot strength. Collapsibility The molding sand should also have collapsibility so that during the contraction of the solidified casting it does not provide any resistance, which may result in cracks in the castings.Besides these specific properties the molding material should be cheap, reusable and should have good thermal conductivity. Molding Sand Composition The main ingredients of any molding sand are:

Base sand, Binder, and Moisture

Base Sand

Silica sand is most commonly used base sand. Other base sands that are also used for making mold are zircon sand, Chromite sand, and olivine sand. Silica sand is cheapest among all types of base sand and it is easily available. Binder Binders are of many types such as: 1. Clay binders, 2. Organic binders and 3. Inorganic binders Clay binders are most commonly used binding agents mixed with the molding sands to provide the strength. The most popular clay types are: Kaolinite or fire clay (Al2O3 2 SiO2 2 H2O) and Bentonite (Al2O3 4 SiO2 nH2O) Of the two the Bentonite can absorb more water which increases its bonding power. Moisture Clay acquires its bonding action only in the presence of the required amount of moisture. When water is added to clay, it penetrates the mixture and forms a microfilm, which coats the surface of each flake of the clay. The amount of water used should be properly controlled. This is because a part of the water, which coats the surface of the clay flakes, helps in bonding, while the remainder helps in improving the plasticity. A typical composition of molding sand is given in (Table 4). Table 4 : A Typical Composition of Molding Sand Molding Sand Constituent Silica sand Clay (Sodium Bentonite) Water 8 4 Weight Percent 92

Figure 3 (b) Pattern Having Draft on Vertical Edges

Draft allowance varies with the complexity of the sand job. But in general inner details of the pattern require higher draft than outer surfaces. The amount of draft depends upon the length of the vertical side of the pattern to be extracted; the intricacy of the pattern; the method of molding; and pattern material. Table 2 provides a general guide lines for the draft allowance. Table 2 : Draft Allowances of Various Metals Pattern material Height of the given surface (inch) 1 1 to 2 Wood 2 to 4 4 to 8 8 to 32 1 1 to 2 Metal and plastic 2 to 4 4 to 8 8 to 32 Machining or Finish Allowance The finish and accuracy achieved in sand casting are generally poor and therefore when the casting is functionally required to be of good surface finish or dimensionally accurate, it is generally achieved by subsequent machining. Machining or finish allowances are therefore added in the pattern dimension. The amount of machining allowance to be provided for is affected by the method of molding and casting used viz. hand molding or machine molding, sand casting or metal mold casting. The amount of machining allowance is also affected by the size and shape of the casting; the casting orientation; the metal; and the degree of accuracy and finish required. The machining allowances recommended for different metal is given in Table 3. Table 3 : Machining Allowances of Various Metals Metal Dimension (inch) Allowance (inch) 3.00 1.50 1.00 0.75 0.50 1.50 1.00 0.75 0.50 0.50 Draft angle (External surface) Draft angle (Internal surface) 3.00 2.50 1.50 1.00 1.00 3.00 2.00 1.00 1.00 0.75

Up to 12 Cast iron 12 to 20 20 to 40 Up to 6 Cast steel 6 to 20 20 to 40 Up to 8 Non ferrous 8 to 12 12 to 40

0.12 0.20 0.25 0.12 0.25 0.30 0.09 0.12 0.16

Investment Casting Process The root of the investment casting process, the cire perdue or lost wax method dates back to at least the fourth millennium B.C. The artists and sculptors of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia used the rudiments of the investment casting process to create intricately detailed jewelry, pectorals and idols. The investment casting process alos called lost wax process begins with the production of wax replicas or patterns of the desired shape of the castings. A pattern is needed for every casting to be produced. The patterns are prepared by injecting wax or polystyrene in a metal dies. A number of patterns are attached to a central wax sprue to form a assembly. The mold is prepared by surrounding the pattern with refractory slurry that can set at room temperature. The mold is then heated so that pattern melts and flows out, leaving a clean cavity behind. The mould is further hardened by heating and the molten metal is poured while it is still hot. When the casting is solidified, the mold is broken and the casting taken out. The basic steps of the investment casting process are ( Figure 11 ) : 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Production of heat-disposable wax, plastic, or polystyrene patterns Assembly of these patterns onto a gating system Investing, or covering the pattern assembly with refractory slurry Melting the pattern assembly to remove the pattern material Firing the mold to remove the last traces of the pattern material Pouring Knockout, cutoff and finishing.

Figure 11: The Basic Steps of the Investment Casting Process Advantages

Formation of hollow interiors in cylinders without cores Less material required for gate Fine grained structure at the outer surface of the casting free of gas and shrinkage cavities and porosity

Disadvantages

More segregation of alloy component during pouring under the forces of rotation Contamination of internal surface of castings with non-metallic inclusions Inaccurate internal diameter

Ceramic Shell Investment Casting Process The basic difference in investment casting is that in the investment casting the wax pattern is immersed in a refractory aggregate before dewaxing whereas, in ceramic shell investment casting a ceramic shell is built around a tree assembly by repeatedly dipping a pattern into a slurry (refractory material such as zircon with binder). After each dipping and stuccoing is completed, the assembly is allowed to thoroughly dry before the next coating is applied. Thus, a shell is built up around the assembly. The thickness of this shell is dependent on the size of the castings and temperature of the metal to be poured. After the ceramic shell is completed, the entire assembly is placed into an autoclave or flash fire furnace at a high temperature. The shell is heated to about 982 o C to burn out any residual wax and to develop a high-temperature bond in the shell. The shell molds can then be stored for future use or molten metal can be poured into them immediately. If the shell molds are stored, they have to be preheated before molten metal is poured into them. Advantages

excellent surface finish tight dimensional tolerances machining can be reduced or completely eliminated Lecture 9

Full Mold Process / Lost Foam Process / Evaporative Pattern Casting Process The use of foam patterns for metal casting was patented by H.F. Shroyer on April 15, 1958. In Shroyer's patent, a pattern was machined from a block of expanded polystyrene (EPS) and supported by bonded sand during pouring. This process is known as the full mold process. With the full mold process, the pattern is usually machined from an EPS block and is used to make primarily large, one-of-a kind castings. The full mold process was originally known as the lost foam process. However, current patents have required that the generic term for the process be full mold. In 1964, M.C. Flemmings used unbounded sand with the process. This is known today as lost foam casting (LFC). With LFC, the foam pattern is molded from polystyrene beads. LFC is differentiated from full mold by the use of unbounded sand (LFC) as opposed to bonded sand (full mold process). Foam casting techniques have been referred to by a variety of generic and proprietary names. Among these are lost foam, evaporative pattern casting, cavity less casting, evaporative foam casting, and full mold casting. In this method, the pattern, complete with gates and risers, is prepared from expanded polystyrene. This pattern is embedded in a no bake type of sand. While the pattern is inside the

mold, molten metal is poured through the sprue. The heat of the metal is sufficient to gasify the pattern and progressive displacement of pattern material by the molten metal takes place. The EPC process is an economical method for producing complex, close-tolerance castings using an expandable polystyrene pattern and unbonded sand. Expandable polystyrene is a thermoplastic material that can be molded into a variety of complex, rigid shapes. The EPC process involves attaching expandable polystyrene patterns to an expandable polystyrene gating system and applying a refractory coating to the entire assembly. After the coating has dried, the foam pattern assembly is positioned on loose dry sand in a vented flask. Additional sand is then added while the flask is vibrated until the pattern assembly is completely embedded in sand. Molten metal is poured into the sprue, vaporizing the foam polystyrene, perfectly reproducing the pattern. In this process, a pattern refers to the expandable polystyrene or foamed polystyrene part that is vaporized by the molten metal. A pattern is required for each casting. Process Description ((Figure 12) 1. The EPC procedure starts with the pre-expansion of beads, usually polystyrene. After the pre-expanded beads are stabilized, they are blown into a mold to form pattern sections. When the beads are in the mold, a steam cycle causes them to fully expand and fuse together. 2. The pattern sections are assembled with glue, forming a cluster. The gating system is also attached in a similar manner. 3. The foam cluster is covered with a ceramic coating. The coating forms a barrier so that the molten metal does not penetrate or cause sand erosion during pouring. 4. After the coating dries, the cluster is placed into a flask and backed up with bonded sand. 5. Mold compaction is then achieved by using a vibration table to ensure uniform and proper compaction. Once this procedure is complete, the cluster is packed in the flask and the mold is ready to be poured .

Figure 12: The Basic Steps of the Evaporative Pattern Casting Process Advantages The most important advantage of EPC process is that no cores are required. No binders or other additives are required for the sand, which is reusable. Shakeout of the castings in unbonded sand is simplified. There are no parting lines or core fins. Lecture 10 Vacuum Sealed Molding Process It is a process of making molds utilizing dry sand, plastic film and a physical means of binding using negative pressure or vacuum. V-process was developed in Japan in 1971. Since then it has gained considerable importance due to its capability to produce dimensionally accurate and smooth castings. The basic difference between the V-process and other sand molding processes is the manner in which sand is bounded to form the mold cavity. In V-process vacuum, of the order of 250 450 mm Hg, is imposed to bind the dry free flowing sand encapsulated in between

two plastic films. The technique involves the formation of a mold cavity by vacuum forming of a plastic film over the pattern, backed by unbounded sand, which is compacted by vibration and held rigidly in place by applying vacuum. When the metal is poured into the molds, the plastic film first melts and then gets sucked just inside the sand voids due to imposed vacuum where it condenses and forms a shell-like layer. The vacuum must be maintained until the metal solidifies, after which the vacuum is released allowing the sand to drop away leaving a casting with a smooth surface. No shakeout equipment is required and the same sand can be cooled and reused without further treatment. Sequence of Producing V-Process Molds

The Pattern is set on the Pattern Plate of Pattern Box. The Pattern as well as the Pattern Plate has Numerous Small Holes. These Holes Help the Plastic Film to Adhere Closely on Pattern When Vacuum is Applied. A Heater is used to Soften the Plastic Film The Softened Plastic Film Drapes over the Pattern. The Vacuum Suction Acts through the Vents (Pattern and Pattern Plate) to draw it so that it adheres closely to the Pattern. The Molding Box is Set on the Film Coated Pattern The Molding Box is filled with Dry Sand. Slight Vibration Compacts the Sand Level the Mold. Cover the Top of Molding Box with Plastic Film. Vacuum Suction Stiffens the Mold. Release the Vacuum on the Pattern Box and Mold Strips Easily. Cope and Drag are assembled and Metal is poured. During Pouring the Mold is Kept under Vacuum After Cooling, the Vacuum is released. Free Flowing Sand Drops Away, Leaving a Clean Casting

Advantages

Exceptionally Good Dimensional Accuracy Good Surface Finish Longer Pattern Life Consistent Reproducibility Low Cleaning / Finishing Cost Lecture 11

Melting Practices Melting is an equally important parameter for obtaining a quality castings. A number of furnaces can be used for melting the metal, to be used, to make a metal casting. The choice of furnace depends on the type of metal to be melted. Some of the furnaces used in metal casting are as following:.

Crucible furnaces Cupola

Induction furnace Reverberatory furnace

Crucible Furnace. Crucible furnaces are small capacity typically used for small melting applications. Crucible furnace is suitable for the batch type foundries where the metal requirement is intermittent. The metal is placed in a crucible which is made of clay and graphite. The energy is applied indirectly to the metal by heating the crucible by coke, oil or gas.The heating of crucible is done by coke, oil or gas. . Coke-Fired Furnace(Figure 13) .

Primarily used for non-ferrous metals Furnace is of a cylindrical shape Also known as pit furnace Preparation involves: first to make a deep bed of coke in the furnace Burn the coke till it attains the state of maximum combustion Insert the crucible in the coke bed Remove the crucible when the melt reaches to desired temperature

Figure 13: Coke Fired Crucible Furnace Oil-Fired Furnace.

Primarily used for non-ferrous metals Furnace is of a cylindrical shape Advantages include: no wastage of fuel Less contamination of the metal Absorption of water vapor is least as the metal melts inside the closed metallic furnace

Cupola Cupola furnaces are tall, cylindrical furnaces used to melt iron and ferrous alloys in foundry operations. Alternating layers of metal and ferrous alloys, coke, and limestone are fed into the furnace from the top. A schematic diagram of a cupola is shown in Figure14 . This diagram of a cupola illustrates the furnace's cylindrical shaft lined with refractory and the alternating layers of coke and metal scrap. The molten metal flows out of a spout at the bottom of the cupola. . Description of Cupola

The cupola consists of a vertical cylindrical steel sheet and lined inside with acid refractory bricks. The lining is generally thicker in the lower portion of the cupola as the temperature are higher than in upper portion There is a charging door through which coke, pig iron, steel scrap and flux is charged The blast is blown through the tuyeres These tuyeres are arranged in one or more row around the periphery of cupola Hot gases which ascends from the bottom (combustion zone) preheats the iron in the preheating zone Cupolas are provided with a drop bottom door through which debris, consisting of coke, slag etc. can be discharged at the end of the melt A slag hole is provided to remove the slag from the melt Through the tap hole molten metal is poured into the ladle At the top conical cap called the spark arrest is provided to prevent the spark emerging to outside

Operation of Cupola The cupola is charged with wood at the bottom. On the top of the wood a bed of coke is built. Alternating layers of metal and ferrous alloys, coke, and limestone are fed into the furnace from the top. The purpose of adding flux is to eliminate the impurities and to protect the metal from oxidation. Air blast is opened for the complete combustion of coke. When sufficient metal has been melted that slag hole is first opened to remove the slag. Tap hole is then opened to collect the metal in the ladle.

.Figure 14: Schematic of a Cupola

Reverberatory furnace A furnace or kiln in which the material under treatment is heated indirectly by means of a flame deflected downward from the roof. Reverberatory furnaces are used in opper, tin, and nickel production, in the production of certain concretes and cements, and in aluminum. Reverberatory furnaces heat the metal to melting temperatures with direct fired wall-mounted burners. The primary mode of heat transfer is through radiation from the refractory brick walls to the metal, but convective heat transfer also provides additional heating from the burner to the metal. The advantages provided by reverberatory melters is the high volume processing rate, and low operating and maintenance costs. The disadvantages of the reverberatory melters are the high metal oxidation rates, low efficiencies, and large floor space requirements. A schematic of Reverberatory furnace is shown in Figure 15

Figure 15: Schematic of a Reverberatory Furnace Induction furnace Induction heating is a heating method. The heating by the induction method occurs when an electrically conductive material is placed in a varying magnetic field. Induction heating is a rapid form of heating in which a current is induced directly into the part being heated. Induction heating is a non-contact form of heating. The heating system in an induction furnace includes: 1. Induction heating power supply, 2. Induction heating coil, 3. Water-cooling source, which cools the coil and several internal components inside the power supply. The induction heating power supply sends alternating current through the induction coil, which generates a magnetic field. Induction furnaces work on the principle of a transformer. An alternative electromagnetic field induces eddy currents in the metal which converts the electric energy to heat without any physical contact between the induction coil and the work piece. A schematic diagram of induction furnace is shown in Figure 16. The furnace contains a crucible surrounded by a water cooled copper coil. The coil is called primary coil to which a high frequency current is supplied. By induction secondary currents, called eddy currents are produced in the crucible. High temperature can be obtained by this method. Induction furnaces are of two types: cored furnace and coreless furnace. Cored furnaces are used almost exclusively as holding furnaces. In cored furnace the electromagnetic field heats the metal between two coils.

Coreless furnaces heat the metal via an external primary coil

Advantages of Induction Furnace

Induction heating is a clean form of heating High rate of melting or high melting efficiency Alloyed steels can be melted without any loss of alloying elements Controllable and localized heating

Disadvantages of Induction Furnace

High capital cost of the equipment High operating cost

Gating System The assembly of channels which facilitates the molten metal to enter into the mold cavity is called the gating system (Figure17). Alternatively, the gating system refers to all passage ways through which molten metal passes to enter into the mold cavity. The nomenclature of gating system depends upon the function of different channels which they perform.

Down gates or sprue Cross gates or runners Ingates or gates

The metal flows down from the pouring basin or pouring cup into the down gate or sprue and passes through the cross gate or channels and ingates or gates before entering into the mold cavity.

Figure 17: Schematic of Gating System Goals of Gating System The goals for the gating system are

To minimize turbulence to avoid trapping gasses into the mold To get enough metal into the mold cavity before the metal starts to solidify To avoid shrinkage Establish the best possible temperature gradient in the solidifying casting so that the shrinkage if occurs must be in the gating system not in the required cast part. Incorporates a system for trapping the non-metallic inclusions

Casting Defects The following are the major defects, which are likely to occur in sand castings

Gas defects Shrinkage cavities Molding material defects Pouring metal defects Mold shift

Gas Defects A condition existing in a casting caused by the trapping of gas in the molten metal or by mold gases evolved during the pouring of the casting. The defects in this category can be classified into blowholes and pinhole porosity. Blowholes are spherical or elongated cavities present in the casting on the surface or inside the casting. Pinhole porosity occurs due to the dissolution of hydrogen gas, which gets entrapped during heating of molten metal. Causes The lower gas-passing tendency of the mold, which may be due to lower venting, lower permeability of the mold or improper design of the casting. The lower permeability is caused by finer grain size of the sand, high percentage of clay in mold mixture, and excessive moisture present in the mold.

Metal contains gas Mold is too hot Poor mold burnout

Shrinkage Cavities These are caused by liquid shrinkage occurring during the solidification of the casting. To compensate for this, proper feeding of liquid metal is required. For this reason risers are placed at the appropriate places in the mold. Sprues may be too thin, too long or not attached in the proper location, causing shrinkage cavities. It is recommended to use thick sprues to avoid shrinkage cavities. Molding Material Defects The defects in this category are cuts and washes, metal penetration, fusion, and swell. Cut and washes These appear as rough spots and areas of excess metal, and are caused by erosion of molding sand by the flowing metal. This is caused by the molding sand not having enough strength and the molten metal flowing at high velocity. The former can be taken care of by the proper choice of molding sand and the latter can be overcome by the proper design of the gating system. Metal penetration

When molten metal enters into the gaps between sand grains, the result is a rough casting surface. This occurs because the sand is coarse or no mold wash was applied on the surface of the mold. The coarser the sand grains more the metal penetration. Fusion This is caused by the fusion of the sand grains with the molten metal, giving a brittle, glassy appearance on the casting surface. The main reason for this is that the clay or the sand particles are of lower refractoriness or that the pouring temperature is too high. Swell Under the influence of metallostatic forces, the mold wall may move back causing a swell in the dimension of the casting. A proper ramming of the mold will correct this defect. Inclusions Particles of slag, refractory materials, sand or deoxidation products are trapped in the casting during pouring solidification. The provision of choke in the gating system and the pouring basin at the top of the mold can prevent this defect. Pouring Metal Defects The likely defects in this category are

Mis-runs and Cold shuts.

A mis-run is caused when the metal is unable to fill the mold cavity completely and thus leaves unfilled cavities. A mis-run results when the metal is too cold to flow to the extremities of the mold cavity before freezing. Long, thin sections are subject to this defect and should be avoided in casting design. A cold shut is caused when two streams while meeting in the mold cavity, do not fuse together properly thus forming a discontinuity in the casting. When the molten metal is poured into the mold cavity through more-than-one gate, multiple liquid fronts will have to flow together and become one solid. If the flowing metal fronts are too cool, they may not flow together, but will leave a seam in the part. Such a seam is called a cold shut, and can be prevented by assuring sufficient superheat in the poured metal and thick enough walls in the casting design. The mis-run and cold shut defects are caused either by a lower fluidity of the mold or when the section thickness of the casting is very small. Fluidity can be improved by changing the composition of the metal and by increasing the pouring temperature of the metal. Mold Shift

The mold shift defect occurs when cope and drag or molding boxes have not been properly aligned.

Figure 19 : Casting Defects