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- What is a metal casting?
Metal casting is a fundamental manufacturing process used to produce complex metal parts by pouring molten metal into a mold, where it solidifies into the desired shape. It's one of the oldest and most versatile methods for shaping metals, dating back thousands of years, and is widely used in industries like automotive, aerospace, and construction.
Key Steps in the Metal Casting Process:
1.Pattern Creation: A replica (pattern) of the final part is made from materials like wood, plastic, or metal.
2.Mold Formation: The pattern is placed in a molding material (e.g., sand, plaster, or ceramic) to create a cavity that matches the part's shape. The mold is often split into two halves (cope and drag) for easy removal.
3.Melting and Pouring: The metal (e.g., aluminum, iron, steel, or bronze) is heated to its melting point in a furnace and poured into the mold through a gating system.
4.Solidification and Cooling: The metal cools and hardens, taking the mold's shape.
5.Mold Removal and Finishing: The solidified part (casting) is extracted, and excess material (sprues, risers) is removed. The surface is then cleaned, machined, or heat-treated as needed.
Common Types of Metal Casting:
Sand Casting: Uses reusable sand molds; ideal for large, one-off parts.
Die Casting: Involves reusable metal molds under high pressure; suited for high-volume production of precise parts.
Investment Casting: Employs a wax pattern coated in ceramic for intricate, high-accuracy components.
Centrifugal Casting: Rotates the mold to distribute molten metal evenly, often for cylindrical shapes like pipes.