Performance of digital patternless freeze-casting sand mould

Digital patternless freeze-casting technology is a new approach for obtaining frozen sand moulds using digital milling technology.The change law of tensile strength and air permeability of frozen sand moulds (100-mesh and 200-mesh silica sand,and zircon sand moulds) under different freezing temperatures and water contents was studied.Results show that with the decrease of freezing temperature and the increase of water contents,the tensile strength and air permeability of the sand moulds are gradually improved.Meanwhile,computed tomography technology was used to characterize the shape and size of the water film between the sand particles mixed with 4wt.% water.The results show that in silica sand moulds,the form of water film is lumpy,and 200-mesh silica sand moulds have more water films and higher proportion of small-sized water films than 100-mesh silica sand moulds,while in zircon sand moulds,the form of water film is membranous.At the same freezing temperature and water content,the tensile strength of zircon sand mould is the highest,and 100-mesh silica sand mould is the lowest.A comparative solidification experiment of A356 aluminum alloy was carried out in frozen sand mould and resin sand mould.The results show that the primary α-Al phase appears in the form of equiaxed and eutectic silicon phase is needle-like in freezing sand mould casting,but the primary α-Al phase grows in the form of dendrites,and the eutectic silicon phase is coarse needle-like in the resin sand mould casting.The difference of microstructure is caused by the different cooling rate.The cooling rate of A356 aluminum alloy in frozen sand mould is higher than that in resin sand mould.     

Metal-Mould Reactions in casting Aluminium-Lithium Alloys in Sodium-silicate-bonded Sand Moulds

Abstract

Metal-mould reactions in casting Al-Li alloys in sodium-silicate-bonded sand moulds have been studied by the modified Gertsman technique. Molten Al-2.7% Li alloy was poured into a bottom-gated vertical cylindrical mould cavity (150 mm x 50 mm dia) made from no-bake organic-binder-based sands. At the bottom of the mould cavity, a standard AFS three-ram sodium-silicate-bonded sand sample (the test sample) was placed vertically to provide the necessary interface for investigation. After cooling, the reaction products formed at the interface and samples from the bottom portion of the castings were collected for investigation. These were analysed to find Li loss from the casting as a result of metal-mould reactions. The casting was vertically sectioned and visually observed for appearance of blow holes, if any, while the sub-surface was studied for microhardness variation. The as-cast surface and the reaction products were also studied by SEM and X-ray diffraction analysis.

The study reveals that the Li in the molten alloy enters into vigorous chemical reaction with the sodium silicate resulting in the release of metallic sodium and formation of reaction products containing αLithium aluminium meta silicate. Li is thus lost from near the surface of the casting. Probably, the sodium released causes the gas blow holes in the sub-surface of castings due to its high vapour pressure at the working temperature.     

锆砂覆膜砂铸钢件表面缺陷的形成机制及防治措施

论述了锆砂覆膜砂铸钢件表面缺陷的形成机制,就该缺陷的防治措施进行了探讨。认为锆砂覆膜砂铸钢件表面缺陷气痕和流痕形成的主要成因是:再生砂粒度过细、壳型(芯)的透气性偏低,浇注系统不合理、钢液流动不平稳、铸型排气能力差,浇注温度偏低且不稳定等。实践表明,增加壳型(芯)的透气性、采用平稳快速浇注工艺方案、适当提高浇注温度等,可以达到减少和消除锆砂覆膜砂铸钢件气痕和流痕缺陷之目的。     

Properties of silica sand and GBF slag moulds practiced by Nishiyama process

ABSTRACT

Investigations were carried out to use Granulated Blast furnace (GBF) slag as mould material for either full or partial replacement of existing silica sand in foundry industry. Nishiyama process was adopted for evaluating the same. A series of sand tests were carried out on sand and slag individually and also combinations of these two. Three types of moulds were made with sand, slag individually and combination of these two. Both laboratory and industrial castings of ferrous and non ferrous materials were performed. Results of mould permeability, compression and shear strength of GBF slag reveal that is a suitable candidate for either partial or full replacement of molding sand. During casting of both laboratory and industrial, neither fuse, dripping nor collapse of the mould walls was observed; this is true for both ferrous and non ferrous castings. Castings with good surface finish, no surface defects and porosity were made by slag moulds.     

湿型球墨铸铁件收缩特性的试验研究

采用正交试验的方法，浇注一系列铸件，测量铸件的冷却曲线；解剖铸件，测定铸件质量、铸件及缩孔体积。研究了碳当量、孕育、铸件模数以及铸型条件对湿型球铁件收缩特性及缩孔缩松的影响。为开展数值模拟预测球铁件缩孔、缩松的工作打下了基础。     

A Free Thermal Contraction Method for Modelling the Heat-transfer Coefficient at the Casting/Mould Interface

Abstract

This study is intended to explore a simple and inexpensive method that is able to model the variation and distribution of the heat transfer coefficient at the casting/mould interface. It has been assumed that, in a rigid mould, the magnitude of interface gap size primarily depends on the thermal contraction of cast metal as it solidifies. Consequently, a free thermal contraction method has been developed to describe the thermal contact phenomena at the casting/mould interface, based on the above assumptions. This method has been used in the solidification simulations for three sand castings of different shapes. The numerical solutions of the simulations agree closely with the experimental results of the thermocouple measurements in the castings and their moulds. For the casting and mould materials involved, the empirical parameters in the equation of the heat transfer coefficient are the same for each of these cases, i.e. independent of the geometric shape of the castings.     

Effect of particle size variations of gypsum bonded investment powders on metallurgical quality of investment castings

Abstract

In the present work, the effect of particle size distribution parameters of investment powder on the metallurgical characteristics of castings produced by flask mould investment casting process was investigated. The main aim of this study is to establish the relationships between the casting quality and investment powder characteristics. For this purpose, models for tensile, density and surface roughness specimens were prepared in accordance with the standards and these models were moulded by gypsum bonded investment powders. Specimens of sterling silver (92·5Ag–7·5Cu alloy) were subsequently cast into these moulds by centrifugal casting process. After the completion of solidification process, the specimens were tested and results were analysed. The preliminary results illustrate that fineness of investment powders play an important role in determining the metallurgical quality of castings produced by investment casting process.     

Influence of furfuryl moulding sand on flake graphite formation in surface layer of ductile iron castings

The influence of the use of moulding sand with furan resin, prepared both with fresh sand and reclaimed matrix, on the formation of a flake graphite formation at the surface layer of ductile iron castings has been investigated. A series of experimental heats of ductile iron cast in moulds made of moulding sand characterised by different levels of surface active elements (sulphur, oxygen) were performed. The effect of the wall thickness and the initial temperature of the metal in the mould cavity on the formation of flake graphite in the surface layer of the casting is shown in the paper. Investigations carried out by means of scanning electron microscopy (energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) showed concentration of gradient profiles of surface active elements in the castings surface layer, which are responsible for their quality. Finally, it has been shown that there exists a significant effect of the quality of the sand on the formation of the flake graphite layer and the surface characteristics of ductile iron castings.     

Rapid fabricating process of zinc alloy moulds based on vacuum casting process

Abstract

A rapid fabrication process was developed by combining stereolithography prototype, silicone rubber mould and vacuum casting process for zinc alloy moulds. Transfer coating mould was introduced as casting moulds reproduced from silicone rubber moulds. Vacuum casting process was applied to improve filling ability of complicated mould with fine pattern surface. Vacuum reduces the gas counterpressure in the casting mould cavity and then improves the filling ability.     

Conference Reports

Abstract

The outcome of a long-term programme on the computer-aided design of castings, carried out at Sharif University of Technology, has been the development of computer simulation software known as SUTCAST. This is currently employed in 16 local foundries. The program is based on a numerical method involving a classical approach to an explicit three-dimensional heat-transfer finite difference method. The software has been designed for the solidification simulation of pure metals, and eutectic and long-freezing-range alloys. It has been written for IBM personal computers and compatibles in the Turbo C version 2.01 programming language.

This paper discusses the computer solidification simulation of an Al—12%Si casting poured in a sand mould and the heat- transfer coefficient at the metal—mould interface. A mathematical model for the estimation of the gap width at the metal—mould interface during solidification based on the plane strain thermoelasticity equations is suggested.

The solidification process for Al—12%Si contained with a sand mould was monitored by measuring temperature at different locations within the casting and the sand mould. An experimental procedure was employed to measure the displacement of the metal and mould walls during solidification. The width of the gap was measured as the difference between the location of the casting and the inner surfaces of the mould, which varies with time.

The computer results are compared with the experimental data and are shown to be in good agreement as regards to cooling curves, solidification time and gap size.     

Fracture toughness of ceramic moulds for investment casting with ice patterns

Abstract

Ice patterns can be used to make ceramic investment moulds for metal castings. Owing to the characteristics of ice, the ceramic mould must be made at subzero temperatures and consequently, requires a different formulation than shells built at room temperature. Success of this process depends greatly on the fracture toughness of mould materials. The present paper describes the experimental results of fracture toughness of mould materials processed from different compositions. The Taguchi method was used to reduce the trial runs. The parameters considered included the ratio of fibre containing fused silica and aluminosilicate powders, the volume of binder and the volume of catalyst. The microstructure and green fracture surface of test bars were also examined to understand the underlying mechanism. While conducting the four point bend test on ceramic mould samples, some samples had exceedingly low strengths appearing as outliers in the Weibull analysis. Examination of these low strength ceramic samples improved understanding of failure of mould materials. Sound moulds have been made for the investment casting process with ice patterns based on the analysis of experimental results. The casting of an M8 bolt is used to demonstrate that metal castings of complex geometry can be fabricated using ice patterns. The measured tolerances are within the required tolerance range.     

基于多材质复合铸型的A356铝合金性能调控机制研究

本文建立变壁厚回字形结构多材质复合铸型,首先通过对A356铝合金在多材质复合铸型的充型、凝固过程模拟仿真,获得多材质复合铸型铸件充型时间和温度场结果,锆英砂与石英砂、铬铁矿砂与石英砂过度处凝固时间成阶梯状递减;且锆英砂与石英砂过度处与铬铁矿砂与石英砂过渡处铸件凝固时间更短,金属液凝固速度更快。其次通过对石英砂、铬铁矿砂、锆英砂复合铸型在重力铸造下A356铝合金铸件进行电子背散射衍射分析（EBSD）、电子显微探针分析（EPMA）、抗拉强度及扫描断口分析。结果表明：在相同壁厚时,铬铁矿砂、锆英砂型铸件的晶粒尺寸细小、Al、Mg、Si等元素集中度低、力学性能增大,断口呈现韧性断裂的特征;同时随着壁厚减小,同种材质砂型铸件晶粒尺寸细小、元素集中度低、力学性能增大,断口呈现韧性断裂的特征。     

High-quality manufacturing method of complicated castings based on multi-material hybrid moulding process

A multi-material hybrid patternless moulding process for complicated castings has been proposed. Moulding sands used in the hybrid moulding process include silica sand, ceramic sand, chromite sand, zircon sand, and steel shot sand. Experimental method was used to study the effects of moulding sands on the temperature field, mechanical properties, and dimensional precision of the iron castings. Under the condition that the wall thickness on different sides of the casting is the same, when the wall thickness is greater than 10 mm, the heat storage capacity of the moulding sands from strong to weak is steel shot sand, zircon sand, chromite sand, ceramic foundry sand, and silica sand. Tensile strength of the obtained castings from high to low is zircon sand, chromite sand, steel shot sand, ceramic sand, and silica sand. Contraction rate of the obtained castings from high to low is steel shot sand, zircon sand, chromite sand, silica sand, and ceramic sand. Therefore, steel shot sand and zircon sand can be used as chilled sand, and even can be used instead of cold iron when the casting wall thickness is greater than 10 mm. Zircon sand and chromite sand can be used to obtain high mechanical properties, and silica sand and ceramic sand can be selected to obtain high dimensional precision of the castings. Finally, a typical iron casting piece was tested by experiment using the hybrid moulding process. Excellent performances of iron castings confirm the feasibility of the hybrid moulding process.     

Improving chill control in iron powder treated slightly hypereutectic grey cast irons

Recent studies revealed that in eutectic to slightly hypereutectic grey irons (CE = 4.3%-4.5%) the presence of austenite dendrites provides an opportunity to improve the cast iron properties, as a high number of eutectic cells are "reinforced" by austenite dendrites. An iron powder addition proved to be important by promoting dendritic austenite in hypereutectic irons, but was accompanied by adverse effect on the characteristics of potential nuclei for graphite. The purpose of the present paper is to investigate the solidification pattern of these irons. Chill wedges with different cooling moduli (CM = 0.11 - 0.43 cm) were poured in resin bonded sand and metal moulds.Relative clear / mottled / total chill measurement criteria were applied. Iron powder additions led to a higher chill tendency, while single inoculation showed the strongest graphitizing effect. The various double treatments show an intermediate position, but the inoculant added after iron powder appears to be the most effective in reducing base iron chill tendency, for all cooling moduli and chill evaluation parameters. This performance reflects the improved properties of (Mn,X)S polygonal compounds as nucleation sites for graphite, especially in resin bonded sand mould castings. Both austenite and graphite nucleation benefit from a double addition of iron powder + inoculant,with positive effect on the final structure and chill tendency.     

Effect of cooling rate and of titanium additions on the microstructure of thin-walled compacted iron castings

This article addresses the effect of cooling rate and of titanium additions on the exhibited microstructure of thin-walled compacted graphite iron (TWCI) castings as determined by changing moulding media, section size and ferrotitanium. Various moulding materials were employed (silica sand and insulating sand ‘‘LDASC’’) to achieve different cooling rates. This study shows that the cooling rates exhibited in the TWCI castings varies widely (70–14 °C/s) when the wall thickness is changed from 2 to 5 mm. In turn, this is accompanied by a significant variation in the compacted graphite fraction. The resultant cooling rates were effectively reduced by applying an insulating sand in order to obtain the desired graphite compactness. Ti additions in combination with LDASC sand moulds were highly effective in promoting the development of over 80% compacted graphite in castings with wall thicknesses of 2–3 mm as evidenced by quantitative metallographic analyses.     

选择性激光烧结硅砂的实验研究

对间接选择性激光烧结硅砂进行了实验研究，通过对烧结后硅砂显微组织的观察，得出了硅砂烧结的机理。分析了激光功率、扫描速度、搭接量、光斑直径、粉末成分配比等工艺参数对烧结试样尺寸精度和烧结质量的影响，并得出了优化的工艺参数。烧结成形了一些砂模，经后处理后可用于铸造生产。     

Numerical modeling of the gas evolution in furan binder-silica sand mold castings

Modelling of gas evolution during sand-mould castings is one of the most important technical and environmental issues facing the metal casting industry. The current effort focused on developing the capability of numerically predicting the gas evolution for the furan binder-silica sand system. Specifically, the decomposition of furan was experimentally analyzed and then predicted based upon the work developed in the current project. This methodology can be easily implemented into existing commercial casting codes. A parametric study was also performed for steel 4340 and aluminium A356 cylinders (D100 × H200 m) and bars (H50 mm × W50 mm × L250 mm) cast into silica sand moulds (furan binder) of 50-mm mould wall thickness to investigate the effects of superheat and heating/cooling conditions of the mould on the gas evolution. Such information would enable more technically and environmentally friendly decisions to be made concerning the process design used to make a given casting.     

Towards more reliable investment castings

Abstract

The need for more reliable investment castings to meet the expectations of end users is outlined and the research undertaken during the Fundamentals of Investment Casting (FOCAST) project to meet this requirement is summarised. The traditional gravity poured, top gated mould designs used widely by the investment casting industry are shown to produce the least reliable aluminium alloy and steel castings. Changing to a bottom gated design to minimise surface turbulence during mould filling leads to a significant improvement in reliability, although the mould designs may not be particularly easy to implement in practice. It has been shown that a correctly used tilt pouring technique can also reduce surface turbulence and thereby improve reliability, and it is considered that this process is worthy of further development and evaluation by the investment casting industry. Countergravity mould filling has also been shown to be capable of producing more reliable castings than conventional gravity casting. The three techniques are compared and their industrial implementation discussed.     

Fabrication of SiC particle dispersed spheroidal graphite cast iron composite by vacuum assisted casting and its microstructure

Abstract

SiC particle preforms were infiltrated with spheroidal graphite cast iron melt by vacuum assisted casting in the sand mould, and spheroidal graphite cast iron composites in which the particles were dispersed in the surface region were fabricated. Although the melt infiltration was not accomplished when the melt was poured under atmospheric pressure, the infiltration was accomplished by the vacuum assisted casting when the SiC particle volume fraction and preform thickness were optimised. When the Si content of the cast iron was 2˙5 mass%, the phase consisting of mainly Fe₃Si was formed at the particle/matrix interface due to the reaction between the cast iron melt and the particles during the infiltration. The matrix of the composite consisted of fine spheroidal graphite particles, ferrite, pearite and chill crystal. Although the increase in the Si content suppressed the reaction and chill, no infiltrated area was observed in the composite.     

Enhanced cooling for solidification of aluminium alloys in permanent moulds using advanced heat pipe solutions

Abstract

In order to obtain sound cast components with good properties, a number of measures must be taken to make parts defect free. It is well recognised by the casting industry that it is essential to control cooling rates of permanent mould castings in order to speed up solidification and control the solidification pattern. Each of the traditional controlled cooling techniques (air or water cooling passages and chill inserts) presents certain disadvantages and none offers optimum thermal management. A new cooling method for permanent moulds is proposed. This new technique is based on heat pipe technology that was developed specifically for the cooling of permanent moulds in the casting of light metals where high heat fluxes are normally encountered. The influence of the conductivity of mould coatings on casting solidification and dendrite arm spacing with heat pipe cooling was investigated. Typical experimental results are also presented.