Production of High Quality Castings by the Centrifugal Electroslag Method

Abstract

The Ukrainian-based E. O. Paton Electric Welding Institute has developed new technology for the production of high-quality castings using the centrifugal electroslag casting process (CESC). The technology consists of preparing molten metal in an electroslag crucible furnace from where it is poured, together with the slag, into a rotating casting mould. The authors show that the initial metallic materials may consist of rolled off-cuts, worn-out parts and tools, lumpy waste, and cast stock from continuous casting plants. The use of electro-slag melting technology ensures that there is no loss of alloying elements from the basic charge materials and that there is an absence of harmful contaminants. It is said that the energy characteristics of the electroslag crucible furnace are not inferior to those of induction or arc furnaces. The process technology facilitates the production of high-quality close-to-form castings. The paper presents results of integrated studies of CESC casting quality and describes the method employed in the effective refining of the metal structure. The results of the authors' studies, together with industrial testing and evaluation, show that CESC castings can compete with forgings and stampings in the manufacture of special-purpose components.