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page 255

45.3 MULTIPLE USE MOLD TECHNIQUES

45.3.1 Vacuum Casting

The basic process is,

1.A mold is made using sand, urethane, and amine vapors to cure.

2.The mold is mounted on a moving head.

3.The head is lowered into molten metal in an induction furnace so that the lower face of the mold is submerged.

4.Vacuum is applied to the mold and metal is drawn up to fill the cavity.

This process is relatively inexpensive and can be automated.

Thin walls, down to 0.02” are possible.

The process can be used effectively with reactive metals.

45.3.2 Permanent Mold Casting

The basic process is,

1.A metal mold is made in two halves.

2.The mold is then coated with a refractory coating, or sometimes graphite is used instead. This acts as a thermal barrier, and as a parting agent.

3.Cores are then added as required.

4.The mold halves are mated and preheated to about 300-400°F.

5.Low melting point molten metal is poured into the dies.

6.Water channels, or heatsink fins are used to cool the mold quickly.

7.The mold is opened, and ejector pins are used to force the part out of the mold - this leaves small circular depressions on the surface of the part.

8.the sprue is removed, and the stub is ground off.

The mold cavity is typically coated with a refractory coating to reduce heat damage, and ease part removal after casting. The materials also help control the cooling rate of the casting. Typical materials include,

- sodium silicate and clay - sprayed graphite

Molds are machined, including the cavity and gates. Typical mold materials include,

- cast iron and alloyed cast irons

page 256

-steel

-bronze

-graphite

-refractory metal alloys

Typical core materials include,

-oil-bonded sand

-resin-bonded sand

-plaster

-graphite

-gray iron - most common

-low-carbon steel

-hot work die steel

Low melting point metals can be cast

-aluminum

-zinc

-magnesium alloys

-brass

-cast iron

Movable sections can be used to allow removal of cast parts.

Can be used for thousands of parts before mold is replaced or repaired.

Part sizes are from a few ounces to a hundred pounds.

Typical applications are,

-pistons/cylinders/rods

-gears

-kitchenware

Advantages,

-the mold can be chilled to speed cooling

-good surface finish

-good dimensional accuracy

-only one mold is required

Disadvantages,

-limited numbers of alloys can be used

-complex shapes cannot be cast

-mold production is time consuming and costly

-mold sizes are limited

page 257

45.3.2.1 - Slush Casting

Permanent mold casting can be used to produce hollow parts without using cores.

In this process the mold is filled as normal, and solidification begins at the outer surface and moves inwards. After a short period of time the mold can be turned over, and the molten metal inside will run out. This leaves a thin shell in the mold.

45.3.2.2 - Pressure Casting

In this process the normal permanent mold process is used, except instead of pouring molten metal, it is forced into the die under a moderate pressure or pulled in using vacuum). This pressure is maintained until the part has solidified.

The constant pressure allows for filling of the mold as it shrinks.

45.3.2.3 - Die Casting

The basic process is,

1.two permanent mold halves of a die (mounted in a press) are brought together.

2.the molten metal is injected through a runner and gate with pressures up to 100 ksi - 2000-5000 psi is common.

3.air escapes into overflow wells, and out vents, and metal fills the molds

4.the mold is chilled, and the injected metal freezes

5.the mold is separated, and knockout pins eject the part

6.the parts are cut off the runners and sprues

Used for low melting point (non-ferrous) metals such as,

-zinc

-aluminum

-magnesium

-copper

-lead

-tin

Can produce complex shapes at mass production rates.

Metal dies,

-must withstand high pressures

-die life is shortened by extreme temperature fluctuations

page 258

-dies often made with carbon or special alloys

-multiple cavities can be used in the die

Applications,

-automotive parts

-appliances

-office machines

-bathroom fixtures

-outboard motors

-toys

-clocks

-tools

Die casting machines can use,

-hot chambers with a plunger - a reservoir of molten metal is used to directly feed the machine.

-a cold chamber - metal is ladled into the machine for each shot.

Hot chamber machines are,

-good for low temperature zinc alloys (approx. 400°C)

-faster than cold chamber machines

-cycle times must be short to minimize metal contamination

-metal starts in a heated cylinder

-a piston forces metal into the die

-the piston retracts, and draws metal in

Cold chamber machines,

-casts high melting point metals (>600°C)

-high pressures used

-metal is heated in a separate crucible

-metal is ladled into a cold chamber

-the metal is rapidly forced into the mold before it cools

All die casting processes require a large press to hold mold halves together during a cycle.

Advantages,

-intricate parts possible

-short cycles

-inserts feasible

-cycles less than 1 minute

-minimum finishing operations

-thin sections, high tolerances, good surface finish

Disadvantages,

-metal die is costly

-porous parts