Module 3
Module 3
In this process, the direct pouring of molten metal into the mold cavity takes place under
the effect of gravity. For better coverage, the die can be tilted to control the filling. The
molten metal is then allowed to cool and solidifies within the mold to form products. As a
result, this process makes casting of materials like lead, zinc, aluminum, and magnesium
alloys, certain bronzes, and cast iron more common.
This casting process works on the bottom-up approach to fill the mold, in contrast, to
other pressure casting processes. Although, the process has a higher casting rate than
sand casting. But, it is relatively higher in cost due to expensive metal molds. Check its
advantages and disadvantages below.
vertical centrifugal casting process
Centrifugal casting, also known as roto casting, is a process for industrially manufacturing
cylindrical parts with centrifugal forces. This type of metal casting uses a preheated
spinning die in which the molten metal is poured. The centrifugal forces help to distribute
the molten metal within the die at high pressure.
Three variations of centrifugal casting exist; true centrifugal casting process, semi
centrifugal casting process, and vertical centrifugal casting process. Semi centrifugal
casting, unlike true centrifugal casting, has the mold completely filled using a sprue.
However, in true centrifugal casting, molten metal sticks to the sides due to continuous
rotation. On the contrary, vertical centrifugal casting, as the name suggests, uses
directional molding following the same process as true centrifugal casting.
Typically, centrifugal casting produces rotational shapes like cylinders. In particular, parts
like bush bearings, clutch plates, piston rings, and cylinder liners, etc. Also, the pouring of
metal in the center of the mold helps in reducing defects such as blow holes, shrinkage,
and gas pockets. However, it is not suitable for all kinds of metal alloys.
Thixocasting utilizes a pre-cast billet with a non-dendritic microstructure that is normally produced
by vigorously stirring the melt as the bar is being cast.
Induction heating is normally used to re-heat the billets to the semi-solid temperature range, and die
casting machines are used to inject the semi-solid material into hardened steel dies.
Thixocasting has the ability to produce extremely high quality components due to the product
consistency that results from using pre-cast billet that is manufactured under the same ideal continuous
processing conditions that are employed to make forging or rolling stock.
The main disadvantage is that it is expensive due to the special billets that must be used, although
facilities with in house magnetohydrodynamic continuous casting capabilities can recycle 100% of in-
house returns.
Other disadvantages include a limited number of alloys, and for facilities without in-house
magnetohydrodynamic casting capability scrap cannot be directly reused.
Rheocasting
However, rheocasting also poses process control issues such that after an initial
surge of activity, very little material is processed via rheocasting.