Aluminum Sand Casting & Its Process
Aluminum Sand Casting in India
A host of companies are into providing aluminum sand casting facility in India. Even though there are various other types of casting methods like die casting and permanent mold casting, aluminum sand casting is widely preferred by the most. There are certain basic facts and processes that one needs to understand to avail the best aluminum sand casting facility in India.
What is Aluminum Sand Casting?
One of the most versatile methods used in aluminum production, sand casting is a key component in automotive industries, aerospace industries etc. The process involves melting of aluminum and transferring it into a mould which is made up of sand. This liquefied aluminum is then allowed to cool down to take the desired shape. Aluminum is a widely used metal, but sometimes even brass, copper, iron and bronze can be used for this process as well, depending on the task.
Aluminum sand casting is often deemed as a slow process when compared to die and permanent mold casting. But it is more economical and ideal for more intricate designs or when a very large casting job is required. The process of aluminum sand casting is rather simple and interesting.
Process of Aluminum Sand Casting:-
- A cavity in the sand is made by placing a wooden or resin pattern in the sand in a box-like structure. Subsequently the sand takes the shape of the pattern when it is removed from the box. A reservoir called the riser is also made to facilitate the excessive flow of molten metal.
- Further the mould is made, consisting of two parts - cope and drag. Cope is the upper part and drag is the lower part of the mould. These are separated by a parting line. The gating process and the core are meant to be kept in vicinity to the parting line. Several vibration and mechanical methods are used to make the sand compact.
- Post the mould building, the molten aluminum is poured into the cavity in the sand with the help of a sprue. This is a part of the gating process.
- Also since the metal is hot and several gasses are released into the atmosphere, there are vents to let them out. The cavity is made of a slightly larger size than the desired solidified metal. This is done so that the metal can contract when it cools down.
- Once the aluminum has cooled, it is removed from the mould.
The above process is generalized when it comes to making aluminum equipment. Hence any good aluminum sand casting facility in India would have followed the same procedure. The vast and diverse use of sand casting in India has further led to a lot of providers cropping up in the domain. This has made aluminum sand casting facility in India a lucrative business.