Die Casting’s Blog

A multi-part molding box (known as a casting flask, the top and bottom halves of which are known respectively as the cope and drag) is prepared to receive the pattern. Molding boxes are made in segments that may be latched to each other and to end closures. For a simple object¡ªflat on one side¡ªthe lower portion of the box, closed at the bottom, will be filled with prepared casting sand or green sand¡ªa slightly moist mixture of sand and clay. The sand is packed in through a vibratory process called ramming and, in this case, periodically screeded level. The surface of the sand may then be stabilized with a sizing compound. The pattern is placed on the sand and another molding box segment is added. Additional sand is rammed over and around the pattern. Finally a cover is placed on the box and it is turned and unlatched, so that the halves of the mold may be parted and the pattern with its sprue and vent patterns removed. Additional sizing may be added and any defects introduced by the removal of the pattern are corrected. The box is closed again. This forms a “green” mold which must be dried to receive the hot metal. If the mold is not sufficiently dried a steam explosion can occur that can throw molten metal about. In some cases, the sand may be oiled instead of moistened, which makes possible casting without waiting for the sand to dry. Sand may also be bonded by chemical binders, such as furane resins or amine-hardened resins.

Chills

To control the solidification and metallurgical structure of the metal, it is possible to place metal plates¡ªchills¡ª in the mold. The associated rapid local cooling will form a finer-grained structure and may form a somewhat harder metal at these locations. In ferrous castings the effect is similar to quenching metals in forge work. The inner diameter of an engine cylinder is made hard by a chilling core. In other metals chills may be used to promote directional solidification of the casting. In controlling the way a casting freezes it is possible to prevent internal voids or porosity inside castings.

Cores

To produce cavities within the casting¡ªsuch as for liquid cooling in engine blocks and cylinder heads¡ªnegative forms are used to produce cores. Usually sand-molded, cores are inserted into the casting box after removal of the pattern. Whenever possible, designs are made that avoid the use of cores, due to the additional set-up time and thus greater cost.
Two sets of castings (bronze and aluminium) from the above sand mold
Two sets of castings (bronze and aluminium) from the above sand mold