Sand Castings
The ancient art of sand casting has survived through the centuries to become a reliable method for producing modern engineered parts through aluminum casting. Any shape or design in a variety of sizes can easily be produced using this method. An added benefit is the ability to recycle and reuse the sand from the casting while metal castings can only be used to make a single design.
The sand casting process
The pattern for sand casting is made from several materials that include metal, wax, plastic, or wood. In simple terms, the process involves an impression in sand that is filled with molten metal. The properties of the sand produces a finished product requiring very little finishing.
The sand casting pattern is created using design software. Once it is approved, it is sent to the shop where the pattern is created. The material for the pattern depends on the volume and tolerance needed for the final part.
The sand of sand casting is capable of withstanding extreme temperatures of molten metal and does not interact with the metal, making it easy to remove cooled and solidified parts. The mold maintains its shape because the sand has a bonding agent to strengthen it. Sands used for sand casting include green, sodium silicate or water glass, and resin. The sand that is chosen for a project needs to have the right tolerance, shape of the design, and accuracy.
Molds come in two parts with a top half, or cope, and bottom, or drag. When a prototype is needed, the pattern can be machined directly into the sand to produce designs that may need adjustments. The normal process involves placing the sand in the cope and drag, which shapes the sand mold. Molten metal is poured into the mold. Once the metal cools, the sand is shaken out, leaving the part.
Parts are finished using a variety of methods to reach the exact shape of the design. In most cases, the casting may require machining to meet the necessary dimensions and tolerances required. For most sand cast parts the finishing process takes little time.
Benefits of sand casting
Of all of the casting processes, sand casting is the least expensive, since it does not require special tooling or the creation of a metal mold. To keep costs at a minimum, engineers consider various key elements that include drafting angle, parting line, cores, cross-section analysis, wall thickness, and shrinkage. These issues are normally resolved during the design phase since casting engineers are very aware of them.
One of the major benefits of sand casting is its ability to produce flawless large parts. Using sand casting, it is possible to produce parts of a few ounces up to several tons. The shape and design of a part is only constricted by the imagination of the engineer.
The low tooling costs make sand casting perfect for short or small part runs. A single piece can be easily created to provide a sample or example for testing and assessment. The auto industry frequently uses sand casting to test new ideas and concepts.
Sand casting is an economical and efficient choice when a part requires precise details and little finishing. Our many years of experience and devotion to excellence make Modern Aluminum Castings the perfect choice for your sand casting needs. Contact us today for your sand casting project.
Alloys used in Sand Castings
Sand Casting uses a number of different alloys with different mechanical properties. Here, we note the alloy and its tensile strength in PSI.
| Typical Mechanical Properties | |
|---|---|
| Alloy/Temper | Tensile Strength |
| A206.0-T4 | 51000 |
| 295.0-T4 | 32000 |
| 295.0-T6 | 36000 |
| 319.0-F | 27000 |
| 319.0-T5 | 30000 |
| 319.0-T6 | 36000 |
| B319.0-T53 | 26000 |
| B319.0-T63 | 32000 |
| 355.0-F | 23000 |
| 355.0-T6 | 35000 |
| C355.0-F | 27000 |
| C355.0-T6 | 38000 |
| 356.0-F | 24000 |
| 356.0-T6 | 33000 |
| A356.0-F | 23000 |
| A356.0-T6 | 37000 |
| 361.0-T6 | 38000 |
| 443.0-F | 19000 |
| 514.0-F | 25000 |
| 520.0-T4 | 48000 |
| 535.0-F | 40000 |
| 712.0-T5 | 35000 |
| 713.0-T5 | 35000 |
| 771.0-T6 | 42000 |
| 850.0-T5 | 20000 |
| 852.0-T5 | 27000 |
Alloys used in Sand Castings
- Road Construction
- Soil Pipe/Fittings
- Sanitary/Radiator
- Valves/Pipe Fittings
- Pressure Pipe/Fittings
- Internal Combustion Engines and Turbines/Generators
- Machine Tools
- Metalworking Machinery
- Construction Machinery and Equipment
- Mining Machinery/Equipment
- Farm Machinery/Equipment
- Oil Field Machinery/Equipment
- Conveyors/Conveying Equipment
- Art and Ornamental
- Specialized Industry Machinery
- Pumps and Compressors
- Gears and Power Transmission
- Computer and Office Equipment
- A/C and Heating Equipment
- Home Appliances
- Automobile, Light Truck, and SUV
- Trucks/Buses
- Ship Building and Repair
- Railroad Equipment
Request for Quote
Utilize our Request for Quote (RFQ) form by filling out the required contact information as well as a description of your project and your desired specifications. A member of our team will reach out to you regarding next steps, and we will work with you until your project is complete. Contact Modern Aluminum Castings today for your sand casting needs!
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