Metal Casting Zone Info Blog

Archive for December, 2010

How To Year or so Cast Iron Kitchenware

Why period your cast metal? Well, the point of applying a cast metal pan or skillet is to have a cooking surface area that heats evenly and doesn’t induce food to stick to it during the cooking course of action. Seasoning your cast iron kitchenware is heading to make this probable.

Seasoning a cast metal pan is a scientific course of action. It’s a whole lot like blacksmithing: The mix of heat and metal, treated in particular approaches, improves the good quality of the last product. Cast metal pans are reasonably uncomplicated and pretty common products, so the system shouldn’t deviate overly very much from what I’m about to describe.

Initial of all, when you purchase cast iron cookware, evade something but a solid piece of cast iron. You don’t want everything that screws on, nor do you want any wood fixtures or strange coatings. Just 100 percent cast iron! When you have selected your cookware, also make certain that you have food grade peanut or coconut essential oil, and a roll of paper towels. You might have examine that lard or animal extra fat is proper for the task, but that’s incorrect. You want a challenging layer of curing, not the soft layer that animal body fat gives you! Eliminate all the labels on the pan, scrub it by hand (never ever use a dishwasher on your cast iron) to get any glues off, and allow it to air dry fully. Never ever year or so a wet pan!

Now lightly coat the complete inside of your pan. I are unable to anxiety this more than enough: Only use a light coat of oil! Employing as well very much oil is not only a waste, but will enhance the quantity of essential oil that demands to be burnt away, hence disrupting the seasoning practice. Fit out a piece of aluminum foil (a small bigger than the key system of the pan) on a counter finest that you can spare for a couple of days. Flip the pan throughout (deal with-down, with the bottom of the pan pointed at the sky) so that the essential oil and gradually run and dry more than the training of the following 36 hrs to 48 hrs. At the end of that period, take the pan off the foil and study it, but do not touch the cooking surface area! If you see any spots that are still liquid, lightly blot them. The pan will need to now be all set to season.

Arranged your oven to 500 degrees (Fahrenheit of training course) and cut out a different strip of aluminum foil, the very same size as final time. Set that foil on the shelf of your oven, and place the pan encounter down (bottom of the pan after once again pointed at the sky) on very best of it. Some persons say that you can do this course of action at reduced temperatures… but that isn’t science. Science says that you want about 500 degrees in order to thoroughly burn the essential oil to the pan. Leave the pan in the throughout for a complete hour. If you’re doing several pieces at once, leave them in for an additional 5 minutes or so.

Following you’ve started out the pan baking, bear in mind this crucial action: Turn on just about every vent and open every single kitchen window that you can! This course of action can be smoky, to say the least! Right ventilation is a have got to. Of program, be conscious of fire hazards at all times, and be ready to deal with them!

When time is up, remove the cookware from the oven with your very best oven gloves; it’s proceeding to be very warm. Enable it to trendy on the stove prime, then investigate the surface area. Now, due to the fact you implemented excellent oils at higher heats, you should see some darkening or blackening of the pan. If you aren’t pleased, apply a rather light coat of essential oil, and year or so it in the oven for a further 60 minutes at 500 degrees. Due to the fact you allowed it to neat initial, and you’re employing such a light layer of essential oil, this will need to be no predicament for the pan (no demand to let the oil get tacky for a couple of days on the second run). Either way, when you’re pleased, allow for it to awesome to room temperature. Under no circumstances use normal water to cool your cast iron pan, as it will undo all the tricky perform you’ve just performed!

On that note, some guidelines for caring for your seasoned cast metal:

* Cleanse cast iron though it’s incredibly hot. If you desire to use h2o to clear it, use only warm normal water, and normally fresh by hand – no dishwashers!

* A lot of the time, you’ve fried something oily in the pan, and you can merely use a paper towel to softly wipe the pan clean up.

* If you have to scrub (shame on you for utilizing too very much heat or not good enough essential oil!), use a bamboo or stiff fiber brush to steer clear of damaging the cured surface. No wire, no steel wool! You can use modern day soaps, but no ‘traditional’ soaps with harsh chemicals in them. And consider: Sizzling drinking water (use rubber gloves if it’s as well sexy for you) when you wash your cast iron!

* In time, soon after you use your cast metal adequate, you’ll see it blacken. This coating is magnificent, much better than any commercial coating out there. You’ll require to use much less and much less essential oil, and caring for the pan will turn into better and much easier.

Ornamental iron and wrought iron components

Founded in 1997, Luyi Forge Ltd. has become the biggest producer of ornamental wrought iron components in China.

We started this business with Italian companies, so that is why all our products are of Italian designs. And our quality is also of Italian standard. Until now we are exporting to more than 50 countries, like Italy, Spain, USA etc., and enjoy good reputation among our customers. With our good quality and competitive prices, we can help our customers to keep the leading position in the market.

Our products mainly include the following:

1. Stamped spears & studs, steel balls;

2. Forged pickets;

3. Flower panels and balusters;

4. Scrolls, rosettes, & rings;

5. Leaves and flowers;

6. Gate accessories, like hinges, wheels etc.

7. Cast steel & cast iron decoration;

8. Wrought iron steel bars;

9. Finished products like wrought iron gates, fences, finished projects.

such as:

Wrought iron spear point
Hot stamped with mild steel, can be welded and galvanized.
The spear point was first introduced as a weapon. Today, the steel spear point can be found almost everywhere, as it has become a versatile accompaniment to gates and fences. The steel spear point can add extra security to your fence or gate, making it more difficult for someone to climb over it.

We will be very glad to produce many other new items in this business with customers’ designs or samples.

Our products are widely used on wrought iron gates, wrought iron fences, wrought iron stairs, wrought iron balconies and many other metal art works.

All customers both at home and abroad are welcome to our company for negotiating business.  We will take you to visit our factories, and we can assure you we will try our best to provide the best products and service for you.

Caring for your Cast Iron Radiator

Cast iron radiators are some of the most elegant heating devices that exist today. Functional, elegant and amazing, these are one of the best pieces of ‘room furniture’ you can purchase. But it’s important to know how to care for them, from painting to cleaning them to retain their beauty and style.

Cast iron radiator basics

One of the most important things about cast iron radiators is making sure that they are installed correctly. With correct installation, cast iron radiators can last a lifetime. While it’s important to ensure that your heating system is capable of coping with iron radiators, but it’s also important to ensure that you can put treatments into the system, to preserve the inside of your radiators. It’s very rare for cast iron radiators to rust from the inside out, but if you can make sure that the treatment you put in impedes rust it will also keep your system from needing flushed, which means your heating system will work better.

Painting your radiator

Cast iron radiators can come pre painted from the manufacturer – in some cases this is great, but if you’re getting a cast iron radiator second hand, or don’t have an idea of the colour scheme you want to use yet, it’s important to make sure you know what paint you have to use. Radiator paint is a special kind of paint that adheres either to an undercoat or the metal itself, yet dries to a complete gloss finish, smooth and clean. It may take several layers and some sanding to accomplish this, or you may be able to create the same effect with a spray paint designed specifically for the task.

It’s also important to make sure that when you’re painting or spraying the radiator that it’s switched off and is entirely cool, and should be kept off until the allotted time listed on the paint tin. But if you can, ask the manufacturer or maker to paint them – you’ll get a more even finish and can choose attractive colours easily.

Cleaning your radiator

Radiators, are by their nature, a bit of a dust magnet – for whatever reason, they attract dust, possibly because of the air that circulates as it’s heated by the radiator itself, but it’s important to keep your radiator looking pristine by giving it a wipe with a damp cloth once in a while. If you have certain types of radiators, you may be able to dismantle them somewhat and remove side plates to vacuums inside, or you can just run a cloth over the whole thing. It’s important to remember not to use any cleaning products on the radiator, because it could damage the finish, or style of the radiator itself.

Enjoying your radiator

Many cast iron radiators are left on display deliberately – cast iron radiators are designed to be viewed and enjoyed so you should – don’t put furniture in front of them or cover them up, or they’ll be obscured, and that’s pointless. Cast iron radiators should always be on display.

Castings : Generating Uniqueness and filling needs

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There are many innovative and attractive shapes of different sizes which are present in our homes, shops, organizations etc. Many smart and distinct shapes are fabricated which for the particular usage and application. A funnels which can be taken as instance are used used for fine, smooth and fast transferring of fluids or any other substances from one container to other vessel having smaller opening. The use of funnel can avoid spillage. Casting operations have created such magnificent shapes. List for such kind of substances which are furnished using castings are endless.

Castings’ applications are benefiting many commercial activities and processes. The creations are useful objects which are of great advantages. The urge to look for ways and options which can save the efforts of human have given birth to creativeness to discover things and the result for which is aluminum casting. Casting is the process in which liquid matter is poured into the hollow cavity molds that are of different shapes. The mold is then kept for sometime which after solidifying take the shape of the structure and the cooled matter can then be carefully removed off from the mold.

The industrial scenario is dominated by few major casting processes of which are extensively used in the industries for creating objects for various purposes. Though there are several processes, but metal casting is highly preferred operation for many manufacturing processes which are also laced with numerous advantages.

Being the third most commonly found metal, Aluminum is extensively used for creating several items. From the beginning of 19th century aluminum castings made up roaring development in the aluminium industry at global aluminum industry. The items which are fabricated using aluminum reflect novelty and beauty along with functionality. Aluminum castings application are not just limited to particular usage but have also propagated to various fields of engineering.

The intelligent minds have also devised another method which is Gravity die casting. This one ismanufacturing process which have capability to fabricate the accurately dimensioned, precisely defined, smooth or textured surface parts. In this entire procedure the liquid metal is positioned into metallic molds without caring about the external pressure. Gravity make the molten material to properly house the cavity. This type die casting vary from pressure die casting, in this the molten metal is injected into the molds under force of very high pressure. The outcome differ in the sense that the products has better dimensional accuracy and surface finish.

The another highly practiced methods across the globe is sand casting. Binders have big hand to play in the whole process which are acknowledged for managing the shape of the mold. There are numerous range of binders which are brought into usage of sand casting process. Largest casting sizes and low cost method make it more preferable over other casting processes. Less waste is produced during the entire techniques.

Casting sectors are being refined with the new foundries and inventions which are uplifting the process. Blast furnaces have also invited many benefits with their characteristics. Various methods of casting have to acknowledged for producing beautiful and innovative shapes. Technology has also played its own role in revolutionizing the face of this sector.

Aluminum die casting automated robotic cell using a kawasaki robot and auto ladle to produce a die cast part. This video shows the die cast process including pouring molten aluminum and automatic extraction of the die casting. Premier Die Casting is located in New Jersey. Web site is www.diecasting.com. Phone is 800-394-3006: call us for die casting design assistance.

More Aluminium Pressure Die Casting Articles

Your Everlasting Iron Railings

Iron railing had been an all time favorite for the last many centuries and has never lost its popularity due to its long life. Here is some useful information about iron railings.

Traditional but still Contemporary – Iron Railings

Existence of Iron railings could be traced back at the time when industrial revolution was taking place at the end of the 16th century and beginning of 17th century. During these times, the knowledge of mining of metals was in its primitive stage, unlike today when it is considered as a science. It used to be an expensive affair, since it was the work of artisans. Only the affluent and rich people could buy the wrought iron and its railings made from iron. The welding techniques were unheard of and joining of metals was done either by heating and or by fastening or hammering together.

The railings were made from cast iron, steel or wrought iron. There was no existence of stainless steel railings in the 17th century.

Wrought Iron railings not at all have been affected by fashion. Fashions have come and gone, but the iron railings have in no way lost its popularity and will never loose its popularity in the times to come. Probably the existence of the iron railings can be considered to be more than the life of fashion.

The railings were made mostly from iron, though the affluent and the kings sometimes got railings made from metals like gold for inner railings of their mansions.

Metals for Iron Railings

Railings of Wrought Iron: It was a very tedious process to make wrought iron railings as iron is first heated to burning red and then hammer is used to give the railings the desired dimension and shape. This work was quite laborious and only a few talented craftsmen who were expert, could work on these railings of wrought iron. As there were a very few craftsmen, supply of wrought iron railings was inadequate, and as a result these were very expensive.

Railings made from Cast iron: The process of railings made from cast iron was to first liquefy the iron and then put the liquid iron into different moulds make desired shapes. Sand was made to make the molds and these molds were used for making cast on railings. These kinds of railings were quite delicate and easily broke. It was practically unfeasible to mend the cracked railing at that time. Since these were delicate, these were required to be dealt with utmost care and there were not many buyers for this kind except for the affluent people.

Railings of Mild steel: The existence of mild steel made can be traced to sometime in 18th century, after that it became instantaneously known metal to be used for railing and framework. The pieces did not need to be heated any more, instead these had to be first handled without heating and then had to be fastened with a rivet. It was a big advantage over heating process and mild steel found many uses for almost all the things including its utilization in railings.

Progress in Iron Railings

Advancement in technology in welding brought changes in the ways the iron was used in railings. Iron rods now could be bent in different shapes that were until then inconceivable. Not only it had become feasible now to join iron rods thru welding, it also reduced the price and weight without any reduction in its intensity. Apparently repair of iron rods also became much easier.

Now it is viable to make railings from plates and twist them into different shapes as per the requirement. The basic material is same but now the shape can be changed to have a new look with not much maintenance. Large quantities are achieveable with stainless steel and the stainless steel has a more elegant look and is maintenance free (other than regular cleaning).

California Fireplace Shops

California fireplace shops carry inserts that improve the efficiency of the fireplaces. These are available in wood and gas. They are prefabricated firebox. These are sealed units. California fireplaces offers different sizes and surrounds that go with these units. Improving an older masonry fireplace on the inside by installing a metal firebox might also be and inspiration to update the face and mantel, Many of the mantels carried by Wilshire fireplace can me custom made to any sizes. If you have plans for building an innovative custom design, our consultants would be very happy to help you. All 7 stores of California fireplace have experienced help to design your fireplace mantels and accessories.

Wood is traditional fuel for a fireplace, and new fireplace manufactures units offered today make the most of the prefabricated fireplaces. However, wood may not be allowed to burn in some places. California fireplace shops carry an extensive line of gas logs that are ceramic and radiate heat in the room. They come in various style and sizes and they all come with glowing embers that make them look real. Additional heat can be had with a cast iron fire back. California Fireplace shops carry an assortment of firebacks in iron and stainless steel. Fireback sits behind the burning logs and absorbs heat from the fire and then radiates it in the room. Also it protects stone brick and mortar form soot. An alternative to fire back is a 3 panel reflector that has the same function as a fireback. Please visit any of the California fireplace shop locations and experienced salespersons would be happy to help you.

Cooking with Lodge Cast Iron Cookware: The Dutch Oven

Lodge Manufacturing is a family owned and operated business located in the beautiful rolling mountains of South Pittsburg, Tennessee, right here in the good ‘ole USA. Lodge Manufacturing prides themselves on having the most extensive selection of quality cast iron products on the market and they are sure that if you are just purchasing your first piece of cast iron cookware that it won’t be your last. And, I am here to say that that was exactly what happened after I purchased and used my first piece of cast iron cookware.

Lodge Cast Iron Cookware has been a favorite cookware of my family for as long as I can remember. And, since Lodge has been manufacturing their cookware for well over 100 years (since 1896) I don’t have to tell you that some of my cast iron cookware pieces are what some would consider “ancient”; as they have been passed down from generation to generation. Some of my favorite pieces of the cast iron cookware are the skillets and of course the Dutch oven; especially since I have a family of five to feed. I can remember my grandmother cooking dinner for the whole family and she would drag out her big cast iron skillet and make a huge pan of cornbread. Boy was that the best cornbread I ever tasted. Speaking of cornbread, Lodge Manufacturing in conjunction with Martha White hold what they call a National Cornbread Festival each year in South Pittsburg, TN in which contestants must use Lodge cast iron pieces and Martha White products. This contest is nothing to sneeze at – especially since the grand prize is ,000 as well as lots of other gifts from both Martha White and Lodge Manufacturing. Cleaning and caring for Lodge cast iron cookware is so easy and that is another reason I am so partial to it. All I do to clean mine is to place it in hot, soapy water – mild detergent only as harsh detergents will remove the seasoning from the cast iron pieces – and scrub it with a good stiff brush. Then I rinse it off and towel dry it completely. That’s it, it is now ready to store until the next time you use it. Never place your cast iron pieces in cold water as this can warp or crack them. If your cast iron piece begins to show a little rust all you need to do is clean it like you normally would and season it as if you bought it unseasoned (I will talk more on how to season your cast iron later in this forum). Oh, as a reminder, if you have a piece that has a lid to it make sure you place a paper towel in between the two pieces so that air can circulate them.

Recently I was expecting a large crowd for dinner and I thought, “What in the world am I going to cook for crowd this big?” and then it hit me. I could cook up something that would go a along way and use my Lodge Logic Cast Iron Dutch Ovens to get the task done without messing up every dish in my kitchen. So for this dinner I fixed chili beans in one of my Dutch ovens and an apple crisp in the other. The reviews were fantastic. Everyone loved the chili beans as well as the apple crisp and was amazed that I could produce that amount of food in only two dishes. So, I thought it would be a good ideal to share one of these recipes with everyone out there. I would share my recipe for chili beans but since it is considered a family secret, I had better keep that one to myself! I also have two Dutch oven cookbooks, Dutch Oven Cookin’ and the Cast Iron Cuisine Cookbook and both are great cookbooks for using with your cast iron pieces – for recipes and helpful hints.

To start with I spray my Lodge cast iron cookware with cooking spray to make sure I don’t have anything to stick to the pan. Now, I always buy my Lodge cast iron cookware seasoned and ready to use but if you prefer buying yours unseasoned then you can season your cast iron fairly easy. To season your cast iron all you have to do is wash it thoroughly in hot, soapy water (remember, no harsh detergents) and scrub with a stiff brush, rinse and dry it completely. Then coat the entire surface (both inside and out) of your cast iron piece with vegetable shortening or vegetable oil and place in your oven, which has been preheated to 350 degrees. Bake for 1 hour and then leave your piece in the oven until it has completely cooled. Now you are ready to cook in your new cast iron cookware.

Now that I have covered all the ins and outs of caring for your cast iron cookware, it’s time for me to share this recipe with you so I can get back to some more cooking of my own. So here goes. Apple Crisp: 6 apples 2 tsp. Cinnamon 2 tsp. Nutmeg 3 cups Quaker quick oats 1 cup All-Purpose flour 2 cups brown sugar 2 tsp. Salt 1-cup butter

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Slice and core apples, you can peel them if you like but I normally leave the peelings on. If you are in a hurry grab a couple cans of apple pie filling and use them in place of the fresh apples. As you can see from the pictures, I cheated and used canned apple pie filling in this one. This saves you some time and no one will ever know the difference. In a medium sized bowl, combine apples, cinnamon and nutmeg and toss to coat apples thoroughly. Set aside until later. In another medium sized bowl combine quick oats, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and butter; mix by hand until well blended. Spray your Dutch oven with cooking spray. Now press half of the crust mixture into the bottom and up the sides of your Dutch oven. Pour the apples onto the crust and cover them with the remaining crust mixture. Put the lid on your Dutch oven and place it into the oven. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden brown. This is great served warm with vanilla ice cream. Serves 6.

Note: I normally use the 5 qt. Dutch oven but you can easily double the recipe and use the 9 qt. Dutch oven for large crowds.

Hope you enjoy this tasty recipe as much as my family and I do!Ruby Campbell

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Why Chimineas Make Great Outdoor Fireplaces

If you’ve just begun your research on outdoor fireplaces you may not yet know what a chiminea is.  A chiminea is a free-standing outdoor fireplace, but unlike a raised fire pit it is generally enclosed.  Although you can find some that have a 360 degree view of the fire most of them are enclosed with a door on one side where you load the wood and start the fire.  Since they are free-standing you can move them if you need, whether you move to a new home or just redecorate your outdoor area.

Chiminea Basics

Traditional chimineas have a long slender neck and a bulbous body.  The neck is designed to provide greater airflow so you have a more efficient and cleaner burning fire, it also helps to direct the smoke into the air instead of into the faces of those sitting around it.  The body holds the fire and for the traditional models with an enclosed body it contains the fire so you don’t have popping wood or sparks jumping out.  You also don’t have the problem of a gust of wind blowing embers into the grass, bushes or any other potentially dangerous area.  The enclosed design also makes it easier to start the fire. 

Types Of Chimineas

There are two basic types of chimineas, metal and clay.  Clay chimineas were the first ones that were developed.  They provide a great Southwestern feel and many of them have decorative designs or colors to add a little more character.  They provide a good amount of heat and they are an attractive style but unfortunately they don’t last as long.  Clay is prone to chip or crack so they aren’t the most durable choice.

Metal chimineas are usually made out of cast iron or cast aluminum.  These are much more durable than the clay version especially when you buy a good quality one.  If you buy a quality one and follow maintenance guidelines you should have it for a very long time.  Metal chimineas may require repainting in places every few years so they don’t rust, but if you do this it should really last you.  These types also have decorative designs and they come in different tones so it’s easy to find one that fits the feel of your outdoor area.

More Cast Aluminum Chiminea Articles

A Cast-Iron Case for Range Cookers

An investment in timeless style and long-term efficiency

There are few appliances whose contribution can be measured over a lifetime – but a Cast-Iron Range is one. Renowned for their longevity, your initial investment is returned over years of outstanding fuel efficient use to provide heating, hot water and cooking.

Buying a Cast-iron Range is an investment in decades of engineering expertise – but it’s also a timeless feature that enhances the saleability and character of your home. Engineered for economy and efficiency, they also look beautiful. Ask anyone who grew-up with a cast-iron range: they’ll remember the welcoming warm glow, and the simple pleasures of a true home.

An indulgence? No – an economical and practical choice.

When first developed over 70 years ago Stanley and Rayburn cast iron cookers were one of the most innovative and efficient ways to heat your home.  These multi function ranges, which supplied continuous radiant warmth in the kitchen, saved both space and energy as shared heat from the central boiler was used to heat radiators, hot water and the ovens and hot plates which were used for cooking.

Today’s Cast-Iron Ranges still offer these benefits, but have also evolved to match the lifestyles of working families and the standards required of any modern appliance. A Cast-Iron Range now meets BER benchmarks and uses high spec boilers that run at 84% efficiency which compare favourably with A rated stand-alone boilers.

A Cast-Iron Range now works with your life; the myth of the “always on” Range has been well and truly shattered. Independent timing and control makes them a flexible and practical choice. Compatibility with zone control heating and thermostatic controls ensure they fit easily into the most energy efficient homes.

The incomparable taste of Cast-Iron cooking.

Anybody who has cooked on a Cast-Iron Range will tell you – food just tastes better. From homemakers to Michelin-starred chefs, cast-iron is praised for its ability to protect flavour and retain moisture. It captures tastes that cannot be achieved with other cooking methods, while independent controls mean you can now cook whenever it suits.

The partnership of Oil and Cast-Iron

Cast-Iron ranges can run on almost any fuel. Many still opt for solid fuel, which originally fired these appliances – while others choose the convenience of oil or gas. While no carbon fuel can escape price-volatility, oil continues to be reliable and readily available, and now offers ever-increasing value. Oil is clean, safe and convenient, and gives every homeowner the chance to hedge fuel costs. Unlike electricity or gas, you can predict and control your energy expenses with every fill.

‘‘A range cooker not only adds a ‘wow’ factor to a kitchen can even add to a homes resale value’’

‘’Replacing an old boiler with a modern range cooker can reduce fuel costs by up to a quarter’’

‘‘Kind-to-food radiant heat from the cast iron oven seals in the flavours and natural juices of food creating healthier, more delicious dishes”

For More Info or to Buy Now: www.hsn.com Cook with precision. TheEmerilware by All-Clad Cast Iron Sizzle Plate was developed by All-Clad Metalcrafters and Emeril Lagasse. It’s ideal for accurate cooking, great for browning and… Prices shown on the previously recorded video may not represent the current price. View hsn.com to view the current selling price. HSN Item #261661
Video Rating: 5 / 5

Permanent Mold Casting Process – Types, Advantages and Disadvantages

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About Permanent Mold Casting:

Permanent mold casting is a metal casting process in which metals and not sand is used as the mold material. Typically, cast iron, aluminum, copper alloys, zinc, tin and steel are used as the mold material in permanent mold casting. In this process , molds are pre-heated upto 200 degrees centigrade (392 degrees farenheit) before the metal is poured into the cavity. The metal molds heat up and expands during the pouring of hot metal and hence unlike sand castings the mold cavity does not need to be expanded but proper care must be taken to maintain the thermal balance during the casting process.

The Process:

In this form of metal casting process, metals are poured over the patterns to shape them into the required mold shapes. Unlike sand and plaster molds, permanent molds are not flexible to all types of patterns. Once the mold is set, the pattern is drawn out to reveal the coarse mold cavity. These cavities are to be machined to be made smooth. Cavity is then coated with a layer of refractory materials like clay or sodium silicate that makes the mold cavity heat resistant, allows easy ejection of the casting and increases the life of the mold. Machined gates are then attached to the mold.

For casting, the mold is first preheated and molten metal poured into the cavity and solidified. Once the metal is set, it is removed from the mold and the permanent mold is closed again to repeat the casting process. The casts take a weeks time to solidify.

Other types of permanent mold casting:

Gravity Permanent Mold Casting: It the flow of the metal into the mold using the force of gravity. Gravity pouring are of two types: static pouring where the molten metal is poured form the top and; tilted pouring where the mold is slanted and the metal is poured into the mold using a basin. Gravity permanent mold casting produces accurate casting than shell mold castings.

Low-Pressure permanent Mold Casting: In this process only very little amount of forces is used to push the metal into the mold. Low-pressure permanent mold casting process enables producing uniform castings with excellent dimensional accuracy, perfect surface finish and superior mechanical properties.

Slush Casting: Slush Casting is a special type of permanent mold casting in which molten metal is not allowed to solidify completely. After the desired wall thickness is obtained, the not yet solidified molten metal is poured out. This is useful for making hollow ornamental objects such as lamps, candlesticks, statues etc.

Applications:

Permanent mold casting process is used to cast products from iron, aluminum, magnesium, and copper based alloys. Typical permanent mold casting components includes gears, splines, wheels, gear housings, pipe fittings, fuel injection housings, and automotive engine pistons, timing gears, impellers, compressors, pump parts, marine hardware, valve bodies, aircraft parts and missile components.

Advantages:

Suitable for high volume casting ceramic
Quality of heavier casting improves with better use of tooling’s and equipment
Casted products have better tensile strength and elongation than sand castings
Mass productions can be done is a single production run, which reduces the manufacturing cost
Products have excellent mechanical properties.

Disadvantages:

High tooling cost
Short mold life; higher the pouring temperature, shorter the mold life.
Limited to low-melting-point metals

For more information on permanent mold casting, die casting, sand casting, investment casting, hollow casting and several other casting process and foundries, do visit: http://www.industrialmetalcastings.com