Sand casting is a metal thermoforming casting process in which sand is used to form a mold and molten metal is poured into the mold to form a metal casting. It is one of the oldest and most versatile casting methods, capable of producing large parts with complex shapes and intricate internal passages.
Aluminum Sand Casting in Innovaw
Innovaw has three sand casting production lines, including molding machine, sand fall machine, vibrating table, surface drying kiln, turning mold lifter, box closing machine, sand treatment equipment, storage and conveying system, sand Mixing and other equipment. Sand casting is available in resin, quartz sand and clay sand.
Our sand casting products cover industries such as marine vessels, automotive parts, aerospace, construction, heavy machinery, oil & gas, railroad industry, power generation facilities, and more. The product size ranges from 200*200mm to 1000*1000mm, the weight ranges from 100g to 100Kg, and the daily production capacity is 3-5 tons.
Material Scope:
Aluminum:
ASTM-A319, A413, A355, A356, A357
JIS-AC2B, AC4D, AC4C, AC3A, AC4A
DIN-AlSi7cu4, AlSi5cu1Mg, AlSi7Mg, AlSi12, AlSi9Mg, AlSi12Cu2Mg1, AlSi6Cu4
ENAC-45000, 45300, 42100, 44100, 43300
In order to better provide one-stop service to our customers, Innovaw continues to maintain a high level of investment in research and development in the field of aluminum sand casting.
We continue to improve the details of sand casting process in practice, pursuing every bit of progress.
We are constantly researching material properties and studying the optimal application of different materials in the sand casting field.
What Is Sand Casting?
Sand casting is a metal thermoforming casting process in which sand is used to form a mold and molten metal is poured into the mold to form a metal casting. It is one of the oldest and most versatile casting methods, capable of producing large parts with complex shapes and intricate internal passages.
1. Overview of the process
- Mold Creation: The process begins with the creation of a mold cavity in sand. The sand is packed around a pattern, which is a replica of the object to be cast. Once the pattern is removed, the cavity retains its shape in the sand.
- Pouring: Molten metal is then poured into the sand mold cavity. The metal fills the cavity and takes on its shape as it solidifies.
- Cooling and Removal: After the metal has cooled and solidified, the sand mold is broken away to reveal the cast metal object. The sand can be recycled for future molds.
2. Advantages of Aluminum Sand Casting
- Versatility in Design: Aluminum sand casting supports a wide range of designs, including complex geometries and intricate shapes. The flexibility of the sand mold allows designers to create parts that might be difficult or impossible to produce with other methods.
- Cost-Effectiveness: The setup costs for aluminum sand casting are relatively low compared to other casting methods. This makes it an economical choice for both small and large production runs, especially when modifications to the design are required.
- Fast Prototyping: Sand casting is particularly effective for rapid prototyping. Engineers can quickly create molds and cast parts to test functionality and design concepts, allowing for faster feedback and iteration cycles.
- Good Surface Finish: Aluminum sand castings can achieve a satisfactory surface finish, which often requires minimal post-processing. This quality is essential for components that need to meet aesthetic and functional standards.
- Excellent Mechanical Properties: Aluminum castings produced through sand casting exhibit good mechanical properties, including strength and durability. The process allows for the solidification of metal in a way that minimizes defects such as porosity, resulting in high-quality castings.
Applications of Aluminum Sand Casting
Aluminum sand casting is a widely used manufacturing process that allows for the production of various components across multiple industries. Here are some key applications:
- Automotive Components: Aluminum sand casting is extensively used in the automotive industry to produce parts such as engine blocks, transmission housings, and cylinder heads. The lightweight nature of aluminum helps improve fuel efficiency while maintaining strength and durability.
- Aerospace Parts: In the aerospace sector, aluminum sand casting is employed to manufacture critical components like brackets, housings, and structural parts. The ability to create complex shapes with high precision is essential for meeting the stringent safety and performance standards in this industry.
- Industrial Machinery: Many industrial machines utilize components made through aluminum sand casting, including gearboxes, pumps, and valves. The process allows for the production of robust parts that can withstand heavy use in demanding environments.
- Marine Applications: Aluminum sand casting is also applied in the marine industry for components such as boat fittings, engine parts, and propellers. The corrosion resistance of aluminum makes it particularly suitable for marine environments.
- Electrical Enclosures: The electrical industry benefits from aluminum sand casting for creating enclosures and housings for electrical components. The lightweight and non-magnetic properties of aluminum are advantageous for these applications.
- Consumer Products: Various consumer goods, including kitchen appliances and decorative items, are produced using aluminum sand casting. The process allows for intricate designs and finishes that enhance the aesthetic appeal of these products.