Introduction
Casting is a process of methodical pouring of molten metal into a mold. The production of cast objects is one of the oldest industries found in human history. Cast objects have been found in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia dating back more than 6000 years, and they were used in Ancient Egypt to create figurines and from the Bronze Age to create weapons and tools. Casting is also one of the most important modern industrial processes, as it is used to create many common products such as car engines, plumbing fixtures, and medical devices. After casting, subsequent heat treatment is often necessary to achieve the desired properties of the final product.
Types of Casting
The process of casting is generally divided into several types, depending on the type of material being used and the shape of the end product. Sand casting is the most common form of casting, and it involves the pouring of molten metal into a mold created from a combination of sand and other materials. Investment casting involves centrifugal force to push molten metal into a wax or plastic mold, while die casting uses two dies to create parts from molten metal. Finally, permanent mold casting involves the use of a pre-made metal mold and is used to produce objects with a consistent shape and size.
Heat Treatment
After casting, heat treatment is often necessary to achieve the desired properties of the final product. Heat treatment involves the controlled heating and cooling of metals in order to change their properties. Heat treatment is used to increase the strength of metal parts, remove stress, and improve the fatigue resistance of the material. During heat treatment, the metal is heated to a certain temperature and then cooled at a controlled rate in order to obtain the desired properties. Heat treatment is also used to create a range of different surface finishes on the metal, such as hardening, tempering, annealing, and carburizing.
American Foundry Society
The American Foundry Society (AFS) is the premier North American society for metal casting and heat treating professionals. Founded in 1896, the AFS is a non-profit, professional organization with more than 5,000 members in the metal casting and heat treating industries. The AFS works to provide members with educational and professional development opportunities, promote best practices in the industry, and foster cooperation between members of the metal casting and heat treating fields. The AFS also hosts the annual International Conference on Casting & Heat Treating in Cleveland, Ohio, which attracts metal casting and heat treating professionals from around the world.
Conclusion
Casting and heat treating are two of the most important processes in modern manufacturing. Casting is used to create many everyday items, and heat treating is necessary to achieve the desired properties of the final product. The American Foundry Society provides an important service in that it provides education and professional development opportunities for metal casting and heat treating professionals.
