Centrifugal casting is a process that has been leveraged for centuries for applications ranging from manufacturing tools to decorative artwork.
Centrifugal casting, also known as centrifuge molding, works by using the centrifugal force generated with a spinning chamber to fill a mold rapidly. The method causes the molten material to suspend in a layer which after hardening, will form the inside of a hollowed cylinder or a tube. The diameter of the finished product corresponds to the inner diameter of the mold.
The tooling needs for the centrifugal casting process are relatively minimal, as each casting system is often custom-made to the size, shape and material of the desired output. This makes the process relatively cost-effective, especially for custom and one-off applications. As a result, centrifugal casting is often an ideal solution for short-run, high-specification projects.
Centrifugal casting is often used in the production of pipes, vehicle parts, and traction equipment, among others. The process is especially well-suited for producing parts with high cylindrical accuracy and tight tolerances, as the centrifugal force lines up the mechanical particles in the cast material evenly and densely.
The process is also highly resistant to porosity and is ideal for casting large, thin-walled parts that are drop forged—especially in cases where multiple cavities are involved. The centrifugal force also helps to strengthen the bond between the molten material and the mold wall during the cooling process, resulting in improved overall product quality.
Since its invention, centrifugal casting has been continually refined and improved, making it one of the most important processes in modern manufacturing. The process has brought increased cost-efficiency and high-precision end products which would otherwise not be achievable with traditional casting processes. By utilizing the power of centrifugal force in the production process, centrifugal casting has become a vital tool for countless industries.
