Introduction
Pressure casting is a process of creating metal parts from molten metal, which is forced into a casting mold at High Pressure. Pressure casting results in parts with high surface finish, and dimensional accuracy. The process is used in the automotive, aerospace, and electrical industries, and is advantageous over sand casting, where parts require additional post-processing to meet tight tolerances. In this article, we will discuss the different types of pressure casting, and their advantages and disadvantages.
Types of Pressure Casting
There are several types of pressure casting, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The following are the most common:
· Low Pressure Casting: Low Pressure Casting involves the molten metal being poured into the mold at a lower pressure than other types of pressure casting. This type of casting is the lowest cost and fastest of the pressure casting processes, and is commonly used for aluminum alloy parts. Low Pressure Casting results in parts with good surface finish, but is not able to produce parts with precise tolerances or high strength parts.
· Die Casting: Die Casting is the process of forcing molten metal into a mold under high pressure. The process is relatively fast, and results in parts with precise tolerances and good surface finish. But due to the high pressure required, die casting is usually more expensive than low pressure casting.
· Investment Casting: Investment Casting is a process in which a wax pattern is created, which is then coated in a refractory material and heated until the wax is melted away, leaving a mold cavity. Molten metal is poured into the mold, and the parts are then removed from the mold and finished. Investment Casting is able to produce parts with accurate tolerances and complex shapes, but is usually the most expensive of the pressure casting processes.
Advantages
The primary advantage of pressure casting is that it produces parts with superior surface finish, and better dimensional accuracy than sand casting or other methods. Pressure casting also produces parts with increased strength and durability, since the molten metal is forced into the mold at high pressure. This makes the process ideal for producing parts for the automotive, aerospace and electrical industries, which require precise measurements and high strength materials.
Disadvantages
Pressure casting is often more expensive than other methods, and it can be difficult to accomplish the desired level of precision. The parts produced via pressure casting may also have a lower tolerance for temperature changes and pressure than more traditional methods. Additionally, the higher pressures used can create additional stresses on the mold and machines, which can result in increased maintenance and repair costs.
Conclusion
Pressure casting is a process of creating metal parts from molten metal, which is forced into a casting mold at High Pressure. Pressure casting has numerous advantages, such as superior surface finish, better dimensional accuracy and increased strength. But the process is more expensive than sand casting, and it can be difficult to achieve the desired level of precision. Nevertheless, pressure casting is an important process that is used in the automotive, aerospace and electrical industries.
