Centrifugal casting
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Definition
The process is one in which cylindrical shapes can be produced. Iron, steel, stainless steels, and alloys of aluminum, copper and nickel are all materials that can be cast. Casting can be a combination of two materials during the process. The process works as a casting mold rotates at 300 – 3000 rotations per minute in which the hot mold is poured. By centrifugal force the metal forms on the outer wall of the cast under high pressure and turns to solid after cooling. The casting has a fine grain consistency in the interior but an even more finely grain material on the outside diameter. This consistency allows for less atmospheric corrosion. The impurities of the inside diameter can be machined away.
Materials
The materials used in this process are metals, glass, and plastics. Small, detailed parts or jewelry are often created. Centrifugal casting is also applied to the casting of disk and cylindrical shaped objects such as carriagewheels or machine fittings. Typical materials that can be cast with this process are iron, steel, stainless steels, and alloys of aluminum, copper and nickel. Two materials can be cast by introducing a second material during the process. Typical parts made by this process are pipes, boilers, pressure vessels, flywheels, cylinder liners and other parts that are axisymmetric. Some companies allow for the casting of irregular shapes as well as concentric shapes, in sizes up to 120 inches in diameter and weights up to 30,000 pounds.
When to use
The benefits of Centrifugal casting beat an ulterior method like Sand casting. This process is known to outperform static products which may extend the product life and increase production of the number of rolls made. This type of casting improves the density of cast metal and increases the mechanical properties of the casting by 10% to 15%.
Important info to know
A designer should know that their materials necessary for the casting must fit the material grade of the casting company doing the casting. Also a designer must make sure that if a casting is an irregular shape whether or not it is able to be cast by a company. The weight and strength of the material being cast must be considered even though good casting companies can provide for ample different models and design arrangements.
http://www.millercentrifugal.com/
http://www.efunda.com/processes/metal_processing/centri_casting.cfm
