Sand Casting Process with Diagram

Sand casting:

In sand casting which is also known as sand molded casting, an object is produced by sand mold. The process involves pouring of the molten metal in to the mold cavity. The molten metal is then cooled to the room temperature. The metal is solidified. After cooling, the metal object is separated from the mold.  Sand casting process has its advantages and disadvantages. So care should be taken while making delicate products. 

The six  main steps in this process are - 

• Pattern making and placing it the sand mold. 
• Making a proper gating system in the mold. 
• Removing the pattern. 
• Pouring the molten metal in the mold cavity. 
• Cooling the mold to the room temperature. 
• Breaking the mold and getting the casting. 

Please read : A complete guide to steps involved in casting process 

Before making the mold the properties of the molding sand should be checked.  There are different types of molding sands. Each type of sand is used in molding according to the cast materials and application of the materials. Mainly Green or Natural and Synthetic Sands are used. 

Another important factor is the pattern. Different types of patterns are available . Before making patterns these thing should be kept in mind. 

• Pattern material. 
• Pattern Allowances 
• Cost of making pattern. 

Production steps in sand castings:

Figure: Steps involved in sand casting. This production sequence involves casting operation and pattern and mold making. 

After removing the casting engineers should look for the casting defects. If the defects are there then it should be identified. 

Please read 

• Centrifugal Casting advantages and disadvantages 
• Basic Steps of Casting