How Foundry Molds Work…
The mold in this case consists of sand, clay, and water, in just the right combinations. The loose sand is introduced around the pattern, and then pressure from the molding machine pushes the sand in tight contact completely surrounding the pattern. The pattern is vibrated away from the now solid sand mold and removed, leaving a hard packed impression in the sand to receive the molten aluminum.
Shrinkage & Porosity
We account for shrinkage by making molds slightly larger to compensate. Precise pattern design and careful selection of cooling techniques help manage shrinkage and maintain dimensional accuracy.
There can also be a risk of porosity in foundry molds, which can lead to defects in the final casting. Porosity in aluminum casting generally results from tiny gas pockets or voids trapped within the metal as it cools. Learn more about porosity and how to avoid it here.
foundry mold sizes & shapes
Aluminum sand casting is well-suited for small to large parts, but specific limits vary by equipment size and facility capabilities. Here at Precision Enterprises, o ur size capability ranges from under 1 pound to 150 pounds, allowing for large castings to small, complex castings.
A major advantage of sand molds is that they are versatile and can accommodate complex shapes, including undercuts, holes, and intricate details, especially when using core inserts to shape internal spaces.
