2008-Jun-2 - Developments in Gravity Casting
Gravity casting is done in ceramic molds, sand, permanent casting and also in investment or lost wax casting. The gravity casting process was started with common steel after successful implementation it was further tried on heat resistance super alloys. With recent development and with more refined methods today even titanium alloys are being cast using the gravity casting method and using ceramic crucibles. The use of desired mold designs and also specially made unique designs enable a reduction in the metal cast to yield the given part. This also helps in reducing the amount of energy that is used in making such casting articles.
With new developments in Gravity Casting, today even computerized control of the vacuum pressure and rate is possible. This enables the user to control the filling rate. This makes casting of high quality metals like and viscous metals like metal matrix and composites of aluminum casting possible. This gravity casting method is used to produce casting worth of more than $200 million. The industry is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years due to the increase in production of automotive exhaust manifolds in stainless steel.
The first ever commercial use of this computerized technology, was made by Howmet Industries of Whitehall, Michigan. They used this technology to precisely cast and design turbine blades used in aircrafts. This technology is also being used by Ford Motors to develop and improve the casting process of light truck and automobile engine blocks.
Today, metal parts fabricated using gravity casting method is being used in Gravity Casting 90 per – cent of all durable goods. Goods like stoves, washing machine, automobiles, refrigerators, lawn mowers, cars and even boats. Many other articles like badminton rackets, tennis rackets, and even football studs are made by using light weight metals which are gravity casting method. This gravity casting method has been used to develop metal alloy parts, which are used for the auto and airline industries, which is said to make vehicles lighter though much stronger and extremely efficient.
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