Casting
AimsBefore you startIntroductionHeat transferHeat transfer simulationMicrostructure and segregation in castingsSand castingDie castingContinuous castingInvestment castingOther methods of castingSummaryQuestionsGoing furtherTLP creditsTLP contentsShow all contentViewing and downloading resourcesAbout the TLPsTerms of useFeedbackCredits Print this page
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Summary
There are 4 main ways of casting metals; sand casting, die casting, continuous casting and investment casting. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and is suited for producing different components or using different materials.
The Biot number predicts how a casting will solidify, and is equal to \(\frac{h}{K / L}\),
where: h = heat transfer coefficient
L = length of the casting
K = thermal conductivity
Commonly 3 zones form as the casting solidifies;
- Chill zone – small crystals form on mould wall.
- Columnar zone – larger grains growing in optimum crystallographic orientations.
- Equiaxed zone – small grains that solidified early but detached and moved back into the liquid.