Take the guesswork out of Custom Manufacturing with CUSTOM QUOTES
Sand Casting Job Shops
Take the guesswork out of Custom Manufacturing with CUSTOM QUOTES
Step
Tell us what you are looking for
Step
Experienced engineers will review your requirements
Step
We'll recommend up to 5 qualified job shops
ABOUT Sand Casting
Technology: Sand Casting Services are metal forming processes that use sand molds into which liquid metal is poured. The solidified result is known as a casting. Molds can be single piece, open varieties used in the making of flat sided objects such as manhole covers. More often, molds are two piece affairs known as the cope half (upper) and drag half (lower) that are joined in a flask along a parting line.
Sand casting patterns can be made from a number of materials including wood, metal, and plastic. Sand is packed around the pattern and then the mold is separated into its two halves to release the pattern. Cores for any hollows are added at this time, then the mold halves are reassembled and the sand mold is baked or hardened in some fashion. The various channels that form the metal distribution passages are known as runners, gates, risers, and sprue.
After the metal solidifies the sand mold is broken away, revealing the casting. This is often performed in a vibratory machine, and the process is dubbed shake-out.
Advantages: Sand casting can be economically applied to as few as a single part.
Can cast very large parts such as large engine blocks
Can be used for just about any ferrous or non-ferrous metal
Sand Casting Limitations
Drafts are required for pattern removal
Shrinkage of the final part must be factored into the mold/pattern making
Typically require more post cast machining than other casting methods
Rough surface finish compared with other methods
Applications: Sand casting is a traditional method for producing parts of moderate complexity in a wide range of sizes.
Engine blocks
Pump and valve housings
Frames and bases for machinery, freight cars, etc.