Analysis of vibrations during sand casting in the evaporative pattern casting process

The paper describes research conducted to evaluate the influence of horizon tal and vertical vibration on the movement of dry, unbonded silica sand in the evaporative pattern casting (EPC) process, Mathematical equations were developed for the alternative vibration options and incorporated in compute r models that were subsequently validated experimentally by using accelerom eters that were strategically placed in the moulding box and sand. The math ematical models showed good correlation with the experimentally derived res ults. The practical significance of the results is that the mathematical mo del can be used in the design of vibratory tables, Further, the results wil l enable the practitioner to predict the position of dead zones within the moulding box where sand will not flow and, consequently, patterns cannot be completely invested with sand, Thus the practitioner can reduce the likeli hood of producing defective castings.