The theoretical and numerical calculation and experimental study on soft contact electromagnetic casting forming
Based on classical electromagnetic theory, the electromagnetic pressure calculation model and the formula of electromagnetic casting forming have been established. Theoretical and numerical results indicated that the frequency, current density, relative permeability of alloy melt and resistivity can also influence the effect of electromagnetic pressure. Meanwhile, the effect of metal physics properties parameters on the value of electromagnetic pressure is more complicated. The needed magnetic field for casting Al-Si alloys liquid column with length of 0.05m in experiment was very close to the theoretical value. This result indicated that the formula of electromagnetic casting forming can be used to guide experiments and the actual industrial production.
Initial Solidification Control of Continuous Casting Using Electromagnetic Oscillation Method
An initial solidification control technology, called the Electromagnetic Oscillation Method, intermittently applying high frequency magnetic field was developed aiming to reduce the friction between mold and initial solidified shell and to perform high speed casting for producing cast having excellent surface properties. According to the method, a high frequency magnetic field is applied synchronizing with the mold oscillation, applying a horizontal and inward electromagnetic force from outside the mold during the positive strip period, while applying a downward electromagnetic force from above the mold during the negative strip period. The method was investigated in terms of influence on the surface properties of cast and other variables by applying the method to laboratory scale continuous steel casting. The experiment was given by casting round billets having 100 mm in diameter at casting speeds of 0.5 to 1.6mm/min, applying high frequency magnetic fields of 1 to 9.8 kHz. The flux film thickness in the mold increased by applying horizontal electromagnetic force during the positive strip period, and the surface properties of the cast improved. By applying downward electromagnetic force during the negative strip period, the strength of initial solidified shell increased to prevent the occurrence of breakout.
Hygroscopic Expansion of some Casting Investments
CREDIT is generally given to Taggart1 for introducing the cast gold inlay to the dental profession. Although he realized that gold shrinks when cooled from molten state to solid state of room temperature, the investment available to him did not supply sufficient compensation. In 1910, Van Horn2 published a paper dealing with a method by which he obtained the compensation by means of wax expansion. The next major research in connection with this problem was the work of Coleman3 at the National Bureau of Standards. He determined the gold shrinkage to be 1.25 per cent and presented a casting technic with compensation values of quantitative nature. The total compensation for the gold shrinkage was obtained by the combination of the setting and thermal expansion of the mold. This procedure is the general practice followed at the present time for compensation. There are some disadvantages to this method. Skinner has indicated the difficulty of obtaining smooth castings and the improper compensation for the casting shrinkage.4 It has been found by Hollenback5 and Scheu6a that castings made at a high temperature are rougher than those made at a low temperature (450° C.), depending upon the great difference in thermal expansion between plaster of Paris and silica, which causes a poor union of the fine particles. This may also result in friability and there may be some warpage due to the differential expansion. A method which provides sufficient compensation at a low mold temperature is the hygroscopic casting technic.b Wilson7 showed that certain plasters expand as much as 0.0044 inch to the inch by taking up moisture from the air. With this information at hand, Scheula, b tested some commercial investment to determine what results the addition of moisture would have. He found6b: (1) All of the casting investments that were tested expanded. (2) The thicker the mix, the greater the expansion. (3) A mix with hot water expanded more than one with cold water. (4) The time at which the mix is placed in the water is of great importance. It was found that if the mix is placed in the water early, it would not expand so much as when placed in a little later. It was also found that if the mix was placed in the water after a certain time, it could not expand to the maximal amount. (5) The temperature of the water in which the mix is placed is important, for two reasons; (a) the temperature of the water controls slightly the expansion of the investment, and (b) water at a temperature of 1000 F. slightly softens the wax pattern so that the fine margins are not marred while expansion is taking place. The mix should remain in the water at least 20 minutes to obtain the full expansion, after which time no further expansion is obtained.