How Does Sand Casting Work?
November 2021 | 5 Minute Read
A look at how sand casting works, the benefits, and its processes.
How Does Sand Casting Work? Quick Anser :
Sand casting is a metal casting process that uses sand as the molding material. The sand will contain the mold and cavity into which the metal is poured using various pouring methods.
A 3D “die” is created and compacted with sand leaving a negative mold that will then be filled with molten metal.
What is Sand Casting?
So how does sand casting work? Sand casting, also called sand mold casting, is a very popular alternative to die-cast and investment casting.
This type of metal casting process is performed when molten metal is poured into a sand-molded cavity.
Sand casting offers many benefits as a low-volume manufacturing option. These benefits include the ability to cast large parts, complex geometries, or parts that need require a core.
This metal casting process also has fast lead times and faster turnaround times compared to other casting methods. Last, when sand is used as a tooling method, companies can save substantial tooling costs.
How Does Sand Casting Work?
Sand Casting Processes
Greensand or silica sand is tightly pressed into two match plates. A master pattern design is created using a 3D machined tool and this tool is used to create the desired cast shape, leaving a negative imprint. These match plates create the two halves known as the cope and drag.
Then the sand is left to harden. Once the molds are ready, the cope and drag are removed from the match plate and sealed.
The match plates are sealed then filled with liquid motel metal. Once the metal has cooled to the appropriate temperature the casts are broken out of the mold and additional machining, coatings, or testing can now be done.
What are the steps involved in sand casting?
Sand casting is a simple process and can produce low-volume parts quickly. This is a simple breakdown of how Sand-casting works.
Step1. A master pattern design
Step 2. Match plats and tooling is created
Step 3. Forming the mold
Step 4. Pouring the metal
Step 5. Break out
Step 6. Parts cleaning
Step 7. Additional machining if needed
You can get an in-depth explanation of how sand casting works by learning more about our sand casting processes.
Surface Finish Benefits
Sand castings are similar to Rubber plaster mold castings processes, as they have similar steps in processes, but can produce an even smoother surface finish of a Ra120-220.
Because of the smooth surface finish, this can save companies even more additional machining, coating, or paintings.
More questions about how does sand casting work? Explore our sand casting processes.
Metal Casting Capabilities
Knowing when to select the correct casting method can make a big impact in saving money and time on your parts. Working with skilled foundries will make all the difference in your low-volume manufacturing needs.
Learn more about how sand casting works and our capabilities or read more about Sand castings from these resources:
