Sand casting is a practice that is a quick, easy, and efficient way of manufacturing metal products. But before you dive into the world of casting, you also need to learn the basics and have suitable material.
While sand casting can technically be done using beach sand, that is only applicable to small, low-scale products where accuracy isn’t necessarily required. It is not ideal to use regular beach sand for sand casting because the beach sand may not hold its shape when the casting is made. It also does not always have a suitable composition and may include other mixed particles.
This ruins the quality of the product being manufactured. Casting sand has a particular composition and specific traits that make it ideal for use.
Keep reading ahead if you want to learn more about sand casting.
What Is Sand Casting?
A metal casting method that uses sand as the mold to give shape to the metal or metal alloy. The practice dates back to 6000 years ago and is done on both industrial and domestic levels to manufacture products ranging from statues to car parts.
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How Does Sand Casting Work?
The metal being cast is first melted. Chemicals may be added to change the chemical composition to fit the need of the product’s intended use. The metal is then poured into a mold made of sand and left to cool and solidify.
Once the cooling process is done, then the mold is shaken off or removed. To add the finishing touches, trimming and cleaning up are required.
Do We Have To Use A Specific Kind Of Sand?
The sand that is used needs to have certain qualities. It needs to be durable and have high compressive strength. It also needs tensile strength so it can be molded into different shapes. You must ensure that the sand used is durable enough to hold the metal.
These attributes are not present in regular sand or beach sand, so specific types of sand are used in casting.
What Sands Can We Use For Sand Casting?
The three main types of sand that are used for the best results include;
Green Sand Is Used Because It Is Reusable
This method is also known as the clay-casting method. It has been used for centuries, and the same mold can be used to make products more than once. The upside of using this is that it is cheap and quick. The downside is that sometimes the mold may not hold because it’s too soft.
Resin Sand Has Fewer Defects
This sand, upon heating, becomes smooth and hard. It produces very refined and high-quality products, but it may be a little expensive.
Water Glass When Cavity Is Required During Casting
Passing the sand through carbon dioxide can quickly turn it from liquid to solid. This method is excellent for making products that require the presence of a cavity within the casting.
In Conclusion
If you want to ensure that your product is good quality, stable, and durable, then it is best to use sands commonly used for sand casting and have a suitable composition. Beach sand may not deliver the desired result.
