The document discusses the process of casting aluminum. It explains key steps like using a flask to hold the sand mold, adding parting powder, shaping the pattern and mold, preheating the crucible, charging aluminum ingots, adding flux to prevent oxygen from causing bubbles, using a degassing tablet to remove impurities, monitoring the temperature with a pyrometer, removing dross from the top, lifting the crucible with tongs, and carefully pouring the molten aluminum through the runner into the mold cavity and up the riser. Safety is extremely important when working with aluminum which melts at around 660 degrees Celsius.

1. Casting

2. The flask
cope
The flask is when
the cope and the
drag are in place
together.
Parting powder can be
pattern used to help separate
the pattern from the
sand.
green
drag sand
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3. Pattern Tapered sides
Rounded edges
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4. Runner and Riser
runner riser
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5. Equipment
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6. Safety
Aluminium is
melted to very high
temperatures so
safety is extremely
important.
Melting points:-
Aluminium approx:- 660 c 0
Steel approx:- 1330 c 0
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7. Crucible
The crucible is
preheated. This
removes any moisture
from the furnace and
crucible.
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8. Charging with Aluminium
Aluminium ingots
are added.
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9. Adding Flux
Flux prevents
oxygen entering the
molten aluminium.
If oxygen does
enter the aluminium
the final mould can
contain bubbles
which ruin the
finish.
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10. Degassing tablet
This removes any
impurities, in the
form of gas.
The gas fumes can
be very dangerous.
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11. Pyrometer
When the
temperature
0
reaches 650 c it’s
ready for pouring
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12. Pyrometer
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13. ‘Dross’
Before pouring the
‘dross’ is removed.
This is all the
impurities which
have risen to the
top.
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14. Lifting tongs
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15. Pouring
Great care is
needed as the
molten aluminium is
extremely hot.
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16. Pouring
The molten
aluminium is
poured in the
runner.
When the empty
cavity is full the
aluminium rises up
the riser.
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