Casting notes wk2

Casting

A manufacturing process that involves pouring molten metal into a mold to create a solidified part.

Dendritic Structure

A structure formed during solidification characterized by tree-like branching formations of solid metal.

Equiaxed Grains

Grains that are approximately the same size in all directions, typically formed in regions of slower cooling.

Columnar Grains

Grains that have a preferred orientation, which grow in a column-like manner, generally formed at the mold wall.

Chill Zone

The area of the mold wall where solidification starts, creating fine and small equiaxed grains.

Solidus

The temperature below which a material is completely solid, marking the end of solidification.

Liquidus

The temperature above which a material is completely liquid, marking the beginning of solidification.

Freezing Range

The temperature range between the liquidus and solidus temperatures during solidification.

Shrinkage

The reduction in volume that occurs when a liquid metal solidifies.

Gating System

A series of channels that directs the flow of molten metal into the mold.

Riser

A reservoir of molten metal that feeds the casting during solidification to prevent porosity due to shrinkage.

Alloy

A mixture of two or more metals, which may exhibit improved properties compared to the individual metals.

Mushy Zone

The region during solidification where the material is partially solid and partially liquid.

Mechanical Property Limitations

The restrictions on the physical properties such as strength and ductility due to the casting process.

Phase Diagram

A graphical representation of the physical states of a substance under different conditions of temperature and pressure.

Ferrous Metals

Metals that contain iron, which are typically known for their strength and magnetic properties.

Nonferrous Metals

Metals that do not contain significant amounts of iron, often used for their lightweight and resistance to corrosion.

Temperature Gradient

The rate of temperature change in a material, which influences the solidification process and grain structure.

Solidification Path

The temperature and time relationship during the solidification process, impacting grain formation.