The Introduction of Styrofoam Casting

Styrofoam casting is also called “gasification molding” , “polystyrene foam plastic casting” and so on. The essence of this casting method is using polystyrene foam instead of ordinary mold. When the mold is built completely, people can directly pour the metal liquid not take out the mold. Under the action of hot, the foam plastic pattern is gasified, burned until disappear. The metal liquid occupied the space of foam plastic and the mold that people need is obtained. This process is styrofoam casting. There are some advantages of styrofoam casting:

1.Flexible design. This method can provide sufficient degrees of design. People can design complex casting structure by the foam plastic pieces.

2.Reduce the investment and production cost. The factory can save the cost by mass production.

3.Don’t have the traditional sand core. So won’t appear the situation that the casting wall thickness is not uniformity. This is caused by that the sand core size or the core position is not accurate.

4.The casting has high accuracy. Styrofoam casting is the technological process which is precise forming, and don’t need take mold, sand core. So reduce the error caused by building the mold.

5.The process of production is clean. There ii not exist any toxicity or hazard material and air. It is good for our environment regardless of work or live.

The styrofoam casting is improved and overcome some shortcomings which original casting exists.it is the advanced casting.

It seems like you’re referring to “Styrofoam Casting,” which could be another term for the Lost Foam Process. Styrofoam is a brand of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, and in the context of casting, it’s often used to create intricate patterns that are then coated and cast using the Lost Foam Process. Let’s delve a bit deeper into this concept:

Styrofoam Casting (Lost Foam Process) Introduction:

Styrofoam casting, also known as EPS foam casting or simply foam casting, is a casting technique that utilizes expanded polystyrene foam patterns to create intricate metal parts through the Lost Foam Process. The process involves the use of Styrofoam patterns to produce complex shapes that are later encased in refractory material and replaced by molten metal during casting. Here’s a brief overview of how Styrofoam casting works:

1. Pattern Creation: The process starts with the creation of patterns using Styrofoam, which is a lightweight and easily carved material. The Styrofoam is carved, machined, or molded into the desired shape of the final metal part.

2. Pattern Assembly: Multiple Styrofoam patterns are often attached to a gating system to form a cluster called a “foam tree.” This gating system includes channels (sprue, runners, and gates) that allow the molten metal to flow into the cavity created by the vaporized Styrofoam.

3. Coating: The Styrofoam pattern or foam tree is then coated with a refractory material, such as a ceramic slurry or dry refractory powder. This coating creates a shell that will serve as the mold for the metal during casting.

4. Shell Formation: The coated foam tree is repeatedly dipped into the refractory material to build up a strong shell. After each dip, the coating is dried and hardened. This process is repeated until the shell reaches the desired thickness and strength.

5. Dewaxing and Casting: The coated assembly is heated to a high temperature in an autoclave or furnace. The heat causes the Styrofoam pattern to vaporize or “get lost,” leaving behind a cavity within the refractory shell. Molten metal is then poured into the cavity, filling the space left by the vaporized Styrofoam pattern.

6. Solidification and Removal: The molten metal solidifies within the refractory shell to take the shape of the original Styrofoam pattern. Once the metal has cooled and solidified, the refractory shell is broken away to reveal the metal casting.

7. Finishing: Depending on the specific requirements of the part, finishing operations such as machining, polishing, and surface treatments may be performed to achieve the desired final product.

In summary, Styrofoam casting, which is essentially another term for the Lost Foam Process when using expanded polystyrene foam patterns, offers similar advantages to the ones mentioned earlier. It enables the creation of complex and intricate metal parts with reduced tooling costs, minimal post-casting machining, and near net shape production. The process is widely used in industries where intricate geometries and reduced material wastage are important considerations.

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