Directional Solidification of Steel Castings

Book excerpt: Directional Solidification of Steel Castings summarizes the results of a large number of investigations, mostly scientific in character, on the directional solidification of steel castings. The influence of design on the technical possibilities of producing casting in the foundry is examined. Diagrams, simple basic rules, and formulae are provided, along with many practical examples. This book is comprised of 16 chapters and begins with an introduction to the technical and psychological aspects of steel casting before turning to a discussion of the influence of shape and dimensions on the time it takes for castings to solidify. The thermal gradient, feeder heads, and cavities in steel castings are then considered. In particular, the effect of the thermal gradient on solidification and feeding range are examined. Methods for increasing the thermal gradient in the casting are described, including the use of mold heating pads, breaker cores or Washburn cores; external cooling (iron chills); cooling fins; internal chills; and exothermic pads. Cavities in steel castings which are commonly mistaken for true shrinkage cavities are also analyzed. This monograph is particularly suitable for foundry managers, foremen, technicians, casting designers, and students.