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Why silica sand is used in casting?

2023-07-17

Silica sand is commonly used in casting processes for several reasons:

Refractory properties: Silica sand has high melting and refractory properties, meaning it can withstand high temperatures without melting or deforming. This makes it suitable for use in molds and cores that come into direct contact with molten metal.

Thermal stability: Silica sand has excellent thermal stability, allowing it to retain its shape and strength even when exposed to high temperatures. This is crucial during the casting process, as the mold needs to maintain its integrity as molten metal is poured into it.

Flowability: Silica sand has good flowability characteristics, which means it can be easily packed and compacted around a pattern or core to form a mold. It allows for the creation of intricate shapes and details in the mold cavity.

Availability and cost-effectiveness: Silica sand is abundant and widely available, making it a cost-effective choice for casting applications. It can be sourced from various locations and is relatively inexpensive compared to other specialty sands.

Compatibility with various metals: Silica sand is compatible with a wide range of metals used in casting, including iron, steel, aluminum, brass, and bronze. It can withstand the high temperatures and chemical reactions that occur during the casting process without causing contamination or defects in the final casting.

Sand properties: Silica sand has desirable properties such as good permeability (allows gases to escape from the mold), high strength (resists mold erosion), and low thermal expansion (minimizes dimensional changes during cooling).

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