2020-07-07
FILTRATION GROUP ENSURES CLEAN AIR AT THE WORKPLACE
Whether very small or particularly large, a few grams light or sixty kilos heavy, highly complex in shape or of simple elegance: investment castings are as individual as the applications for which they are manufactured. Whether in the ICE or Airbus, in the laboratory or in the X-ray machine. Complex and filigree metal castings have been produced for more than 70 years using the so-called lost wax process.
WHAT IS THE LOST-WAX PROCESS?
The lost-wax process is a standard process in investment casting. Special waxes are poured into silicone moulds using the vacuum casting process to produce wax patterns. With increasing complexity of the components, the wax patterns are preferably made in several parts and assembled to the finished wax pattern. The individual models are then combined to form a model cluster. The inverted mould shell is then produced by dipping the models into a mass of fine-grained ceramic material and liquid binder which later dries out. The “sanding” is then carried out in a partially lined manipulation plant – the dry ceramic moulding sand is applied to the moist wax core surface, where it forms a growing layer. This process is repeated until a sufficient layer thickness is available. During this process there is a strong dust formation due to the fine components in the moulding sand. The spread of these airborne dusts into the production rooms is usually prevented by ventilation measures. After the patterns have been melted out, a cavity is created which defines the geometry of the casting. The moulds are then fired for solidification and are immediately ready for use. The used ceramic mould shell is mechanically removed after casting and the components are cleaned accordingly.
WHAT DOES FILTRATION GROUP CONTRIBUTE?
Our customer is one of the most modern customer investment foundries in Europe and supplies castings from an extraordinarily wide range. The finished investment castings are produced using the lost wax process described above, which releases high concentrations of fine dust, especially during sanding and final fettling. An existing ventilation system no longer meets the current requirements for air performance, filter service life and economic efficiency. Filtration Group has designed a plant optimization for this application for the customer. In addition to tips for modernization and adaptation to the pipe system, the core components consisted of a new cartridge filter system adapted to the limited space available by means of a dust drawer.
CUSTOMER BENEFITS
Marius Klotz
Product Manager Industrial Air
