Deterioration of moulding sand properties with number of castings

Abstract

An investigation has been made to determine the deterioration of moulding sand properties as it is used continually for casting. This is because a lot energy and time is put into the reclamation of moulding sands in the foundry due to its deterioration thereby leading to the production of castings with defects. To be able to determine the deterioration level, three moulding sand samples were collected within Niger State of Nigeria from three locations of Bida, Tagwai and Zungeru and investigated for the deterioration of their moulding properties after fifty consecutive numbers of casting operations. The deterioration level was determined by testing the moulding properties of the sands after usage and compared to the properties of the moulding sands before casting operations. The results obtained after fifty number of casting operations showed that all the sand samples deteriorated in their moulding properties as the number of castings increased with Tagwai moulding sand showing the least level of deterioration compared to those of Bida and Zungeru. The knowledge of deterioration rate of moulding sand will enhance the reduction of defects in castings.