What Is Centrifugal Casting? | Types of Centrifugal Casting | Working of Centrifugal Casting | Types | Uses

what is centrifugal casting ?

Centrifugal casting is casting process which is used to cast thin walled cylinders ( pipes ) by pouring molten into a rapidly spinning cylinder mould where the centrifugal force from the rotation applies pressure to the molten metal, producing pipes.

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The process starts by preheating the mould to a specific temperature. Once the mould reaches the desired temperature, it is rotated at high speeds around its central axis. Simultaneously, the molten metal is poured into the mould, typically through a central sprue or pouring basin. As the mould rotates, the centrifugal force pushes the molten metal towards the outer edges of the mould cavity, forming a hollow cylinder with uniform wall thickness.

As the molten metal cools and solidifies, it takes the shape of the mould cavity, resulting in a finished casting. The rotation of the mould helps in promoting directional solidification, minimising defects such as porosity and ensuring a denser microstructure. The high centrifugal force also aids in the removal of impurities and gases from the casting, improving its overall quality.

In summary, centrifugal casting is a casting technique that utilises the force of rotation to produce hollow cylindrical shapes. It involves pouring molten metal into a rapidly spinning mould, which distributes the material evenly along the mould’s inner walls, resulting in high-quality castings with improved properties.

Must Read : Types Of Moulding Process

materials

Centrifugal casting is a versatile manufacturing process that can be performed using various materials. It allows for the production of high-quality components made from metals such as iron, steel, aluminum, bronze, brass, and copper. Additionally, non-ferrous alloys like nickel-based alloys, titanium alloys, and cobalt-based alloys can be used. The process is not limited to metals alone, as it can also accommodate non-metallic materials like plastics and resins.

types of centrifugal casting

There are three main types of centrifugal casting:

True Centrifugal Casting: In true centrifugal casting, the mold is completely filled with molten material, and the centrifugal force distributes the material evenly along the mold cavity. This process is suitable for producing cylindrical shapes with uniform wall thickness.
Semi-Centrifugal Casting: Semi-centrifugal casting involves partially filling the mold with molten material. The centrifugal force pushes the molten material towards the outer regions of the mold, resulting in a solid outer layer and a hollow core. This method is commonly used for creating components with varying wall thickness, such as cones and tapered cylinders.
Centrifugal Casting with a Permanent Mold: In this type of centrifugal casting, a permanent mold is used instead of a disposable mold. The permanent mold can be made of metal or graphite and is typically coated with a refractory material to facilitate mold release and protect against wear. This method allows for higher production volumes and better surface finish compared to traditional sand molds.

Each type of centrifugal casting has its own advantages and is suitable for specific applications. The choice of casting method depends on factors such as the desired shape, wall thickness, material, and production volume requirements.

On basis of orientation

vertical centrifugal casting

Vertical centrifugal casting, also known as bottom pouring or top filling centrifugal casting, is a specific variation of the centrifugal casting process. In vertical centrifugal casting, the mould is oriented vertically, with the axis of rotation being vertical as well.

During the casting process, the molten material is poured from the top of the rotating mold, which allows gravity to assist in the filling of the mold cavity. The centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the mold then helps in distributing the molten material evenly along the mold walls. This technique is commonly used for producing cylindrical or tubular components with uniform wall thickness.

Vertical centrifugal casting offers several advantages. The vertical orientation allows for better control over the pouring process, as the molten material can be introduced from the top and any impurities or dross can float to the surface. It also facilitates the removal of gas bubbles or trapped air, resulting in higher-quality castings with reduced defects.

Additionally, vertical centrifugal casting is suitable for producing large and heavy parts, as the vertical orientation minimizes the risk of mold distortion or misalignment during solidification. This technique is commonly used in industries such as aerospace, energy, and manufacturing, where the production of large pipes, cylinders, and other tubular components is required.

Overall, it offers precise control, improved casting quality, and the ability to produce large and uniform components, making it a preferred choice for specific applications.

horizontal centrifugal casting

It is, also known as side pouring centrifugal casting, is another variation of the centrifugal casting process. In horizontal centrifugal casting, the mould is positioned horizontally, with the axis of rotation being horizontal as well.

During the casting process, the molten material is poured into the rotating mold from the side. The centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the mold forces the molten material against the inner walls of the mold cavity, ensuring a uniform distribution. This technique is commonly used for producing cylindrical or symmetrical components such as pipes, tubes, and rings.

It offers several advantages. The horizontal orientation allows for effective control over the pouring process, as the molten material can be introduced from the side, ensuring a smooth and consistent flow into the mould cavity. This technique also enables the casting of longer parts with uniform wall thickness.

Furthermore, It provides better control over the solidification process. As the molten material is forced against the mould walls, it cools and solidifies gradually, resulting in a refined microstructure and improved mechanical properties.

It is widely used in industries such as metallurgy, automotive, and manufacturing. It is particularly suitable for producing cylindrical components that require high structural integrity, precise dimensions, and uniform material distribution.

Overall, it offers advantages such as controlled pouring, improved casting quality, and the ability to produce long and uniform components, making it a preferred choice for specific applications in various industries.

centrifugal casting process

The centrifugal casting process involves the following steps:

Mold Preparation: The mold or die used in centrifugal casting is typically made of steel or other suitable materials. It is prepared by cleaning, coating with a mold release agent, and preheating to the desired temperature.
Mold Assembly: The mold is assembled, ensuring that it is properly aligned and securely fastened. It is mounted on a spinning machine capable of achieving high rotational speeds.
Pouring of Molten Material: The chosen material, often a metal or alloy, is melted in a furnace to a suitable temperature. Once molten, it is poured into a pouring basin or sprue connected to the center of the rotating mold.
Rotation and Centrifugal Force: The spinning machine is activated, causing the mold to rotate rapidly around its central axis. The centrifugal force generated by the rotation pushes the molten material towards the inner walls of the mold.
Solidification: As the molten material comes into contact with the cooler mold, it begins to solidify and take the shape of the mold cavity. The rotation of the mold helps in promoting directional solidification, resulting in a refined microstructure.
Cooling and Demolding: The mold continues to rotate while the cast material cools and solidifies completely. Once the casting has solidified, the rotation is stopped, and the mold is opened to remove the newly formed component.
Finishing and Inspection: The cast component may undergo various post-casting processes such as trimming, machining, heat treatment, or surface finishing to achieve the desired dimensions and surface quality. It is then inspected for any defects, dimensional accuracy, and overall quality.

The centrifugal casting process allows for the production of high-quality, near-net-shape components with enhanced mechanical properties. The rotational force facilitates the uniform distribution of the molten material, resulting in reduced defects and improved casting integrity.

applications of centrifugal casting

Some of the common applications of centrifugal casting include:

Pipes and Tubes: It is widely used for producing pipes and tubes with uniform wall thickness and high structural integrity. It is commonly employed in industries such as plumbing, construction, and oil and gas.
Cylinder Liners: It is utilised in the manufacturing of cylinder liners for engines, compressors, and pumps. The process allows for the production of liners with excellent wear resistance and dimensional accuracy.
Wheels and Rollers: The automotive and industrial sectors often employ centrifugal casting to produce wheels, pulleys, and rollers. The resulting castings exhibit improved strength and durability, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications.
Rotors and Impellers: It is used for fabricating rotors and impellers for various machinery, including pumps, turbines, and fans. The process ensures uniform material distribution and enhanced performance of these rotating components.
Hollow Cylindrical Parts: Components such as cylinders, bushings, and sleeves can be efficiently manufactured through centrifugal casting. The technique enables the creation of parts with consistent wall thickness and internal cavities.
Art and Sculptures: It is employed by artists and sculptors to create intricate and hollow artworks. The process allows for the production of complex shapes and precise details, expanding creative possibilities.
Aerospace Applications: It is utilised in the aerospace industry to manufacture components like rocket motor casings and jet engine parts. The technique ensures high-quality castings with reliable performance under extreme conditions.
Biomedical Devices: It is applied in the production of biomedical devices such as orthopedic implants and prosthetics. It enables the fabrication of customised parts with precise dimensions and material properties.

It is a versatile technique with a wide range of applications. Some common industries that utilize centrifugal casting include plumbing, construction, oil and gas, automotive, industrial, aerospace, art, and biomedical. It is used to produce pipes, cylinder liners, wheels, rotors, impellers, sculptures, rocket motor casings, orthopedic implants, and more.

advantages of centrifugal casting

Improved Material Properties: It results in castings with improved mechanical properties, including enhanced density, strength, and structural integrity. The controlled solidification process leads to finer grain structures and reduced defects, resulting in higher-quality components.
Reduced Defects: The centrifugal force generated during casting helps in the removal of gas voids, impurities, and other defects from the casting. This results in reduced porosity, improved surface finish, and enhanced overall casting integrity.
Cost-effectiveness: It can be a cost-effective manufacturing method. The process requires minimal post-casting machining due to the precise control of material distribution, reducing production time and costs.
Complex Shape Capability: The centrifugal casting technique allows for the production of complex shapes, including hollow cylindrical parts and components with intricate details. It offers design flexibility and eliminates the need for additional fabrication processes.
Versatility: It can be used with a wide range of materials, including metals such as iron, steel, aluminum, and bronze, as well as non-metallic materials like plastics and resins. This versatility makes it suitable for various industries and applications.
Consistent Wall Thickness: It ensures uniform wall thickness in cylindrical parts, which is critical for components like pipes and tubes. This uniformity enhances the overall strength and performance of the castings.
Directional Solidification: The rotation of the mold during centrifugal casting promotes directional solidification, resulting in a refined microstructure and improved mechanical properties. This directional solidification helps in reducing casting defects and enhancing the overall casting quality.
Time Savings: It offers faster production times compared to traditional casting methods. The efficient material distribution and reduced need for post-casting machining contribute to shorter production cycles and quicker turnaround times.
Suitable for Thin-Walled Parts: It is well-suited for producing thin-walled components, such as pipes and cylinder liners, with consistent thickness. This capability is advantageous in industries where lightweight and efficient designs are required.

These advantages make centrifugal casting a valuable technique for producing high-quality castings with improved properties and cost-effectiveness in various industries.

disadvantages of centrifugal casting

While centrifugal casting offers several advantages, it also has some disadvantages that are worth considering:

Limited Part Size: It is generally more suitable for producing smaller to medium-sized parts. Large and complex components may pose challenges in terms of mould design and rotational capabilities.
Limited Geometric Complexity: Although, It can produce components with intricate details, it may have limitations when it comes to highly complex shapes or parts with internal cavities that are difficult to achieve through the centrifugal force distribution.
Equipment Cost: The equipment required for centrifugal casting, such as specialized spinning machines and molds, can be expensive. This initial investment may be a barrier for small-scale operations or companies with limited budgets.
Mold Wear: The high rotational speeds and centrifugal forces involved in the process can cause wear and tear on the molds over time. Regular maintenance or mold replacement may be necessary to ensure consistent quality and performance.
Mold Design Limitations: Designing molds for centrifugal casting requires careful consideration of factors like mold release, gating, and the prevention of metal leakage during rotation. This can pose challenges and limitations in terms of mold complexity and design flexibility.
Surface Quality: Depending on the specific application and material used, It may result in surface irregularities or imperfections. Additional post-casting finishing processes may be required to achieve the desired surface quality or smoothness.
Limited Material Options: While it can accommodate various materials, the process may not be suitable for all types of alloys or materials. Some materials may exhibit difficulties during centrifugal casting, limiting the material options available for certain applications.

It is important to evaluate these disadvantages alongside the specific requirements of the intended application to determine the suitability of centrifugal casting as a casting method.

Source : wikipedia