ECONOMY INDUSTRIAL CORP. LABORATORY TEST PROGRAM

The laboratory test program enables investigation of the mould temperature and product discharge characteristics to investigate the feasibility of casting various alloy and matte materials. In the test program, the test moulds are subjected to the same conditions as they would encounter when mounted on the actual casting machine. By embedding thermocouples in the mould body, it is possible to track the changing mould temperatures during air and water cooling, and simulate the multiple fillings of moulds.

In 2003/2004, the test program verified the design criteria for the successful casting of both high carbon ferromanganese and charge chrome.

In both cases, the tests verified that mould temperatures could be successfully controlled by varying the alloy to mould mass ratio, the air cooling time, and the application and timing of atomized water spray cooling. In addition, the tests proved controlled fracture of the discharged product could be achieved by the appropriate control of the solidification and cooling cycle.

The photos below show the various elements of the test procedures.

Tap temperature is checked before casting 

Alloy is poured into the test mould and
allowed to air-cool

Water cooling sprays are simulated

Mould is inverted to eject cast product,
which is then analyzed.

The mould is then recoated, and returned
to the pouring point to be refilled, at the
same time interval as would occur on
the actual casting machine.