Sensor for the Detection of Sand-Filling-Process in Aeration Molding Machines

摘要

A green sand molding process is the most popular technology in foundry. After green sand conditioning, the green sand is filled into a flask. The sand mold is compressed after sand filling. For the sand filling process, several technologies are available. One of these technologies is the aeration sand filling with low air pressure. In this aeration sand filling process, the green sand in the sand tank is fluidized by compressed air. Then, the green sand flows through a nozzle into the flask. To produce a pourable mold, it is necessary to squeeze the green sand mold. Normally, the pressure of squeeze is around 1 MPa. After squeezing, the sand mold is removed from the flask. In order to obtain the knowledge of the behavior of molding sand during aeration sand filling, a new measurement device for sand detection is developed. It is possible to measure the sand filling behavior with the sensor on the pattern plate. Experiments with actual molding machine are performed with flat and sleeve pattern. Through these experiments, the new sensors provide the information for sand filling. This technical paper also gives a prospect about next steps and future sensor developments for the measurement of mold-strength.