BASIC TOOLS IN THE MODERN DIP ROOM

摘要

In the past, the investment casting artisan ran the dip room processes by observation and touch. Foundries had many skilled dip room operators who kept the process under control by "real time" controls by varying viscosity, soak, drain time and drain angles etc. Then came the robots that promise consistency, once programmed. This consistency of the robot has created many new issues in the modern dip room, e.g. tight viscosity control, selective draining, plate weight controls, slurry level control etc. The modern foundry has many tools now with which to control the mold making process. These tools include the instrumentation of slurry control, mold drying, dewaxing and firing. In addition, improved slurry properties and enhanced mold strengths are commonplace. For the automated foundry, control of these slurry and mold properties is essential for reliable production of consistent mold properties. This paper will discuss basics of ceramic flour selection, slurry testing, how to measure mold dryness, mold drying requirements for dewaxing and mold firing considerations. This will include a new look at slurry rheology improvements by wide distribution flours and discuss how additives are used to both strengthen the mold and enhance the drying capability.