Process Aims to Make Aluminum Casting 'Greener'

摘要

Engineers at England's University of Birmingham are developing new casting process they anticipate will reduce energy costs by up to one third for aluminum foundries. The CRIMSON (Constrained Rapid Induction Melting Single Shot) process ensures that the exact amount of aluminum needed for a particular casting is melted rapidly in a crucible, using induction heating. It transfers the crucible into an up-casting station for a highly controlled filling of a mold against gravity. The liquid metal is pushed up into a mold with a piston controlled by hydraulic motors linked back to computers that accurately control filling of the casting.