Correlation of technological parameters and quality of castings obtained by the EPC method

In this paper, a part of the results of investigations and developments of the new evaporative patterns casting (EPC) method is presented. For successful development of the technology, it is necessary to establish initial material characteristics-polymers for making evaporative patterns, as well as conditions of their shaping in the special tools by machining. Accent is given to investigation of influence of construction and properties of the expanded polystyrene patterns of density 15 and 20 kg/m(3) on the quality of silumine castings. In addition, a survey of other technological parameters of the EPC method-casting temperature, thermophysical characteristics of cordierite and talc coatings produced by original recepture, mould permeability and pouring system construction-whose selection is performed according to the specific characteristics of the new technology, is given. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V.