Influence of moulding conditions and mould characteristics on the contraction defects appearance in ductile iron castings

Shrinkage defects appearance in cast iron has traditionally been related to the solidification processes of the metal and the feeding ability among the different sections of castings. Recent studies have demonstrated that sand moulds properties and their thermal behaviour after pouring step have an important influence on these defects formation too. The influence of the moulding process parameters and the mould characteristics on the contraction defects is analysed in this work using test casting designed specifically for this purpose. Additionally the most important parameters are determined in order to control the manufacturing process and minimise the shrinkage appearance in the castings.