V-Process Castings
V-Process Casting
The V-process is a unique process or aluminum sand casting that does not use any bonding resins in the sand medium. Instead the sand and impression are held together by a strong vacuum until the aluminum is poured and cooled.
The V-process is able to produce part with zero degree draft on some walls and hold closer tolerances than traditional sand casting.
How The V-Process Works
Step 1
The pattern (with vent holes) is placed on a hollow carrier plate.
Step 2
A heater softens the .003" to .008" plastic film. Plastic has good elasticity and a high deformation ratio.
Step 3
Softened film drapes over the pattern with 200 to 400 mm Hg vacuum acting through the pattern vents to draw it tightly around the pattern.
Step 4
The flask is placed on the film-coated pattern. Flask walls are also a vacuum chamber with the outlet shown at right.
Step 5
The flask is filled with dry, unbonded sand. A slight vibration compacts sand to maximum bulk density.
Step 5
The flask is filled with dry, unbonded sand. A slight vibration compacts sand to maximum bulk density.
Step 6
A sprue cup is formed and the mold surface leveled. The back of the mold is covered with unheated plastic film.
Step 7
Vacuum is applied to the flask. Atmospheric pressure then hardens the sand. The vacuum is released, pressurized air is introduced into the carrier and the mold is stripped.
Step 8
The cope and drag assembly form a plastic-lined cavity. During pouring, molds are kept under vacuum. The cope and drag assembly form a plastic-lined cavity. During pouring, molds are kept under vacuum.
Step 9
After cooling, the vacuum is released and free-flowing sand drops away leaving a clean casting, with no sand lumps. The sand is cooled for re-use.
V Process Castings
Aluminum v process Castings
The V process provides many advantages over traditional sand casting including thinner wall sections, zero degree draft, and unlimited pattern life. If you would like to learn more about V-process castings in Florida call us! We can help explain how the process differs from traditional casting techniques for aluminum casting and review your design to see if this unique process would be a good option to produce your aluminum part.
In addition to aluminum castings, we also offer many supplementary services including engineering support, quality control and testing, heat treating, surface treatments and finishing. Fill out the request a quote form below if you have a part for v-process casting in Florida.
