Materials equipment and processes at the foundry
Metal, ovens, moulds and machines
The foundry is a workplace with powerful equipment and high temperatures. To work safely and skilfully, you must know both the materials and the machines.
§The metals
The foundry technician works with melting and casting in iron and steel as well as other metals. The choice of metal depends on what the item should be able to: some parts must be very strong, others must be light or withstand certain loads.
§Ovens and melting
To make metal flow, it must be heated in a furnace to high temperature. Controlling the melting correctly is central because the metal's state affects how well it fills the mould and how good the finished piece becomes.
§Forms and models
| Type | Properties |
|---|---|
| Sand mould | Formed in a model in pressed sand, good for complex workpieces |
| Fixed shape | Recyclable, good for many identical items |
| Model | Template for how the mould is made |
§Machines and processes
Beyond manual production, modern foundries use machines to produce and fill moulds. Pressure casting, where the mass is pressed in under high pressure, is an example of a mechanical process that produces uniform workpieces.
§Post-processing equipment
When the piece is cast grinding and cleaning equipment is used to remove excess material and burrs so the part gets its final form and surface. Measuring and test equipment ensures the piece meets requirements.
“A foundry is neither a quiet nor a cold place. Knowing your equipment is a prerequisite for working both safely and well.”