Centrifugal casting is primarily used to produce cylindrical parts, metal rings, and discs.
Centrifugal casting, also known as "rotocasting," is a specialized manufacturing process that utilizes spinning molds to create castings. This method is particularly well-suited for certain geometries due to the way molten material is distributed by centrifugal force.
Understanding Centrifugal Casting Shapes
As stated in the provided reference, "this process permits the mass production of cylindrical parts and metal rings and discs through the use of spinning molds."
The spinning action forces the molten material outwards against the mold walls, resulting in a casting with a dense outer surface and often a hollow interior.
Key Shapes Produced
The main shapes produced by centrifugal casting include:
- Cylindrical Parts: This is a very common application. Examples include pipes, tubes, bushings, and liners. The centrifugal force naturally forms a hollow cylinder with a uniform wall thickness (or controlled taper).
- Rings: Ring-shaped components, such as bearing races, gear blanks, and flanges, are efficiently produced. The process ensures a consistent circular form.
- Discs: While less common than cylinders, flat discs or shapes with a central hole can also be cast centrifugally, especially when a dense outer edge is desired.
Why These Shapes?
The nature of centrifugal force in a spinning mold lends itself perfectly to creating objects that are symmetrical around the axis of rotation. Molten metal is thrown against the mold walls, consolidating the metal and pushing impurities or lighter materials towards the center, which can often be machined away or remains hollow.
Examples of Products
Products made using centrifugal casting include:
- Pipes and tubes (e.g., ductile iron pipes for water mains)
- Bushings and bearings
- Cylinder liners for engines
- Rolls for paper mills or metal rolling
- Flanges and rings for industrial applications
- Gear blanks
- Railway wheels (in some variations)
Summary Table of Shapes
| Shape | Description | Typical Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Cylindrical | Hollow or solid parts, symmetrical around an axis | Pipes, Tubes, Bushings, Rollers |
| Rings | Circular components with or without a central hole | Bearing Races, Flanges, Gear Blanks |
| Discs | Flat, circular shapes | Disc Brakes (some types), Blanks |
Centrifugal casting is a highly effective process for producing these specific shapes with excellent material properties, especially in terms of density and structural integrity at the outer surface.
