What is the cast of lost foam?
casting lost foam (LFC) is a casting method used to create solid metal parts made of molten metal. When the part is created by casting, the mold is used to create the desired shape. When casting the lost foam, the mold is made of polystyrene foam, which is lost during the casting process when the liquid metal melts and replaces its shape-the name "lost foam". Although the casting of lost foams is often used to produce parts of machines, decorative and other objects can be produced by the same method. The tools used by wheels range from home devices to industrial level equipment. The polystyrene foam block is cut into the exact shape of the finished product using hand or electric tools. For applications where the dimensions of the finished piece must be accurate, energy tools are preferred for consistent foam shaping. The form is then immersed in the mud or sheetrock plaster and thoroughly covered.
After completing the foam mold, it is buried in a container - for example, in a metal drum - filled with compacted sand. The very ends of the foam shape are left to facilitate the molten metal entry into the mold. During this step, a home tool can be used to further help the process. This tool, which consists of a hanging cylinder that can be opened and closed along the side with long handles, is placed on the sand to surround a piece of foam. When the metal is poured, the cylinder walls contain it and allow it to accumulate above the piece, create more pressure, and therefore more thorough cast.
aluminum is often used in casting lost foam, especially fans, but it is possible to use any metal if it is hot enough to evaporate foam forms. In most cases, the molten metal must be at 1000 ° F (about 538 ° C) or higher. Furnaces capable of melting metal at these high temperatures can be purchased commercially or made of everyday materials such as clay or brick. The metal is melted by uThe interior of a special container known as a crucible that is made of a material with a high melting point such as graphite. Once the metal is melted, the crucible is clamped using pliers or solid bars and tilted to pour the liquid metal on the mold.
When the molten metal dissolves foam, it flows into an empty area and assumes its shape inside the sand. Ideally, a perfect replica of the foam piece is created in this way. The piece can cool for several minutes and then removed from the sand for further cooling in a bucket of water. After the sand and debris are brushed from the piece, it can be polished or machined as needed.