Moulding sand properties and its types

Moulding sand properties and its classification:

The moulding is a process of making a cavity or mould out of sand by means of a pattern. The molten metal is poured into the moulds to produce casting.

Properties of moulding sand

1: porosity or permeability

It is the property of sand which permits the steam and other gases to pass through the sand mould. The porosity of sand depends upon its grain size, grain shape, moisture and clay components are the moulding sand. If the sand is too fine, the porosity will be low.

2: Plasticity

It is that property of sand due to which it flows to all portions of the moulding box or flask. The sand must have sufficient plasticity to produce a good mould.

3: Adhesiveness

It is that properties of sand due to it adheres or cling to the sides of the moulding box.

4: Cohesiveness

It is the property of sand due to which the sand grains stick together during ramming. It is defined as the strength of the moulding sand.

5: Refractoriness

The property which enables it to resist high temperature of the molten metal without breaking down o r fusing.

Classification of Moulding sand according to their use:

1: Green sand

 The sand in its natural or moist state is called green sand. It is also called tempered sand. It is a mixture of sand with 20 to 30 percent clay, having total amount of water from 6 to 10 percent. The mould prepared with this sand is called green sand mould, which is used for small size casting of ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

2: Dry Sand

The green sand moulds when baked or dried before pouring the molten metal are called dry sand moulds. The sand of this condition is called dry sand. The dry sand moulds have greater strength, rigidity and thermal stability. These moulds used for large and heavy casting.

3: Loam Sand

A mixture of 50 percent sand grains and 50 percent clay is called loam sand. It is used for loam moulds of large grey iron casting.

4: Facing Sand

A sand which is used before pouring the molten metal, on the surface is called facing sand. It is specially prepared sand from silica sand and clay.

5: Backing or Floor Sand

A sand used to back up the facing sand and not used next to the pattern is called backing sand. The sand which have been repeatedly used may be employed for this purpose. It is also known as black sand due to its colour.

6: System Sand

A sand employed in mechanical sand preparation and handling system is called system sand. This sand has high strength, permeability and refractoriness.

7: Parting Sand

A sand employed on the faces of the pattern before the moulding is called parting sand. The parting sand consists of dried silica sand, sea sand or burnt sand.

8: Core Sand

The cores are defined as sand bodies used to form the hollow portions or cavities of desired shape and size in the casting. Thus the sand used for making these cores is called core sand. It is sometimes called oil sand. It is the silica sand mixed with linseed oil or any other oil as binder.