Hiekkamuotijärjestelmät

Hiekkamuotijärjestelmät, or sand molding systems in English, are a specialized form of casting mold construction. They utilize sand, often mixed with binders, as the primary material for creating the mold cavity into which molten metal is poured. These systems are widely employed in foundries for producing a variety of metal parts, from small components to large industrial pieces.

The core principle involves compacting sand around a pattern that replicates the desired shape of the final casting. Once the sand is solidified, the pattern is removed, leaving a mold cavity. The mold halves, typically a cope and a drag, are then assembled, and molten metal is poured into the cavity. After the metal solidifies, the sand mold is broken away, revealing the finished casting.

There are several variations of sand molding systems, including green sand molding, dry sand molding, and no-bake molding. Green sand molding uses sand with a moisture content, which provides plasticity for shaping. Dry sand molding involves baking the sand mold to increase its strength before pouring. No-bake molding utilizes chemical binders that cure at room temperature, eliminating the need for baking and allowing for quicker mold preparation.

The advantages of sand molding systems include their relatively low cost, adaptability to complex shapes, and suitability for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. They are particularly cost-effective for producing prototype parts or for low to medium production volumes. The sand used can often be reclaimed and reused, contributing to their economic and environmental benefits.