Valukäsittely

Valukäsittely refers to the entire process of transforming molten metal into a desired shape and form through casting. This encompasses a wide range of techniques and procedures, each suited for different materials, complexities, and production volumes. The fundamental principle of valukäsittely involves pouring liquid metal into a mold cavity that has the desired shape. Once the metal cools and solidifies within the mold, it retains that shape, forming the final casting.

The casting process typically begins with the preparation of the mold. Molds can be made from various materials, including sand, metal, ceramic, or even plaster, depending on the type of casting being performed. The choice of mold material significantly influences the surface finish, dimensional accuracy, and cost of the final product. After the mold is prepared, the metal is melted in a furnace to its liquid state. Precise control of melting temperature is crucial to ensure proper fluidity and to avoid undesirable chemical reactions or material degradation.

Once molten, the metal is poured into the mold. This can be done by gravity, pressure, or centrifugal force, depending on the casting method. Common casting methods include sand casting, die casting, investment casting, and centrifugal casting, each with its own advantages and applications. After pouring, the casting is allowed to cool and solidify. The cooling rate can affect the microstructure and properties of the metal. Finally, the solidified casting is removed from the mold, and any excess material, such as gates and risers, is removed. Further finishing processes like machining, grinding, or heat treatment may be applied to achieve the final product specifications. Valukäsittely is a vital industrial process used in manufacturing a vast array of products, from intricate jewelry to heavy machinery components.