Aspects concerning the role of coatings in the production of iron castings by the "Policast" process

Abstract

The "Policast" process is already in an advanced stage of industrialisation. However some interesting areas need further investigation in order to improve the effectiveness and consistency of the process.

Among them there are the problems concerning the coatings used to cover the patterns of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). In the present study, the porosity, the external appearance of the coating layers and the setting-up of the methodology and apparatus for permeability inspection are investigated. All these parameters are strictly interconnected, and they affect the success of the resultant castings, as demonstrated by systematic testing.