Accuracy of ceramic mould filling with liquid AlSi9 aluminium alloy in the process using back-pressure

The paper presents the effect of suction pressure exerted on the liquid AlSi alloy when it is introduced into a ceramic mould made in the investment process and the results compared with data obtained on gravity poured castings. The study used special pattern sets and ceramic moulds made with the alternately applied soluble silicate binder and ethyl silicate. Additionally, self-supported moulds based entirely on the Ekosil binder were used. In the analysis of castings, the following parameters were examined: a linear dimensional accuracy, the state of surface microgeometry and the possibility of metal penetration into a complex ceramic mould, allowing also for the presence of capillary phenomena. In the process of casting with back-pressure, the pressure values of 500 hPa, 600 hPa and 700 hPa were applied in the chamber where the ceramic mould was located, with the temperature of the said mould kept at a level of 150±10ºC.