US EPA

1773804 

Book/Book Chapter 

Experiences with Permanent Mold Castings in Copper and Copper Alloys 

Sriram, P; Praveen, K; Visweswararao, C; American Foundry Society 

2009 

Transactions of the American Foundry Society 

117 

267-274 

WOS:000271639500023 

Permanent Molding is now extensively applied for high
conductivity copper and copper alloys. Permanent mold castings are gaining acceptance by
designers as they afford attractive cost savings and also provide a process to redesign
fabrications to castings. The paper highlights the results of development trials and production
of the permanent mold process for high conductivity copper castings with 95% and 99% IACS
conductivity. Brief details of the development of 99% IACS conductivity copper casting is given.
Case studies include conversion of shell mold aluminum bronze castings with permanent mold
castings for switchgear applications. The paper compares the shell mold castings and permanent
mold castings with respect to dimensional integrity, surface finish, soundness and mechanical
properties. The paper concludes with cost comparisons based on quantified yield increases, metal
loss reduction and energy savings in permanent mold castings of copper and copper alloys.
Permanent mold process for copper and copper alloys affords the foundry an avenue to improve
operations and extend marketing opportunities.