Evacuation of molds for vacuum assisted casting

Vacuum casting is used in the manufacture of important mechanical parts, such as engine components, turbine blades, shafts and gears. This technology combines several advantages, including improved efficiency, reduced defects and minimal material waste, making manufacturing more reliable and sustainable.

In today's manufacturing world, sustainability is increasingly important. Companies are no longer focused solely on efficiency and profit, but on reducing waste and environmental impact as well. Vacuum-assisted casting allows for responsible use of resources and proper equipment maintenance, leading to improved performance and lower energy consumption. This process is an essential component in modern vehicle production for automobiles, aircraft and trains.

By creating a controlled, low-pressure environment, vacuum-assisted casting reduces the risk of porosity. It also improves mold filling and increases the surface quality of the castings. This process is particularly advantageous for producing high-precision and extremely durable parts, making it an important technology in the modern production of castings and components.

Oil-lubricated vacuum pumps

Various types of vacuum pumps with various operating principles can be used in casting plants. In the past, these included oil-lubricated blocking vane pumps or oil-lubricated rotary vane pumps, which were often combined with Roots pumps for increasing pumping speed in lower pressure ranges.

Oil-filled vacuum pumps have generally earned a good reputation and have proven their reliability over many years. Oil, which serves as the working fluid in vacuum pumps, acts as a coolant, lubricant and sealant. However, it also presents the disadvantage of absorbing contaminants, such as metal dust, particles and process by- products that arise during the casting process. Regularly changing the vacuum oil in these pumps is essential for maintaining their performance and ensuring high-quality castings.

Dry-compressing vacuum system

Modern dry-compressing vacuum pumps do not cause the same problems due to their oil- free compression mechanism. The most modern pumping principle is that of a screw pump with a fast-rotating screw rotor pair. Using this type of pump in a casting machine significantly reduces the maintenance and operating costs of the vacuum system. Comparing the annual operating costs of an oil-lubricated system with those of a dry-compressing vacuum system of similar performance results in significant cost savings.

Power consumption: At most operating points, modern dry screw pumps consume less energy than oil-lubricated pumps due to the oil viscosity alone. Modern dry-compressing vacuum pumps have fast- rotating screw rotors which rotate frictionlessly in the compression chamber, resulting in low energy consumption. For most of their operating time, the vacuum pumps even operate at pressures of xtagstartz10 mbar, where power reduction is greatest.