Casting Foundry materials suppliers in Chennai
Casting materials are liquids like molten metals (aluminum, steel, iron, copper, zinc), polymers (thermoplastics, resins), ceramics (plaster, clay), or even concrete, poured into a mold to solidify into a desired shape, common for complex parts in automotive, aerospace, construction, and jewelry
. Key choices include strong ferrous metals, lightweight non-ferrous metals, or versatile plastics/composites, selected for properties like strength, conductivity, corrosion resistance, or cost
.
Common Casting Materials
- Metals:Aluminum Alloys: Versatile, corrosion-resistant, good thermal/electrical conductivity (automotive, aerospace).
Steel & Cast Iron: High strength, wear resistance (machinery, heavy-duty parts).
Copper Alloys (Bronze, Brass): Excellent conductivity, ductility (electrical parts, plumbing).
Zinc Alloys: Low melting point, good flow, ideal for intricate, high-volume parts (electronics, consumer goods).
Magnesium Alloys: Lightweight, high strength-to-weight ratio (aerospace, automotive). - Non-Metals:Plastics/Polymers: Thermoplastics, thermosets, resins (reaction casting) for diverse applications.
Ceramics: Clay, porcelain for pottery and specialized molds.
Concrete: Architectural and decorative items.
Glass: Artistic and thin-walled objects. - Composites: Fiber and resin mixtures for enhanced properties.
Material Selection Factors
- Mechanical Properties: Strength, hardness, ductility.
- Environmental Factors: Corrosion resistance, temperature tolerance.
- Electrical/Thermal Conductivity: For specific component needs.
- Cost & Production Volume: Affecting choice between metals or cost-effective plastics/zinc.
- Complexity: How intricate the final shape needs to be.
Casting materials for molds vary widely, from flexible rubbers (silicone, latex, urethane) for detail, to rigid options like plaster, ceramic, or metal (steel, iron, aluminum, graphite) for durability and high-heat applications, plus resins (epoxy, polyester) for specific craft projects, with the choice depending on the desired flexibility, detail, durability, and the casting material itself (wax, resin, low-temp metals).
Flexible Mold Materials (for detail)
Silicone Rubber: "Workhorse" for resins, low-temp metals, wax; high tear strength, durable.
Latex Rubber: Eco-friendly, very flexible, excellent detail, good tear resistance, needs release agent.
Urethane Rubber: Versatile, good for various resins and waxes, durable.
Alginate: Used for body casting (handprints) for quick, temporary molds.
Rigid/Semi-Rigid Mold Materials (for durability/heat)
Plaster (Gypsum): Inexpensive, good for crafts, concrete, but can be brittle; often used with fillers.
Ceramic Molds: Used in investment casting (lost-wax); fired to create a strong mold for metals.
Metal Molds (Steel, Iron, Aluminum): Used for permanent molds and die casting; high heat resistance, durable for mass production.
Sand: Traditional for metal casting (sand casting).
Resin/Plastic Mold Materials (for specific projects)
Epoxy Resin: Good for smaller castings, strong, durable; use longer cure times for larger projects.
Polyester Resin: Inexpensive, used with fillers, but contains styrene (a carcinogen); styrene-free options exist.
Other Materials
Clay: Can be used for master models or simple molds.
Wax: Used for creating patterns for investment casting.
How to Choose
For detail & flexibility: Silicone, latex, urethane.
For concrete/plaster casts: Plaster, silicone, urethane.
For high-temp metals: Ceramic, graphite, steel, iron, high-temp silicone.
For intricate resin crafts: Silicone, epoxy, polyester resins.
Main Products
silicon carbon alloy
silicon metal
calcium silicon
cored wire
ferro chrome
ferro manganese
microsilica
silicon briquette
recarburizer
barium silicon