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A typical casting begins when an order is entered into
the Southwest Steel Production Control program. This entry adds it to the
production schedule which in turn creates a demand for raw materials
(i.e. sand, binder, scrap steel etc.) and manufactured items such as
cores.
In addition, pattern and core
boxes are taken to the Pattern Shop and 'prepped' for the production run.
Typically,
the core room reacts first, getting the necessary cores ready for
setting as the molds are being made. Next, molds halves (upper and
lower) are made and sent to the assembly area.
At
the assembly area, molds are flow coated
and cores are set in place. The mold is
then closed up for pouring.
As the assembled molds are being staged
on the pour-off lines, a heat is melted
in the arc furnace. Molten steel from
the arc furnace is brought to the molds
on the pouring lines in a refractory
lined pouring ladle.
Once poured, the molds are allowed to
cool before next being sent to the
shakeout. At the shakeout, the castings
are separated from the sand mold. The
sand is sent to a reclamation system so
that it can be reused in the molding
process. |
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