What are the different types of casting machines?

In modern manufacturing, casting machines are key equipment for metal forming. They pour molten metal into molds and cool and solidify, producing parts of various complex shapes. With the diversification of industrial needs, casting machines have evolved into various subcategories. Gravity casting machines, low-pressure casting machines, and liquid die forging machines, each with its own unique characteristics, play an important role in different fields.

 

Gravity casting machines are one of the most widely used casting equipment. Their core principle is to use the metal's own gravity to fill the mold. During operation, molten metal flows naturally into the mold cavity through a runner and forms a casting after cooling. This type of equipment has a simple structure and low cost, making it particularly suitable for producing relatively simple aluminum alloy and zinc alloy parts, such as automotive wheel hub blanks and motor housings. The advantages of gravity casting machines include higher casting density, fewer defects such as pores and shrinkage, and easy production process control. Therefore, they are highly favored in industries such as hardware and home appliances. However, for castings with complex structures and uneven wall thicknesses, gravity casting can suffer from insufficient mold filling, necessitating other process improvements.

 

Low-pressure casting machines (LPCMs) overcome the limitations of gravity casting by using low-pressure gas to propel molten metal into the mold. The machine places the mold above a sealed crucible and introduces compressed air at 0.02-0.06 MPa. Under pressure, the molten metal flows smoothly down a riser tube into the mold cavity, where it solidifies under pressure to form the casting. This process precisely controls the filling speed and pressure, effectively reducing internal defects in the casting. It is particularly suitable for producing thin-walled, complex, high-precision castings, such as automotive engine cylinder heads and transmission housings. LPCMs produce castings with high dimensional accuracy and excellent surface quality, significantly reducing the amount of post-processing required. They have become a staple in high-end manufacturing applications such as automotive parts and aerospace.

Liquid Die Forging Machines (LDFMs) are a new type of equipment that combines the advantages of both casting and forging, earning them the title of "the all-rounder of the foundry industry." Liquid metal is first poured into a mold at a fixed volume. A punch then applies high pressure (typically 50-150 MPa), causing the metal to crystallize, solidify, and undergo plastic deformation under pressure. This process produces castings that combine the complex molding capabilities of casting with the high strength of forging, resulting in mechanical properties far exceeding those of conventional castings. Liquid die forging machines are widely used in the production of high-load bearing parts, such as hydraulic valve bodies and connecting rods for construction machinery. They excel in processing light metals like aluminum and magnesium alloys, meeting lightweighting requirements while ensuring structural strength.

 

In addition to the three types of equipment mentioned above, the modern Casting Machine family also includes high-pressure die casting machines and sand casting machines. High-pressure die casting machines are suitable for mass production of thin-walled, complex parts, such as mobile phone midframes; sand casting machines are primarily used for large castings for heavy machinery. With the integration of intelligent technology, the new generation of casting machines are generally equipped with automatic pouring systems, temperature monitoring devices, and data traceability. These not only improve production efficiency but also enable real-time adjustment of process parameters to ensure consistent casting quality.

 

From traditional gravity casting machines to sophisticated low-pressure casting machines and high-performance liquid die forging machines, various casting machines together constitute a complete system for metal forming. Based on their diverse process characteristics, they meet diverse needs, from common parts to high-end equipment, and have become a key cornerstone driving the development of industries such as automotive, aviation, and machinery. In the future, with advances in materials science and intelligent manufacturing, Casting Machinery will evolve towards greater efficiency, precision, and environmental friendliness, providing stronger impetus for manufacturing upgrades.