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The LPSC process
The LPSC process (Low Pressure Steel Casting) has been developed by Saint-Gobain Seva for the production of high-quality foundry pieces in steel and superalloy. |
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The principle |
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Instead of filling the mould with a casting vessel from the top downwards, the metal is injected from the bottom thanks to a pressure applied on the metal in a heated casting vessel.
The concept is similar to the one used in the aluminium low pressure casting but it has been adapted to the casting of alloys and superalloys at a high melting point (till 1,700°C). |
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The LPSC casting vessel is made of 2 main elements : the vessel and the gooseneck equipped with its own heating system (induction coil). The LPSC casting vessel is heated by a graphite rod. The maximum applied pressure is 2 bar (neutral gas).
The gooseneck is a key element of the process. Its main function consists in regulating the temperature before and after the injection of the pieces. Its round geometry allows the flow of the metal during the casting as well as the thermal homogeneity. |
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The LPSC process enables to obtain an outstanding consistency of the production and metallurgical characteristics thanks to the computer-controlled casting parameters (pressure, temperature).
Besides, unlike its competing processes, the LPSC process is almost unlimited regarding the dimensions of the part to be cast (possible dimensions superior to 1 m. ; weight up to 380 kg). |
What are the advantages of the LPSC process ? |
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Constant and controlled temperature |
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Casting of parts with thin wall and complex shapes |
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No slag or oxides in mould |
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Bath protection |
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Controlled filling |
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No gas in the parts |
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Optimized metal efficiency |
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The LPSC process and the automotive industry |
The SEVA foundry develops prototypes and small batches of thin wall parts -particularly for the automotive industry- in order to come up to the environmental constraints, to the standards of higher engine exhaust temperatures... thanks to new solutions of weight saving.
A licence agreement with Saint-Gobain Seva as well as a know-how transfer are possible for mass production. |
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