Centrifugal casting, also known as the deLavaud process, uses a spinning mold to produce lengths of pipe through the use of G force created by rapidly rotating the mold. The concept was invented by French engineer Dimitri Sensaud deLavaud as a more efficient method of producing iron pipe.

The centrifugal process consists of a spinning steel mold enclosed in a jacket of water or water spray. Molten metal is injected into the casting by a ladle through a trough, which rides on a movable carriage or platform. As the molten metal enters the casting, it stretches to the full length of the mold. The molten metal is first ladled into a bell from which it enters the casting and continues to enter the mold until the full length is full to the spigot end. The centrifugal movement forces the iron to the wall of the mold where it solidifies to a seamless pipe. Joints are created by a resin coated core of sand of the correct dimensions for the mold, which prevents molten metal from escaping.

To increase the adhesion of the mold, it is peened to improve surface friction and enhances the life of the mold. Also, peening helps sprays stick to the walls of the mold to make removal of the casting more efficient. During the casting process, the die can be spinning vertically or horizontally depending on the configuration of the part to be produced where ring and cylinder parts are shaped vertically, and tube shapes are made horizontally.

The centrifugal force of the process removes less dense materials such as impurities and "floats". Solidification happens under the pressure of the spinning force creating a defect free part without cavities or gas pockets.

Aside from pipes, centrifugal casting can be used to manufacture flywheels, cylinder linings, and axi-symmetric parts. The high quality of cylinder liners and sleeve valves from the centrifugal process cannot be produced using any other method of casting.

Pressure casting, a form of centrifugal casting, is used for asymmetrical parts that cannot be spun around their own axis. The method is quick and cost effective for the production of high volume parts with a tight tolerance. A molten metal alloy is injected into a steel mold under high pressure and solidifies almost immediately to be extracted. This method can be used for large gear rings and other such items.

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