Solidification characteristic of cu-20%sn bronze alloys casting process by using sand and metal molds

Abstract

Solidification is an essential part of casting process. This is a change process range from liquid phase into solid phase. Difference of solidification rate affects the needed time to change liquid phase into solid phase as well as the release of latent heat. This study aimed at reviewing solidification characteristic of Cu-20%Sn Bronze Alloys as Balinese gamelan materials during casting process by using sand and metal molds. Pure commercial copper (Cu) and white tin (Sn) were melted in crucible furnace until 1000°C. The melted metal was poured into sand and metal molds. History of solidification temperature was measured and recorded by using thermocouple type K which was directly connected to computer equipped with data acquisition system. The results of this study showed that the solidification rate of casting process in metal molds faster than sollidification rate on using sand molds. Finer dendrites with multiple branches are formed on casting on metal molds than compared that dendrite forms that produced on castings by sand molds