Design and modelling of dual faceplate centrifugal casting equipment for manufacturing of turbine bearing

Abstract

Rise in the productivity can be achieved by automation or special purpose machine (SPM). The paper is focused on the design of a SPM for manufacturing of turbine bearing having with 3000 kg mass, 700 mm length and 1200 mm diameter. Centrifugal casting is the only process through which such dimensioned bearing is manufactured. As this machine is working on the concept of centrifugal forces the rotational speed plays a vital role, so provision is made to vary it from 10 to 350 rpm. According to length to diameter ratio, vertical machine is preferred, but the tendency of getting parabolic shape by material during rotating keeps us away from selecting this design. In the horizontal machine, there is a tendency that the molten metal might not match the synchronous speed i.e. rotational speed of mould, which keeps us away from selection. Hence dual faceplate centrifugal casting machine has been selected.