Understanding the Impact of Mold Position on Brass Casting Microstructure and Hardness : An Observational Study by Production Operators

Sari

Production operators carried out an observational study to gain insights, processes, and identifying areas for improvement in the production environment. The study involved the manufacture of cartridge brass using crucible melting furnace, with casting done in both vertical and horizontal molds, following the ASTM B36 C26000 material standard. The microstructural analysis focused on comparing the samples, which revealed that the brass made in the vertical mold had better homogeneity and smaller dendrite α grain size. The slow freezing process observed during the study contributed to the growth of new dendrite α grains, resulting in a unique columnar structure and impacting cooling rates, which manufacturers could customize for improved mechanical properties.