Abstract: During the EPC (expendable pattern casting) process, one of the essential requirements is to prevent pattern distortion during sand filling and compaction. A new method which vibrates the system in a two-dimensional circular mode has been applied to the EPC process. The molding properties of unbonded sand obtained by this new vibration mode are investigated and compared with those in the one-dimensional vertical mode. For adequate compaction of sand, the circular vibration mode is more effective than the vertical mode. Sand became more fluidized by the circular vibration and the particle pressure coefficient was close to unity. The particle pressure coefficient, which is defined as the ratio of horizontal to vertical sand pressure, is responsible for the effectiveness of sand filling.

Key words: EPC process, Sand compaction, Vibration mode, Pattern deformation, Sand pressure