VECTOR-FLO™ is Vulcan’s patented vibratory sand compaction system for compacting lost foam flasks. The system provides a combination of features, flexibility and programmability not previously available for vibratory sand compaction systems.
VECTOR-FLO™ Standard Lost Foam Compaction System
VECTOR-FLO™ is Vulcan's patented vibratory sand compaction system for compacting lost foam flasks. The system provides a combination of features, flexibility and programmability not previously available for vibratory sand compaction systems.
- Horizontal and/or vertical vibration forces to compact dry, unbonded sand by varying energy inputs.
- Greater system flexibility because vibration amplitude is programmable from near zero to the maximum of the system’s capacity in vertical and/or horizontal direction.
- Vertical and horizontal motions can be phased with respect to each other through electronic feedback that controls timing of eccentric weights.
- “On-the-fly” changes in vibration direction, amplitude and relative phasing during compaction cycles.
- Greater flexibility in program recipes due to capability of rapidly changing flask vibration forces at all levels including instantaneous “vibration on” to “vibration off”.
- Shorter compaction cycles due to directed energy effectiveness.
- Reduced downtime because design incorporates fewer mechanical parts, easier replacement of drive parts, electrical control vs. mechanical linkages and longer fatigue life of components.
- Consistent vibration amplitude, direction and phase in all parts of the flask is enhanced by symmetrically designed features of the compaction unit.
- Components manufactured from a heavy fabricated steel and machined for proper system integration.
- Advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) techniques utilized in designing for prolonged component life and predictable system performance.
- Vibration frequency, amplitudes, and direction are all adjustable.
- All vibration parameters can be adjusted “on the fly” during a compaction cycle.
- Vibration pararmeters can be changed very quickly (less than 0.3 seconds)
- This “quick change” ability eliminates prolonged “ramp-down”
- System mass is symmetric about the flask centerline-process parameters are uniform across the flask
- Sand can be made to flow in multiple directions to preferentially fill pattern cavities
- A “comprehensive” method of flask clamping pre-loads the flask and frame, and creates a stiffer dynamic system
- An automatic leveling system maintains flask height and isolates vibration energy from the base
- Foundry-duty vibration motors require less maintenance and improve system serviceability
- The four motor system produces significantly less noise than mechanically timed systems.
- The four motor system permits higher speeds without expensive and sensitive circulating oil lubrication systems.
- All these technologies work together in a uniform, complimentary design to promote operational synergy and to improve the process capabilities and repeatability of the Lost Foam process