HISTORY OF PROCESS AND EVOLUTION OF MACHINE DESIGN
Continuous casting of non-ferrous metals can be in the vertical or horizontal mode, the particular application generally dictated by the product size and volume of output.

There are a number of definitions of continuous casting, possibly one of the more appropriate being 'the continuous solidification and withdrawal from a shaping mould. It may he inferred from this simple statement as a simple process. but the metallurgical complexities involved in the process have as their focal point the thermal and mechanical interactions between the mould and the moving solidifying shell of the casting. Neglecting for the moment the importance of economics in continuous casting, it is the heat transfer within the mould that is the overriding factor for the ultimate success of the process.

Today casting plants are handling large-scale production of continuous cast and rolled strip in aluminium, copper,lead and zinc.

MODE OF CASTING
The crucible is heated by induction or electric resistance to maintain the melt at the appropriate casting temperature. The crucible can act simply as a reservoir of liquid metal above the mould. being fed separately from a melting-furnace. Alternatively, the crucible can function as a melting. holding and casting chamber.

The crucible can be manufactured in a suitable ceramic refractory with water- cooled graphite die assembly attached. High-quality graphite is used as the die or mould material in the majority of non-ferrous metals including all of the copper- based alloys, gold and silver alloys. The fully graphite-lined containment system for the molten metal used with submerged graphite dies and using inert gas protection is now applied to a wide range of applications.

Manufactures Casting Machine
Stoker manufactures casting machine is used to melt and cast in continuous lengths a wide range of copper and copper-based alloys. The applications of casting machinery are semi-finished rods, strips, tubes or other profiles. Our small table top machines are specially designed to process gold, silver and their alloys. This machine, therefore, converts scrap of almost all copper and copper-based alloys. It helps in cutting down costs drastically. The machine processes recycled expensive scrap, which results in reducing scrap wastage to the minimum.

Design of Casting Machine
Stoker Concast has been technically designed according to the latest international standards and the manufacturers have taken care that it can be comfortably used in high temperature applications. It is also environment friendly as the furnace is completely sealed and kept under inert nitrogen gas atmosphere.

Fumes coming out of it are negligible. Whether it is the cost of the machine, the technology behind it or its design, Stoker Concast triumphs on all counts. It is the first and the only jewelry making machine from India. It is making waves in and across the country's borders.

Technical Data of Casting Machine
Stoker machines cover a wide range - from 10 Kg/hr to 250 Kg/hr for precious metals. The selection of machine depends on a particular application. The product sizes can range from as small as 6.0 mm diameter rods to billets of 150 mm diameter. The widest strip and section, upto150 mm width may be produced on large machines. Every model of the Stoker range of machines features great flexibility in terms of product profile and product alloy. A few minor modifications are required to change the machine from strip to rod production.

Advantages
A unique and distinctive feature of the Stoker Machines is that they are specially designed to suit difficult working conditions. A number of innovations have been introduced to meet the severe operating conditions under which users have to operate these machines.

It has been designed to face the challenges like erratic electricity supply, non-availability of superior quality raw materials etc. All the models are electrically heated and operated on 3-phase input supply. Using three phases as input supply (a balanced load) it can be run on generator.

At the time of commissioning the machine at the customer's site the transfer of technology is undertaken completely. Great emphasis is given to training of manpower in order to make the workers handle the machine independently.

The casting machine is of significant use to those involved in the following:

Jewelry industry Brass wire & electrical conductor wire Brass & bronze hardware & wires Resistance, brazing & bonding wire industry Electrical solder, electrical busbars, commutator sections Electrical contacts Brass, copper tube industry Spectacle frame, coinage industry

Performance & Usage
The machine is of significant use to those involved in the following:

Jewellery Industry Brass Wire & Electrical Conductor Wire Brass & Bronze Hardware & Wires Resistance, Brazing & Bonding Wire Industry Electrical Solder, Electrical Busbars, Commutator Sections Electrical Contacts Brass, Copper Tube Industry Spectacle Frame, Jewellery & Coinage Industry

End Products
Some of the common end products of Stoker casting machine are:

Electrical Conductor Wire Brass and Bronze Hardware Resistance Wire Bonding Wire Water Fittings Electrical Bus Bars Copper Water Tubes Coinage Spectacle Frame

Brass Wire Bronze Bushings Brazing Wire Electronic Solder Gas Fittings Brass Condenser Tubes Jewelry Non Sparking Tools Electrical Contacts

Note:
1. The minimum wall thickness of the tube is 10% of OD or 5 mm which ever is higher.
2. The minimum thickness of strip is 10% of width or 3 mm which ever is higher.