Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Metallic molds are widely used in various industries for the manufacturing of products through casting processes. This research project focuses on the construction of a simple metallic mold suitable for small-scale production. The construction process involves the selection of appropriate materials, design considerations, and fabrication techniques. The selection of materials for the metallic mold is crucial to ensure durability, heat resistance, and ease of machining. Common materials used for metallic molds include tool steel, aluminum, and cast iron. The choice of material depends on factors such as the type of product to be manufactured, production volume, and budget constraints. Design considerations for the metallic mold encompass factors such as part geometry, cooling channels, and draft angles. The mold design must be optimized for efficient production and minimal defects in the cast parts. Computer-aided design (CAD) software is often employed to create detailed 3D models of the mold before fabrication. Fabrication techniques for constructing the metallic mold include machining, welding, and surface treatment. Machining processes such as milling and drilling are used to shape the mold cavity and core according to the CAD design. Welding is employed to assemble mold components and ensure structural integrity. Surface treatments such as heat treatment and coating may be applied to enhance the mold's properties and prolong its lifespan. The construction of a simple metallic mold involves a series of steps, starting from material selection and design, followed by fabrication and finishing processes. The success of the mold construction project relies on careful planning, skilled labor, and quality control measures to ensure the final product meets the desired specifications. Overall, this research project provides insights into the construction of simple metallic molds for small-scale production applications. By understanding the material selection, design considerations, and fabrication techniques involved in mold construction, manufacturers can improve their casting processes and enhance product quality. The knowledge gained from this project can be applied to various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods, where metallic molds play a vital role in the production of high-quality components.

Thesis Overview

1.0         INTRODUCTION

The equipment mostly used in the industries and manufacturing establishments requires the production of definite shape, pattern, different design, embossments and others, are usually moulds. The ability of moulds to withstand pressure, distortion and corrosion determines the application.

A mould has been defined as a pattern constructed for the production of the same type of the prototype. The constructional material differs from one operation to another. The diversity of the application gives the need for the designing and development of moulds of different materials, compositions, shapes, textures and crossing resistances.

Mould is as old as man, the early days of the blacksmiths were able to construct, design materials of different shapes and sizes using mould.

1.1                   USES OF MOULDS IN PRODUCTION INDUSTRIES.

–           The metallurgical Industries use mould pattern for different casting operations and diverse application for the productions of metal blocks, building blocks, e.t.c like in the production of both industrial and household plastic wares.

–           In the manufacturing set –up, the different types of accessories that have different profiles are usually produced using moulds.

–          In the mechanical engineering set-up, moulds are usually used for the production of different machines parts with intricate shapes that cannot be easily manufactured on a lathe.

–          The food industry applies for moulds processes for their production. Production of bread is usually a mould patterns process. The still applies to the other foods items like Biscuits, sausage rolls, cakes and others.

–          In pharmaceutical companies where tablet drugs of different sizes and textures are made, ninety – percent (90%) of the tablet drugs are produced in moulds.

–          The electrical components – manufacturing industries utilize moulds for the different production of accessories and fittings used in the household and commercial lighting activities

–          In the candle producing and making industries mould application is for the processes.

This has resulted to the increase of activities in that section. In smaller mould production application, the building industry makes use of mould system in the production of blocks, bricks and others.

Conclusively, the costs of applications of moulds. In the solution of society problems are inexhaustible and very relevant for economic development of any nation.

1.2                         IMPORTANCE OF MOULD MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES TO THE NATION.

The setting up of mould manufacturing industry in the nation has a lot of implications. Thus practice of importing most machine parts from the overseas have really rendered the action of setting up moulds making industries useless. The economic implications of mould industries are discussed below.

–          The high foreign exchange cost in the importation of moulds and different machines parts could be saved for the nation.

–          The mould industry will assit in producing high texture and corrosive resistant mould that would serve effectively rather than importing moulds that are not manufactured in consideration to the tropical kind of Nigeria environment.

–          In mould industries, the different machines that are usually abandoned due to lack of spare pars are easily moulded and constructed since the material construction is known.

–          The setting-up of mould factory would assist greatly in harnessing the abundant metallic ore deposition in different parts of our country.

–          The mould industry would definitely lead to industrial and commercial growth, since the diverse operations that are usually projected by mould formation would begin to thrive.

–          Conclusively, setting up of mould producing industries will have a positive effect on all facets of projects associated with lack of spare parts and accessories.