AFS Foundry Sand Testing Equipment Operating Instructions Manual

RIDSDALE LABORATORY CORE TEST PIECE BLOWER (cont’d)IIDESCRIPTION OF MACHINE (cont’d)No 2 – Air Pressure RegulatorThis regulator enables the required blowing air pressure to be selected by turning the knob,and maintains this pressure against small fluctuations in the mains supply pressure. Thegauge indicates the pressure of air supplied to the sand magazine.No 3 – Air InletThe air inlet is attached to the side of the pressure regulator. The coupling is ¼ in. BSP.No 4 – Blower LeverThe blower lever controls the air supply to the sand magazine and is operated by pulling theknob downwards smartly. A safety device prevents the blow valve being operated until thesand magazine is in contact with the die.No 5 – Magazine Positioning and Clamping HandleThis weighted handle is used to raise and lower the sand magazine. The weight is sufficientto hold the magazine in contact with the die during the blowing operation.No 6 – Sand MagazineThis consists of a cylinder having a quick release joint at the upper end, and a nozzle at thelower end. It can be removed from the blowing head fixed to the raising and lowering rackby turning in an anti-clockwise direction.The nozzle is detachable, and has an inner recess for holding a removable rubber slottedvalve which is used when blowing shell moulding sands.No 7 – Die Positioning ScrewThis screw is used in conjunction with the die clamping lever and backstop to adjust theposition of the die centrally beneath the sand magazine nozzle.No 8 – Die Clamping LeverThis lever releases or clamps the side plates of the die by a backward or forward movement.No 9 – Die Heater PlatesThese plates form the side walls of the die cavity, and contain electrical heater elements.The temperature of the plate is controlled by the temperature controller.IIIDESCRIPTION OF DIESDies for Producing Hot-Cured Test PiecesThe die consists of a frame having an insulated handle, and is inserted directly between theheater plates. After blowing the test piece, the die is removed, and the test piece strippedfrom it by pressing it on to a suitable stripping post.60