How to choose the right tool for fettling applications?
1. Degating
Angle grinders (5" or 7") mounted with resinoid grinding wheels, flap wheels or cutting wheels can be used for degating. Chisels and hammers may also be applied.
2. Surface cleaning
During surface cleaning, angle grinders (5" or 7") with resinoid grinding wheels, flap wheels or cutting wheels are also used. Die grinders with carbide burrs and mounted points enable more precise work.
3. Surface finishing
Finishing is carried out using angle and die grinders, and angle, orbital and belt sanders.
Grinder Selector : select the right grinder for your application
Using a grinding wheel for cutting purposes can lead to inefficient results as it accelerates the wear and tear of both the tool and the abrasive, diminishing their longevity. It is advisable to choose a more suitable tool that matches the specific requirements of your application.
Safety tips
Noise: Very high noise levels in excess of 117 dB(A) can be produced during fettling and noise levels of 100 - 110 dB(A) are regularly measured during this process. Ensure you use ear protection and choose a tool with minimal noise level.
Steel founding: The temperature in a steel foundry gets very high. Sand often becomes burnt onto the casting which needs to be removed by mechanical means, such as grinding. However, this gives rise to dust which poses a health, safety, and fire risk, consequently effective dust exhaust systems and personal respiratory protection are essential.
To enhance productivity in a steel foundry, it is crucial to identify a tool solution that enables cutting ingates with maximum precision and flushness. This will result in improved efficiency and effectiveness in the grinding process, leading to higher productivity levels.
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Fettling turns a raw casting into a functional component. After removing the molds, the process starts with degating and surface cleaning to remove excess material and achieve the desired basic shape. The part can then be heat treated depending on requirements of the final application. Precise finishing, adjustment, chamfering, and deburring is then carried out to attain the desired surface finish for coating or painting.