Sand casting is the process that utilizes expendable sand molds to form complex metal parts. There are several types of sand that can be used to create molds. The type of sand you use should depend upon your experience in sand casting and what you would like to make.
Green Sand
Green sand is made up of water, clay and sand. According to sand casting, green sand is a top choice for professionals because it is the least expensive and easiest to use. Molten metal hardens the mold. Heating molten metal can be a challenging and tedious process. Most people use a furnace to heat metal between 1400°F to 1600°F. The molten metal is then poured onto the mold. When the metal freezes, you then have your metal part. This sand material is also the most popular choice for sand casting.
Oil Tempered Sand
Oil tempered sand for sand casting contains a binder instead of clay. It is a kind of sand that reacts with oil instead of water. Oil tempered sand is usually mixed by a company before the sand casting process. Oil tempered sand is often used to create auto and machine parts.
Core Sand
Core sand for sand casting, also known as sodium silicate sand, is created by mixing sodium silicate with plain sand and carbon dioxide.. After core sand is mixed, it is used in the same way as green sand.
Resin Bonded Sand
Resin bonded sand for sand casting is created by bonding polymeric resin with silica sand. It often takes longer than other sands in the sand casting process because the polymeric resin and silica sand have to react.
Synthetic Sand
According to sand casting, synthetic sand is "clean, graded sand in which clay can be added as desired." Synthetic sand allows professionals to control its strength by adding as much or as little clay as necessary. Otherwise, this sand is used the same way green sand is used.