Feeder system
The present invention relates to a feeder system for use in metal casting operations utilising casting moulds, and to feeder sleeves and breaker cores for use in the feeder system. There is provided a feeder system for metal casting, the feeder system comprising a feeder sleeve mounted on a breaker core, the feeder sleeve having a first end and an opposite second end, a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends, and a continuous sidewall extending generally around the longitudinal axis between the first and second ends, the sidewall defining a cavity for receiving molten metal during casting, and the breaker core defining an open bore therethrough for connecting the cavity to the casting, wherein the first end of the feeder sleeve comprises a base portion which is mounted on the breaker core, and the second end of the feeder sleeve comprises a planar roof portion and a curved or chamfered portion extending around the periphery of the roof portion, for connecting the sidewall and the roof portion.
1. A feeder system for metal casting, the feeder system comprising a feeder sleeve mounted on a breaker core,
the feeder sleeve having a first end and an opposite second end, a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends, and a continuous sidewall extending generally around the longitudinal axis between the first and second ends, the sidewall defining a cavity for receiving molten metal during casting, and
the breaker core defining an open bore therethrough for connecting the cavity to the casting,
wherein the first end of the feeder sleeve comprises a base portion which is mounted on the breaker core, and
the second end of the feeder sleeve comprises a planar roof portion and a curved or chamfered portion extending around a periphery of the roof portion, for connecting the sidewall and the roof portion,
wherein the minimum diameter of the roof portion is 25-90% of the minimum diameter of the sidewall of the feeder sleeve.
2. The feeder system of claim 1 , wherein the sidewall of the feeder sleeve is cylindrical and the cross-sectional shape of the cylinder is generally circular, oval or obround.
3. The feeder system of claim 1 , wherein the base portion and the breaker core extend at an angle of 2-100° relative to the longitudinal axis of the feeder sleeve.
4. The feeder system of claim 1 , wherein the base portion and the breaker core extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the feeder sleeve.
5. The feeder system of claim 1 , wherein the breaker core comprises a planar base and a raised sidewall extending around the circumference of the planar base.
6. The feeder system of claim 5 , wherein the height of the raised sidewall is 1-15% of the height of the feeder sleeve.
7. The feeder system of claim 5 , wherein the breaker core further comprises a boss projecting from an upper surface of the raised sidewall.
8. The feeder system of claim 7 , wherein the boss projects partially or completely around the circumference of an inner edge of the raised sidewall.
9. The feeder system of claim 1 , wherein the roof portion comprises an open bore therethrough.
10. The feeder system of claim 9 , wherein the minimum diameter of the bore extending through the roof portion is 20-100% of the minimum diameter of the roof portion.
11. The feeder system of claim 1 , wherein the second end of the feeder sleeve comprises a chamfered portion and the chamfered portion extends at an angle of 10-70° relative to the longitudinal axis of the feeder system.
12. The feeder system of claim 1 , wherein the second end of the feeder sleeve comprises a chamfered portion and the width of the chamfered portion, as measured between the sidewall and the roof portion, is 10-150% of the minimum diameter of the sidewall.
13. The feeder system of claim 1 , wherein the second end of the feeder sleeve comprises a curved portion and the radius of curvature of the curved portion is 2-100 mm.
14. The feeder system of claim 1 , wherein the sidewall of the feeder sleeve comprises two or more parts which are fitted together, wherein one of the parts comprises the roof portion and the curved or chamfered portion, and wherein another one of the parts comprises the base portion.