The paper presents the optimization of master alloy amount for the high nodular graphite yield (80-90%) in cast iron obtain in lost foam process. The influence of the gating system configuration and the shape of the reaction chamber, the degree of spheroidisation cast iron was examined. Research has shown that the, optimal of master alloy amount of 1.5% by mass on casting iron. The degree of spheroidisation is also influenced by the gating system configuration. The best spheroidisation effect was obtained for liquid cast iron was fed into the reaction chamber from the bottom and discharged from the top.

The article presents investigation results of the effect of sand fluidization on the structure and mechanical properties of AlSi9 aluminum alloy. Castings were made by lost foam casting process with sand fluidization in mold at the stages of their solidification and cooling. Sand fluidization was achieved by blowing sand bed with compressed air in a foundry container. The metallographic study was carrying out on samples cut from different sections of the castings. Mechanical properties were determined on specimens made from cast samples. Microstructural analysis showed that sand fluidization increases the cooling rate, as a result, the main microstructural components of the alloy – SDAS, eutectic silicon and needles of the rich-iron phase – decrease. Moreover, in different sections of the casting structure is more uniform. With an increasing the air flow rate, a greater refinement of the structure is observed. Through the use of sand fluidization, the mechanical properties of LFC aluminum alloys increase to the level of gravity die castings.

The article considers the method of obtaining reinforced castings from gray cast iron by lost foam casting. The aim of this study was to determine the microstructure formation of gray cast iron reinforced with inserts of carbon and stainless steel in this casting method. The results of the research have shown that the products of destruction of expanded polystyrene have a positive effect on the bonding formation of cast iron with reinforcing inserts. When steel wire is used as reinforcement, a decarbonized layer of cast iron is being formed around it, in which the inclusions of graphite are smaller and their quantity is less than in the main metal. Due to carburization, the surface structure of the reinforcement changes from ferrite to pearlite with cementite. Steel wire reinforcement can be effective in increasing strength and toughness of gray cast iron. The usage of stainless steel reinforcement leads to the formation of a transition layer on the part of the matrix metal. It contains ledeburite with dissolved chromium, which increase the wear resistance of cast iron.

The article presents the results of the research on the influence of the shape of reaction chamber on spheroidisation of cast iron produced with use of the inmold method. The amounts of nodular graphite precipitates in castings produced with the use of different reaction chambers have been compared.