DEVELOPMENT OF MOLD SHAKER IN CERAMIC CASTING FOR BAN NAM CHIAO TOURISM COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE, TRAT PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to develop a vibrating mold-leveling machine for community-based ceramic casting processes in order to improve product quality and reduce residual air bubbles in the molds. The researcher designed and constructed a prototype machine by employing a direct current motor with an eccentric weight to generate vibration, and tested its mechanical performance by measuring acceleration (A_p), vibration velocity (V_rms), and peak-to-peak displacement (D_p-p) at seven vibration levels, along with conducting casting trials comparing the use and non-use of the vibrating machine. The measurement results indicated that the mid-range vibration at level 3 provided the highest values among all test levels, namely A_p = 38.25 m/s², V_rms = 60.58 mm/s, and D_p-p = 0.789 mm. Examination of the cast samples revealed that the group subjected to vibration at all positions (A–F) achieved complete casting, whereas the control group without vibration (G) showed voids caused by air bubbles at the edges, where plaster could not be replaced during the casting process. When all samples were compared, it was confirmed that vibration helped reduce the number and size of air bubbles and significantly increased the uniformity of the material as observed. In conclusion, the prototype vibrating mold-leveling machine operated at mid-range settings, particularly at levels 3–4, was identified as the most appropriate operating condition in terms of both mechanical performance and the internal surface quality of the cast products for the context of the target community enterprises.