Hot Distortion Tester VHD I
1.1 General information
Hot Distortion Tester is equipped with a gas burner mechanism, specimen clamping mechanism and sensing mechanism which are controlled by PLC and observed on screen touch HMI. By default it can measure distortion of a 1/4”x1”x4”) standard transverse specimen.
1.2 General Usage
Take the standard transverse specimen (1/4”X1”X4”). Lift sensor probe up side by figure & slide the specimen in specimen clamping area and clamp it. Release the sensor probe on specimen. Press the start key, equipment shows displacement against time span.
1.3 Product Data
Product Name:
Hot Distortion Tester
Product Code:
VHD I
Order Reference Code:
V0000116
Electrical Supply Required:
230v 50Hz A.C. (Default)
110v 60 Hz A.C (Optional)
Single Phase, Stabilized with Over/ Under Voltage cut-off.
Electrical Plug:
M type : 15 Amp Plug
Typical Maximum Current:
1.2 A at 230V
Compressed air Supply:
Not Required
Communication:
- Ethernet (RJ45)
- CloudSync using V-Sync
Dimensions:
685x390x360 mm (WxBxH)
Packing Dimensions:
790x500x460 mm (WXBXH) Typical
Net Weight:
Approximately 40 kg
Gross Weight:
Approximately 50 kg
Colour:
Factory Default
Measuring Range:
Distortion: ±7mm
Traceable to:
NABL Standards
Least Count:
Distortion: 0.01 mm
Specimen Requirements:
Required
Operating Temperature:
0-500C
Testing Standards:
BIS/AFS
Calibration Frequency:
22500 nos. of Testing Cycles or Once in Year
2.1 Scope of supply
- Hot Distortion Tester.
- Standard calibration plate.
- Calibration certificate.
- Instruction manual.
3.1 Recommended pre-requisite equipment
Sand Splitter : To get representative sample
Specimen preparation equipment’s to make a standard specimen.
4.1 Recommended Calibration kits
Standard slip gauge: 7mm
4.2 Recommended attachments
NA
4.3 Alternative equipment
Hot Distortion Tester VHD
Importance of the test
The Importance and Use of Hot Distortion Testing in Foundry Sands
In modern metal casting, achieving consistent quality and reducing rejections is a top priority. One often-overlooked but critical contributor to casting defects is thermal distortion in mould and core materials. The Hot Distortion Test plays a vital role in diagnosing and preventing such defects by evaluating how foundry sand systems behave when subjected to high temperatures.
Why Hot Distortion Testing Matters
Chemically bonded moulds and cores, especially those exposed directly to molten metal, undergo extreme thermal stress during casting. If the sand system lacks thermal stability, the binder or sand matrix can distort, leading to a cascade of defects such as:
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Veining and Expansion Cracks: Resulting from uneven or excessive expansion.
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Metal Penetration: Caused by loss of sand strength and surface integrity.
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Scabbing and Buckling: Due to non-uniform distortion and binder degradation.
Hot distortion testing simulates these conditions under controlled parameters, providing foundries with quantitative data on how their sand formulations will perform in actual casting environments.
How the Test Works
A standard sand specimen is subjected to a direct flame in the Hot Distortion Tester (VHD I). As the specimen heats, a non-contact sensor records its deformation over time, producing a distortion curve. The test concludes when the specimen fails due to thermal stress.
Key outcomes of the test include:
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Maximum distortion value (mm)
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Time to failure (s)
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Distortion curve shape, indicating binder resilience and structural integrity
These insights enable foundries to:
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Compare different sand-binder systems
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Optimize binder levels and curing parameters
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Qualify new suppliers or raw materials
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Monitor production batch-to-batch consistency
Applications Across Foundry Operations
Application Area Role of Hot Distortion Test R&D & QA Benchmark new sand formulations or resin systems Process Optimization Tune additive and binder levels for better thermal resistance Supplier Evaluation Validate sand quality before large-scale procurement Defect Diagnosis Correlate distortion behavior with observed casting defects 🏭 Real-World Value in Foundries
Foundries that integrate hot distortion testing into their quality control framework benefit from:
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Lower scrap and rework rates
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Improved casting dimensional accuracy
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Enhanced confidence in new tooling or mould design
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Faster troubleshooting and root cause analysis
By identifying how sands behave under heat before actual casting, foundries can make proactive adjustments—saving time, money, and resources.
VHD I: Designed for Precision and Simplicity
The Versatile Hot Distortion Tester (Model: VHD I) offers unmatched ease of use, accuracy, and digital traceability. Its touchscreen interface, automated flame control, and Industry 4.0 connectivity make it ideal for both production and R&D environments.
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