Sow Mold — Multiple Chamber Configurations and Model Range

SMI multiple chamber sow molds allow multiple sows to be cast per pour — increasing throughput and reducing cycle time in high-volume primary casthouse and secondary remelting operations. Five standard configurations cover a capacity range from 0.11 m³ to 0.48 m³. All models are manufactured from SMI’s proprietary material formulation — optimised for rapid cooling and thermal shock resistance in continuous casthouse service. Custom chamber layouts and dimensions are available to customer specification.

Standard Model Range — Multiple Chamber Sow Mold

All dimensions are in millimetres. Weights and capacities are nominal — actual values may vary depending on final design configuration. Custom chamber configurations and dimensions available on request.

About Multiple Chamber Sow Molds

Multiple chamber sow molds divide the casting volume into two or more separate chambers within a single mold body. Each chamber receives a separate pour of molten aluminium and produces an individual sow upon solidification — increasing the number of sows produced per handling cycle, reducing crane movements and improving casthouse floor utilisation. The chamber divider geometry and wall thickness are engineered to ensure consistent solidification across all chambers simultaneously, preventing differential shrinkage and maintaining consistent sow dimensions across the full production run.

Material

All SMI multiple chamber sow molds are manufactured from SMI’s proprietary material formulation — developed over 30 years of continuous supply to aluminium casthouses worldwide. The formulation delivers rapid cooling rate and thermal shock resistance — the two performance requirements that determine service life in high-cycle casthouse environments. Alternative material options are available for specific operating conditions on request.

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Sow Mold — Single Chamber Configurations and Model Range

SMI single chamber sow molds are designed for casting aluminium sows from molten metal or recovered aluminium in primary casthouse and secondary remelting operations. Five standard configurations cover a capacity range from 0.077 m³ to 0.37 m³. All models are manufactured from SMI’s proprietary material formulation — optimised for rapid cooling rate and thermal shock resistance, extending service life in high-cycle casthouse environments. Custom dimensions are available to customer drawing or specification.

Standard Model Range — Single Chamber Sow Mold

All dimensions are in millimetres. Weights and capacities are nominal — actual values may vary depending on final design configuration. Custom dimensions available on request.

About Single Chamber Sow Molds

The single chamber sow mold provides a single casting cavity for producing one aluminium sow per pour. The open-top design allows molten aluminium to be poured directly from a ladle or transfer crucible into the mold cavity, where it solidifies into a sow of consistent dimensions suitable for transport, storage and remelting. Wall geometry and base configuration are optimised for consistent solidification, easy sow release and stable stacking after casting.

Material

All SMI single chamber sow molds are manufactured from SMI’s proprietary material formulation — developed over 30 years of continuous supply to aluminium casthouses worldwide. The formulation delivers rapid cooling rate and thermal shock resistance — the two performance requirements that determine service life in high-cycle casthouse environments. Alternative material options are available for specific operating conditions on request.

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Dross Skim Pan — Multiple Chamber Configurations and Model Range

SMI multiple chamber dross skim pans provide separated collection zones within a single pan body — allowing dross fractions to be kept separate during skimming and collection, or accommodating specific casthouse process flow requirements. Six standard configurations cover a capacity range from 0.32 m³ to 1.05 m³. All models are manufactured from SMI’s proprietary material formulation — optimised for rapid cooling rate and thermal shock resistance in continuous casthouse service. Custom chamber layouts and dimensions are available to customer specification.

Standard Model Range — Multiple Chamber Skim Pan

All dimensions are in millimetres. Weights and capacities are nominal — actual values may vary depending on final design configuration. Custom chamber layouts and dimensions available on request.

Chamber Divider Configurations

SMI multiple chamber skim pans are available in two distinct divider configurations — selected according to the casthouse’s dross fraction separation requirements and process flow:

Three Chamber — Low Divider

The three chamber low divider configuration incorporates two internal dividers at approximately one third to one half of the total cavity depth. The lower divider height allows a degree of controlled flow between chambers during filling and skimming — providing flexible dross collection across three zones within a single pan body. This configuration suits casthouses where broad dross fraction zoning is required without strict separation between chambers.

Dual Chamber — High Divider

The dual chamber high divider configuration incorporates a single internal divider at approximately three quarters to four fifths of the total cavity depth. The higher divider provides more thorough separation between the two chambers — limiting cross-chamber flow and maintaining more distinct dross fraction separation throughout the skimming and collection cycle. This configuration suits casthouses where strict separation of different dross fractions or different furnace taps is required within a single pan handling operation.

About Multiple Chamber Skim Pans

Multiple chamber skim pans are used where casthouse process requirements call for separation of different dross fractions during skimming — or where the physical layout of the furnace and casthouse floor benefits from a longer pan geometry with internal dividers rather than multiple separate single chamber pans. The internal divider geometry is engineered to maintain structural integrity under repeated thermal cycling while providing effective zone separation between chambers throughout the service life of the pan.

The choice between three chamber low divider and dual chamber high divider configurations depends on the degree of separation required and the specific dross handling practice of the casthouse. SMI’s engineering team can advise on configuration selection based on the customer’s furnace type, dross volume and casthouse process requirements.

Material

All SMI multiple chamber skim pans are manufactured from SMI’s proprietary material formulation — developed over 30 years of continuous supply to aluminium casthouses worldwide. The formulation delivers rapid cooling rate and thermal shock resistance — the two performance requirements that determine service life in high-cycle casthouse environments. Alternative material options are available for specific operating conditions on request.

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