Abstract
A new molding method using high humidity hot air as heating media was developed. We constructed a laboratory-scale apparatus for concluding basic experimental studies. Packed beds of silica sand coated with/without phenol resins or sugars as an adhesive agent were used as the material. During the initial stage of heating with high humidity air, the temperature of the packed bed uniformly rises rapidly by steam condensation. Results of molding tests indicated that the relationship between the wall temperature of the heating section and the dew-point temperature of the heating media, for regulating the condensation in the packed bed, should be optimized to improve the quality of products and to reduce the heating time.
