Feeder system

A feeder system for metal casting comprising a feeder sleeve mounted on a tubular body;

• the tubular body having a first end and an opposite second end and a compressible portion therebetween so that upon application of a force in use, the distance between the first and second ends is reduced;
• the feeder sleeve having a longitudinal axis and comprising a continuous sidewall extending generally around the longitudinal axis that defines a cavity for receiving liquid metal during casting, the sidewall having a base adjacent the second end of the tubular body;
• the tubular body defining an open bore therethrough for connecting the cavity to the casting,
• wherein at least one cut-out extends into the sidewall from the base and the second end of the tubular body projects into the at least one cut-out to a fixed depth, and
• wherein a portion of the tubular body between the second end and the compressible portion projects into the at least one cut-out and is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the feeder sleeve.

A process for preparing a mould comprising

• placing a feeder system on a pattern plate, the feeder system comprising a feeder sleeve mounted on a tubular body;
• the feeder sleeve comprising a continuous sidewall that defines a cavity for receiving liquid metal during casting, the sidewall having a base adjacent the tubular body;
• the tubular body defining an open bore therethrough for connecting the cavity to the casting, the tubular body having a first end and an opposite second end and a compressible portion therebetween,
• wherein a cut-out extends into the sidewall from the base and the second end of the tubular body projects into the cut-out to a fixed depth;
• surrounding the pattern with mould material;
• compacting the mould material;
• and
• removing the pattern from the compacted mould material to form the mould;
• wherein compacting the mould material comprises applying pressure to the feeder system such that the compressible portion is compressed and the distance between the first and second ends is reduced;
• and
• wherein the feeder sleeve is supported by a portion of the tubular body that projects into the cut-out and that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the feeder sleeve.