US20090301684A1

US20090301684A1 - Feeder insert and feeder element

Info

Publication number: US20090301684A1
Application number: US12/516,119
Authority: US
Inventors: Jürgen Beckmann; Helmut Lindner
Original assignee: Chemex GmbH
Current assignee: Chemex GmbH
Priority date: 2006-11-24
Filing date: 2007-11-21
Publication date: 2009-12-10
Also published as: DE102006055988A1; EP2097193B1; AU2007324542B2; DE502007006521D1; CN101563177A; BRPI0717660A2; KR20090088885A; EA014660B1; CN101563177B; AU2007324542A1; JP2010510071A; EA200970507A1; ATE498464T1; ZA200903456B; ES2358456T3; EP2097193A1; WO2008062007A1; PL2097193T3; CA2670437A1

Abstract

A feeder element for use in casting molds, includes a first end for placing on a mold model and an opposing second end for connecting to or for carrying an upper feeder part. The feeder element has a passage extending from the first to the second end, wherein the feeder element is two-part or multi-part including a tube-like element which forms the first end of the feeder element; an adapter element with an opening into which the tube-like element is inserted so that it is connected with frictional engagement to the adapter element. The adapter element includes one or more path limiters to limit the insertion path of the tube-element, which are set up so that the outer face of the edge of the tube-like element opposing the first end, with insertion to the maximum extent within the adapter element, is present with its entire periphery, or portions thereof, exposed.

Description

The present invention relates to a feeder element for use in casting metals in casting molds, comprising a first end for placing on a mold model and an opposing second end for connecting to or for carrying an upper feeder part, the feeder element having a passage extending from the first to the second end for liquid metal. The invention also relates to a feeder insert for use in casting metals in casting molds, with a cavity for receiving liquid metal, comprising or consisting of a feeder element according to the invention and an upper feeder part. Further aspects of the invention relate to construction sets for producing a feeder element according to the invention or a feeder insert according to the invention as well as methods for arranging a feeder insert in a casting mold. Further aspects of the invention emerge from the following description and the accompanying claims.
Feeder elements of the type mentioned at the outset are known from the prior art. Reference is made in this connection, in particular, to the document EP 1184104 B1, which discloses a feeder insert with a first mold element, which is a feeder element of the aforementioned type. Reference is also made to the document DE 10142357 A1, which discloses a feeder system with a feeder or feeder head and a tube-like body.
Further documents, which define the technological background of the present invention, are: DE 10200508324 A1, EP 1567294 B1, DE 20118763 U1, DE 19642838 A1, DE 20112425 U1, WO 2005/095020 A3, DE 202004009367 U1, DE 202006011980 U1 as well as DE 202004021109 U1.
The present invention is based on the object of developing a feeder element according to EP 1184104 B1. The feeder elements (first mold elements) disclosed there, which are provided for carrying an upper feeder part (second mold element) have a first end for placing on mold models, the depositing surface in practice being felt to be too large in many cases. Smaller and smaller attachment faces (and setting faces) are desired by the casting industry as the surfaces of cast parts have recently increasingly become more filigree. However, it has to be taken into account here that the passage opening (through-opening) for liquid metal cannot be as small as desired, as otherwise an acceptable feed behavior can no longer be achieved. In addition, it has to be taken into account that a cooling of the feeder neck, such as can occur in a thin-walled configuration of a feeder element at its side facing the mold model, must not become noticeable in a disruptive manner.
From the prior art, in particular from DE 10142357 A1 already mentioned, attempts are already known to disclose feeders with only a small attachment face, which function satisfactorily during casting operation. However, it has been shown in experiments that configurations, in which a thin-walled tube-like element is exposed at its end facing the cast piece, while its end facing the feeder cavity is surrounded on all sides by feeder molding compound, frequently do not ensure the desired configuration of a breaking edge at the first (lower end).
According to the present invention, to achieve the presently disclosed object, a feeder element is disclosed for use when casting metals in casting molds, with a first end for placing on a mold model and an opposing second end for connecting to or for carrying an upper feeder part, the feeder element having a passage extending from the first to the second end for liquid metal, wherein the feeder element is two-part or multi-part and comprises or consists of:

- (i) a tube-like element which forms the first end of the feeder element and has a wall thickness of a maximum of 1.5 mm,
- (ii) an adapter element with an opening, into which the tube-like element is inserted in such a way that it is connected with frictional engagement to the adapter element, wherein the adapter element comprises one or more path limiters to limit the insertion path of the tube-element, which are set up in such a way that the outer face of the edge region of the tube-like element opposing the first end, with insertion to the maximum extent within the adapter element is present with its entire periphery, or in portions of the periphery, exposed.

It is surprisingly ensured in this manner that during cleaning, the feeder reliably breaks off in the direct vicinity of the cast piece; in contrast to this, in a configuration in which the tube-like element does not have a free end within the adapter element, an undesired breaking off of the feeder frequently occurs at the edge opposing the first end of the corresponding tube-like element.
A corresponding feeder insert according to the invention for use when casting metals in casting molds, with a cavity for receiving liquid metal, comprises or consists of:

- a feeder element according to the invention (as just defined) and
- an upper feeder part.

The feeder element according to the invention can advantageously be inserted as described in EP 1184104 B1 for the “first mold element” there. The upper feeder part of a feeder insert according to the invention in this case corresponds to the “second mold element” according to EP 1184104 B1. Feeder inserts, such as are described in EP 1184104 B1 are commercially available under the name “telefeeder” from CHEMEX GmbH, Germany.
In the delivery state of a feeder element according to the invention, the tube-like element can be inserted to different extents into the adapter element. In many cases, it is advantageous if the tube-like element is not inserted to a maximum extent into the adapter element, so can be inserted further into the adapter element at a later time, for example after the arrangement of a corresponding feeder insert in a molding machine and compression of molding material poured into the molding machine, until it is prevented from a further assertion by the path limiter(s). An arrangement of this type is advantageous to prevent breaking of a feeder element according to the invention or a corresponding feeder insert according to the invention, as would otherwise be possible in the molding material compression because of the compressive forces then acting. In particular in combination with an upper feeder part, which is displaceably arranged relative to the feeder element according to the invention, destruction of a feeder according to the invention is reliably prevented.
Alternatively, the tube-like element may, however, also already be inserted to a maximum extent into the adapter element in the delivery state, so that it is prevented from further insertion by the path limiter(s).
In any case, it applies that, in a feeder element according to the invention, the outer face of the edge area opposing the first end, of the tube-like element, with insertion to a maximum extent within the adapter element, is present with its entire periphery or in portions of the periphery exposed, and therefore, during casting operation, allows the admission of liquid metal onto the outer face.
The adapter element preferably forms the second end of the feeder element, in other words the end of the feeder element, which is provided to connect or to carry an upper feeder part. Alternatively, however, one or more intermediate elements may also be provided between the adapter element and upper feeder part.
The tube-like element of a feeder element according to the invention is preferably cylindrical but other configurations may be provided, however, for example rectangular tube cross-sections or tube-like elements with a conical course.
The tube-like element preferably has a length in the region of 10 to 30 mm, in particular if it is cylindrical.
If the tube-like element has a length in the region of 10 to 30 mm and, in the delivery state, is not inserted to a maximum extent into the adapter element, it allows, in the state before the compression of the molding material, a further insertion of at least 4 mm. It has been shown that in an arrangement of this type, the compressive forces occurring during compression of the molding material can be effectively counteracted.
The tube-like element preferably has a substantially uniform cross-section over the entire length. The ratio of the wall thickness to the overall diameter of the tube-like element is preferably between about 1:5 and 1:120 over the entire length thereof, particularly preferably in the range of 1:10 to 1:100. The thickness of the tube-like element is selected by the person skilled in the art in such a way that it has adequate stability and withstands the compressive forces which occur during the molding material compression.
The tube-like element is preferably produced from a material which is selected from the group consisting of: metallic, ceramic or plastics materials and composite materials based on metal, ceramic and/or plastics material. The tube-like element is preferably produced here from iron, an iron alloy such as steel, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, a brass alloy or ceramic.
The adapter element, on the other hand, is preferably produced from an exothermic or insulating molding compound. The same applies in a feeder insert according to the invention for the upper feeder part.
It is obvious that the adapter element of a feeder element according to the invention generally has a wall or a wall portion, the thickness of which is greater in portions or everywhere than the thickness of the tube-like element at the first end of the feeder element. In particular, when producing the adapter element from an exothermic or insulating molding compound, a wall thickness of less than 1.5 mm cannot be produced with the required process reliability in the course of mass production.
It has already been mentioned that a feeder insert according to the invention is advantageously similar in its construction to the feeder inserts, such as are described in EP 1184104 B1, the components described there as the “first mold element” being replaced by a two-part or multi-part feeder element according to the invention. The content of EP 1184104 B1 is a component of the present text by way of reference.
The feeder element and the upper feeder part of a feeder insert according to the invention are preferably arranged so as to be displaceable into one another. In particular in an arrangement of this type of feeder elements in the upper feeder part, in the feeder element according to the invention, the tube-like element is preferably not inserted to a maximum extent into the adapter element, so it can be further inserted into the adapter element until it is prevented from further insertion by the path limiter(s). The compressive forces occurring during the compression of the molding material are then counteracted by two separate relative movements, namely the relative movement of the upper feeder part relative to the feeder element (the feeder element is inserted into the upper feeder part) and the relative movement of the tube-like element relative to the adapter element (the tube-like element is further inserted into the adapter element, until it rests on the path limiters).
The feeder element and the upper feeder part of a preferred feeder insert according to the invention together form a cavity to receive a liquid metal.
To summarize, a feeder element is therefore preferred, which comprises or consists of:
(a) a two-part or multi-part feeder element with a first end for placing on a mold model and an opposing second end, wherein the feeder element has a passage extending from the first to the second end for liquid metal and comprises or consists of:

- (a)(i) a tube-like element which forms the first end of the feeder element and has a wall thickness of a maximum of 1.5 mm at the first end,
- (a)(ii) an adapter element with a wall, the thickness of which is greater than that of the tube-like element at the first end of the feeder element, and an opening, into which the tube-like element is inserted in such a way that it is connected in a frictionally engaged manner to the adapter element, and

(b) an upper feeder part, wherein the feeder element is connected by its second end to the upper feeder part and/or carries the latter, wherein the feeder element and the upper feeder part can be displaced into one another and form or enclose a cavity, in many cases, if not preferred, by the formation of a double wall.
The present invention also relates to a construction set for producing a feeder element according to the invention, comprising a tube-like element and an adapter element. With regard to the configuration of the tube-like element and the associated adapter element, that which was stated above applies correspondingly.
The invention also relates to a construction set for producing a feeder insert according to the invention, comprising

- a tube-like element and an adapter element for producing a feeder element according to the invention and
- an upper feeder part.

To this extent, the above statements also apply to the configuration of the tube-like element, the adapter element and the upper feeder element correspondingly.
The present invention also relates to a method for the arrangement of a feeder insert in a casting mold, comprising the following steps:

- providing a feeder element according to the invention, in one of its configurations described above, wherein the tube-like element

(a) is not inserted to a maximum extent into the adapter element, so it can be inserted further into the adapter element, until it is prevented from further insertion by the path limiter(s) or
(b) is inserted to such an extent that it is prevented from further insertion by the path limiter(s),

- providing an upper feeder part, which is preferably configured as disclosed in EP 1184104 B1,
- placing the upper feeder part on the feeder element, so a feeder insert according to the invention is formed,
- arranging the feeder insert in a molding machine, (the space over a model plate which is generally delimited by a placed-on molding box),
- pouring molding material into the molding machine, (molding box placed on the model plate) so the outer walls of the feeder insert are contacted by the molding material,
- compressing the molding material, the tube-like element being inserted further into the adapter element in case (a) until it is prevented from further insertion by the path limiter(s).

In a method according to the invention, the upper feeder part and the feeder element are preferably selected in such a way that when placing the upper feeder part on the feeder element, a feeder insert is formed, the feeder element and the upper feeder part being displaceable into one another, the upper feeder part and the feeder element being displaced into one another when the molding material is compressed (optionally after separation or deformation of holding elements).
The molding machine preferably comprises in a method according to the invention, a model plate (in other words a model mechanism for molding machines, generally consisting of a flat plate with cast in or mechanically fastened models) and the feeder element is inserted into the molding machine in such a way that it is in direct contact with the model plate (the model surface) with its first end.
Statements from EP 1184104 B1 apply correspondingly with regard to the method according to the invention.

The invention will now be described in more detail below with the aid of the accompanying figures shown by way of example, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal section through a feeder insert according to the invention with a feeder element in an arrangement, in which the tube-like element is not inserted to a maximum extent into the adapter element and the feeder insert is fastened by means of a centering mandrel on a mold model.

FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section through the feeder insert according to the invention and the feeder element from FIG. 1 in an arrangement, in which the tube-like element is inserted to a maximum extent into the adapter element and the feeder insert is fastened by means of a centering mandrel on a mold model.

FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal section through the feeder insert according to the invention, and the feeder element from FIG. 1 in a compressed arrangement, as it is present after a compression.

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the feeder element of the feeder insert according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of a longitudinal section of the feeder element according to FIG. 4.

FIG. 1 shows a feeder insert 8 according to the invention in a possible starting arrangement (before the pouring of molding material and before the compression process). The feeder insert 8 according to the invention comprises a feeder element 10 and an upper feeder part 18, which are substantially rotationally symmetrical. The rotational axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the feeder insert 8 is characterized by a dashed line 48 in FIG. 1. The feeder element 10 comprises an adapter element 24, into which a tube-like element 22 is inserted in such a way that it is connected in a frictionally engaged manner to the adapter element 24, but can be displaced therein using a certain application of force. Alternatively, the feeder element 10 may consist of more than two components. The feeder element comprises a first end 14 and a second end 16, the first end 14 being formed by the tube-like element 22 and the second end 16 by the adapter element 24. The tube-like element comprises an edge region, which opposes the first end 14 of the feeder element. The adapter element 24 comprises path limiter(s) 26. In the starting arrangement shown, the tube-like element 22 is not inserted to a maximum extent into the adapter element 24. As an alternative, the tube-like element 22 can be inserted to a maximum extent into the adapter element 24, so it rests with its edge region opposing the first end 14 on the path limiter(s) 26 and is prevented from further insertion (cf. FIG. 2 in this regard). The feeder element 10 is placed on the molding model 12 with the first end 14 of the tube-like element 22. The feeder element 10 forms, between its first end 14 (formed by the tube-like element 22) and a second end 16 (formed by the adapter element) a passage 20 for liquid metal. The tube-like element 22 has a wall thickness of a maximum of 1.5 mm and consists of metallic, ceramic or plastics materials and composite materials based on metal, ceramic and/or plastics materials. The tube-like element 22, however, preferably consists of iron, an iron alloy such as steel, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, a brass alloy or ceramic.
The adapter element 24 has a wall, which, in portions or everywhere, is greater than the thickness of the tube-like element at the first end 14 of the feeder element 10 and, like the upper feeder part 18, consists of an exothermic or insulating molding compound. Path limiters 26, which are designed in the form of ribs, are integrated into the adapter element 24 (cf. FIGS. 4, 5). The path limiters consist of the same exothermic or insulating molding compound as the adapter element 24 and do not form a separate component. They are used to limit the insertion path of the tube-like element 22. Proceeding from the mold model 12, the outer wall of the adapter element 24 has a conically widening portion 62, which passes into a portion 42 with a constant diameter. At least one holding projection 34 is provided on this portion 42. The inner wall of the adapter element 24 also consists of a widening portion and a portion with a constant diameter.
According to FIG. 1, the upper feeder part 18 is placed with its lower edge 38 on holding projections 34 of the adapter element 24 and fixed by means of the centering mandrel 36. The upper feeder part 18 is very thick-walled in relation to the tube-like element 22 and to the adapter element 24. Proceeding from the lower edge 38, the outer wall of the upper feeder part 18 has a first, relatively strongly conically widening portion 56, before the outer wall passes into a less strongly widening conical portion 58. In the wall portion 60, the upper feeder part 18 tapers conically upwardly.
Also proceeding from the lower edge 38, the inner wall of the upper feeder part 18 has a portion 40 which firstly runs parallel to the outer wall 42 of the adapter element 24 and then passes into a conically upwardly tapering wall portion 50, along which the tip of a centering mandrel can be guided when positioning the feeder insert 8. The conical wall portion 50 finally opens into a centering bore 52 located in the rotational axis 48 of the feeder insert 8 to receive the tip of the centering mandrel 36.
The upper feeder part 18 and the adapter element 24 form a cavity made of partial cavities 30 and 42 which are in connection with one another to receive liquid material.
According to FIG. 2, the tubular element 22 of the feeder insert 8 according to the invention is inserted to a maximum extent into the adapter element 24. The view contains two sectional planes through the adapter element 24: on the left-hand side of the rotational axis 48 in FIG. 2, the sectional plane is selected in such a way that the path limiter 26 is not cut (Section A), and on the right-side of the rotational axis 48 in FIG. 2, the sectional plane runs through the path limiter 26 (Section B, for selection of the sectional planes, cf. also FIG. 4).
In FIG. 3, the feeder insert 8 (according to FIGS. 1 and 2) is shown in a compressed arrangement. The connecting faces between the holding projections 34 and the adapter element 24 are very small in each case, so the holding projections 34 can be separated from the adapter element 24 with a low application of force. Owing to the force being produced during the compression, the upper feeder part 18 is displaced in the direction of the mold model 12. In this case, the force only has to be sufficient to separate the holding projections 34 from the adapter element 24. The displacement path of the upper feeder part 18 in the direction of the mold model 12 is predetermined and limited by the extent of the mold compression.
When displacing the upper feeder part 18 in the direction of the mold model 12, the tip of the centering mandrel 36 according to FIG. 3 penetrates between the upper end of the centering bore 52 and a wall portion located in a wall termination 54. This wall portion is dimensioned in such a way that the displacement between the upper part 18 and the adapter element 24 is not prevented.
If the tube-like element 22, as shown in FIG. 1, is not inserted to a maximum extent into the adapter element 24 prior to compression, in addition to the displacement between the adapter element 24 and the upper feeder part 18, a separate displacement occurs between the adapter part 24 and the tube-like element 22. The extent of the displacement is also predetermined here by the mold compression, but is limited at maximum to the distance between the edge region 46 of the tube-like element opposing the first end 14 and the path limiter(s) 26 prior to compression. A separate displacement of this type between the tube-like element 22 and the adapter element 24 is omitted during compression, if the configuration according to FIG. 2 is started from.
The lower edge 36 of the upper feeder part 18, during the compression process, acts like a die face on the molding material to be compressed between the lower edge 36 and the mold model 12.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the feeder element 10. In the embodiment shown, four path limiters 26 are provided uniformly distributed over the periphery of the adapter element 24 and are an integral component of the adapter elements. The tube-like element 22 rests against these path limiters 26 with a maximum insertion in portions of its periphery. The path limiters 26 are arranged within the adapter element 24 in such a way that the outer face 46 of the edge region of the tube-like element 22 opposing the first end 14 is present exposed in portions of the periphery. Alternatively, the path limiter(s) 26 may be arranged in the adapter element 24 in such a way that the outer face 46 of the edge region of the tube-like element 22 opposing the first end 14 is present with the entire periphery exposed. Sectional planes A and B can be seen from FIG. 4 and are used in FIGS. 2 and 5.
FIG. 5 shows an enlarged longitudinal section through the feeder element 10, consisting of the adapter part 24 and the tube-like element 22. The view contains two sectional planes through the adapter element 24: on the left-hand side of the rotational axis 48 in FIG. 5, the sectional plane is selected in such a way that the path limiter 26 is not cut (Section A) and on the right-hand side of the rotational axis 48 in FIG. 5, the sectional plane runs through the path limiter 26 (Section B, for the selection of the sectional planes, cf. also FIG. 4). It can in turn be seen that the outer face 46 of the edge region 46 of the tube-like element 22 opposing the first end 14 is present exposed in portions of the periphery. The cavity 44 of the adapter element 24 comprises the free portions of the outer face 46 of the edge region of the tube-like element 22 opposing the first end 14 with maximum insertion, so the liquid metal can come into contact during the casting process with the outer face 46 of the tube-like element 22 and can remain there. After the solidification of the metal it is thus achieved that the feeder insert 8 during cleaning breaks off in the direct vicinity of the casting piece and not in the upper region of the outer face 46 of the tube-like element 22.
Depending on the application area, the tube-like element 22 may already be completely inserted into the adapter element 24 before the compression (cf. FIG. 2 in this regard). In this case, the compressive forces, which act on the feed insert 8 during the compression process, are only absorbed by the relative movement between the upper feeder part 18 and the adapter element 24. In the alternative case, in which the tube-like element 22 has a length between 10 and 30 mm and is not inserted to a maximum extent into the adapter element 24 prior to compression in the delivery state, an insertion of at least 4 mm is ensured, cf. FIG. 1.
In this alternative case, the compressive forces occurring during the compression of the molding material are counteracted by two separate relative movements, on the one hand, by the relative movement between the upper feeder part 18 relative to the adapter element 24 and, on the other hand, by the relative movement between the adapter element 24 and the tube-like element 22.
FIGS. 1 to 3 also illustrate schematically a method according to the invention for the arrangement of a feeder insert according to the invention in a casting mold.
According to FIG. 1, a tube-like element 22, which is inserted into an adapter element 24, is placed together therewith on a centering mandrel 36, which is fastened to a mold model 12. The tube-like element 22 is in this case brought into direct contact with the mold model 12 by a first end 14. In FIG. 1, the tube-like element is only partially inserted, i.e. not inserted to a maximum extent into the adapter element 24. Alternatively, the tube-like element 22 may be inserted to a maximum extent into the adapter element 24, cf. FIG. 2.
An upper feeder part is then placed on the adapter element 24 in such a way that it is carried thereby. For this purpose, holding projections 34 are provided, for example. An assembled feeder insert 8 is now present in a possible starting arrangement.
In a following step illustrated only in FIG. 2, the feeder insert 8 is surrounded by molding sand 32 or another molding material (surrounding only indicated in the lower region). In FIG. 2, the tube-like element 22 is inserted to a maximum extent into the adapter element 24, so it rests on path limiters 26 and cannot be inserted further into the adapter element 24. Whether the tube-like element 22 is partially or maximally inserted into the adapter element 24 prior to the compression process depends on the respective application.
After a compression process not shown in more detail in the figures, the arrangement according to FIG. 3 is produced. The holding projections 34 are broken off from the adapter element 24 and the upper feeder part 18 is pushed by a portion in the manner of a telescope onto the adapter element 24. The displacement path of the upper feeder part 18 on the adapter element is predetermined in this case by the extent of the molding material compression. If the tube-like element 22, as shown in FIG. 1, was not inserted to a maximum extent into the adapter element 24 prior to the compression process, it is inserted by the force acting during the compression process into the adapter element 24 until it rests on the path limiters 26 and is then prevented from further insertion. During the compression process, the feather mandrel 36 penetrates the upper wall 54 of the upper feeder part 18; the depth of the centering bore 52 is selected here in such a way that the displacement between the upper feeder part and the adapter element 24 is not impeded.
As the outer wall 38 projecting over the first adapter element 24, of the upper feeder part 18 acts on the . . . between it and the mold model 12 during the compression process like a die, an excellent molding material compression occurs in this region (indicated in FIG. 3 by a denser dotting of the molding sand 32 in comparison to FIG. 2).

Claims

1. A feeder element for use when casting metals in casting molds, comprising a first end for placing on a mold model and an opposing second end for connecting to or for carrying an upper feeder part, the feeder element having a passage extending from the first to the second end for liquid metal, wherein the feeder element is two-part or multi-part and comprises:

a tube-like element which forms the first end of the feeder element and has a wall thickness of a maximum of 1.5 mm, and

an adapter element with an opening, into which the tube-like element is inserted in such a way that it is connected with frictional engagement to the adapter element, the adapter element comprising one or more path limiters to limit the insertion path of the tube-element, which are set up in such a way that the outer face of the edge region of the tube-like element opposing the first end, with insertion to the maximum extent within the adapter element, is present with its entire periphery, or in portions of the periphery, exposed.

2. The feeder element of claim 1, wherein the tube-like element

is not inserted to a maximum extent into the adapter element, so that it can be inserted further into the adapter element until it is prevented from further insertion by the path limiter(s) or

is inserted to a maximum extent so it is prevented from further insertion by the path limiter(s).

3. The feeder element of claim 1, wherein the adapter element forms the second end of the feeder element.

4. The feeder element of claim 1, wherein the tube-like element is cylindrical and/or has a length in the region of 10 to 30 mm.

5. The feeder element of claim 1, wherein the tube-like element is produced from a material which is selected from the group consisting of metallic, ceramic or plastics materials and composite materials based on metal, ceramic and/or plastics material, wherein the tube-like element is preferably, produced from iron, an iron alloy such as steel, aluminum, an aluminum alloy a brass alloy or ceramic.

6. The feeder element of claim 1, wherein the adapter element is produced from an exothermic or insulating molding compound.

7. The feeder element of claim 1, wherein the adapter element has a wall or a wall portion, the thickness of which is greater in portions or everywhere than the thickness of the tube-like element at the first end of the feeder element.

8. A feeder insert for use when casting metals in casting molds, with a cavity for receiving liquid metal, comprising:

a feeder element as according to claim 1 and

an upper feeder part.

9. The feeder insert as claimed in claim 8, wherein the feeder element and the upper feeder part can be displaced into one another.

10. The feeder insert as claimed in claim 8, wherein, in the feeder element, the tube-like element is not inserted to a maximum extent into the adapter element, so it can be inserted further into the adapter element until it is prevented from further insertion by the path limiter(s).

11. The feeder insert as claimed in claim 8, wherein the feeder element and the upper feeder part together form a cavity to receive liquid metal.

12. The feeder insert as claimed in claim 8, comprising:

a two-part or multi-part feeder element with a first end for placing on a mold model and an opposing second end, wherein the feeder element has a passage extending from the first to the second end for liquid metal and comprises:

a tube-like element which forms the first end of the feeder element and has a wall thickness of a maximum of 1.5 mm at the first end,

an adapter element with a wall, the thickness of which is greater than that of the tube-like element at the first end of the feeder element, and an opening, into which the tube-like element is inserted in such a way that it is connected in a frictionally engaged manner to the adapter element, and

an upper feeder part, wherein the feeder element is connected by its second end to the upper feeder part and/or carries the latter, wherein the feeder element and the upper feeder part can be displaced into one another and form or enclose a cavity.

13. A construction set for producing a feeder element according to claim 1, comprising a tube-like element and an adapter element.

14. The construction set for producing a feeder insert according to claim 8, comprising

a tube-like element and an adapter element for producing a feeder element and

an upper feeder part.

15. A method for arranging a feeder insert in a casting mold, comprising the following steps:

providing a feeder element according to claim 1, wherein the tube-like element is either not inserted to a maximum extent into the adapter element, so it can be inserted further into the adapter element, until it is prevented from further insertion by the path limiter(s), or is inserted to such an extent that it is prevented from further insertion by the path limiter(s),

providing an upper feeder part,

placing the upper feeder part on the feeder element, so a feeder insert according to claim 8 is formed,

arranging the feeder insert in a molding machine, and

pouring molding material into the molding machine, so the outer walls of the feeder insert are contacted by the molding material.

16. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein

the upper feeder part and the feeder element are selected such that when the upper feeder part is placed on the feeder element, a feeder insert is formed, in which the feeder element and the upper feeder part can be displaced in one another, and wherein

when the molding material is compressed, the upper feeder part and the feeder element are displaced into one another.

17. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the molding machine comprises a model plate and the feeder element is inserted into the molding machine in such a way that it is in direct contact with the model plate with its first end.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the tube-like element is inserted to such an extent that it is prevented from further insertion by the path limiter(s), and further comprising compressing the molding material, the tube-like element being inserted further into the adapter element until it is prevented from further insertion by the path limiter(s).