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Do Inorganic Binders Mean the End for Shell Sand Molding?

Issued at 2017-06-06



Q: Inorganic binder technologies are drawing increasing attention from foundries, and not only in Europe. Does the global roll out of inorganic binder technologies signal the end for conventional shell sand processes?

A: This is a provocative question and the answer may vary according to the casting application. Of course, new technologies always threaten the existence of conventional technologies, inasmuch as they add performance value to the respective process itself. In the case of aluminum casting, particularly in high-volume applications such as manufacturing aluminum engine blocks and cylinder heads via permanent mold casting, more and more foundries are converting from organic to inorganic binder systems — and there are several reasons for this trend.

Inorganic-bonded cores have a high affinity to water. Technical adjustments (proper storage to avoid exposure to high humidity) and continuous product development to improve humidity resistance are countermeasures.

 


Source: Foundrymag.com



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