Thermal Analysis of Inoculated Grey Cast Irons

A research was done to investigate the effect of 0.05…0.25 wt.% addition rate of Ca, Zr, Al – FeSi alloy, in ladle and in-mould inoculation of grey cast irons. In the present paper, the conclusions drawn are based on thermal analysis. For solidification pattern, some specific cooling curves characteristics, such as undercooling degree at the beginning of eutectic solidification and at the end of solidification, as well as recalescence level, were identified to be more influenced by the inoculation technique. In order to secure stable and controlled processes, representative thermal analysis parameters could be used, especially in thin wall grey iron casting production

Performance of heavy ductile iron castings for windmills

The main objective of the present paper is to review the specific characteristics and performance obtaining conditions of heavy ductile iron (DI) castings, typically applied in windmills industry, such as hubs and rotor housings. The requirements for high impact properties in DI at low temperatures are part of the EN-GJS-400-18U-LT (SRN 1563) commonly referred to as GGG 40.3 (DIN 1693). Pearlitic influence factor (Px) and antinodularising action factor (K1) were found to have an important influence on the structure and mechanical properties, as did Mn and P content, rare earth (RE) addition and inoculation power. The presence of high purity pig iron in the charge is extremely beneficial, not only to control the complex factors Px and K1, but also to improve the ‘metallurgical quality’ of the iron melt. A correlation of C and Si limits with section modulus is very important to limit graphite nodule flotation. Chunky and surface-degenerated graphite are the most controlled graphite morphologies in windmills castings. The paper concluded on the optimum iron chemistry and melting procedure, Mg-alloys and inoculants peculiar systems, as well as on the practical solutions to limit graphite degeneration and to ensure castings of the highest integrity, typically for this field

Complex (Mn, X)S compounds - major sites for graphite nucleation in grey cast iron

Despite the cubic system, the ability of sulphides to nucleate graphite can be enhanced by inoculating elements which transform them in complex compounds with a better lattice matching to graphite, a low coagulation capacity, good stability and adequate interfacial energy. (Mn,X)S compounds, usually less than 5.0 μm in size, with an average 0.4-2.0 μm well defi ned core (nucleus), were found to be important sites for graphite nucleation in grey irons. A three-stage model for the nucleation of graphite in grey irons is proposed: (1) Very small microinclusions based on strong deoxidizing elements (Mn, Si, Al, Ti, Zr) are formed in the melt; (2) Nucleation of complex (Mn,X)S compounds at these previously formed micro-inclusions; (3) Graphite nucleates on the sides of the (Mn,X)S compounds with lower crystallographic misfi t. Al appears to have a key role in this process, as Al contributes to the formation of oxides in the fi rst stage and favors the presence of Sr and Ca in the sulphides, in the second stage. The 0.005-0.010% Al range was found to be benefi cial for lower undercooling solidifi cation, type-A graphite formation and carbides avoidance

Improving chill control in iron powder treated slightly hypereutectic grey cast irons

Recent studies revealed that in eutectic to slightly hypereutectic grey irons (CE = 4.3%-4.5%) the presence of austenite dendrites provides an opportunity to improve the cast iron properties, as a high number of eutectic cells are “reinforced” by austenite dendrites. An iron powder addition proved to be important by promoting dendritic austenite in hypereutectic irons, but was accompanied by adverse effect on the characteristics of potential nuclei for graphite. The purpose of the present paper is to investigate the solidification pattern of these irons. Chill wedges with different cooling moduli (CM = 0.11 – 0.43 cm) were poured in resin bonded sand and metal moulds. Relative clear / mottled / total chill measurement criteria were applied. Iron powder additions led to a higher chill tendency, while single inoculation showed the strongest graphitizing effect. The various double treatments show an intermediate position, but the inoculant added after iron powder appears to be the most effective in reducing base iron chill tendency, for all cooling moduli and chill evaluation parameters. This performance reflects the improved properties of (Mn,X)S polygonal compounds as nucleation sites for graphite, especially in resin bonded sand mould castings. Both austenite and graphite nucleation benefit from a double addition of iron powder + inoculant, with positive effect on the final structure and chill tendency

New developments in high quality grey cast irons

The paper reviews original data obtained by the present authors, revealed in recent separate publications, describing specific procedures for high quality grey irons, and reflecting the forecast needs of the worldwide iron foundry industry. High power, medium frequency coreless induction furnaces are commonly used in electric melting grey iron foundries. This has resulted in low sulphur (<0.05wt.%) and aluminium (<0.005wt.%) contents in the iron, with a potential for higher superheating (>1,500 °C), contributing to unfavourable conditions for graphite nucleation. Thin wall castings are increasingly produced by these electric melt shops with a risk of greater eutectic undercooling during solidification. The paper focused on two groups of grey cast irons and their specific problems: carbides and graphite morphology control in lower carbon equivalent high strength irons (CE=3.4%-3.8%), and austenite dendrite promotion in eutectic and slightly hypereutectic irons (CE=4.1%-4.5%), in order to increase their strength characteristics. There are 3 stages and 3 steps involving graphite formation, iron chemistry and iron processing that appear to be important. The concept in the present paper sustains a threestage model for nucleating flake graphite [(Mn,X)S type nuclei]. There are three important groups of elements (deoxidizer, Mn/S, and inoculant) and three technological stages in electric melting of iron (superheat, pre-conditioning of base iron, final inoculation). Attention is drawn to a control factor (%Mn) x (%S) ensuring it equals to 0.03 – 0.06, accompanied by 0.005wt.%–0.010wt.% Al and/or Zr content in inoculated irons. It was found that iron powder addition promotes austenite dendrite formation in eutectic and slightly eutectic, acting as reinforcement for the eutectic cells. But, there is an accompanying possible negative influence on the characteristics of the (Mn,X)S type graphite nuclei (change the morphology of nuclei from polygonal compact to irregular polygonal, and therefore promote chill tendency in treated irons). A double addition (iron powder + inoculant) appears to be an effective treatment to benefit both austenite and graphite nucleation, with positive effects on the final structure and chill tendency

Thermal analysis control of in-mould and ladle inoculated grey cast irons

The effect of addition of 0.05wt.% to 0.25 wt.% Ca, Zr, Al-FeSi alloy on in-ladle and in-mould inoculation of grey cast irons was investigated. In the present paper, the conclusions drawn are based on thermal analysis. For the solidification pattern, some specific cooling curves characteristics, such as the degree of undercooling at the beginning of eutectic solidifi cation and at the end of solidifi cation, as well as the recalescence level, are identifi ed to be more infl uenced by the inoculation technique. The degree of eutectic undercooling of the electrically melted base iron having 0.025% S, 0.003% Al and 3.5% Ce is excessively high (39–40℃), generating a relatively high need for inoculation. Under these conditions, the in-mould inoculation has a more signifi cant effect compared to ladle inoculation, especially at lower inoculant usage (less than 0.20 wt.%). Generally, the efficiency of 0.05wt.%–0.15wt.% of alloy for in-mould inoculation is comparable to, or better than, that of 0.15wt.%–0.25wt.% addition in ladle inoculation procedures. In order to secure stable and controlled processes, representative thermal analysis parameters could be used, especially in thin wall grey iron castings production

Iron casting skin management in no-bake mould – Effects of magnesium residual level and mould coating

The relative performance of coatings for furan resin sand moulds [P-toluol sulphonic acid (PTSA) as hardener] [FRS-PTSA moulds], was compared by analyzing the surface layer for degenerated graphite in Mg treated iron with 0.020wt.% to 0.054wt.% Mgres. It was found that the iron nodularising potential (Mg, Ce, La content) and whether the mould coatings contained S, or were capable of desulphurizing were important factors. These moulds have S in the PTSA binder, which aggravates graphite degeneration in the surface layer, depending strongly on the Mgres with lower Mgres increasing the layer thickness. The application of a mould coating strongly influenced graphite deterioration in the surface layer of castings. It either promoted graphite degeneration to less compact morphologies when using S-bearing coatings, or conversely, limited the surface layer thickness using desulphurization type coatings. Independently of the S-source at the metal – mould interface, the presence of sulphur had an adverse effect on graphite quality at the surface of Mg-treated irons, but its negative effect could also reach the graphite phase within the casting section. If the coatings employed desulphurization materials, such as MgO, or a mixture (CaO + MgO + Talc) or Mg-bearing FeSi, they protected the graphite shape, improving graphite nodularity, at the metal – mould interface, and so decreased the average layer thickness in FRS-PTSA moulds. FeSiMg was highly efficient in minimizing the casting skin by improving graphite nodularity. It is presumed that the MgO or (MgO + CaO + Talc) based coatings acted to remove any S released by the mould media. The Mg-FeSi coatings also reacted with S from the mould but additionally supplemented the Mg nodularising potential prior to solidification. This dual activity is achievable with coatings containing active magnesium derived from fine Mg-FeSi materials

Experimental Study Regarding the Possibility of Blocking the Diffusion of Sulfur at Casting-Mold Interface in Ductile Iron Castings

The main objective of this work is to investigate the mechanism of sulfur diffusion from the mold (sand resin P-toluol sulfonic acid mold, sulfur-containing acid) in liquid cast iron in order to limit the graphite degeneration in the surface layer of iron castings. A pyramid trunk with square section samples was cast. On the opposite side of the feed canal of the samples, steel sheets with different thicknesses (0.5, 1, and 3 mm) were inserted with the intention of blocking the diffusion of sulfur from the mold into the cast sample during solidification. The structure evaluation (graphite and matrix) in the surface layer and the casting body was recorded. The experimental results revealed that by blocking the direct diffusion of sulfur at the mold-casting interface, a decrease of the demodified layer thickness (for 0.5 mm steel sheet thickness) is obtained until its disappearance (for steel sheet thicknesses of more than 1 mm). The paper contains data that may be useful in elucidating the mechanism of graphite degeneration in the superficial layer of ductile iron castings. Based on the obtained results, we recommend using such barriers on the metal-mold interface, which are able to limit sulfur diffusion from the mold/core materials into the iron castings, in order to limit or even cease graphite degeneration in the Mg-treated surface iron casting layer. The paper presents additional data related to the interaction of sulfur at the ductile iron casting-mold interface previously analyzed