Foundry Sector

Gilsonite as a Carbonaceous Foundry Sand Additive

Carbonaceous materials are frequently added to sand molds used to make grey iron or pig iron castings. The function of these additives is to reduce the number of imperfections that occur in the casting process and to release the casting from the sand mold more easily.

Currently, there are several materials, including Gilsonite, that are used as a carbonaceous additive in the foundry process. While there are several theories as to the mechanics of how these additives work, it is agreed that their major beneficial effects on the sand mold are: (1) increased green strength; (2) increased dry strength; (3) decreased hot strength;(4) decreased permeability; and (5) increased mold hardness.

Foundry research and laboratory testing demonstrates that Gilsonite, when used at lower levels than other additives, equals or outperforms all other additive materials. For example, studies conclude that Gilsonite is critical to enhance the "casting peel" during shakeout.

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