Factis Additive Mould Mixes for Casting Surface Quality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing molding material mixtures for metal casting often result in 'leaf veins' defects due to thermal expansion issues, which are difficult to remove and increase costs, and current additives may compromise strength or processing time.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating Factis, a cross-linked unsaturated ester, into the molding material mixture to reduce leaf vein formation and sand sticking, thereby improving casting surface quality and reducing cleaning frequency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional molding material mixtures are used, then the casting process can proceed normally, but leaf vein defects occur on the casting surface due to thermal expansion of quartz sand

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecasting surface qualityVSAvoidleaf vein defects
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces Factis as an intermediary substance that forms a protective layer between the molten metal and the quartz sand mold. This mediator prevents direct interaction between the expanding sand and the metal, thereby preventing leaf vein defects while allowing the casting process to proceed normally

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the molding material by adding Factis (0.1-5 wt%). This parameter change alters the thermal and chemical properties of the mold material, reducing its susceptibility to thermal expansion-induced defects and improving casting surface quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If additives are added to reduce leaf vein defects, then casting surface quality improves, but the strength of molds and cores may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecasting surface qualityVSAvoidmold and core strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the concentration parameter of Factis within the range of 0.1-5 wt%. At these controlled levels, Factis provides sufficient protection against leaf vein defects while maintaining the structural integrity and strength of the molds and cores

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If conventional molding materials are used, then the process is simple and cost-effective, but sand sticking to molds occurs requiring frequent cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning frequencyVSAvoidsand sticking
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Factis acts as a release agent or intermediary layer that prevents sand from adhering to the mold surfaces. This mediator effect reduces sand sticking and minimizes the frequency of cleaning operations, thereby improving productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Factis effectively minimizes leaf vein defects in iron and steel casting while reducing sand sticking, leading to cost savings and maintaining sufficient strength and processing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The first type consists of anti-blade rib additives that, due to their own low thermal expansion, reduce that of the quartz sand additive mixture compared to the pure sand mixture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

These viscous phases impart a degree of elasticity to the sand structure, which helps prevent foliation, and they can seal pores at the interface with the liquid metal, thus hindering metal penetration into the sand structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface coating/protection: Coatings

Data Source

PatentEP3600717B1Mould material mixture containing additives for reducing casting defects or as release agent
Publication Date: 2021.05.12 ASK CHEM GMBH
  • EP3600717B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The invention relates to mould material mixtures for producing moulds or cores for metal casting, consisting of at least one refractory base mould material, a binder and an additive based on factice. The invention also relates to a component system, to a method for producing moulds and cores using the mould material mixtures or the component system, and moulds and cores produced according to said method.