New Release Agents Limit VOCs for Green Sand

Q: Our green-sand foundry is trying to limit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Are there release agents that can help with this effort, without sacrificing performance or cost-effectiveness?A: The short answer is, yes, such products are available.  But, to take a more detailed view, readers should understand that, in the past, foundries seeking to reduce VOCs emitted by green-sand release agents often would resort to using a water-based formulation.  Now, ASK has developed a 100% active, oil-based release that offers lower VOCs than its oil and water based predecessors.  The VOCs are very near 0% in the newly formulated ZIP-SLIP LR57HP! 

Comparatively, the previous oil-based version contained around 30% VOCs, whereas the water-based version contained close to 15% VOCs. 

In addition to low VOCs, ZIP-SLIP LR57HP has many other valuable attributes.

In today’s market conditions, cost is always of concern.  Not only does ZIP-SLIP LR57HP contain lower VOCs than other products on the market, it is also very cost effective. 

Performance standards, of course, must be upheld.  As can be seen in the chart here, ZIP-SLIP LR57HP outperforms oil- and water-based green sand release agents. 

Quality is essential, too.  This new green-sand release agent has excellent release characteristics, allowing for less scrap, superior mold definition, sharper corners, and cleaner radiuses. 

Odor is always a concern for foundry owners, and the work force, and ZIP-SLIP LR57HP also meets this standard with low odor effects.  If required, it can be applied in every cycle, which is typical in vertical molding applications.  However, it is a film forming solution that improves longevity, allowing for multiple releases per application on horizontal cope and drag designs.  

ZIP-SLIP LR57HP is usually applied by spraying a light, even coat on the pattern surface.  It’s important to use good spray equipment that is capable of fogging or fine spray atomization of the release agent.  This type of spray will produce good film formation, which is a must for the release agent to perform properly. 

It’s also critical not to over-apply the release agent, as it will build up on the tooling and may cause stickers.  Several options should be considered in order to solve this problem.  Decreasing the frequency of spraying the release agent decreases blow pressure, and decreases the volume of spray that is applied, which decreases the time that the release agent is sprayed. All these factors can all be helpful in the cause of reducing VOCs. 

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