New Inorganic Binder Formulations Improve Cores, Shakeout
March 20, 2015
Two new versions of the Inotec series achieve better core moisture stability, too
“Penetration-free, sand-adhesion-free” cast surfaces
Core storage, stability
ASK Chemicals reports its efforts to improve its inorganic binder technology Inotec™ have shown results with the new Inotec TC 5000 and Inotec HS 3000 products. Specifically, these developments lead to improved shakeout and higher moisture stability of the cores.
The increasing list of advantages for foundries using Inotec technology are not only odorless core production and odor-reduced casting, but also the significantly lower cleaning requirements for machines and tools, which add to productivity increases for foundries.
Inorganic binder systems also offer casting advantages that result in stronger components, improved shakeout, and surface quality.
Figure 1: Decoring test: The Inotec™ TC 5000 promoter achieves a considerable improvement in shakeout.
The newly developed promoter Inotec TC 5000 complements the positive qualities of the previous generation, in regard to penetration-free and sand-adhesion-free casting surfaces, and in terms of improved collapsibility properties in light metal casting (Figure 1), improved immediate strength levels, as well as increased storage life of the cores.
Previously, the decoring of cast parts manufactured with inorganic binders presented a challenge in relation to water jackets, especially if the gutting machine had limited degrees of freedom. Inotec TC 5000 now makes it possible for even complex and delicate water jacket cores to be shaken out safely after casting. The system is 100% inorganic and leaves no residual condensate deposits in the tooling, nor causes any smoke to form during the casting process.
Figure 2: Sustained strength after storage in the climatic test cabinet. The Inotec™ HS 3000 binder significantly improves storage life.
Likewise, the storage life of cores manufactured using inorganic binders previously posed a challenge, especially on hot summer days with high humidity and a high ambient temperature. Now, the new Inotec HS 3000 binder significantly improves the moisture stability of the inorganically bound cores (Figure 2.) In turn, this makes it possible to manufacture stable cores coated with a water-based coating, which also makes the Inotec binder system interesting for iron casting.
