Because of the recently passed OSHA Silica Rule , many iron foundries have or are considering changing from silica sand to a ceramic aggregate to alleviate the issue. The AFS Cast Iron Division initiated a research project to understand the impact of the change in the microstructure and associated mechanical properties on cast iron that might accompany the use of these ceramic molding media. Funded by AFS, a research project was performed to assess the mechanical properties of class 40 gray iron and 80-55-06 ductile iron castings using an experimental casting matrix of the three aggregates with two sand to metal ratios. Results indicated that ceramic aggregates have a noticeable influence on mechanical properties of gray and ductile iron but sand to metal ratio has an influence on the degree of properties variation.
Speaker:
Scott Giese, University of Northern Iowa
This AFS Members Only Webinar will begin at 1 p.m. CT.