The Effect of Pouring Temperature on Graphitization of Cast Bars Produced by in-Mold Lost Foam Process

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

1 Iran University of Science and Technology

2 Asso Prof. School of Materials Eng., Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST of Iran)

Abstract

In this study the graphitization characteristics were studied in the test bars produced by the in-mold lost foam (IMLF) process. Polystyrene patterns were prepared, and the test bars were produced in three different diameters. In this paper, only the microstructure of the test bars, having 10 mm diameter and 200 mm height, cast at two temperatures of 1410 and 1440 °C, and 1 wt% of spheroidizing material (FeSiMg), have been investigated. For this purpose, 10 mm bars were cut from two sections, the middle and the end part (the furthest distance from the gate) and then, these sections were examined using optical microscope. The results show that, the melt temperature and fluid flow affect the graphite morphology as well as the distribution, shape, size and type of graphite. In the central part of the test bar, cast at 1410 °C, non-spheroidal graphite is formed which are different from other areas, but at 1440 °C, the graphite in the whole section is uniform and spherical, from the center to edge. The high nodule count (above 700 pcs. per unit surface) and above 80 percent nodularity, in both cases, are worth mentioning. 

Keywords

Main Subjects


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