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ASK Chemicals
EXACTPORE 3D filters’ structural integrity ensures the absence of loose particles and thus prevents the contamination of the melt by 'filter bits.'
ASK Chemicals
A large step cone, GJL. Casting temperature: 1410-1420 °C. Water-based coating, approximately 300-µm layer thickness.
ASK Chemicals
Cored-wire practice introduces a hollow wire filled with powder alloys to the lade to treat or inoculate molten iron.
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“Sustainability” has three components – ecology, economy, and society. Preserving natural resources is one factor foundries must consider.
Warut Sintapanon | Dreamstime
High binder levels, lack of mold permeability, and poor gating practices may initiate gas-porosity defects during pouring and molding.
Choosak Thepsoonthorn | Dreamstime
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Robert Kneschke | Dreamstime
ASK specialists do not work independent of the customer foundry or core shop, but rather with the internal resources available there.
Warut Sintapanon | Dreamstime
Warm air contains much more moisture than cold air -- and air-moisture levels can have a significant impact on core and mold production.
ASK Chemicals
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  1. Ask the Expert

Stop Waiting: Speed Up Your Priming!

Oct. 2, 2015
Several parameters control and affect the flow rate of molten metal through a ceramic foam filter Using reticulated ceramic foam filters Diameter, thickness, pore size
Foundrymag Com Sites Foundrymag com Files Uploads 2015 03 Filter Pore Sizes Promo2
The widest pore size available with the thinnest filter material recommended for a particular application will maximize the metal flow rate.
Q:I want to use a reticulated ceramic foam filter when pouring my metal, but I am casting thin-wall parts and need to get the metal in the mold as fast as possible. What can I do to maximize flow rate through the filter?A:There are several parameters of both the metal and the filter that control and effect flow rate of molten metal through a ceramic filter. First, concerning the specific metal alloy, the metal’s fluidity, cleanliness, temperature, and metal head height over the filter, all play a role in the flow rate.
Foundrymag Com Sites Foundrymag com Files Uploads 2015 03 Priming Graphic 350

“Priming” describes the initial sequence of passing molten metal through a filter – a process that can be optimized by matching the filter material and characteristics to the metal.

Regarding the filter, the manufacturer has the ability to adjust parameters when sizing the filter for your application. Metal flow rate through the filter is a function of the filter diameter (e.g. length and width), filter thickness, as well as filter pore size.

To maximize flow rate, you would want to use the largest diameter, most open pore size, and thinnest filter that the manufacturer recommends and that would physically fit into your mold space or pouring cup.  These same parameters also affect filtration efficiency and must be balanced with what you are trying to achieve.

Foundrymag Com Sites Foundrymag com Files Uploads 2015 03 Udicell Filter 350
ASK Chemical’s UDICELL™ is a cylindrical ceramic filter with 3-in. diameter inlet and outlet pores, as well as a filter wall described as “exceptionally strong.”

ASK Chemicals has been manufacturing reticulated ceramic foam filters for over 30 years and offers the technical support to recommend the best filter choice for the specific application, along with the manufacturing expertise to provide a consistent product with every order. So, consult with your ASK Chemicals contact for the best overall recommendation.

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