Evaluation of a high-performance urethane coldbox binder: a case study

摘要

Foundry management is faced with increasing demands to meet new challenges, often initiated by environmental regulations, while improving productivity, lowering operating costs and improving casting quality. Binder manufacturers are similarlychallenged to provide the foundry with the appropriate technology.A change in the environmental regulations mandating the elimination of chlorofluorocarbon compounds initiated this case study. An evaluation of means to improve core release was undertaken because of the diminished productivity associated with a changefrom chlorofluorocarbon release agents to alternate technology. A solution to the core release problem was found by applying new urethane coldbox binder technology. Through a carefully planned selection process, the appropriateness of the bindertechnology was accurately determined.In this paper, this selection process is detailed. Three phases are described: 1) pre-screening of the suppliers; 2) initial in foundry testing, including laboratory evaluations as a means to verify in-foundry results; and 3) extended in-foundry testing,leading to conversion to the new technology. Included in the discussion of each phase is the planning by foundry management, and the associated response of the binder supplier.