Effective deoxidation, excellent microstructure, and maximum strength of castings.
Foundry modifiers (inoculants) are specialized mixtures of precisely selected chemical and metallurgical components, introduced into the molten metal before the casting process. They exhibit strong deoxidizing properties and purposely alter the course of alloy crystallization, which determines the absence of internal defects and the high strength and plasticity of the finished product.
How do modifiers work?
Modifiers play a dual, key role in the preparation and solidification phase of the molten alloy:
- Deep alloy deoxidation: The mixture of active components binds the oxygen dissolved in the bath, preventing the formation of porosity, gas holes, and microcracks.
- Modification of crystallization: They provide additional nucleation sites and affect the microstructure of the metal – they refine the grain and alter the shape of precipitates (e.g., silicon phases in aluminum alloys).
Application and casting methods
Our modifiers have been developed for universal and reliable application in foundries:
- Sand casting – they secure optimal quality and surface finish during longer solidification times.
- Permanent mold casting (gravity die casting) – they ensure stable parameters and a fine-grained structure with rapid heat dissipation.
Key benefits of using modifiers
- Effective deoxidation and protection against defects – elimination of oxygen blowholes and porosity throughout the entire volume of the casting.
- Radical increase in mechanical properties – higher tensile strength, yield strength, and impact toughness of the products.
- Fine-grained, homogeneous structure – removal of internal stresses and elimination of the tendency for hot tearing.
- Excellent machinability – a uniform microstructure facilitates subsequent machining and extends tool life.
PEDMO foundry modifiers offer
We supply market-proven modifiers in the form of dry powder mixtures, tailored to the specifics of casting:
- MODAL 1/Z – is an advanced preparation constituting a mixture of appropriately selected sodium salts, causing slight deoxidation of the alloy. It is intended for the precise modification of aluminum alloys (including AK12, AK11, AK9, AK7, and to a lesser extent AK52, AK51) cast in sand molds and permanent molds. The form of a light gray powder ensures easy dosing (0.5–1.0 wt% of the alloy).
Technical specification
- Physical form: Dry powders/mixtures of modifying salts.
- Main action: Alloy deoxidation, modification of the crystalline structure, grain refinement.
- Casting method: Sand molds, permanent molds (metal dies).
- Usage: Aluminum and non-ferrous metal alloys.