(G) EXOTHERMIC & INSULATING

COMPOUND IN POWDER FORM

AFCIFEED

GENERAL:

AFCIFEED is a range of exothermic cum insulating compound to minimize

the heat losses due to radiation, from the exposed surface of the feeder head
& also acts as an insulating barrier, there by increasing efficiency of riser,
resulting in improved directional solidification used for ferrous & non - ferrous
castings.

INTRODUCTION:

Prevention of heat loss upwards from the feeder head by use of AFCIFEED hot –
top powder: -

The rate of cooling of a feeder head can be reduced by insulating its exposed
surfaces. On particular feeder head, over 25 minutes solidification period, it was
observed that the heat radiated upwards from the exposed top surfaces was
around 30% of all the heat lost from the feeder head. Fortunately, top surface
insulation is relatively easy to effect. Iron & steel foundries have for many years
adopted the practice of covering feeder heads with sand, refractory oxides,
carbonaceous materials & other so called anti – piping compounds. The use of
such materials retards the loss of heat upwards so as delay the solidification of a
head with the result, the atmospheric pressure in addition to gravity, aids the flow
of metal into the solidifying casting. The addition of heat producing exothermic
covers to the feeder heads prevents heat loses much more effectively than
insulating compounds alone.
What Causes Porosity?
When metal is poured to produce casting, it is at a temperature considerably
higher than its melting point. As the liquid metal cools from pouring temperature
to the solidifying state at atmospheric temperature, it contracts in volume. The
total change of shrinkage is made up of three parts & takes place in three stages
as follows: -

a) Liquid molten metal shrinkage, which occurs as the liquid metal cools
from pouring temperature down to solidifying temperature.
b) Shrinkage, which occurs during actual solidification.
c) Solid shrinkage or contraction, which occurs as the temperature of the
solid casting cools from the solidification temperature to atmospheric
temperature.

3. DESCRIPTION:

Exothermic Feeding: -

AFCIL Hot – Top compounds are heat generating, which is applied to the surface
of the still liquid metal in the feeding heads of iron or steel castings. It heats the
surface of the feed metal & so considerably delays its freezing & the formation of
solid skin. The feed metal is thus kept open & in liquid condition longer.

When the exothermic action of AFCIFFED Hot Top is completed, the burned out
material has a strong insulating effect, which reduces heat loss by radiation &
convection from the metal.

The combined action of first heating & then insulating the surface of the feed
metal results in greatly improved feeding efficiency & assists in the production of
sound, pressure tight castings.

4. SPECIFICATION:

SR. NO. CODE. PRODUCT USE CHARACTERISTICS

NO.
1. G011 AFCIFEED
11
2. G012 AFCIFEED Insulating &
12 Hot – To minimize the heat
Topping losses & also increases
Compound. feeding efficiency of riser
3. G021 AFCIFEED Exothermic resulting in improved
21 Cum directional solidification.
 Insulating Used for ferrous & non –
Compound. ferrous castings.
4. G051 AFCIFEED Highly
51 Exothermic Used for ferrous castings.
Hot
Feeding
Compound.

5. APPLICATION

a) Pour casting within approximately 25 mm of the top of the riser.

b) Place AFCIFEED powder on the top of the riser so as to provide a cover
of about 25 mm in depth.
c) Allow the exothermic reaction to proceed.
d) Top up with more metal if necessary.

6. ADVANTAGES
a) Keeps the metal in the riser in liquid stage+ for a considerably longer
time, due to
which sound castings free from defects are produced.
b) Useful particularly where box parts or casting design makes risering
difficult.
c) Because of better feeding the rejection due to shrinkage defects is
reduced.
d) Increase in feeding efficiency & yield due to minimum heat loss & heat
dissipation.
e) Reduction in riser sizes improves the foundry yield through metal saving.
f) Drastic reduction in fettling costs.

PACKING - 50 Kg Polythene lined bag.

8. PRECAUTIONS –

1. Material is non – poisonous & safe to use.

2. Should be kept in tightly closed bag in a cool & dry place to prevent
moisture pick – up.
3. AFCIFEED - 51 is highly exothermic compound hence should be kept
away from flame or from ignition source.
4. Always maintain plenty of water & first - aid box for any emergency.