What flux to use for aluminum casting?

06 Feb.,2024

 

Kingsun are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.

What Flux to Use for Aluminum Casting?

When it comes to aluminum casting, the right flux plays a crucial role in ensuring a successful and high-quality outcome. Fluxes are substances used to remove and prevent the formation of oxides on the surface of the metal being cast. This process is essential for achieving optimal results during aluminum casting as it improves metal flow, surface finish, and reduces the chances of defects. In this article, we will explore different flux options available for aluminum casting and highlight their importance in achieving superior castings.

Primary Fluxes.

Primary fluxes are the most commonly used fluxes for aluminum casting. They are designed to remove oxides from the metal surface and form a protective layer to prevent re-oxidation. Here are a few types of primary fluxes commonly used in the industry:

1. Borax-Based Fluxes: Borax is one of the most popular choices for aluminum casting fluxes. It effectively removes oxides, prevents re-oxidation, and improves the flow of molten metal. Borax-based fluxes also aid in achieving a smooth and clean surface finish.

2. Sodium Chloride: Sodium chloride, or common table salt, is another primary flux used for aluminum casting. It is relatively inexpensive and readily available. Sodium chloride fluxes are effective in removing oxides and preventing re-oxidation. However, they may not offer the same level of metal flow improvement as borax-based fluxes.

3. Potassium Fluoride: Potassium fluoride fluxes are highly efficient in removing oxides from aluminum surfaces. They help in achieving a clean casting by minimizing surface defects and improving metal flow. However, due to their caustic nature, proper safety measures must be taken while handling potassium fluoride fluxes.

Secondary Fluxes.

Secondary fluxes are used in conjunction with primary fluxes to further enhance the casting process. They are primarily added to address specific issues or improve certain casting characteristics. Let's take a look at a couple of secondary fluxes commonly used in aluminum casting:

1. Sodium Metabisulfite: Sodium metabisulfite is a secondary flux used for aluminum casting, particularly for reducing the formation of gaseous defects, such as hydrogen porosity. It reacts with moisture and releases sulfur dioxide gas, which helps in minimizing porosity and improving the quality of the casting.

2. Strontium: Strontium is often added as a secondary flux to improve the modification and refinement of aluminum alloys. It enhances the eutectic structure of the alloy, resulting in improved casting properties such as fluidity, mechanical strength, and resistance to hot cracking.

Conclusion.

Choosing the right flux is vital in achieving successful aluminum castings. Primary fluxes like borax-based fluxes, sodium chloride, and potassium fluoride are commonly used for oxide removal and preventing re-oxidation. On the other hand, secondary fluxes like sodium metabisulfite and strontium help address specific issues and improve casting characteristics. By understanding the various flux options and their impact on the casting process, manufacturers can ensure the production of high-quality aluminum castings.

If you are looking for further information or assistance with aluminum casting fluxes, feel free to contact us. Our team of experts is ready to provide guidance and support to help you achieve superior casting results.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website.

For more Manganese Tablets for aluminum castinginformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.