Stalk casting is a casting process that is widely used in the aluminium industry. It is an essential process that involves the use of stalks to feed molten aluminium to the mould cavity. As the name suggests, stalk casting is all about the stalk! The stalks used in the casting process must be of excellent quality to ensure that there are no defects in the final product. To produce high-quality stalks, manufacturers use aluminium titanate, a ceramic material that is perfect for the job.
What is Aluminium Titanate?
Aluminium titanate (Al2TiO5) is a ceramic material that is composed of aluminium oxide (Al2O3) and titanium oxide (TiO2). It has a unique crystal structure that makes it ideal for use in high-temperature applications. Aluminium titanate has excellent thermal shock resistance, low thermal expansion, and high chemical resistance, making it suitable for use in molten aluminium applications such as stalk casting.
Benefits of Using Aluminium Titanate Stalks
1. High Thermal Shock Resistance
One of the most significant benefits of using aluminium titanate stalks is their high thermal shock resistance. Stalk casting involves pouring molten aluminium into a mould cavity. The high temperature of the molten aluminium can cause thermal shock to the stalks, which can lead to cracks and defects in the final product. Aluminium titanate stalks have excellent thermal shock resistance, ensuring that they can withstand the high temperature without cracking.
2. Low Thermal Expansion
Aluminium titanate has a very low thermal expansion coefficient, which means that it does not expand or contract significantly when exposed to temperature changes. This property makes it ideal for use in stalk casting, as it ensures that the stalks retain their shape and size during the casting process.
3. High Chemical Resistance
Molten aluminium is highly reactive and can cause chemical reactions with most materials. Aluminium titanate has a high chemical resistance, which means that it does not react with molten aluminium, ensuring that there is no contamination of the final product.
4. Longer Lifespan
Aluminium titanate stalks have a longer lifespan than traditional stalk materials, such as graphite and ceramic fibre. This is because they are more durable and can withstand the high temperature and thermal shock of the casting process without degrading.
Conclusion
Aluminium titanate is the ultimate solution for stalk casting. Its unique properties, such as high thermal shock resistance, low thermal expansion, high chemical resistance, and longer lifespan, ensure that it produces high-quality stalks that are free from defects. If you are looking to improve the quality of your stalks and reduce defects in your final product, consider using aluminium titanate stalks for your casting process.