Foundry Grade Gilsonite – Natural Carbon Additive for Casting Excellence

The Challenge in Foundry Operations

Foundries face constant challenges: sand molds that collapse under heat, castings that develop gas defects, and the need to produce cleaner surfaces at lower cost. Manufacturers often rely on expensive synthetic additives, but these do not always provide consistent results.

This is where Foundry Grade Gilsonite comes in. As a natural hydrocarbon resin with high fixed carbon content, it is widely used in the foundry industry as a carbon additive and binder. It improves mold quality, reduces casting defects, and ensures stronger, smoother finished products.

How Foundry Grade Gilsonite Improves Casting

When introduced into foundry sand mixes, Gilsonite plays several critical roles:

• Carbon Source: Provides high fixed carbon that enhances mold strength and prevents penetration of molten metal.

• Gas Generation Control: Releases gases in a controlled way, minimizing porosity and surface defects.

• Improved Surface Finish: Produces cleaner castings with less need for grinding and finishing.

• Binder Action: Works alongside bentonite and other binders to strengthen sand molds.

• Cost Advantage: Natural alternative that reduces reliance on synthetic resins and additives.

Applications in the Foundry Industry

Iron and Steel Casting

In iron foundries, Gilsonite is used as a carbon additive in sand molds. It ensures high surface quality and reduces defects, making it especially valuable for automotive and machinery components.

Non-Ferrous Casting

Foundry Grade Gilsonite is also applied in non-ferrous casting operations, where clean surface finish and controlled gas release are crucial for quality.

Refractory Materials

Because of its high carbon content and thermal resistance, Gilsonite is incorporated into refractory mixes for improved performance under high heat.

Supply Options for Foundries

Foundry Grade Gilsonite is available in forms designed for industrial use:

• Powder – Ideal for sand mix applications requiring fine dispersion.

• Granular – For controlled blending into refractory and casting processes.

• Lump – Bulk supply for further processing.

Packaging options include 25 kg multi-layer bags, 1-ton jumbo bags, and bulk container shipments for large foundries.

Advantages for Foundry Buyers

• Higher Yield: Fewer casting defects mean lower rejection rates.

• Operational Savings: Reduced finishing work saves time and labor.

• Consistency: Reliable quality ensures repeatable results.

• Scalability: Suitable for both small foundries and large industrial operations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is Gilsonite used in foundry sand mixes?
A1: It provides high fixed carbon, strengthens the mold, and reduces surface defects in castings.

Q2: Can Gilsonite replace other carbon additives?
A2: Yes, it is widely used as an economical alternative to synthetic resins and pitch.

Q3: What industries benefit most from Foundry Grade Gilsonite?
A3: Automotive, machinery, iron and steel casting, and refractory manufacturers.

Q4: How does Gilsonite improve the surface finish of castings?
A4: It generates gases at controlled rates, preventing penetration and porosity, which results in smoother surfaces.

Q5: What forms are available for industrial buyers?
A5: Powder, granular, and lump forms with flexible packaging for small and large-scale use.