The well known German manufacturer of high performance, asbestos free Calcium Silicates in a density range of 200 to 1100 kg/m, Calsitherm Silikatbaustoffe GmbH, has decided to open up an office in Gauteng.
“The investment in a local subsidiary will secure Calsitherm’s existing market share of high density calcium silicate products and is part of a strategic decision for expansion. Additionally it will strengthen Calsitherm’s presence in South Africa, as well as reinforcing the commitment of the product portfolio, and that of the Calsitherm Group in general,” says Alexander Saam who will be the Director in charge of South Africa.
“The new company has been established as Silca South Africa in line with the Calsitherm Group’s marketing and branding development of subsidiaries worldwide.”
One of the key products leading to the success of the company has been the Calcast® range
“Since its establishment in 1986 the company has enjoyed constant growth. We have built up a reputation as a reliable partner for light-weight heat insulation of thermo-processing equipment in various branches of industry. The products are used in a number of industries including industrial furnace and fireplace construction, machine and plant construction, thermal apparatus engineering, fireplace and tiled stove construction, thermal treatment equipment, steel and iron foundry, aluminium and non-ferrous metal foundry, the glass industry, the ceramics industry and fire protection in offshore and onshore applications.”
“One of the key products leading to the success of the company has been the Calcast® range. Calcast® is a high performance technical ceramic manufactured from calcium silicate. All products are asbestos and quartz free. The densities range from 850 to 1100 kg/m³ and can be machined to very close tolerances. The non-wetting properties of Calcast® make these products ideally suited for non-ferrous metal casting applications. Calcast® products are also used in a wide range of thermal process applications, and are rated to 1000°C continuous exposure.”
The company manufactures numerous brands and products for specific industries. However, one of the more recent developments has been the launch of the Calcast® graphite compound range, which combines the mechanical and physical properties of calcium silicate and graphite
“As a refractory material, Calcast® is used in metal flow control applications in the aluminium industry, and as “hot face” lining in holding furnace and heat treatment equipment. Calcast® has a high dimensional stability, and incorporates a unique particle reinforcement to increase fracture toughness and thermal shock resistance. These improvements extend the service life of the refractory components, and reduce operating costs. In low pressure die casting Calcast® is used as sprue bushings, intermediate tubes, nozzles and feeder box liner.”
“Calcast® products are also widely used in billet and ingot casters as spouts, floats, trough dams and skim dams. The various grades have specially tailored properties designed for use in specific applications in the metal casting industry.”
Calcast® graphite compound products for the die casting industry
“The company manufactures numerous brands and products for specific industries. However, one of the more exciting recent developments has been the launch of the Calcast® graphite compound range, which combines the mechanical and physical properties of calcium silicate and graphite.”
“This results in a material with superior properties in regard to several high temperature applications, especially for use in non-ferrous-metal casting processes. Uniform temperature distribution and shock behaviour are significantly improved over standard calcium silicates.”
Calcast® graphite compound products for the die casting industry
“The properties are determined by the amount of graphite added to the calcium silicate system. In particular the thermo-physical and expansion properties of the compound are influenced by the anisotropic graphite crystals.”
“The products are particularly beneficial for die casters.”
Chaplets and crucibles
“The local subsidiary will also be distributing products from other Calsitherm related companies. These include a comprehensive range of chaplets that are manufactured by Karl Schmidt, and the Mars range of crucibles manufactured by Aug.Gundlach KG.
“Going forward the parent company is looking at setting up a local manufacturing facility, particularly in the field of high temperature insulation boards and other insulation materials.”
“Calsitherm will launch a new product Calcast CC 60 at GIFA 2015. The product is a calcium silicate, strengthened by carbon fibre, which are not chemically bonded hence creating no traction in the material. This is increasing the fracture strength of the material and therefore extreme thin walled components can be manufactured.”
For further details contact Alexander Saam on TEL: 011 454 4702, Cell 060 972 7505, email alexander.saam@silca-sa.com or visit www.silca-online.com
