For suppliers to the automotive industry, the production of cast aluminium parts by means of gravity and low pressure die-casting is of high technological and economic importance. With precisely these requirements in mind, ASK Chemicals have developed a semi-insulating die coating Solitectm AD 901, a highly efficient water-based coating that offers major economic advantages in foundry processes thanks to its extremely long service life.

In addition to ensuring that moulds are filled completely, controlling the solidification of the cast part and protecting the mould surface, Solitectm AD 901 offers another key benefit. The service life of the dies is more than 50 % longer than when other standard coatings are used, according to ASK Chemicals. This prolongs the intervals required for die coating and maintenance and, therefore, increases the availability.

The comparatively high graphite content of Solitectm AD 901 also significantly reduces the ejection forces and hence the loads on the mould surfaces. Even production downtime lasting up to four hours does not have any negative impact on the quality of the coating or cast part. The economic impact of this is longer usage periods with reduced maintenance costs.

At ASK Chemicals, more than 90 chemists, engineers and technicians on three continents are hard at work responding to the requirements of suppliers of aluminium cast parts.

For further information contact Applied Casting Solutions on TEL: 011 922 1701 or visit www.chemsystems.co.za or www.ask-chemicals.com