Evaluation of method for casting infiltration of iron powder (PowderCasting, P-cast).
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Swerea SWECAST AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 461 000 |
| Project duration | October 2015 - October 2016 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme for Metallic material |
Purpose and goal
The purpose was to investigate how a cast iron melt reacts while trying to infiltrate an iron powder with varying volume and density during casting in a sand mold. The goal was to create new surfaces and volumes where the cast structure may completely new properties compared to a conventional cast iron. The goal was to create parameters, an understanding of how this could be implemented by means of powder material placed in a 3D printed sand mould.
Expected results and effects
Casting experiments showed that iron powder does not infiltrate into the cast iron melt as desired. Test specimens of various density were tested to instead control the infiltration to desired positions on the cast component. These casting experiments showed that it is possible to obtain a good adhesion between the iron powder and the cast iron melt. The results show that it is possible to locally change the properties and structure of the cast iron. It enables welding of a steel insert to cast iron, or provide better durability.
Planned approach and implementation
The idea was that in a sand mold (3DP) containing varying amounts of iron powder or a PM body, molding a cast iron melt to achieve infiltration with desired properties. Casting was done in Swerea´s foundry and mechanical and metallographic evaluation of samples adhesion and infiltration characteristics were both in Höganäs and Swerea. Since it was a pilot study was limited casting trials to a number that is optimized by factorial design.