Casting Technology

The foundry allows the economic production of large quantities of dimensionally similar construction parts with adjustable properties. Due to the development pressure that the foundry is exposed to due to the advent of additive manufacturing, it leads to development needs in lightweight construction, functional integration, material efficiency and resource conservation [Ing15]. This increases the demands placed on temperature-resistant casting molds and cores [Wös19] with regard to thermal shock and low thermal expansion, high thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance [Pfe01].

IKH-Products used for this industry

Alumina (Al₂O₃)

Due to its excellent price-performance ratio, alumina (Al2O3) ceramics are predestined for many technical applications and the most widely used oxide ceramic material [KOL18]. Its low costs are due to the high availability of aluminum (3rd most common element in the earth’s crust) and the costeffective preparation and sintering processes.

Aluminia

Zirconia (ZrO₂)

Ceramics made from zirconia (ZrO2), occupy a special position among engineering ceramics due to their exceptional mechanical properties. For example, some zirconium oxide ceramics exhibit extremely high flexural strength and fracture toughness previously considered as unattainable for ceramics.

Zirconia