Gilsonite Foundry

 

Gilsonite Foundry is a factory that produces metal castings. Metals are cast into shapes by melting them into a liquid, pouring the metal into a mold, and removing the mold material after the metal has solidified as it cools. The most common metals processed are Aluminum (Al) and Cast Iron. However, other metals, such as Bronze, Brass, Steel, Magnesium (Mg), and Zinc (Zn), are also used to produce castings in foundries. In this process, parts of desired shapes and sizes can be formed.

 

They are one of the largest contributors to the manufacturing recycling movement, melting and recasting millions of tons of scrap metal every year to create new durable goods. Moreover, many such factories use sand in their molding process. They often use, recondition, and reuse sand, which is another form of recycling.

 

General Definition of Gilsonite in Foundry Sands:

 

In Foundry and Refractories, for molding high–value metals there is more attention to factors such as finishing. Gilsonite can be a superior carbon additive replacing the traditional Sea Coal which has low Carbonic value compared to Gilsonite specifications. Gilsonite is used as a carbonate additive in casting sand to make plates smoother on gray iron molds. Adding Gilsonite makes a better mold that imparts a smoother finish to the cast piece and is easier to remove from the cast item. Gilsonite, in combination with sea coal, is used as special adhesives for casting sand resulting in fewer casting imperfections while improving mold release. Gilsonite is also used as the solidifying agent to shape metals. Gilsonite is used in combination with chemical compounds such as Magnesium (Mg) and Hydrated lime (Ca (OH)₂) for Desulfurization practice in the steel industry.

 

 

 

For high–value Iron Castings, Gilsonite performs in foundry sand like no other carbon additive. Foundries around the world have known for decades that when the fire of molten Iron is mixed with sand, Gilsonite makes the difference. For your complex, high–value Iron Castings, Gilsonite performs like no other carbon additive. Gilsonite’s naturally superior properties mean high–quality castings with better finish and fewer imperfections.

 

In terms of quality, high worth iron castings, natural bitumen performs like no alternative carbon additive. Natural bitumen is additionally used as an effervescent additive in casting sands that make power tool plates on gray iron castings. In sand case, by adding natural bitumen and asphalts at around one–third the amount of bituminous coal the pitch had equivalent volatiles. Physical sand properties with natural bitumen resin are equal or superior to bituminous coal at considerably lower additive levels. Gilsonite can be used in foundry sands as a carbon additive instead of Sea Coal, which is the conventional item for this application.

 

The key factor for using Gilsonite as foundry sand additives is the high lustrous carbon content, which also includes a good amount of fixed carbon within. The key matter is adding a secondary layer of graphite while the layer made from Gilsonite carbon prevents the generation of Carbon Monoxide (Co) to the Graphite Layer. This procedure is called creating a reductive atmosphere. While lustrous carbon content is an important factor in the high–value metal foundry, it provides a better finish for molding the gas generation provided by the Gilsonite is 3 times more than sea coal. This results form an upgraded mold release.

 

Compositions of binders and other proprietary materials used to make molds and cores for producing castings are well known. Typical foundry compositions include ingredients such as Sodium (Western) Bentonite, Calcium (Ca) (Southern) Bentonite, Fire Clay (Kaolinite), Sea Coal, a highly volatile Carbonaceous material such as Gilsonite, Cereal, Cellulose (C₆H₁₀O₅) and/or any of the other commonly used foundry sand additives.

 

 

 

 

Foundry sands, which are composed mainly of Silica Sand (SiO₂) with Clays and Carbonaceous materials mixed and pulled together when compacted to form molds, resist penetration by molten metal and the tendency of the molding sand to fuse or stick to the casting. One of the problems associated with the known blend carbonaceous additives discussed above, particularly believed due to Sea Coal, is the smoke and other emissions that can be environmentally hazardous. These gasses are released when the materials are heated in an Oxygen–free atmosphere.

 

Gilsonites’ high lustrous carbon content improves the final quality of the finishing significantly and it is very suitable for molding high value metals. Also the mold release is more effective with presence of Gilsonite as the gas generation is twice higher than sea coal. Carbonic nature of natural bitumen adapts to the high temperature molding procedures well and reduces the reaction between the casting and the mold.

 

Gilsonite in Foundry:

 

Gilsonite is combined with coal and other ingredients as an additive in foundry sands is a sand that when moistened and compressed or oiled or heated tends to pack well and hold its shape. It is used in the process of sand casting for preparing the mould cavity to insure the quality of the molded part.

 

The lower gas evolution should reduce ventilation load on the pouring floor. The physical property relationships developed in new mixes were confirmed by sand using Gilsonite as an additive. Gilsonite is as a carbonate additive too and can be added to sands of foundry and play the role of a strong adhesive for them.

This reduces the downtime of casting operations. The most important uses of Gilsonite for foundry are as follows:

 

■   Sand foundry stabilizer.

■   Reduce the reaction between mold and melting material.

■   The template is released with ease.

■   Reduced final appendages and better payments.

 

 

 

 

Ratio of Gilsonite in Foundry:

 

When the additive is combined with the clay, the nominal percentages by weight of the preened would be around 4% Iron Oxide, 4% Gilsonite and 16% Metallurgical Coke, the balance being essentially 70% to 75% Clay and small amounts of other materials.

 

In the case of greater than normal amounts of smoke and / or emissions, the amount of the Iron Oxide can be increased in steps of 0.5% of the preened with a similar reduction in the Metallurgical Coke.

 

In the case of poor shakeout peel or casting surface problems the highly volatile carbonaceous material such as Gilsonite can be increased in 0.5% steps with a similar reduction in the clay portion of the preened.

 

The permissible ranges of constituents beyond which the additive would be less effective, expressed as a percentage by weight of the preened, are 2% – 6% Iron Oxide, 6% – 2% Gilsonite, and 12% – 18% Metallurgical Coke.

 

 

 

Advantages of Using Gilsonite as an additive in Foundry Sands:

 

■   High lustrous carbon for the better finish.

■   Reductive atmosphere for less reaction between mold and casting for fewer imperfections.

■   Significant increase in gas generation comparing to Sea Coal.

■   Gilsonite supply for Foundry application has same lustrous carbon content comparing to the Gilsonite Foundry Grade while the price is also much closer to sea Coal prices which have dropped with the Oil price drop during the past years.

 

 

 

 

Packing of Foundry Gilsonite Natural Asphalt Lump and Powder Form:

 

■   Gilsonite in Lump form like Rock packed in the 500–1000/Kg. Jumbo Bag

■   Gilsonite 200 Mesh packed in the 500–1000/Kg. Jumbo Bag

■   Gilsonite 300 Mesh packed in the 500–1000/Kg. Jumbo Bag

■   Gilsonite 30–40 Mesh packed in the 500–1000/Kg. Jumbo Bag

■   Gilsonite 100 Mesh packed in the 500–1000/Kg. Jumbo Bag

■   Gilsonite 300 Mesh packed in 25/Kg. PP Bag

■   Gilsonite 200 Mesh packed the 25/Kg. Multi–Paper Bag

■   Gilsonite 200 Mesh packed the 50/lbs Multi–Paper Bag

■   Gilsonite 30–40 Mesh packed PP Bag on the Pallet

■   Bulk on vessel

 

Conclusion – Gilsonite Foundry Grade

 

 

Gilsonite Foundry Grade has established itself as a highly effective and dependable natural additive in modern foundry operations, delivering superior mold quality, enhanced casting performance, and improved production efficiency. Its unique combination of high fixed carbon content, low ash, excellent thermal stability, and natural hydrocarbon composition enables it to produce cleaner castings with smoother surface finishes while minimizing common casting defects such as metal penetration, burn-on, scabbing, and sand adhesion.

 

 

As a sustainable naturally occurring mineral, Gilsonite serves as an excellent partial or complete replacement for conventional carbonaceous additives in many foundry applications. Its ability to generate a protective reducing atmosphere during molten metal pouring contributes significantly to improved mold release characteristics and reduced cleaning and finishing requirements. These advantages help foundries lower operational costs, increase productivity, and improve the overall quality of finished cast components.

 

 

Gilsonite Foundry Grade is suitable for a broad range of casting applications, including gray iron, ductile iron, steel, and non-ferrous metal castings. Its compatibility with various molding sand systems and binder formulations provides foundries with greater flexibility while maintaining consistent process performance and repeatable casting quality. Furthermore, its low sulfur and low ash characteristics contribute to cleaner production processes and reduced waste generation, supporting environmentally responsible manufacturing practices.

 

 

As global foundry industries continue to demand higher-quality castings, greater production efficiency, and more sustainable manufacturing solutions, Gilsonite Foundry Grade remains a preferred natural material for enhancing molding performance and casting reliability. Its exceptional physical and chemical properties make it an indispensable component for foundries seeking to optimize productivity, improve casting integrity, reduce finishing operations, and maintain competitive manufacturing standards. By incorporating premium-quality Gilsonite Foundry Grade into modern foundry processes, manufacturers can consistently achieve superior casting results, enhanced operational efficiency, and long-term economic value.

 

 

Standard Specification Of Gilsonite For Foundry Grade

 

Standard Specification Of Gilsonite For Foundry Grade