Boron Nitride for Metallurgy Applications
Steel and its alloys, as well as non-ferrous alloys such as Aluminium, Copper, Magnesium, along with Nickel, Cobalt superalloys, precious metals, or magnetic materials, require a variety of refractory components used in the casting, processing, and shaping processes. In metallurgy, the inert nature of Boron Nitride, its low wettability by molten metals, and high resistance to oxidation offer significant benefits at melting temperatures. This is why Boron Nitride, in its various forms, assists in various applications in the metallurgical sector.
Sintered Boron Nitride Components HeBoSint® in contact with Molten Metals
Boron Nitride consumables offer high resistance and reduce maintenance in the production process due to their long lifespan. Therefore, they are commonly used in the following applications:
Break Rings and Split Rings in horizontal continuous casting of steel and its alloys: In horizontal casting processes, molten metal goes through different phases until it reaches a refractory ring in the solidification zone, where a sharp temperature change occurs. Thus, it is crucial to protect the integrity of the ring or break ring, as a failure at this point can lead to the loss of the casting. Boron Nitride, along with different additives like Zirconium,
offers high resistance to thermal shock while providing non-adhesive properties and a low coefficient of friction.
offers Nozzles and Side Dams for casting: In the configuration of sheet casting facilities, refractory materials with high wear resistance are required for both nozzles and side dams that laterally contain the casting before it is shaped by the rotating cylinders. Boron Nitride components are a cost-efficient solution, offering various grades based on the chemical composition of each alloy.
Boron Nitride Coatings for Protecting Surfaces in contact with Molten Metals
HeBoCoat® and HeBoFill® coatings are product ranges designed for demolding and lubrication in non-ferrous molten metal flows. Therefore, they excel in applications on surfaces such as crucibles, channels, and moulds. Their key features include optimal coating layer formation, ease of application, and strong adhesion to the substrate.
These coatings provide protection to refractory components, increasing their lifespan and providing non-adhesive properties to these surfaces, reducing maintenance and cleaning costs.
HeBoFill® Extrusion is the range of Boron Nitride powders for extrusion applications.
HeBoCoat® – Boron Nitride Coatings in Foundry
Boron Nitride coatings – HeBoCoat®, in both water-based and ethanol-based formulations, cater to the specific requirements of each customer.
Each application in metallurgy demands specific performance characteristics from the coating. Consequently, there are three lines of coatings with different properties:
- HeBoCoat® Power Line: This is the most extensive range, featuring products in both ethanol-based and water-based formulations. It is designed for environments or situations that require non-adhesive and lubricating properties.
- HeBoCoat® Expert Line: A specialised range of coatings designed for the most demanding applications. It is available in a water-based formulation and is the preferred coating when aiming for top-tier performance.
- HeBoCoat® Spray Line: Boron Nitride coating in spray / aerosol form, known for its user-friendly and direct application. It allows for the swift application of non-adhesive and lubricating films without the need for any additional equipment.
HeBoSint® – Sintered Boron Nitride Parts in Foundry
On the other hand, sintered Boron Nitride parts – HeBoSint® – are precision-machined according to the 3D model or plan provided by the customer. This allows for obtaining sintered Boron Nitride parts with specific measurements for their application in the metallurgy sector.
Depending on the environment and work requirements in their application, sintered parts offer different and specific compositions. Therefore, the HeBoSint® range has three product lines:
- HeBoSint® Pure Line: Parts made from pure Boron Nitride, without any binders and specifically designed for applications requiring high thermal conductivity, low thermal expansion coefficient, and a working temperature of up to 2300°C in a vacuum.
- HeBoSint® Classic Line: A versatile and reliable range of sintered Boron Nitride components. Due to their properties, this range offers the most applications.
- HeBoSint® Strong Line: A line known for its mechanical properties. Exceptional results are achieved by sintering Hexagonal Boron Nitride with Zirconium Dioxide or Aluminium Nitride.
HeBoFill® Extrusion – Boron Nitride Powder for Metallurgical Applications
Boron Nitride powder can be applied to different substrates to facilitate lubrication and reduce the adherence of molten metals to unwanted surfaces.
- HeBoFill® Extrusion: Coarse Boron Nitride powder, specifically developed as a lubricant and release agent for various applications in the metallurgy sector using electrostatic coating.
Explore other applications of Boron Nitride.
