Foundry sand (also known as Casting Sand) consists primarily of clean, uniformly sized, high-quality silica sand that is bonded to form moulds for ferrous (iron and steel) and nonferrous (copper, aluminium, brass) metal castings.
The most common casting process used in the foundry industry is the sand cast system. Virtually all sand cast moulds for ferrous castings are of the green sand type. Green sand consists of high-quality silica sand, bentonite clay (as the binder), water and coal (a carbonaceous mould additive to improve casting finish).
The type of metal being cast determines which additives and what gradation of sand is used. The production of foundry sand requires specialist screening and classification systems and involves detailed analysis of feed material and sand grade specifications.
We manufacture the full range of equipment required on a foundry sand processing plant and the modular nature of our equipment ensures:
Where is foundry sand used?
Ferrous (iron & steel) industries account for the majority of foundry sand used for castings.
The automotive industry and its suppliers are also major consumers of foundry sand. Typically, around 1 tonne of foundry sand is required for each tonne of iron or steel casting produced.
An individual analysis of the spent foundry sand in terms of physical and chemical properties is required in order to determine the potential for recycling of foundry sand and its suitable applications.