Chromite (offered in Canada only)
Specially selected chromite sand provides an elevated point of sintering and high thermal conductivity ideal in the preparation of molds and hot spot castings. Unlike badly washed or low-purity chromite sands that can lead to poor hardening in resin molds and notable defects, our LCM chromite sand is subjected to strict checks on site and before shipment. Plus, a detailed analysis report is provided with each order to guarantee we’re meeting your exact requirements.
Olivine (offered in Canada only)
Used in steel and cast iron foundries, olivine sand is not considered to be hazardous to the lung. Its significant refractory qualities and low dilation provide extremely long product life with up to 97-98% sand regeneration. And unlike silica sands, it improves with use and is resistant to the penetration of molten metal, allowing the quality of the binder to be considerably reduced while obtaining the same level of plasticity and cohesion. It also a provides better surface, especially when casting manganese steel with fewer runners, risers, etc.
Olivine sand performs well with bentonite, clay, sodium silicate, oil, and starch binders, and cores based oil binders dry in less time without the risk of deformation. Plus, it’s reported to save foundries up to 50% on sand costs for each ton of cast iron produced, in addition to saving time on the repair and polishing of stainless and manganese steel castings.
Silica (Industrial Sand) (offered in Canada only)
A high-purity quartz (SiO2) sand deposited by natural processes is used as glass sand, foundry sand, abrasives, fillers, and hydraulic fracturing (frac) sand. PTC Chemicals offers high-quality silica sand to reduce the chance of impurities, withstanding high temperatures, mold shaping, release of gases, and support the metal weight, yet be of a fine enough texture to result in a smooth casting.
Zircon (offered in Canada only)
Used widely in steel foundries with particularly high smelting temperatures, as well as in refractory and ceramic production, zircon is a highly refractory sand made with 99% zirconium silicate. This sand is generally used as a skeleton for special mixtures, used where the steel cast is subjected to liquid metal thermal stress and can find use as an organic and inorganic binder.
Carbon Sand
This silica-free and unique form of spherical carbon is an excellent alternative to costly specialty sands for challenging applications. With no melting point, carbon sand will not sublimate or fuse at any temperature. It helps eliminate veining and scabbing, promotes reducing atmosphere in the mold and is excellent for casting large flat sections of iron with ½ inch or greater thickness. Non-abrasive, it offers good heat transfer and is reused in certain metallurgical systems.