Fast melting silicon is an additive in the manufacturing process of aluminum alloys. It contains more than 95% silicon. It can be added directly into the liquid aluminum at normal melting temperatures. Compared with ordinary Silicon metal, the biggest features of fast melting silicon are its fast melting speed, ease of use, and the actual silicon casting yield is greater than 90%. However, ordinary silicon metal has a high melting point and slow melting speed, resulting in a large loss on ignition in actual use.
When as the sole additive of silicon element, we can add only fast melting silicon metal. Aluminum alloy factories can also adjust the trace components of aluminum alloys with silicon grades such as silicon metal 441 and silicon metal 553.
In addition, there is also another commodity people call it as fast melting silicon, its material component is instant sodium silicate. It is a white powdery material that can quickly dissolve in water. This product has the characteristics of cold resistance, uniformity, and convenient use, transportation and storage. It is different from metallurgical grade silicon metal for aluminum alloy industry. Its main application area is a builder in synthetic detergents and is an activator for fly ash cement. It is also a coagulation agent for silicon-based drilling fluids, an anti-swelling agent for mud shale, and a gelling leak-stopping agent for bentonite slurry. Therefore, it is not fast melting silicon metal, and buyers need to distinguish it.
Usage of Fast Melting Silicon
Commonly, when in use, add it at a temperature above 740°C. The higher the temperature, the higher the actual yield. After adding fast melting silicon, sit for a period of time and avoid stirring immediately. During this time the silicon can fully integrates into the melt. After letting it sit for about ten minutes, stir the aluminum vigorously for 5 minutes and take samples for analysis. If the inspection is qualified, you can move to the next step. When the requirement for silicon content is high and the dosage is less than 3% of total charge, add the fast melt silicon at one time. If the additive amount exceeds 3% of the total charge, added it in several times to prevent accumulation. Please note that the total charge includes liquid aluminum, silicon, Magnesium ingot, Manganese, master alloys and other additives.
Fast melting silicon metal is generally 5kg per bag, 25kg per carton box. So it is very easy to calculate and adding into furnace. It should be stored in dry, cool and well-ventilated place, prevent from moisture and heat. Its expiration is 6 months which is much shorter than silicon metals. But after all, it can better utilize silicon metal application in aluminum alloy, improve product quality and improve work efficiency for aluminum alloy companies.