What Makes Foundry Sand Work Better?
In the foundry industry, casting quality depends heavily on the sand mixture. It’s not just sand that shapes the final product—it’s also the additives that determine strength, smoothness, and release behavior. One additive that stands out is gilsonite.
Gilsonite for foundry sand additive offers several advantages. It improves surface finish, reduces defects like veining and gas holes, and increases the reclaimability of the sand.
At Basekim, we provide high-quality gilsonite that’s specifically processed for use in green sand and no-bake mold systems. Whether you’re producing gray iron, ductile iron, or steel castings, gilsonite can help optimize your results.
What Is Gilsonite and Why Use It?
Gilsonite, also known as natural bitumen, is a solid, black hydrocarbon that forms naturally underground. It’s mined, ground into a fine powder, and used in several industries—including inks, paints, asphalt, and foundries.
When added to foundry sand mixtures, gilsonite acts as a carbonaceous additive. That means it supplies carbon during the metal pouring process, which helps in reducing casting defects.
More importantly, gilsonite burns cleanly and consistently, unlike some other additives like seacoal or pitch. Because of this, it creates fewer emissions, less smoke, and a cleaner work environment.
Key Benefits of Gilsonite in Foundry Sand
Let’s explore the main advantages of using gilsonite as a foundry sand additive:
✔ Improves Surface Finish
Gilsonite releases gases in a controlled manner during pouring, which creates a smooth finish on the casting surface. This reduces the need for secondary cleaning or grinding.
✔ Reduces Casting Defects
Defects like veining, penetration, and gas-related blowholes are common in iron castings. Gilsonite helps by creating a protective gas layer between the molten metal and sand, which reduces metal-sand interaction.
✔ Enhances Mold and Core Strength
Because gilsonite is thermoplastic, it melts and bonds with the sand during heating. This improves cohesiveness and helps the mold hold its shape better.
✔ Environmentally Cleaner
Compared to traditional carbon additives, gilsonite produces less smoke and odor. This leads to a safer, cleaner working atmosphere—especially important for modern foundries focused on emissions reduction.
✔ Increases Sand Reclaimability
After casting, foundry sand can often be reused. With gilsonite, the burnout is cleaner, making it easier to reclaim the sand and reduce waste.
How to Use Gilsonite in Foundry Sand
Using gilsonite in your sand mix is simple, but getting the proportion right is essential. Here’s a general guide:
In Green Sand Systems
Dosage: Typically 3% to 6% by weight of sand
Best for: Gray iron and ductile iron castings
Blending: Mix with other carbon additives like seacoal or pitch if needed
In No-Bake or Cold Box Molding
Dosage: Depends on core size and binder system
Best for: Complex or large castings where gas control is important
Gilsonite blends well with bentonite clay and other organic binders, making it highly flexible in many molding systems.
At Basekim, we offer gilsonite in custom mesh sizes (commonly 200 mesh) to match your production needs.
Comparison: Gilsonite vs. Traditional Additives
Here’s how gilsonite stacks up against other foundry carbon additives:
| Property | Gilsonite | Seacoal | Pitch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon Content | ~85%+ | ~65% | ~70% |
| Burnout Cleanliness | Very High | Moderate | Low |
| Odor During Use | Low | High | High |
| Surface Finish | Excellent | Good | Fair |
| Reclaimability | Easy | Moderate | Difficult |
As you can see, gilsonite offers a cleaner, more effective solution, especially for facilities looking to upgrade from older additives.
Applications by Casting Type
Gilsonite works well in many types of metal casting:
Gray Iron: Reduces porosity and improves finish
Ductile Iron: Controls nodularity and improves release
Steel Casting: Minimizes veining and gas defects
Large Castings: Provides better mold stability under thermal stress
Whether you’re casting automotive parts, pipes, machine bases, or manhole covers, gilsonite can help improve consistency and output quality.
Why Manufacturers Choose Basekim
If you’re sourcing gilsonite for foundry use, quality and consistency are everything. That’s where Basekim comes in.
High Carbon Content
Our gilsonite contains more than 85% fixed carbon, ensuring strong performance with each batch.
Consistent Mesh Size
We supply gilsonite in uniform, fine powder, typically 200 mesh, which ensures even blending in your sand systems.
Reliable Supply
Whether you need bulk deliveries or smaller packaging, we provide timely global shipments with all necessary documentation.
Custom Packaging
Basekim offers moisture-proof bags, bulk sacks, or custom drum packaging to suit your storage needs.
Technical Support
Not sure what grade or ratio you need? Our experts can help you optimize your sand mix with gilsonite for better results.
Storage and Safety Tips
Although gilsonite is safe to handle, it’s still best to follow good practices:
Store in a dry area away from moisture
Use gloves and dust masks when handling powder
Keep away from open flames or high heat sources
Always follow the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provided
We include all safety and handling documentation with our gilsonite shipments.
Outcome
If you’re looking to improve casting surface quality, reduce defects, and lower emissions, then gilsonite is a smart choice for your foundry sand system. It’s clean-burning, high in carbon, and easy to blend—making it a superior alternative to traditional additives.
And with Basekim as your supplier, you get reliable quality, fast delivery, and the technical support you need to make the most of every pour.
Contact Basekim today to request a quote or sample. Let us help you take your casting quality to the next level with premium gilsonite for foundry applications.
