40 - Survey of Greensand Properties of Member Foundries

Abstract:

The sand tests were done in one laboratory known to have many years of expertise in sand testing. During transport, regardless of how well samples are sealed, the samples age and while moisture content remains fairly stable, compactability drops as the moisture is absorbed further into the clay. In addition, the sands cool from the temperature at which they were in use at foundry. While the cooling effect could not be negated on a practical level, the sands were retempered or conditioned, prior to testing, to the reported target compactability at the foundry. This was done in a low energy mixer, so the water could be distributed with a minimum energy input into the sand in order to avoid altering the strength properties.