Thin-wall ductile iron cools quickly, increasing the risk of undercooling, carbides and section-to-section variation. Effective inoculation helps create nucleation sites close to pouring so graphite can form more consistently.
Calcium-barium ferrosilicon grades are considered when a foundry needs stronger fade resistance or additional chill control. The appropriate barium and calcium range depends on base iron chemistry, nodulizing practice, holding time and wall thickness. Grain size must also suit the ladle, stream or in-mold addition system.
Buyer checklist
- Iron grade and minimum wall thickness
- Inoculation method and addition rate
- Required Si, Ca, Ba and Al limits
- Particle-size distribution and fines limit
- Requested COA and packing format
Review the available inoculant product information and confirm the final grade through foundry trials.