ADI (Austempered Ductile Iron) Casting News & Technical Articles – SMEMACH

The application of electron microscopy in defect detection of iron castings has brought revolutionary breakthroughs to the foundry industry, enabling precise quality control and process optimization at the microscopic level. Its value permeates multiple dimensions, including defect analysis, process improvement, quality control, R&D innovation, and industry standardization. Specifically, it is reflected in the following aspects:

Silica Sol process, also known as silica sol lost wax precision casting, is a kind of investment casting technology with silica sol as a binder. It is often used in the manufacture of precision parts of metal materials such as stainless steel, carbon steel, and alloy steel. Silica sol is a stable colloidal solution with nano-scale silica particles as the core and dispersed in water. Compared with the traditional water glass process, silica sol has higher thermal stability and better surface fineness, so it can produce higher quality castings.

From July 9 to 11, 2025, the annual event of China's foundry industry - 2025 China Cast Iron Annual Conference and Isothermal Quenching Castings Annual Conference was successfully held at the Buckingham Hotel in Changzhou, Jiangsu. This annual meeting was hosted by the China Foundry Association and co-organized by the China Foundry Association Cast Iron Working Committee and Isothermal Quenching Castings Working Committee. It attracted more than 220 representatives from more than 110 units across the country to discuss the digital transformation and high-end development path of the cast iron industry.

Recently, the China Foundry Association issued the "Electron Microscope Analysis Method for Defect Detection of Cast Iron Parts", which will be implemented on October 21, 2025, and the implementation standard number is T/CFA 0198-2025.Next, let's take a look at what the electron microscope analysis method is. The electron microscope analysis method for defect detection of cast iron parts is a method of microscopic morphology observation, composition analysis and structural characterization of internal defects of cast iron parts by scanning electron microscope (SEM) or transmission electron microscope (TEM), which can effectively determine the defect type and guide the improvement of casting process.

As a common technology for metal material forming, casting achieves efficient manufacturing of complex components by injecting molten metal into the mold cavity and solidifying it. This technology integrates the principles of material solidification, fluid dynamics and thermodynamics, forming a complete scientific chain from microstructure control to macro process optimization. Based on the ASTM A802 casting quality standard and the ISO 8062 tolerance system, this paper systematically analyzes the technical characteristics and application boundaries of mainstream casting processes, and reveals the technical logic of its industrial evolution.

Casting tolerance: the art of balancing precision and cost In the manufacturing industry, casting is the core process of metal forming, and its tolerance control directly affects the dimensional accuracy, assembly performance and manufacturing cost of parts. Casting tolerance is not a simple stacking of numbers, but a systematic engineering that requires comprehensive consideration of process characteristics, material properties, size scale and economy. This article will systematically analyze the key points of casting tolerance from basic concepts to practical applications. I suddenly thought of this topic today because last year a British customer wrote the accuracy as ±0.1% when inquiring for a quote, and specifically told us that it was not ±0.01%. This detail made us feel that the customer's needs are the key to our correct work. Next, let's take a look at some standards for casting tolerances.

In the "magical world" of metal material processing and heat treatment, normalizing, annealing, quenching and tempering are like four magicians with different personalities but super powers. They can give metal materials completely different "super powers" by waving their magic wands. However, for those who have just entered this field or have only a superficial understanding of heat treatment processes, these four magicians are often difficult to distinguish. Don't worry, today we will unveil their mystery and make them clear!

​On May 18, 2025, during the "21st Annual Meeting of China Foundry Association", China Foundry Association released the "2024 China Foundry Industry Data". Wang Dongsheng, Executive Vice President and Secretary General of China Foundry Association, released the data and interpreted it in detail. The release of this data is like a mirror, clearly reflecting the complex changes in China's foundry industry in terms of output, imports and exports, an

At SMEMACH,we specialize in producing Austempered Ductile Iron castings tailored to meet the demanding requirements of industries such as automotive, construction, agriculture, rail, mining, and heavy machinery. Our expertise in advanced heat treatment ensures that our ADI castings deliver exceptional performance and durability under harsh operating conditions.

The Beijing International Marine Engineering Technology and Equipment Exhibition (CM for short) was held at the Beijing China International Exhibition Center (New Hall) from March 26 to 28, 2025.