Simple Solutions That Work! Issue 10

52 Figure 1: Nodu-Bloc Briquettes Fe-Mg alloys allows increased levels of foundry returns in the furnace charge make-up, often resulting in significantly reduced melting costs. ASI International, Ltd. has developed a new generation of Fe-Mg alloys (Nodu-Bloc) that address improved ductile iron boosted treatments. Nodu-Bloc alloys provide significant cost advantages compared to using 9 to 10% MgFeSi alloys or Ni-Mg master alloys. Although pressed Fe-Mg additives have been available in the past, research by ASI has determined that there is a preferred surface area to volume ratio. The size, shape and weight of Nodu-Bloc tablets or briquettes has been found maximize magnesium recovery with minimal pyrotechnics when used as directed. Nodu-Bloc iron-magnesium alloys are manufactured using well- developed powder-metallurgy techniques. Pure magnesium, high-purity iron powder and other additives are carefully blended and compacted under extremely high pressure. Since a furnace smelting process isn't employed, magnesium levels can consistently be controlled in the range of +/- 0.05 percent. Nodu-Bloc briquettes are pillow shaped, are silver-gray in appearance, measure 2.0 inches long, by 1.0 inch wide and approximately 0.875 inch thick, and typically weight 65 grams (see Figure 1).