Materials development

On the basis of the ductile cast iron material GJS-400, which accounts for the majority of the annual production of around 60,000 tons at Siempelkamp, the following material properties have been systematically developed, improved and metallurgically realized:

• Strength
• Vibration stability
• Heat resistance
• Toughness at subzero temperatures
• Wear resistance

These properties are essential in order to enable use of cast iron in the following areas:

• Construction of turbines and compressors
• Wind power plants, including at offshore sites
• Cement and minerals industry
• Containers for nuclear technology

In addition to the DIN, ISO, ASTM and ASME materials, we have also developed the material SICLAS® – a material which combines high strength and ductility – to the point where it is now ready for production.

Our own development work has accompanied the development of cast iron welding through to standardization.

We have now received approval for cast iron welding from five national and international classification bodies.

The latest development is composite casting. Here, pipes for heating or cooling are integrated in cast tools in order to deliver a good heat transfer which follows the contour of the tool.