Defects Reduction in Spheroidal Graphite Iron Casting Process of a Jackscrew Manufacturer

This research focused on defects reduction in spheroidal graphite iron casting process of a jackscrew manufacturer in which graphite nodularity was lower than a given specification (75%). This situation could lead to serious issues and accident to end-users. The Six Sigma approach of DMAIC was employed to identify and eliminate the problems. The result obtained after implementing the Six Sigma showed that the process capability was improved from-0.47 to 2.04, and the average per cent graphite nodularity was increased significantly from 61.49% to 86.43%.

Spheroidal graphite iron production of furnace roof hangers

The wire rod mill of the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited produces coils, wire rods and re-bars of different sizes. Without the furnace hangers, it will be difficult for the mill to continue to operate. This paper describes the production of furnace roof hangers that are required for re-heating furnace using the spheroidal graphite iron (SGI), highlighting the sand-casting process, charge calculation, and the chemical compositions. The facilities within the foundry shop of the steel company are used to produce furnace roof hangers. The available materials used for the casting of the hangers are the pig iron, scrap ends, foundry returns and magnesium. The process of production was performed through the reheating furnace for the heating of 120 m x 120 m x 120 m billets. One ton induction furnace of low frequency was used as the melting vessel. Also, 6 kg of magnesium was introduced in the ladle before the liquid metal was teemed into it. A Spectro analytical instrument was used to determine the chemical compositions of the materials before and after the casting processes. The analysis of the chemical compositions of produced sample of SGI are presented and discussed.