FAQ

What is Silicon Metal?

Silicon metal is used as an alloying agent to improve the mechanical properties of aluminum. The addition of silicon to aluminum increases its strength, hardness, and wear resistance, while also improving its ability to withstand high temperatures. Silicon is added to molten aluminum in the form of aluminum-silicon alloys, which are commonly known as silumin. The amount of silicon added to the molten aluminum depends on the desired properties of the final product. Silumin alloys are used in a wide range of applications, including automotive parts, engine blocks, and cylinder heads.

Production of Silicon Metal:
Silicon metal is produced by reducing silica (SiO2) with carbon in an electric arc furnace. The resulting product is a high-purity silicon metal that can be further refined to meet specific industry requirements. The process of producing silicon metal is energy-intensive and requires large amounts of electricity.

Uses of Silicon Metal in Aluminum Making Industry:
In the aluminum making industry, silicon metal is used as an alloying agent to improve the mechanical properties of aluminum. The addition of silicon to aluminum increases its strength, hardness, and wear resistance, while also improving its ability to withstand high temperatures. Silicon is added to molten aluminum in the form of aluminum-silicon alloys, which are commonly known as silumin. The amount of silicon added to the molten aluminum depends on the desired properties of the final product. Silumin alloys are used in a wide range of applications, including automotive parts, engine blocks, and cylinder heads.

Uses of Silicon Metal in Casting Industry:
In the casting industry, silicon metal is primarily used as an alloying agent in the production of cast iron and steel. The addition of silicon to these metals improves their mechanical properties, such as strength and hardness, as well as their resistance to corrosion and wear. Silicon is added to molten metal in the form of ferrosilicon, which is a silicon-iron alloy. The amount of silicon added to the molten metal depends on the desired properties of the final product.

In addition to its use as an alloying agent, silicon metal is also used in the casting industry as a deoxidizer and desulfurizer. When added to molten metal, silicon reacts with oxygen and sulfur to form oxides and sulfides that can be easily removed from the surface of the molten metal. This helps to improve the quality of the final product by reducing porosity and improving surface finish.

Silicon metal is a valuable material that finds applications in various industrial sectors, including the aluminum making and casting industry. Its unique properties make it an ideal choice for use as an alloying agent in metals such as aluminum, cast iron, and steel. The addition of silicon improves the mechanical properties of these metals while also increasing their resistance to corrosion and wear. As such, silicon metal plays a crucial role in the production of high-quality metal products that are used in various applications across different industries.

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JBT produces and supplies silicon metal and ferrosilicon products, mainly products are silicon metal 553, 441, 421, 411 3303,2202, 97, silicon carbide, carbon raiser for steelmaking and casting industries. We also make electrolytic manganese metal, inoculants and nodulizers. 

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