A Brief Discussion on the Advantages and Disadvantages of Grinding Barrel Forming Methods
Currently, major SIC ceramic manufacturers' wear-resistant barrels, also called sand mill liners, are increasingly facing supply shortages, with some manufacturers' orders already booked through the end of the year, indicating strong market demand for this product. Therefore, today I would like to discuss some of the production processes of this product with you. The grinding barrel is the liner of the sand mill, where the material moves inside during use, so its main performance lies in its strength and wear resistance. Numerous manufacturers producing wear-resistant barrels have emerged rapidly in the market, but only a few can make profits from this product. Why is that? The main reason lies in cost control, with the key limiting factor being the yield rate. The thickness, height, and diameter of the barrel are directly related to the yield rate because during forming and firing, the barrel almost inevitably develops microcracks, moisture channels, delamination, and so on. Currently, there are two main forming methods: one is casting; the other is isostatic pressing. The characteristics of production using casting are: 1. The cycle from slurry mixing to firing is long, with strict drying requirements and low efficiency; 2. The product has low porosity, high strength, and good wear resistance; 3. Casting, drying, and firing stages require strict control, which small manufacturers often lack experience in. The characteristics of isostatic pressing are: 1. High production efficiency and fast forming process; 2. Due to process limitations, products formed by isostatic pressing exhibit varying degrees of delamination, detectable by X-ray flaw detection, and undetected barrels pose certain risks; 3. For new manufacturers, isostatic pressing demands high powder quality, including strength, flowability, and volatility control, which is difficult to achieve without extensive experience. Under current conditions, cast products are more reliable, with higher density, better firing strength, and lower porosity, but the long production cycle may not meet market demand when customer orders are large. Isostatic pressing products, made entirely by powder pressing, often show obvious rebound, microcracks, and delamination due to repulsive reactions between powders; pressing small blanks is feasible, but controlling larger ones is difficult. Hubei Langchi Company keeps pace with the market, meticulously refining the SIC grinding barrel process, strictly implementing standards in moisture control, drying at different temperature stages, and firing atmosphere concentration control; it has also invested heavily in facilities, molds, manpower, and logistics to shorten delivery times. Meanwhile, in cooperation with Wuhan universities, a new nano-grade β-SiC has been launched; adding nano-grade β-SiC promotes sintering performance, making the product denser, stronger, and more wear-resistant. Finally, I wish all colleagues and customers engaged in SIC ceramics good health and prosperous business!
