TENBLOC®
TENBLOC® inoculant blocks are used for in the mould inoculation.
TENBLOC® is available in a number of different analytical grades, specifically formulated for both grey and ductile iron applications.
TENBLOC® is produced by a unique powder metallurgical method, giving very accurate dimensions and weights, which also enables both cylindrical and taper shapes to be produced from 5gm to 300gm.
The block has a very low thermal conductivity, which results in a rapid and controlled dissolution during the casting time ensuring all metal, particularly the first, is inoculated. As there is no chemical segregation, homogeneous nucleation of the iron results, whilst complete control in the selection of raw materials ensures freedom from extraneous materials. It is also free from the problems of entrapped slag, blow holes and porosity.
As part of this technical qualification the product is not only accredited ISO 9001-2000 but has achieved the QS9000 status as required by automotive manufacturers.
TENBLOC® Std Grade | ANALYSIS
Analytically formulated to achieve required metallurgical structures - nodule count, shape and freedom from carbide for most ductile iron applications.
| TENBLOC® Std | Si | Mg | Al | Ca |
| 65-75% | 0.7-1.7% | 3.3-5.0% | 0.5-1.5% |
TENBLOC® Std Grade + Zr | ANALYSIS
The addition of 1-2.5% Zr to the standard grade formulation has proven particularly useful for those ductile iron castings where carbide has been a problem due to thin sections.
| TENBLOC® Std + Zr | Si | Mg | Al | Ca | Zr |
| 65-75% | 0.7-1.7% | 3.3-5.0% | 0.5-1.5% | 1-2.5% |
TENBLOC® Low Al Grade | ANALYSIS
The restriction on the amluminium content - a maximum of 1% - means that this analysis is particularly suited for grey iron inoculation. The problem of Hydrogen pin-holing due to high moisture in green sand moulding systems requires restrictions on the maximum Al content in the metal. The low Al grade Tenbloc® is idea in this case.
| TENBLOC® Low Al | Si | Mg | Al | Ca |
| 65-75% | 1.5-2.5% | 1% max | 1% max |
TENBLOC® Low Al Grade + Zr | ANALYSIS
The addition of Zr to the block eliminates the problem of carbide formation on thin section castings.
| TENBLOC® Low Al + Zr | Si | Mg | Al | Ca | Zr |
| 65-75% | 1.5-2.5% | 1% max | 1% max | 1-2.5% |
TENBLOC® MZ20 Grade | ANALYSIS
This grade is suitable for both grey and ductile iron applications and the controlled amounts of aluminium, calcium and manganese give a strong inoculating effect. The excellent solubility of this block, due to the addition of Mn, allows for much more controlled dissolution when metal pouring temperatures are lower.
| TENBLOC® MZ20 | Si | Mg | Al | Ca | Zr | Mn |
| 65-75% | 0.7-1.7% | 0.6-1.4% | 0.4-1.0% | 0.1-0.3% | 0.2-0.6% |
TENBLOC® SR20 Grade | ANALYSIS
The application of the Sr bearing grade is particularly suited for grey iron applications where there is a risk of micro shrinkage. Micro shrinkage occurs where cell counts are excessive following inoculation, the addition of Sr still maintains the resistance to carbide formation but achieves this through lower cell counts. The use of the Sr bearing grade is not recommended in ductile iron where calcium of cerium is present due to the treatment with FeSiMg.
| TENBLOC® SR20 | Si | Mg | Al | Ca | Sr |
| 65-75% | 0.7-1.7% | 1% max | 1% max | 0.3-0.90% |
TENBLOC® BaMn Grade | ANALYSIS
The BaMn grade is ideal for both grey and ductile irons. It produced high cell counts in ductile irons with minimum fade characteristics. The effect of the Ba addition in grey irons is also important, particularly for electrically melted iron where S contents are generally lower that for equivalent cupola melted irons.
| TENBLOC® BaMn | Si | Mg | Al | Ca | Zr | Mn | Ba |
| 65-75% | 0.7-1.7% | 0.6-1.4% | 0.4-1.0% | 0.1-0.3% | 0.2-0.6% | 0.15-0.4% |
TENBLOC® Other Grade Availability
Specialist applications have resulted in La, Bi and Ce grades being produced. These are generally developed by discussions between our technical personnel and the related foundry. However, due to the unique process of using powder metallurgical techniques, special blends can be produced initially for trial purposes. These blends are often only a few kilos but are sufficient to allow the foundry the opportunity to run small samples trials to fine tune the Tenbloc® analysis required.
| TAPER | BLOCK WEIGHT | DIMENSION | ||
| A | B | C | ||
 |
20g x 19.5 | 20.6 | 19.6 | 11 |
| 30g x 22.5 | 24.6 | 22.6 | 14.2 | |
| 40g x 22.5 | 24.6 | 22.6 | 14.2 | |
| 50g x 22.5 | 26.1 | 22.6 | 21 | |
| 60g x 23 | 25.1 | 23.1 | 10 | |
| 60g x 26.5 | 27.2 | 26.6 | 20 | |
| 80g x 27.5 | 30.2 | 27.6 | 19 | |
| 80g x 28.4 | 30.2 | 28.5 | 19 | |
| 80g x 28.75 | 30.2 | 28.8 | 19 | |
| 80g x 29.2 | 30.8 | 29.3 | 19 | |
| 80g x 30 | 32.1 | 30.1 | 19 | |
| 80g x 35.1 | 38.2 | 35.2 | 28 | |
| 150g x 35.6 | 39.8 | 35.7 | 40 | |
| 300g x 52 | 55.1 | 52.1 | 30 | |
| CYLINDRICAL | Weight of Block (gms) | Diameter of Block mm (inch) |
| 5, 10, 15, 20 | 20.5 | |
| 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 45 | 25.4 (1.0") | |
| 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 | 31.0 | |
| 50, 60, 70, 80, 100, 120 | 31.8 (1.5") | |
| 80, 90, 100, 120, 150, 200, 230 | 50.8 (2.0") | |
| 300, 900, 1000, 1500, 3000 | 76.2 (3.0") | |
| Note: from 800gm to 3000gm blocks are shrink wrapped in multiples of 300gm | ||