In the European Union (EU), legislation and regulatory controls of RCF have become increasingly stringent, and have forced many companies in the EU to find alternative high temperature insulation solutions for many applications. Morgan Thermal Ceramics, Rolls Royce & AETC UK (PCC group) have developed and trialed an AES (Alkaline Earth Silicate) alternative mould wrap material exonerated from carcinogenic classification. A combination of the high temperature performance and advanced manufacturing capabilities has enabled this breakthrough product to be developed. The conclusions for this trial were successful and both companies will be implementing these changes.
The material provides a solution equal in performance to the RCF mould wrap product, with benefits in workplace environmental and health and safety conditions, also providing savings on wastedisposal. The AES fiber product solution, in this development was Morgan Thermal Ceramics’ Superwool® 607HT®. The presentation overview outlines the procedures that measured RCF against AES fibers for thermal conductivity, density and thickness ranges and required classifications temperatures.
The obstacles seen in the EU investment casting market, such as this trial work and acceptance by Rolls Royce and AETC opens the door for solutions that are arising in the US and other NA markets for investment casting. These critical applications take years to develop, trial and implement into production. As we have seen some regulatory controls implemented in California, New York, NY and Canada, now is the time to examine mould wrap alternatives to not only prepare for any RCF regulatory measures that could be implemented, but examine how an improved, non-regulated fiber solution like Superwool® 607HT® can be used in the mould wrap applications.