Background

Metallurg Aluminium’s briquette-form alloying products are used in casthouses and foundries for accurate compositional adjustments of alloy melts or for bulk element addition. The distinctive shape of these products is created as the product's components are compressed between pillow-shaped indentations on two opposing rollers. This shape promotes ease of transport, storage and handling – both in large-scale casthouse furnace additions and in smaller-scale foundry additions.

Carefully Controlled Mixture of Alloying Elements

Our briquetted alloying products contain a carefully controlled mixture of alloying element (75%, 80% or 85%) in powder form, aluminium powder and optional sodium-free non-hygroscopic flux (in our Quick-Sol™ alloying briquettes only). The briquettes are produced using a patented process that assures a high degree of element purity, product consistency and process control. Dissolution relies on the alloying element powder particles forming aluminides. It is recommended that the briquettes be charged after melting is completed and the bath has been skimmed; recommended minimum temperature of 720°C (1,328°F). Normal furnace stirring to ensure a uniform mixture is sufficient to assure complete dissolution of the briquettes.
Rapid Dissolution with Quick-Sol Formulations

Metallurg Aluminium’s Quick-Sol™ briquette grades contain flux – preferred where speed of dissolution is important or when low melt temperatures and stirring difficulty are issues. The flux aids in removal of the oxide film found on any powder particle to expose the metallic element to molten aluminium, promoting rapid dissolution.
Benefits of Alloying Briquettes

· Rapid dissolution at normal casthouse operating temperatures.

· Concentrated form – means reduced inventory, transport and storage costs compared with binary master alloys.

· High element recovery – typically over 95%.

· Minimal temperature loss upon addition.

· Clean and accurate addition.

· Rapid, consistent solubility of self-sinking briquettes means less energy and less cost.

· Color-coded packaging.
Recommended Addition Practice

After calculating the required addition, skim off heavy dross and add the self-sinking briquettes evenly over the melt surface. Hold the bath temperature for 5-10 minutes, then stir well to maximize recovery and homogeneity.

Our line of compacted alloying products also includes our line of ALTAB™ and mini-ALTAB™ alloying tablets, recognized around the world for their quality and versatility.

Metallurg Aluminium’s world-wide technical services team can help you reduce alloying costs and achieve desired cast and product properties with briquetted compacts, ALTAB™ and mini-ALTAB alloying tablets. ALTAB™’s versatility and cost-effectiveness, combined with Metallurg Aluminium’s experience in casting processes, can enhance your production and improve your bottom line.
Product Forms and Packaging

Alloying briquettes are supplied in sealed, moisture-proof bags which contain either 10kg (22 lbs), 11kg (25 lbs) or 23kg (50 lbs) of product, or in large bulk bags. Distinct color coding of all packaging ensures clear identification of the alloying element contained.

Element	Symbol	75% Alloying Element	80% Alloying Element	85% Alloying Element
Chromium	Cr	Yes	Yes	-
Iron	Fe	Yes	Yes	-
Manganese	Mn	Yes	Yes	Yes

* AA – The Aluminum Association.

This table shows standard product specifications and packaging. Please enquire about other options.

All aluminium compacted alloying products are carefully packaged to ensure delivery of clean, dry, clearly identified material.

Note: Briquettes should be stored in a dry area, preferably under cover.

Never add wet product to molten metal. Ensure that all materials are dry prior to addition.

Product Quality

Metallurg Aluminium’s pursuit of the highest level of quality is reflected in the rigorous ongoing assessment of all our metal treatment alloys and aluminium master alloys. Our products are inspected, examined for consistency and metal cleanliness and tested to international standards.

Metallurg Aluminium’s world-wide production facilities at London & Scandinavian Metallurgical Co Limited (LSM) in England, Shieldalloy Metallurgical Corporation (SMC) in the United States and Companhia Industrial Fluminense (CIF) in Brazil are each registered to the ISO 9001:2000 quality standard. Our Total Quality Management (TQM) philosophy and commitment to quality assure our customers that all of our products meet exacting standards.
Global Logistics and Delivery

Metallurg Aluminium’s global logistics and production ensure reliable delivery of our master alloys, metal treatment alloys, grain refiners and compacted alloying products. Responsive technical support and process expertise mean our products will meet the demands of your specific application with high performance and economy.