한국주조공학회

Austenitic stainless steel castings using expandable polystylene(referred to hereafter as EPS) patterns are often affected by distinctive defects associated with incomplete decomposition of the EPS as the molds are filled with metal. The quality of the castings, with particular reference to carbon pick-up in austenitic stainless steel is further influenced to a significant extent by such factors as reduced pressure, the additive by adding Na_2CO_3 in coating. The steel composition and microstructure were examined at the surface layer of castings, at depths of 1mm, by taking successive layers of swarf and analysis. In experiments, the carburizing atmosphere was neutralized, showing that the coating performed efficiently by decomposing almost instantly on heating and liberating CO_2. The upper parts of castings obtained using EPS patterns were slightly higher in carbon pick-up than other parts. Comparing the 316L and 304 stainless steel castings, qualitative and quantative differences could be found between the carbon pick-up behaviours as influence of the carbon content and alloying elements. Carbide former such as Cr makes carbon more soluble in the steel. This must make carbon pick-up in the surface layer but at the same time richer in carbon especially in the 304 stainless steel castings.