CALCIUM FLUORIDE (CaF2)

Use of Calcium Fluoride [Fluorspar (CaF2)] as flux in steel industries is well known for centuries. Calcium Fluoride is an additive as flux in Iron melting foundries for molding of Iron components. At present Iron powder technology has become common in forging / sintering in the field of iron components. In such process 0.3% Manganese sulfide is added as flux. Even though Calcium Fluoride (CaF2) is an excellent flux in Iron powder technology, CaF2 was not added due to lack of technical knowledge and optimization of particle size.

Advantage of CaF2 over the Manganese sulfide (MnS) flux additive

1. Mechinability of sintered parts highly improved. 2. During machining of sintered parts tools life increases. With Manganese Sulfide (MnS) flux the tool life is for 2500 pieces and with CaF2 tool life is about 9000 pieces. Hence changing of tool time extended and thereby production also increases. 3. Sintered parts blow holes decreases, strength increases. 4. MnS addition is 0.3% - 0.5% CaF2 percentage is also 0.3% - 0.5% (Percentage should be optimized with trial basis). Cost of MnS is about Rs.1300/- and above per Kg but CaF2 price is Rs.350/- per Kg. MnS is imported but CaF2 is indigenously available. 5. MnS is hygroscopic and form caking in premix after some time. CaF2 is not hygroscopic and it is a free flowing powder and there is no caking in premix. CaF2 self life is more than 5 years. 6. MnS is not safe for handling and CaF2 is very safe for handling. 7. MnS affects the sintering furnace filament and reduce filament life but CaF2 will not affect the filament. 8. CaF2 is safer than Manganese Sulfide during handling. Calcium Fluoride does not give any inching sensation to human skin.

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