A STUDY OF BAINITIC NODULAR CAST-IRON FOR GRINDING BALLS

A type of C-Si-Mn nodular cast iron, used as grinding ball material, w as studied. With 2.5-3.3 wt% C, 3.0-3.5 wt% Si and 2.0-2.5 wt% Mn, thi s type of nodular cast iron can be melted by cupola. Simple process, l ow cost, and high wear resistance make it more competitive as a ball m aterial than other nodular cast irons. Heat treatment of this material was investigated at various quenching and tempering temperatures. Que nching was carried in nitrate solution. With proper quenching and temp ering, the hardness of this material is higher than 50 HRC and the Mes nager impact energy is higher than 100 kN m(-1). Ball mill tests in th e cement industry show the weight loss of this type of nodular cast ir on is less than 100 mg for every tonne of cement ground. (C) 1997 Else vier Science S.A.