silicon metal

[Wikus]

Hey there guys

I am looking for a supplier for silicon metal , i want to make my own everdur. I have some manganese flake and copper wire and all i need is some silicon metal.
Anyone?

[olivier]

Wow...! That is a hard one! Try http://www.samancorcr.com

I'll be very keen to learn from you how you make your own alloy...

Best of luck,

Olivier

[Wikus]

Hey Olivier



You can make your own silicon bronze by using clean copper wire (electrical cable) the thicker wire works better or the copper plate inside hot water cylinders, silicon metal (this is pure silicon lumps used in Aluminium refinery ind) and manganese flake available from Metcast.
Melt the copper under a charcoal cover until molten add the manganese flake and stir occasionally. Bring the temp up to about 1200 deg C and add the silicon. Stir the melt and degas using logas 50 tablets from Foseco or Metcast. I am still looking for a supplier for the silicon metal though.
The mix is for Everdur 95% copper, 4%Si and 1%Mn. I will let you know as soon as I find the supplier for the silicon.

[olivier]

Thanks Wikus,

This is excellent info... I like the idea of making things instead of buying them but do you save much (time and money) in making your own alloy?

No idea where to find Silicon metal though... The folks at Metcast may have some pointers...

Let us know of your findings.

cheers

[Wikus]

Hi Olivier

I used to make my own Everdur(Silicon bronze) ingots in South Africa.
Not to sure about the price of the raw materials here but I will find out for you. Its heaps of fun playing around with copper alloys and it feels great knowing that you made it yourself.
Another great bronze is Aluminium bronze (93%Cu and 7%Al). We in the foundry ind call this alloy Foundry gold. Use clean Aluminium like wire or even soda cans. Important to burn the paint off first.
Get the Copper up to pouring temp and add the aluminium, give a stir and bring it back to pouring temp and pour.
Vic

[transistor]

Hi Wikus, I see that boat nails are silicon bronze... they look coppery though. maybe you can come across some of these easier?
Viv.