Boron nitride in the aluminum industry
Release agents in aluminum casting and lubricants in aluminum extrusion. Aluminum casting involves high temperatures and high reactivity. Molten aluminum is typically processed at approximately 650–800 °C. In extrusion, on the other hand, temperatures of approximately 400–550 °C act on the aluminum billet, accompanied by very high extrusion forces.
A major challenge for the aluminum industry—one that Henze BNP’s hexagonal boron nitride products are well-equipped to meet! Hexagonal boron nitride is a high-performance material offering a unique combination of thermal stability, chemical resistance, and excellent sliding properties.
Typical applications:
- Chemically inert process partner for aluminum alloys
- Protective and separating layers on casting tools, casting channels, or molds
- Coating of a die, press disc, or aluminum billet
- Electrostatic dry lubrication
Our Boron Nitride Recommendations
HeBoCoat ® PL-W 250
Ideal for high-temperature furnace construction, HeBoSint® withstands the extreme conditions encountered there thanks to its excellent thermal shock resistance and insulating properties.
Product highlights at a glance:
- excellent resistance to thermal cycling
- Excellent electrical insulation
- Ideal for use in vacuum or inert gas environments
HeBoCoat ® SL-E 200
HeBoCoat® SL-E 200* is a boron nitride coating supplied in a handy aerosol can. Its ethanol-based formula ensures good wetting of the substrate and rapid drying. Organic binders ensure good adhesion to almost all surfaces. The proportion of fine particles in the boron nitride powder gives the coating good release and lubricating properties, even at very high temperatures.
Typical areas of application
- Release agents used in siliconisation (protection of graphite components)
- Coating of extrusion dies in the aluminium extrusion sector
- Release agents for sintering, welding and brazing processes; anti-spatter
- Release agents and lubricants in plastics and glass processing
- Matting of reflective surfaces, e.g. for 3D laser measurement technology
and surface measurements
Product Highlights
- dries very quickly due to its solvent-based formula
- Optimal release and lubrication properties even at extreme temperatures, thanks to high resistance to oxidation
- hoher Feststoffgehalt
- minimal tool wear
- High production output thanks to the extended service life of the plant
- greater cleanliness compared with conventional release agents and lubricants
* HeBoCoat-Sprühlinie – Ethanol-BN-Gehalt ⋅10
HeBoFill ® extrusion Pro
HeBoFill® extrusion is Henze’s new boron nitride powder, developed specifically for the aluminium extrusion process. HeBoFill® extrusion offers excellent lubricating and anti-adhesive properties, a high degree of purity and good flowability. This effectively prevents aluminium from adhering to the extrusion die and other functional surfaces during the extrusion process.
HeBoFill® extrusion boron nitride powder is easy to process cleanly and is applied particularly economically, evenly and efficiently by electrostatic spraying. This increases the service life of the die and enhances process reliability during extrusion.
Typical areas of application
- Lubricant and release agent between the block and the press disc
- Lubrication of the container seal
Product Highlights at a Glance
- optimal release and lubrication properties
- increases the service life of the press disc and improves process reliability
- economical, efficient consumption
- improves cleanliness in the work area compared with conventional
release agents such as oils, greases and soot - High-quality finish achieved through electrostatic spraying
- uniform coating surface
HeBoCoat ® Wax Sticks
The HeBoCoat® Wax Stick is a wax-based lubricating stick into which finely ground, hexagonal, highly crystalline boron nitride has been incorporated. It is applied directly to the hot metal surface, where the wax melts instantly, allowing the boron nitride layer to ensure effective lubrication and release.
Typical areas of application
- Lubrication of the baler residue shear and baler punch
- Coating of the edge of the press disc, the shear blade, the tools and the container seal
Product Highlights
- Optimal release and lubrication properties, even at high temperatures
- high thermal conductivity
- more economical and efficient powder application
- greater cleanliness than when using alternative separating and lubricating agents
Advantages of Boron Nitride in the Aluminum Industry
- Preventing buildup
- Ensuring dimensionally accurate molding and the highest surface quality
- Extended service life by minimizing reactions and wear
- Reduced maintenance requirements, improved process stability, and cost efficiency
- Erhalt einer hohen Gussqualität und Legierungsreinheit
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the requirements for tools and processing aids in the aluminum industry so extreme?
As a material, aluminum is light, versatile and extremely economical, which is why it is valued in many industries. However, in its liquid or plastic state, the metal places extremely high demands on the equipment, tools and process aids used. In order to meet the ever-increasing quality requirements in aluminum casting and forming, high-temperature-resistant materials are needed that can withstand these harsh conditions permanently and reliably.
How do boron nitride coatings improve aluminium casting?
When in contact with molten aluminium, it is essential that the refractory materials used are coated with a completely reliable coating. Our liquid HeBoCoat® coatings possess precisely the combination of properties required to meet these high quality standards on a long-term basis. For example, they provide channel materials with the necessary release properties, reduce wear on the equipment and make cleaning after casting considerably easier, which makes the overall process significantly more efficient.