Density of molten (stainless) steel?
Density of molten (stainless) steel?
(OP)
In the steel industry, we generally use 0.26 pounds per cubic inch as the density of molten steel. After designing a prototype mold and casting a few ingots using it, it has become apparent that 0.26 pci is not the correct density.
Specifically, we're casting stainless steels (T-304L, T-303+, and T-316L) and tool steels (A2, D2, and H13), and we're consistently getting actual ingot weights that are less than the theoretical ingot weight. So my question:
Does anyone know of a reference that lists reliable molten steel density? I can find liquid density of elements, and I'm willing to believe that 0.26 pci is accurate for mild steel, but for highly alloyed steels, I need more precise numbers. Thanks in advance.
Specifically, we're casting stainless steels (T-304L, T-303+, and T-316L) and tool steels (A2, D2, and H13), and we're consistently getting actual ingot weights that are less than the theoretical ingot weight. So my question:
Does anyone know of a reference that lists reliable molten steel density? I can find liquid density of elements, and I'm willing to believe that 0.26 pci is accurate for mild steel, but for highly alloyed steels, I need more precise numbers. Thanks in advance.





RE: Density of molten (stainless) steel?
I would check foundry societies or handbooks since this information is critical for foundy pattern making.
RE: Density of molten (stainless) steel?
metalcasting.auburn.edu/data/CF8M_Stainless_Steel/CF8MSS.html
RE: Density of molten (stainless) steel?
You have mold sizes and ingot weights, work your own up. I am sure that you could use the same factor for any 3XX series stainless.
I would expect a fair amount of variation between tool steel grades though, since their compositions are so different.
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Corrosion never sleeps, but it can be managed.
http://www.trenttube.com/Trent/tech_form.htm
RE: Density of molten (stainless) steel?
I agree with EdStainless there are correction factors in the industry however in the casting industry the weight of the casting includes the weight of the gating system and the risers. The risers is where the shrink occurs (hopefully) in castings.
RE: Density of molten (stainless) steel?
For iron, the density at the liquidus temperature (1536 deg C) is reported to be 7022 kg per m^3. At a superheat of 1727 deg C, the density decreases to 6866 kg per m^3.
For AISI Type 1026 carbon steel, at 1027 deg C the density is 7550 kg per m^3. For comparison purposes, iron at 1127 deg C has a density of 7515 kg per m^3. It appears that the iron and steel density changes behave in similar fashion, so if you have complete temperature versus density data for iron that could be used to approximate the density changes for steel/low alloy steel,as well.
The data reported above was from "Transport Phenomena in Materials Processing" by Poirier and Geiger.