Cold Box
Product Line Overview

Tried-and-tested Technology from theInventors of the Cold Box System
The development of Cold Box technology constitutes

In addition we offer our customers a holistic approacha milestone in the history of ASK Chemicals. First-

that goes well beyond merely offering products. Ourclass expertise and comprehensive know-how in theapplication technology and technical sales specialists,field of binding agent technology are a given here.

in particular, always assess the entire production

Our invention of the polyurethane Cold Box systemprocess as a whole. Only this approach allows for(PUCB) in 1968 set a standard that still applies tocustomer specific solutions that are precisely tailoredthis day and led to a change in the production

to meet customer requirements.

processes in foundries worldwide. The developmentof this technology gave the market a high-performance

Finally, our specialists' expertise isand highly productive core manufacturing methodcomplemented by a broad rangethat enabled high-quality mass production. Naturally,of services that offers our customers

though, technologies and market requirements arereal added value. In this way, forchanging all the time – in terms of what both customers

example, our design services canand suppliers want. For this reason, ASK Chemicals

be systematically deployed tocontinues to play a leading role in innovation and is

optimize the process as a whole –always looking for new ways to enhance our offerings

from conceptual development

and provide our customer’s greater value.

to actualized series production– thereby offering important

At ASK Chemicals we provide innovation driven

savings and process

research through our product development approach.

improvement for ourWe focus specifically on market trends and customer

customers.

demands because of the increasingly complex
requirements our industry faces: reduced emissions,
casting defect prevention, cost-efficiency, as well as
overall casting quality. Such requirements necessitate
more than just strong partnerships and outstanding
technologies; rather, we believe that first-classresearch and development that focuses on efficiency,
environmentally friendly solutions and key performanceparameters is essential.
2|

Inventor of Cold Box technology
Leading research and development teamApplication-specific solutions
Holistic approach with value-adding
services|3Basic Information
Major Cold Box technologies
Phenolic urethane Cold Box binders
PUCB

CO2 cured Cold Box binders
CO2• Invented by ASK Chemicals in 1968
• Known for high productivity & low cost in-use• Water-based resin• Usable with most sand types

Epoxy acrylic SO2 Cold Box bindersHybrid phenolic epoxy Cold Box binders

EASO2HPE• Fastest curing Cold Box technology• Indefinite mixed sand life

• Highest dimensional accuracy• Invented by ASK Chemicals in 1990’s

Alkaline phenolic Cold Box binders
APCB• Predictable “first stage through cure”• Excellent release properties

ASK Chemicals brands
ISOCURE™ PUCBISOMAX™ HPE

The original and universal Cold Box binder		The elite Cold Box binder possessing the widest		positive traits

ECOCURE™ PUCBThe environmentally driven phenolic urethaneNOVACURE™/ AVENOL™ APCB

Cold Box binder

Water-based binder ideal for use with steelcastings

ISOSET™ EASO2Highest production, fastest cure and indefinite
bench time4|Cold Box classification
System3 Part

Cold Box type

PUCBGeneral benefits of Cold Box• High strength & productivity• High humidity stability• Ability to create highly complex molds• No need for heating mold tools

Differentiating factors

Eco-FriendlyProductivity

Quality

CostFlexibility• Reduced odor

• Fast cycle times fromhigh reactivity• Less defects due tooptimization• Reduced binder
usage• Multiple sand types• Less tooling damage• Excellent coredimensional
accuracy• High tool availability• Low BTX emissions• Minimized monomercontent• Few hazardous air
pollutants• Reduced cleaningtime• Long benchlife &high strengths• Exceptional
deformationresistance• Less core waste• Climate adaptability• Multiple metal typeusability• Less catalyst
consumption• High core stability

Custom solutions
Apart from the system solutions mentioned in this brochure, ASK Chemicals also offers you custom solutions to fit your individualprocess. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.
|53 PartPUCB

ISOCURE™
The original and universal Cold Box binder system
ISOCURE™ binders are the industry standard for high production foundries producing sand cores and precision
sand molds. This product family can be used to make all types of cores with both highly automated production
equipment and with more manual operations. The broad range of products can be used in high specialized
casting process or for more standard types of applications. The use of ISOCURE™ binders can be matched
to a foundry whose has the need to produce high production high quality cores and molds.

Benefits• Optimized for productivity• Robust system for multiple casting types• High strength properties• Low cost in use

An amine recycling program
The ISOCYCLE™ program is an amine recovery service that supports ISOCURE™ Cold Boxtechnology – an ideal situation for high efficiency productions.
• Eliminates waste from your scrubbing process• Reduces cost versus disposal options• Available for our full line of amine catalyst
systems

Recommendations
Catalyst

Coatings

Additives

Auxiliaries

ISOFAST™ 705 &Catalyst 706

MIRATEC™

VEINO™

ZIP-SLIP™

Attributes

Application

Quick reference

Premium

Automotive
Heavy truck
Aerospace
UniversalPerformance
6|Premium strength and speed
Excellent humidity resistance
Napthalene depleted
Lowest binder consumption
Excellent strength and speed
Good all around performance
Lowest environmental impact

Automotive
Heavy truckAgriculture
Universal

Standard

Major

Robust performance
Good quality
Predictable curing
Cost competitive

Automotive
Heavy truck
Municipal
Universal

Minor

Productivity

Quality

Eco-Friendly

Quality

Flexibility

Productivity

Quality

CostFlexibility

3 PartPUCB

ECOCURE™
The environmentally driven phenolic urethane Cold Box binder
ECOCURE™ binders are the newest generation of phenolic urethane technology that has focused on pro­viding
foundries with the high end environmental performance without sacrificing the speed and strength of theISOCURE™ family of products. This is accomplished by not only adjusting the solvents and additives in thebinder but also changing the chemistry back bone to produce products with less environmental impact.

Benefits• Lowest environmental impact• Fast binder that runs clean• High strength properties• Low binder usage

The new Cold Box system for higher productivity
ECOCURE™ HE is the latest Cold Box system that combines productivity alongside sustainability.
Enjoy, among other things, increased reactivity, improved binder strength, lower binder usage andreduced amine consumption.

Recommendations
Catalyst

Coatings

Additives

Auxiliaries

ISOFAST™ 705 &Catalyst 706MIRATEC™

VEINO™

ZIP-SLIP™

Attributes

Application

Quick reference

Premium

Lowest environmental impact
Excellent humidity resistancePremium strength and speed
Lowest binder consumption

Automotive
Heavy truck
Aerospace
Universal

Performance

Major

Good environmental impact
Excellent strength and speed
Good all around performance

Automotive
Heavy truck
Agriculture
UniversalMinor

Eco-Friendly

Productivity

Quality

Eco-Friendly

Quality

Flexibility

Flexibility|7

3 Part & 2 PartEASO2ISOSET™
Highest production, fastest cure and an indefinite benchlife
ISOSET™ binders were developed to solve a key problem faced by foundries; the benchlife of mixed sand.
As the sand binder mixture ages, in most binder systems, it begins to advance, and at a certain point will nolonger be usable to produce quality cores and molds. This is especially costly when there is machine downtime, as in most cases this sand binder mix must be discarded or risk making substandard quality castings.
ISOSET™ technology solves this problem. The binder can be mixed onto the sand and left indefinitely. It will
not cure until it comes in contact with the sulfur dioxide catalyst.

Benefits• Minimal core sand waste via unlimited benchlife• Lower cost to use• Can reduce need for coating
Cost in-use: the benefit of foresight
At one of the leading automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEM’s) ISOSET™ is being
utilized for cylinder head production. Due to “smart economics” this OEM could install fewer
machines and still produce the same number of cores / castings using ISOSET™ – a story about
the importance of cost in-use.

Recommendations
Catalyst

Coatings

Additives

Auxiliaries

SO2MIRATEC™

VEINO™

ZIP-SLIP™

AttributesApplication

Quick reference

8|PremiumPremium strength and speed
Highest erosion resistanceLow mixed sand waste
Lower cost to use

Automotive
Heavy truck
Aerospace
UniversalStandard

Major

Robust performance
Good quality
Cost competitive

Automotive
Heavy truck
Universal

Minor

Productivity

Quality

Eco-Friendly

Productivity

Flexibility

Cost

Flexibility

3 PartHPE

ISOMAX™
The elite Cold Box binder possessing the widest positive traits
ISOMAX™ binders are a hybrid epoxy phenolic designed to produce repeatable cores at extremely fast cycle
times. The dimensional stability of these cores is not surpassed by any current system. The nonferrous
version also exhibits the fastest shakeout times currently seen. Coupled with the extended benchlife of theseproducts ISOMAX™ makes for a unique technology that is capable of making world class castings at a low
cost to produce.

Benefits• Fast cycle times• Excellent shakeout• Extended life of mixed sand
• Dimensional stability

A productivity boost in brake disc production
ASK Chemicals ISOMAX™ binder system is utilized in one of the largest original equipment
manufacturers (OEM’s) in the world. Here, ISOMAX™ pumps out millions of disc brake rotors injust one location using two binder productions.

Recommendations
Catalyst

Coatings

Additives

Auxiliaries

Catalyst 700

MIRATEC™

VEINO™

ZIP-SLIP™

Attributes

Application

Quick reference

Premium

Major
Excellent dimension stability
Fastest cycle times
Extended life of mixed sandExcellent shakeout

Brake disc
Manifolds

Quality

Minor

Flexibility

Productivity

Cost|92 PartAPCBNOVACURE™/ AVENOL™
The water-based Cold Box binder with an environmental focus
NOVACURE™ and AVENOL™ binders are water based alkaline phenolic binders with excellent hot strength
and were designed specifically for steel applications. However these binders can be used in other ferrous
and non-ferrous applications. As a water based binder the environmental footprint can be an attractive option
for the foundry. These binder systems also have low odor at sand mixing which reduces employee exposure
to fumes.

Benefits• Ideal for steel• Runs clean• Good shakeout
High performance automotive focus
NOVACURE™ / AVENOL™ is especially suitable in high performance automotive applications
where dimensional accuracy is key. This is due to NOVACURE™ / AVENOL™’s exceptional highhot strength. Another important characteristic to note is its ease of shakeout. These attributes
combined make this binder option ideal for automotive applications.

Recommendations
Catalyst

Coatings

Additives

Auxiliaries

Methylformate

MIRATEC™

VEINO™

ZIP-SLIP™

Attributes

Application

Quick reference

Performance

Major

10 |Water based binder
Ideal for steel casting
Low odor at core and mold making
Good shakeout

FerrousNon-ferrous
Specialty motor blocks

QualityMinor

Flexibility

Eco-FriendlyAdded Value for our Customers
Application technology and technical sales – for complete process transparency
Application technology and technical sales at ASK Chemicals offer our customers comprehensive expertisein all areas of foundry technology and metallurgy. We offer a comprehensive service that focuses on theproduction process as a whole and helps customers not only to cut costs but also to enhance their processes.
ASK Chemicals also conducts casting defect analysis and offers tailored training sessions on the customer’s
own premises.

Benefits• Improved decision-making via greater transparency• Reliable recommendations• Quick response• Customized solution development• Cost in-use reporting (i.e. savings)• Casting defect analyses• On-site training sessions

The one-of-a-kind"mobile mini-laboratory"
The mobile mini-laboratory runs a self contained continuous
mixer that can utilize several different resin systems. Alongside
many additional benefits its premier advantage is its ability toconduct trials without ever interrupting production.
• Uninterrupted production• Multi-functional mobile tool
• Fast results

Currently, available to NA customers only

| 11

Design Services – for perfect casting results
Our Design Services team monitors the entire casting development process from initial design to final
production of actual cast parts (i.e. prototypes). Our highly experienced engineers enjoy a wide
range of knowledge within all aspects of foundry technology and metallurgy. In addition, we use
only the most advanced simulation software offered today: MAGMA, Novacast, FLOW-3D andArena-Flow®. Beyond fully optimized designs and simulation expertise, the Design Services teamcooperates with external companies and service providers to assure proper project alignment forunparalleled results and guaranteed customer satisfaction.

Benefits• Higher productivity and optimized catalyst
consumption• Optimized design and manufacture of modelplates, core boxes and molds• Manufacturing process design, including
inorganic technology• Calculation of optimal feed

• Less scrap• Shorter product launch times• Quicker time-to-market

Simulation services
The simulation of casting processes provides foundries with invaluable casting mold information. Specifically, thisbenefit allows for the optimization of gating & feeding systems, overflows, venting design and risers. Moreover, it
provides critical insight into the influences and effects directly related to casting integrity such as, cooling & heating
measurements and filling & solidification times.

From the idea to the prototype
ASK Chemicals supports your entire process from concept to prototype production. How you benefit:
comprehensive expertise from a single source.

Simulation

Cores /
Molds

Prototypes| 12

Research and development – for innovation near you
Our R&D department performs innovation driven groundwork as well as market and customer driven
development. Interaction between these three areas is of fundamental importance in offering ourcustomers technologically sophisticated products and efficiency enhancing solutions at all times.
Through close cooperation and the constant exchange of ideas with our application technology andtechnical sales specialists, R&D at ASK Chemicals is always in tune with the market and also has apresence on the customer's own premises itself.

Benefits• Highly experienced researchers• Global presence and availability• Comprehensive knowledge of the regional• Short response times for our customers• First class equipment

sand types and technological requirements

Comprehensive research and development services
Pilot foundry

Product development and technical support• Fully equipped research foundry• Casting defect analysis• Mold production, mold / core package assemblyand casting• Full spectrum chemical & polymer analysis• Product, process and test method development• "Real World" foundry process representation
Metallurgical investigations• Comprehensive examination of the graphite structure
and metallic matrix: Graphite size, Number of nodules,
Degree of dispersion, Nodularity, Ferrite / pearlite ratio• Preparation of metallurgical reports
Sand laboratory• Examination of high temperature materials• Testing of tensile strength, compression and transverse
loading• Sand characterization and analysis| 13

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This information is based on our current state of knowledge and does not represent assurance of the properties of the products described. We are only
liable for product-related advice and information within the scope of duties of disclosure included in collateral contractual agreements unless expressly
agreed otherwise. (03/ 24)

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