The article presents an analysis of the application of the casting process modeling system (CPMS) “PolygonSoft” for the optimization of technological processes in casting production. The study examines the visualization of pouring and liquid phase distribution, as well as the analysis of temperature fields and stresses. Special attention is given to the assessment of alloy crystallization, monitoring of the liquid phase percentage, and prediction of the probability of shrinkage defect formation.

This paper examines various factors influencing the strength development of clay‑bonded sand mixtures. The strength of the mixture depends on the granulometric composition of the refractory base, moisture content, and the quality of the clay. It is emphasized that compressive and tensile strength reflect different aspects of mixture behavior and should not be treated as equivalent. The compressive strength of green specimens indicates the ability of the refractory filler – water– binder system to compact, while tensile strength characterizes the quality of the binder. The strength in the moisture condensation zone reflects the mixture’s ability to produce clean casting surfaces.

This paper presents various approaches to automation in high‑pressure die casting and analyzes its impact on casting quality. It has been established that automation in the die casting process not only reduces the labor intensity of production but also improves casting quality and ensures its consistency.

The article discusses the scientific and technical developments of OJSC “BELNIILIT” aimed at the creation of modern technologies and equipment for the machine‑based production of sand‑resin cores for foundries. It outlines the approaches of specialists in the design of core machine assemblies, mechanisms, and tooling. The paper presents practical implementation results of core‑making equipment, examples of complex sand cores produced using OJSC “BELNIILIT” machinery at various mechanical engineering enterprises, and highlights the prospects for future development in this field.

Crystallization of gray cast irons is a nanostructured process in which nanocrystals of iron, silicon and graphite play a major role. Austenite microcrystals are not solid solutions of silicon and carbon atoms in the γ‑Fe crystal lattice. In the crystallization of gray cast irons, oxygen and hydrogen atoms are demodifying elements of the austenite structure. In the crystallization of gray cast irons, oxygen, hydrogen and sulfur atoms are demodifying elements of the graphite structure. Molecular hydrogen released on dendritic austenite microcrystals prevents their branching, contributing to the demodification of the austenite structure. The modifying elements of gray cast irons reduce the concentrations of demodifying elements in the melts, contributing to the formation of branched dendritic graphite microcrystals.

The article presents the results of research on the development of the lubricant composition for the production of sand‑resin rods over a heated tooling with high technological and consumer properties. It has been established that the conditional viscosity of the developed lubricant compositions decreases when oleic acid is added to the polymethylsiloxane liquid in an amount of 5 to 25 % from 10 to 8 s, and the density of lubricants is reduced from 908 to 882 kg/m3. It has been established that when oleic acid is added to the base in an amount of 15 %, the sedimentation stability of the lubricant is increased by more than 30 times. It is shown that the developed lubricant composition has the best lubrication characteristics at the following component ratio: base (polymethylsiloxane liquid PMS 300) 15 %, additive (oleic acid) 15 %, surfactant 3,0 %, water – the rest. The results of the research can be used by the process engineers when choosing the composition of the lubricant for making rods by the heated tooling.

The technique for revealing the shape and spatial arrangement of graphite inclusions in the structure of cast iron and the scheme of the corresponding device are proposed. The method consists in gradual electrochemical dissolution (etching) of the outer layer of the metal matrix of the cast iron sample in the electrolyte. The specimen serves as an anode and a hollow cylinder as a cathode. The composition of the electrolyte, electrode material, sample shape, sample‑to‑cathode size ratio, and electrical parameters of the etching process are proposed. These parameters are selected in such a way that the graphite inclusions do not dissolve but remain intact, partially or completely exposed and protruding above the surface of the metal matrix. This situation makes graphite inclusions more accessible for studying their morphology using scanning electron microscopy. Method is most effective for revealing the structure of branched and elongated graphite inclusions, for example, for ductile cast iron subjected to hot plastic deformation. With the help of this technique the fact of plastic flow of brittle graphite inclusions during hot extrusion of cast specimens is proved. It is shown that the resulting spindle‑shaped graphite structure is a solid conglomerate and does not crumble into powder, as previously thought. It was found that the most intense plastic flow of graphite (with the maximum degree of deformation) occurs primarily in the surface layer. In the central part of the elongated graphite inclusion, weakly deformed or undeformed nuclei of characteristic spherical shape are preserved. It is shown that dissolution of the metal matrix occurs in stages. The ferrite component of pearlite dissolves first and then the cementite inclusions, because cementite has a more positive electrode potential than ferrite. Therefore, this technique, in addition to revealing the morphology of graphite inclusions, also makes it possible to analyze the spatial arrangement of cementite plates in pearlite.

The article presents the results of a study on the strength characteristics (tensile strength) of cracking pipes after prolonged operation. It was found that the strength properties of the pipe material deteriorated, while plasticity characteristics showed a slight increase. The decrease in conditional yield strength reached 39.94 %, and the reduction in tensile strength was 40.05 %. It was established that specimens taken from the used pipe underwent 25 % more elongation before fracture compared to specimens made from a new pipe. Using thermomechanical coefficients, the expected values of true yield strength for both materials were calculated. The results showed that the true yield strength of the used pipe material differs significantly from tabulated values, suggesting that for strength assessment of such structures, the true σT should be determined experimentally. If theoretical approaches are used, the influence of operational time on changes in mechanical properties of the metal must be taken into account.

The paper considers the advantages of induction melting in a vacuum environment, ensuring the production of high‑alloy alloys based on refractory components, free from harmful impurities with specified properties. The processes occurring in alloys during melting, holding and pouring are considered. The resulting alloys are primarily planned to be used as protective coatings for composite materials. These alloys include refractory wear‑resistant alloys, such as the Cu–Ti system and high‑entropy alloys, which are compositions containing from 5 to 13 elements with approximately equal concentrations. The structure of the resulting material and the distribution of elements over the ingot cross‑section are presented.

The paper considers the trends in the use of stainless steels in the medical industry. The main types of medical products and structures made of stainless steel are defined. Among the variety of steel products for medicine the following objects are distinguished: engineering structures (including air ducts, hoods, pipelines); building structures (railings, handrails, holders); parts and bodies of equipment (diagnostic devices, disinfecting equipment); furniture (couches, bedside tables, instrument tables, trolleys, chairs); devices (trays, boxes, containers); tools (spatulas, scalpels, clamps, saws, catheters, probes). The analysis of conformity of domestic grades of stainless steels used in medicine and their foreign analogues has been carried out. The tendencies of volumes of purchases, cost, production output and volumes of its sales in the domestic and foreign market of the Republic of Belarus for the period of 2000–2023 are analysed, mainly steels of 20Х13–40Х13 range.

Specificity of food preparation provides a number of repeated sanitary and hygienic measures with the use of hot water, washing and disinfecting solutions of different pH, concentration, temperature and time of exposure, which can provoke the beginning of corrosion process on poor‑quality equipment, both on the external and internal surfaces of the equipment. The thermal operating temperature of cookware ranges from –15 °C (refrigerator) to +100 °C (up to +250 °C when used in an oven). All the above‑mentioned steel grades fully meet the corrosion resistance requirements for cookware. Tanks made of these steels cannot be subject to corrosion under any normal operating conditions specified by the manufacturer. The main criterion for the suitability of a particular stainless steel for food applications is its chemical inertness and the permissible amounts of migration of the chemical elements that make up the steel from the products into the modelling medium.

This article briefly presents the practical results obtained from pilot industrial trials aimed at implementing a graphitizing modification technology for cupola cast iron using carbon–silicon carbide materials (UKKS grades) manufactured by “NPF AMYUS” (Moscow, Russia). The implementation was carried out in the production process of foundry no. 1 at OJSC “MTW” (Minsk, Belarus), replacing barium‑containing graphitizing modifiers (Sibar, FeSi65Ba4, and others) with the goal of eliminating casting defects such as chill spots. The article highlights the obtained results, demonstrating the high technological efficiency of carbon–silicon carbide UKKS materials on various pouring lines, adapted to the specific technological and logistical features of the processes. The trials showed improved durability (“survivability”) of the graphitizing modification, as well as a significant reduction in chill‑related casting defects compared to the existing technologies.

The article presents the results of an assessment of working conditions at various workstations within foundry shops engaged in batch production. The authors identify the occupational hazard classes associated with different sections of these foundries, based on workplace environmental factors and production characteristics

The results of the assessment of working conditions at the workplaces of the adjuster of molding and core making machines are presented, the factors of the production environment determining them are determined. The working conditions of the adjuster are considered in comparison with the standard values. It is established that when assessing the working conditions of a machine adjuster in the molding and core sections of foundries, it is necessary to take into account the equipment and hand tools used, and the length of time spent at the working equipment.