bindersand

Bindersand is a term sometimes used to describe a composite material made from a mixture of sand and a binding agent to form a rigid mold, core, or part. The term is a portmanteau of "binder" and "sand" and may appear in industry discussions, specifications, or product names. There is no universally accepted definition or standard for bindersand, and its meaning can vary by application or company.

In foundry and additive manufacturing contexts, bindersand typically consists of silica-based sand coated with or bound by a resin or other binder. Common binders include phenolic, furan, urea-formaldehyde, epoxy resins, or inorganic binders such as sodium silicate. The sand grain size distribution, binder type, and curing method determine mechanical strength, thermal resistance, and surface finish.

Manufacturing methods include traditional sand casting molds (no-bake, cold-box, or warm-box processes) and binder jetting in additive manufacturing, where a print head applies a liquid binder onto a sand bed to build parts layer by layer. After curing, the mold or part is separated, and, where applicable, the sand can be reclaimed and reused.

Properties and considerations vary with composition, but common advantages include good dimensional stability and relatively low material cost, while potential drawbacks include limited high-temperature performance, porosity, and the need for dust and fume control during processing.

Applications range from metal casting molds and cores to binder-jet parts for prototyping and tooling. Safety concerns include silica dust exposure and binder fumes, necessitating appropriate ventilation and personal protective equipment.

See also: sand casting; binder jetting; no-bake sand.