Technical Information 30

Hydrogen Pinholes
Hydrogen pinholes can be found in both grey and ductile irons. They usually appear as
small spherical holes just beneath the casting surface and normally will have a smooth
and shiny inner surface coated with a dense graphite lining. A graphite flake or nodule
depleted zone is typically observed adjacent to the hydrogen pinholes.

Example of hydrogen porosity revealed on Close-up of hydrogen pinhole revealing inner

machining. graphite lining.

Possible causes: Possible cures:

• High moisture content in charge or alloy
materials.
• Rusty charge materials containing
hydroxide.
• Oil and emulsion residues in charge
material.
• Low carbon equivalent.
• High content of Aluminium or Titanium
(see Elkem TI sheet No. 19).
• High moisture content in moulding sand.
• Build-up of clay in greensand.
• Wet mould or core coatings.
• Use of damp refractories or repair linings.
• Incorrect proportion of binder
components in cores.
• Cores have become old and have picked
up moisture.
• Limit the use of moist or rusty charge
materials and avoid wet alloy materials.
• Reduce Al-content below 200 ppm.
• Reduce Ti-content and avoid adding Ti-
bearing alloys.
• Increase carbon equivalent.
• Adjust Mn-content to below 0.4 x %Si
(grey irons only).
• Avoid excess use of ferroalloys with high
Al-content.
• Use dry launders and ladles.
• Increase pouring temperature.
• Check mould and core systems for clay
balls or excess moisture in sand.
• Ensure proper drying of coatings and
glue.
• Improve venting of moulds and cores.

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