Dendritic Macrosegregation
Dendritic macrosegregation is an inhomogeneous chemical composition in ingots, caused by fluid flow and volume shrinkage during solidification. It leads to uneven material behavior and can cause fractures or failures.
Physico-chemical mechanism of action
Dendritic segregation occurs when, during the casting process, liquid flows form and the material evaporates unevenly. This leads to an uneven distribution of chemical compositions and to the formation of dendrites (treelike structures).
Metallurgical relevance & risks during welding
This segregation can lead to uneven material behavior, which in turn leads to fractures or destruction during welding or mechanical stress. The uneven composition can also contribute to certain properties such as hardness or ductility varying greatly.
Workshop practice & instructions
To avoid dendritic segregation, it is important to carry out careful casting planning. This includes optimizing the casting geometry and using stable casting pots. In the case of existing cast blocks with segregation, careful welding treatment may be necessary to minimize the uneven properties.