The technology of producing castings of high-quality inoculated cast iron with flake graphite particles in the structure is a combination of the melting and inoculation process. Maintaining the stability of the strength and microstructure parameters of this cast iron is the goal of a series of studies on the control of graphitization and austenitic inoculation (increasing the number of primary austenite dendrites), and which affects the type of metal matrix in the structure. The ability to graphitize the molten alloy decreases with its holding in the melting furnace more than an hour. The tendency to crystallize large dendritic austenite grains and segregation of elements such as Si, Ni and Cu reduce the ductility properties of this cast iron. The austenite inoculation process may introduce a larger number of primary austenite grains into the structure, affecting the even distribution of graphite and metal matrix precipitation in the structure. Known inoculation effects the interaction (in low mass) of additives: Sr, Ca, Ba, Ce, La, produces MC2 carbide). Addition of Fe in the inoculant influences the number and shape of austenite dendrites. Hybrid modification combines the effects of these two factors. The introduction of nucleation sites for the graphite eutectics and primary austenite grains result in the stabilization of the cast iron microstructure and an increase in mechanical properties. The obtained test results set the direction for further research in this area in relation to the production of heavy plate castings in vertical and horizontal pouring.

This article is a description of the progress of research and development in the area of massive large-scale castings - slag ladles implemented in cooperation with the Faculty of Foundry Engineering of UST in Krakow. Slag ladles are the one of the major castings that has been developed by the Krakodlew (massive castings foundry) for many years. Quality requirements are constantly increasing in relation to the slag ladles. Slag ladles are an integral tool in the logistics of enterprises in the metallurgical industry in the process of well-organized slag management and other by-products and input materials. The need to increase the volume of slag ladles is still growing. Metallurgical production is expected to be achieved in Poland by 2022 at the level of 9.4 million Mg/year for the baseline scenario - 2016 - 9 million Mg/year. This article describes the research work carried out to date in the field of technology for the production of massive slag ladles of ductile cast iron and cast steel.