ALTAB™

High-performance, accurate and cost-effective alloying additives.

Product sheet in PDF format

Metallurg Aluminium’s ALTAB™ alloying tablets are used in casthouses world-wide for the manufacture of high-quality aluminium alloys in applications such as rolling ingot for foilstock and canstock, billet for precision extrusions and high-quality foundry casting alloys. For the precise compositional adjustment of alloy melts or for bulk element addition, ALTAB™ is the optimum choice.

ALTAB™’s popularity has grown steadily since its introduction in the early 1980s. These concentrated additives are a carefully controlled mixture of alloying element (75%, 80%, 85% and in some cases up to 100%) in powder, sponge or needle form, aluminium powder and/or a sodium-free non-hygroscopic flux. Dissolution relies on the alloying element powder particles forming aluminides. Stirring the melt greatly enhances dispersion of the aluminides, resulting in improved recoveries.

Some ALTAB™ grades contain flux – preferred where speed of dissolution is important or when low melt temperatures and stirring difficulty are issues. The flux aids in removal of the oxide film found on any powder, sponge or needle particle to expose the metallic element to molten aluminium, promoting rapid dissolution.

ALTAB™ BENEFITS

RAPID DISSOLUTION at normal casthouse operating temperatures.

CONCENTRATED FORM – means reduced inventory, transport and storage costs compared with binary master alloys.

HIGH ELEMENT RECOVERY – typically over 95%.

MINIMAL TEMPERATURE LOSS upon addition.

ACCURATE AND CLEAN ADDITION with no weighing needed for packaged product.

RAPID, CONSISTENT SOLUBILITY of SELF-SINKING tablets means LESS ENERGY and LESS COST.

PRECISE WEIGHT and EASY HANDLING with color-coded, light-weight packs.

ALTAB™ Recommended Addition Practice
After calculating the required addition, skim off heavy dross and add the self-sinking ALTAB™ packs, or individual tablets evenly over the melt surface. Hold the bath temperature for 5-10 minutes, with a recommended minimum temperature of 720°C (1,328°F), then stir well to maximize recovery and homogeneity.

To make our product range even more versatile, we offer a line of mini-ALTAB™ alloying tablets. These smaller tablets were developed for applications such as additions to channel induction furnaces, transfer launders, semi-automatic bulk charging systems and precise compositional adjustment for smaller foundries. Our versatile briquetted compacts also allow accurate addition and adjustment in many applications.

 
% Element Tablet Weight
(Nominal)
Tablets
per
Pack
Weight of
E
lement per
Pack
Pallet Net
Weight
75
75
75
Cu, Cr, Ni
Fe, Mn, Zn
Ti
1.333kg   (2.0 lbs)
1.333kg           (-)
0.667kg           (-)
3   (5)
3   (-)
4   (-)
3.0kg  (8.0 lbs)
3.0kg           (-)
2.0kg           (-)
1,728kg (3,000 lbs)
1,620kg             (-)
1,152kg             (-)
80
80
80
80
Fe, Cr
Cu
Mn, Ni, Zn
Ti
1.250kg   (2.0 lbs)
1.250kg  (1.67 lbs)
1.250kg
   (2.0 lbs)
0.625kg
            (-)
3   (5)
3   (6)
3   (5)
4   (1)
3.0kg  (8.0 lbs)
3.0kg  (8.0 lbs)
3.0kg
  (8.0 lbs)
2.0kg
           (-)
1,620kg (3,000 lbs)
1,620kg (3,000 lbs)
1,620kg             (-)
1,080kg
             (-)
85 Mn 1.176kg    (2.0 lbs) 3   (5) 3.0kg  (8.5 lbs) 1,525kg (3,000 lbs)
100 Ti 0.500kg            (-) 4    (-) 2.0kg           (-)    864kg             (-)

Values in parentheses refer to specifications for products produced by our North American plant.
This table shows standard product specifications and packaging. Please enquire about other options.

Our world-wide technical services team can help you reduce alloying costs and achieve desired cast and product properties with ALTAB™ and mini-ALTAB™ alloying tablets. ALTAB™’s versatility and cost-effectiveness, combined with Metallurg Aluminium’s experience in casting processes, can enhance your production and improve your bottom line.

Product Quality
Metallurg Aluminium’s pursuit of the highest level of quality is reflected in the rigorous ongoing assessment of all our alloying products. ALTAB™ and mini-ALTAB™ and the elements used in their production are inspected and examined for consistency.

Metallurg Aluminium’s world-wide production facilities at London & Scandinavian Metallurgical Co Limited (LSM) in England, Shieldalloy Metallurgical Corporation (SMC) in the United States and Companhia Industrial Fluminense (CIF) in Brazil are each registered to one or more of the ISO 9001:2000 quality standard. Our Total Quality Management (TQM) philosophy and commitment to quality assure our customers that all of our products meet exacting standards.

Product Forms and Packaging
ALTAB™ is plastic shrink-wrapped (typical) or aluminium foil-wrapped to reduce dust and to ensure a damage-free, dry product. ALTAB™ packs are contained in cardboard boxes, and shipped securely stacked on wooden pallets. Mini-ALTAB™ tablets are supplied in easy-to-handle paper sacks, or in large bulk bags. Distinct color coding of all packaging ensures clear identification of the alloying element contained.

Element European
Colour Code
AA
Color Code
Symbol ALTAB™
75%
ALTAB™
80%
ALTAB™
85%
Typical Density
(g/cm³)
Chromium Light Blue Orange Cr 74.0-76.0 79.0-81.0 - 4.0
Copper Orange Yellow* Cu 74.0-76.0 79.0-81.0 - 4.5
Iron Green Black Fe 74.0-76.0 79.0-81.0 - 4.0
Manganese Silver Grey Purple Mn 74.0-76.0 79.0-81.0 84.0-86.0 4.0
Nickel Yellow Grey* Ni 74.0-76.0 79.0-81.0 - 4.5
Titanium Red Red* Ti 74.0-76.0 79.0-81.0 - 2.8
Zinc White - Zn 74.0-76.0 79.0-81.0 - 4.0

Higher concentrations are available upon request.  Titanium is also available as 100%.
* These color codes are not registered by the Aluminum Association, but refer to products produced by our North American plant.

This table shows standard product specifications and packaging. Please enquire about other options.
All aluminium compacted products are carefully packaged to ensure delivery of clean, dry, clearly identified material.

NOTE: ALTAB™ and mini-ALTAB™ should both be stored in a dry area, preferably under cover.
Never add wet product to molten metal. Ensure that all materials are dry prior to addition.

Metallurg Aluminium’s global logistics and production ensure reliable delivery of our master alloys, metal treatment alloys, grain refiners and compacted alloying products. Responsive technical support and process expertise mean our products will meet the demands of your specific application with high performance and economy.