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Monolithic refractories provide optimal productivity and cost effectiveness for melting and-holding aluminum. Various products are available because as aluminum furnaces have particular operating conditions compared to other refractory applications, suppliers [...]

The manufacturing sector is in flux right now as it seeks to find its way in the digital world, and the entire process chain necessitates the integration of suppliers who [...]

One secret to productivity in manufacturing is to combine production steps whenever possible, thereby conserving energy inputs and reducing overall production time. It explains why sand casting operations put so [...]

Briggs & Stratton earned North American Die Casting Assn. 2017 International Die Casting Design Award for improvements to its flywheel manufacturing process. The new design incorporates a three-cavity die versus [...]

The article focuses on a new ductile iron foundry established by Victaulic Corp. in Chihuahua, Mexico to expand production of its custom castings. It says that the new plant, which started production in the second half of 2011, produce custom castings and large-diameter pipe joining products for distribution in the U.S., Latin and South America, and Mexico. Moreover, global demand for iron castings remain strong despite economic crisis.

This article reports that foundries have always been interested in improving productivity and profitability. But, over the past few years competitive pressure and general industrial conditions have reinforced metalcasters' resolve to refine current processes and to develop new technologies that improve productivity and reduce costs. One area where foundries look to improve process efficiencies and cost savings is the coremaking process. Coremaking is central to metalcasting. It gives the industry the edge that no other metalworking industry has the ability to form external and internal contours, shapes, cavities, and passageways in one operation. Thus, the importance of producing high-quality cores efficiently and inexpensively cannot be underestimated. INSET: Coremaking Equipment Buyer's Guide.

Focuses on the graphite permanent molding process for casting zinc-aluminum alloy parts. Increase of industrial productivity; Assessment of the thermal conductivity of the graphite; Enhancement of the material flexibility. INSETS: The Graphite Permanent Mold Process;About Castechnologeis;Applications.

Discusses the possibility of improving productivity gains in foundries through abrasive audits (AA). Factors that must be considered when planning for an AA; Examples of audit results; Other reasons for conducting an AA.

Georg Fischer AG agreed with its Swiss workforce on a plan to increase individuals' work schedules to an average of 44 hours/week, through 2015, as a measure to increase productivity [...]

The article reports that the industrial metal casting is in a transitional period, adjusting to various technological and regulatory trends and demand for new commercial products. It mentions that metal casters requires capital equipment to contribute to production activity across multiple programs. It also informs that business had standardized on the Godfrey & Wing front-loading vacuum impregnation systems.

The article presents an analysis on monolithic refractories which provides an optimal productivity and cost effectiveness in melting and holding aluminum in the U.S. It highlights the right insulation for aluminum melting-holding furnaces that will reflect on operating conditions. It notes the significance of cup tests using low temperature in assessing lining materials. Moreover, the importance of monolithics in typical melt-hold gas fired reverbatory furnaces is also mentioned.

The article reports on the daily challenges faced by iron foundries when handling and pouring molten iron which includes keeping ladles clean and maintaining the original ladle capacity. Reduced ladle capacity directly translates into reduced production rates. Development of newer fluorine and chlorine-free fluxes based on sodium-ion technology provide a safe alternative for effective ladle cleaning.

CNC machine builder OKUMA AMERICA CORP. launched a new 'all Okuma' work cell customized to the production demands of aluminum wheel manufacturing. The cells are specifically designed to allow wheel [...]

Rockford, IL-based Clinkenbeard expanded capacity, adding its sixth 5-axis vertical milling machine. The addition enables Clinkenbeard to machine complex castings in a single set-up, increasing productivity and lowering finishing [...]

The article discusses the need for moldmakers to comply with regulations for commercial standards for reliability, productivity and product quality. Topics discussed include introduction of TechniSand TruCoat resin- coated sand by Fairmount Santrol, improving productivity factors for various foundries, use of Kerphalite KF for 3D printing sand cores and flexibility and reliability as essential factors in molding processes.

The article reports that Kimura Foundry America Inc., the greenfield ferrous foundry, has initiated a technology supply agreement with the Swedish process control specialist SinterCast AB for compacted graphite iron (CGI) product development, prototyping and niche volume production. It mentions that the SinterCast will install a Mini-System 3000 at the Indiana plant and provide technical support for launching CGI production there.

The article reports that the investment caster IBC Engineered Materials, launched commercial production of Beralcast® 363 beryllium-aluminum alloy castings for an unnamed manufacturer of commercial satellite systems, having completed the customer's First Article Qualification. It mentions that IBC's ability to cast complex geometries, offers tremendous potential to IBC and to the satellite industry.

The article focuses on economic conflict because of Chinese industry and the objective of constant manipulation by central planners managing industrial development. Topics include allies by Trump Administration on tariffs on steel policymakers for market compliance following global trade regulations; populist movements underway in the U.S and Europe for globalism of the industries and global fight over the profits of consumer choice, policy decision, market swing leading to world at war.

The article informs that according to data supplied by SinterCast AB, its output of compacted graphite iron continues to increase. It mentions the comments of SinterCast president, Steve Dawson as per which the continued growth during the second quarter validates the gains made in the first quarter, reinforcing the current level as our new normal.

The article offers several ways to regain productivity and thrive. Topics include considered that the goals that can be accomplished in the space of a day and nearly all problems, challenges, and needs are best faced if they are brought down to the scale of "what can be done right now"; and examines that several changes that build momentum are rooted in decisions, not additional tasks.

The author discusses development, commercialization and implementation of rate of progress of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and mentions progress in printing sand mold added by metalcasting firms Exon Co. and Humtown Products. Topics discussed include initiative America Makes (AM) technology used by aerospace firm Boeing, growth of the market for the 3D printing and revolutinizing industry approaches of low volume production.

The article focuses on ways on how to achieve cleaner shakeout and finishing process in foundries. It mentions the Mark 5 rotary media drum from Didion wherein sand is screened and metal castings are cleaned in recirculating bed of prismatoid media which in turns protects and cools the metal castings. According to Steve Renk, operation director of United Machine & Foundry (UMF) Co., the rotary media drum contributes to increase productivity and reduced operating costs.

The author discusses the Next-Generation Manufacturing principles in order to move forward in the manufacturing sector in the U.S. He provides a detailed understanding on the six next-generation principles in practice now and six next-generation principles to adopt which include productivity, customer needs anticipation and technological innovations. In addition, he emphasizes the importance of informing and communicating within the organization.

The article discusses how induction melting offers an optimal choice for metal casters like increase productivity and metal quality. It mentions that homogeneous temperature of the metal and refractories promotes reduced hydrogen pick up. It reveals that method leads to higher quality metal with lower levels of inclusions and porosity.

The article reports on the consideration of Chrysler Corp. to implement moves to shorten output in several assembly and powertrain plants and end production of models. President Tom LaSorda stresses that the management has to move immediately to adjust the way the company looks to reflect a smaller market. This means a cost base that is right-sized and an appropriate level of plant utilization. It is considered that output cuts will eliminate some models of automobiles.

The article discusses opportunities in maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) procurement in the metal castings industry in the U.S. Productivity and waste are the two influential factor in determining the success of MRO procurement programs. Consolidation to one source simplifies the procurement process and saves time and costs for unplanned purchases.

The article reports that Anniston, Alabama-based McWane Inc.'s Union Foundry division purchased the 100th DISA molding machine, DISAMATIC 2130-C. A trial run was performed with and without a core setter in order to make sure that the machine would keep its promise of higher speed and productivity of 470 molds/hour. The company can look forward to reduce maintenance costs, enhance quality and increase productivity.

Describes the impact of the U.S. Department of Energy's Industrial Technologies program, an initiative aimed at improving industrial energy efficiency, productivity and global competitiveness, at Ford Motor Co.'s Cleveland Castings Plant in Ohio. Initiatives implemented by the plant and the agency to reduce energy use; Projects identified in the co-sponsored assessment; Cost savings. INSET: Assessment Recommendations at the Ford Cleveland Castings Plant.

Focuses on the combined application of line laser sensoring and vision sensing technology for automated pouring in the metal casting industry. Maintenance of proper pour control; Improvement of industrial productivity; Provision of real-time feedback of the metal level in the pour cup; Reduction of the turbulence in the cup; Separation of measurement points from the iron stream during the pour-control phase.

This article presents answers of several queries related to standards and trends for hot-metal cranes by Steve McCormick, director of purchasing and quality for Morris Material Handling Inc. McCormick answered the query related to the similarity between cranes for foundries and any other crane that hot-metal service cranes and hoists have a long history in the U.S. They are critical to industrial production in this country since steel and other metals are central to the needs of domestic manufacturing. He further answered the query related to the most common cranes now in use for foundries, and their applications that they see requirements for units that carry molten metal. A subset of this category of machines are the ladle cranes, which also pour molten metal, by tipping or upending the ladle. This can be a small manually operated unit with a hand wheel used by a single operator to pour material into sand molds.

Focuses on the advantage of lean manufacturing strategies to increase the productivity of steel foundry in southern California. Major obstacle to profitability; Description of lean manufacturing; Significance of eliminating waste from manufacturing to reduce production time and costs.

The article provides a background of employee motivation in the U.S. which was started in the late 19th century. It states that it has been recognized that making an employee concentrate on a specific task increases productivity and that teamwork became more crucial as sales grew with the economy. It explores the results of a study by Western Electric Co. which revealed that the management's responsiveness to employee concerns is an important aspect of improving productivity.

The article presents the author's insights on the effect of procurement innovation to productivity. The author cites the conclusions of the report on productivity by McKinsey & Co., which says that implementation of business and technology innovations, that will enhance supply-chain integration and how services and goods are provided to the customers, are contributors to greater productivity. He states through automated vendor selection, the buyers completely screen each vendor.

The article reports on SinterCast AB's attainment of its production growth rate targets for its compacted graphite iron process control technology for the second quarter of 2011.

The article offers world news briefs related to metal castings producers. Stroh Precision Die Casting LLC, former Stroh Die Casting Co., was introduced after ceasing its manufacturing operations in September 2009 in the U.S. A permit was granted by NovaCast Technologies' subsidiary Camito Technology Center to increase production in Stockholm, Sweden. A new exhaust component was produced by Dashiang Precision Foundry in China.

The article reports on the move of Saint Paul, Minnesota-based Northern Iron & Machine company to add a new DISA Match 130 automated molding line. Accordingly, this new line replaces three older lines which could create the operation more efficient in terms of production and cost. It points out that DISA line will generate up to 130 molds/hour high with a flask size of 20 x 24 inches.

The article announces the plan of Tupy Casting to increase production capacity for engine blocks by almost 25 percent in Brazil. The core of the investment plan of the company is to increase production of compacted graphite iron. According to Luiz Tarquino Sardine, president of Tupy, the expansion of the company is in response to greater demand for CGI blocks from General Motors.

The article highlights the GIFA 2007, the 11th International Foundry Trade Fair involving the metal casting industry that was held in Germany on June 2007. In connection to this, results of surveys conducted by Messe Düsseldorf of the visitors and exhibitors at the four metallurgical industry trade fairs have been released. This event has attracted 793 exhibitors and more than 51,000 visitors from 43 countries.

The article reports on the expansion plans of Hydro Aluminum company in Oslo, Norway. It is seeking to increase global foundry alloy supply from 230,000 metric tons in 2006 to 350,000 metric tons in 2007. According to Hydro executive vice president Torstein Dale Sjøtveit, it will continue their strategy of increasing efficient upstream capacities for a more competitive portfolio. Hydro also intends to continue modernizing and expanding its primary aluminum operations.

The article comments on charges of slave labor against producers of charcoal, supplied to pig iron smelters in Brazil. Slave labor is the obvious outcome of the widespread commodification of labor. It is an explanation of what has happened in the new economy since industrial productivity became the standard of performance. There are fewer hands available to achieve the output levels that will confirm an acceptable level of productivity.

The article highlights the Material Handling and Logistics Show and Conference which will be held in Cleveland, Ohio. More than 400 exhibitors from industry, commerce, and government will display their productivity solutions and offer educational conferences from over 60 countries. The event will consist of a comprehensive showcase of equipment, systems, and technologies offering manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution productivity.

Presents the demonstration of the M-900iA/350 robot transferring automotive engine blocks from an overhead conveyor into finishing operations at Cast Expo by FANUC Robotics America Inc. in Saint Louis, Missouri. Increase in industrial productivity with significant cost savings; Reduction of manual labor costs; Decline of the need for expensive fixed and custom automation equipment.

Reports on the assignments accepted by Vulcan Engineering Co. in designing and installing new metalcasting systems in the U.S. Creation of a green-sand system for Production Pattern & Foundry Co. Inc.; Modification of the pressurized lost-foam casting line at Mercury Castings in order to increase its production capacity; Description of the outboard marine engines installed.

Reports on economic developments that relate to foundries in the United States as of March 2004. Rise of durable-goods shipments in the second-half of 2003; Improvement of overall industrial production; Primary metals; Industrial machinery; Aerospace products and parts; Output from manufacturing industries; Automotive purchases; Manufacturing employment; Consumer spending; Producer price index-ferrous; Producer price index-nonferrous.

Editorial. Focuses on the issues raised about the manufacturing industry in a report released by the National Association of Manufacturers in the U.S. Economic benefits of the combined investment of manufacturers in physical and human capital, research and development and productivity; Concern about the future of the inter-linked manufacturing process; Contribution of politicians to the manufacturing woes.

Presents several charts depicting the industrial productivity in the die-casting industry.

Editorial. Focuses on the performance of the metalcasting industry in the U.S. Assessment on the system of stock trading and stock evaluation; Attribution of the interest rate for stimulating companies to improve operations; Implication of low wage growth and high productivity on the business profits.

Answers questions related to the problems and opportunities of foam casting process. Percentage increase of foam casting production; Popularity of lost foam process; Forecasting on the maturity period of the Aluminum Lost Foam industry.

Reports the increase in industrial productivity of factories by the U.S. Federal Reserve. Concern of the economists; Impact of energy prices; Increment of gasoline prices.

Reports on the economic conditions of the manufacturing industry in United States. Decline of industrial output; Statistics of operating capacity of the industry; Effect of the September 11 attacks on the industrial production of the industry.