Modern Casting articles from February 2005

Modern Casting archives from February 2005

New permanent mold casting facility established.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Penn Troy Manufacturing Inc., a valve Company based in Troy, Pa., recently announced the establishment of a sister casting company, Queen Catharine Manufacturing Inc. Located in Montour Falls, N.Y., Queen Catharine's 90,000-sq.-ft. facility...

ACIPCo included among 'Top 100 Companies to Work For'.(Industry News)(American Cast Iron Pipe Co. )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Fortune magazine presented its annual 100 Best Companies to Work For list, and among the firms to earn recognition was American Cast Iron Pipe Co. (ACIPCo), Birmingham, Ala. The 100-year-old ferrous casting company was 28th on the list and...

2003 lost workday injury, illness rates released.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released the 2003 Injury and Illness rates, which reflect OSHA's recordable cases as well as cases of employees with days away, restricted or transferred (DART) from work. The incidence rates represent the...

Question of the month.(moderncasting.com)
February 1, 2005... The December web site question of the month asked, "As your business begins to ramp up again and you begin searching for new production workers, what is the best way to find them?" 46%--Newspaper/other periodical advertisements. ...

Job shop regains control of pouring process with automatic pouring ladle.(Product Innovations)
February 1, 2005... Job Shop Regains Control of Pouring Process with Automatic Pouring Ladle--When it was time for The Dotson Co., Mankato, Minn., to upgrade the equipment it uses to pour gray and ductile iron castings, the firm had one goal--reduce variation and...

RCT takes layer-by-layer approach to mold, core production.(Product Innovations)(rapid casting technology )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... RCT Takes Layer-By-Layer Approach to Mold, Core Production--In the metalcasting process, shaving even just a few seconds off of the total time it takes to cast a component can make a huge difference. The ProMetal $15 from the ProMetal Div. of...

When you least expect it.(Editorial)
February 1, 2005... Rarely am I left speechless. But on a recent trip through the Midwest visiting various facilities, I came across a metalcaster who truly gets it. A 35-employee, family-run shop that understands how to compete in the global economy as a...

Repercussions from Chinese economic downfall may be overstated.(Washington Alert)
February 1, 2005... For the last two years, one of the central arguments against cracking down on Chinese trade practices has been the fear that strong retaliations will damage the Chinese economy. Since China has evolved into a major player in the global economy,...

Congress takes steps to halt OSHA respirator fit testing.(Washington Alert)(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... In the final government spending bill signed by President Bush in December 2004, language was included that prohibits OSHA from inspecting or citing employers for not conducting an annual fit testing of respirators used to prevent occupational...

National Advisory Committee on Ergonomics offers recommendations.(Washington Alert)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... The National Advisory Committee on Ergonomics (NACE) recently met and presented its final recommendations to OSHA. NACE was formed by OSHA in 2002, but its charter ended in November 2004. The Committee's final recommendations were to advise...

Queen Catharine established to produce nonferrous valve, auto components in 90,000-sq.-ft. facility.(North America)(Queen Catharine Manufacturing Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Penn Troy Manufacturing Inc., a valve company based in Troy, Pa., recently announced the establishment of a sister casting company, Queen Catharine Manufacturing Inc. Located in Montour Falls, N.Y., Queen Catharine's 90,000-sq.-ft....

ACIPCo again named to Fortune's top 100 Companies to Work For list, recieves Hall of Fame honors.(North America)
February 1, 2005... Fortune magazine presented its annual 100 Best Companies to Work For list, and among the firms again was the metalcasting industry's own American Cast Iron Pipe Co. (ACIPCo), Birmingham, Ala. The 100-year-old ferrous casting company came in...

2003 metalcasting industry lost workday injury, illness rates released by U.S. Bureau of Labor.
February 1, 2005... The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released the 2003 Injury and Illness rates, which reflect OSHA's recordable cases and cases of employees with days away, restricted or transferred (DART) from work. The table below displays the 2003...

Eagle Group to improve metalcasting, CNC plants.(North America)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Two divisions of the Eagle Group, Muskegon, Mich.,--Eagle Alloy Inc. and Eagle CNC Technologies Inc.--will be making significant improvements thanks to a 12-year tax abatement from the Egelston Township (Mich.) Board. The board-approved...

Kennedy die castings assets sold, Thermalcast launched.(Acquisitions)(Thermalcast LLC)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... As a means to sell its assets instead of liquidate them, the financially burdened Kennedy Die Castings, Worcester, Mass., was purchased by a local group of investors. As a result, Thermalcast LLC, Worcester, was launched to produce diecast...

Charlotte Pipe acquires Thompson Plastics.(Acquisitions)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Co., Charlotte, N.C., acquired pipe and fitting manufacturer Thompson Plastics, Huntsville, Ala. The transaction results in the suspension of several of Thompson's products until Charlotte Pipe can further study those...

Edelbrock Corp.(Newscast)(Privatization)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Eddbrock Corp., Torrance, Calif., announced that it has become a privately held company controlled by its president/chairman/CEO.

Fresno Valves and Casting Inc., Fresno, Calif., purchased engineering solution products from RuleStream Corp.(Newscast)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Fresno Valves and Casting Inc., Fresno, Calif., purchased engineering solution products from RuleStream Corp., Wakefield, Mass.

Hayes Lemmerz International Inc., Northville, Mich., announced that its Guarulhos, Brazil, facility received the 2003/2004 supplier award from truck/tractor manufacturer, Agrale.(Newscast)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Hayes Lemmerz International Inc., Northville, Mich., announced that its Guarulhos, Brazil, facility received the 2003/ 2004 supplier award from truck/tractor manufacturer, Agrale, Caxias do Sul, Brazil.

Metaltec expands steel shot facility.(North America)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Metaltec Steel Abrasive Co., Canton, Mich., completed the third major expansion of its steel shot casting facility in November. The company installed a new induction furnace that increased capacity by 50%. The expansion will enable the company...

The Foundry, Mead, Wash., laid off 19 employees due to order cutbacks from its main customer.(Newscast)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... The Foundry, Mead, Wash., laid off 19 employees due to order cutbacks from its main customer, East Jordan Iron Works, East Jordan, Mich., as reported in the Journal of Business, Spokane, Wash.

Dana Corp., Toledo, Ohio, announced it will consolidate its off-highway transmission and axle production by the end of the year.(Newscast)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Dana Corp., Toledo, Ohio, announced it will consolidate its off-highway transmission and axle production by the end of the year. This reorganization will result in the closure of its facility in Statesville, N.C., as well as the elimination of...

Meltech Inc., Brookfield, Wis., and Stotek Danmark ApS, Naestved, Denmark, have joined to form Stotek Inc.(Newscast)(Stotek Danmark ApS)(Stotek Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Meltech Inc., Brookfield, Wis., and Stotek Danmark ApS, Naestved, Denmark, have joined to form Stotek Inc., Pewaukee, Wis.

Allied Mineral Products Inc., Columbus, Ohio, completed a 16,145-sq.-ft. expansion of its new warehouse and office facilities at its Allied Metallurg South Africa (Pty) Ltd. facility.(Newscast)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Allied Mineral Products Inc., Columbus, Ohio, completed a 16,145-sq.-ft. expansion of its new warehouse and office facilities at its Allied Metallurg South Africa (Pty) Ltd. facility in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Stratasys Inc.(Newscast)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Stratasys Inc., Eden Prairie, Minn., received the largest order in company history from a major automotive manufacturer. The company will supply four rapid prototyping systems as part of a three-year, $1 million rental agreement.

Shamrock Automation, Harrison, Ark., was purchased by its current management team from Inductotherm Corp.(Newscast)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Shamrock Automation, Harrison, Ark., was purchased by its current management team from Inductotherm Corp., Rancocas, N.J.

M. Argueso & Co. (Precision Castparts Corp.).(Newscast)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... M. Argueso & Co. (Precision Castparts Corp.), Mamaroneck, N.Y., will be relocating its facilities to Muskegon, Mich.

Magnum Integrated Technologies Inc., Brampton, Ontario, Canada, opened a design and procurement center for its subsidiary division.(Newscast)(Magnum Metal Process Technologies Pvt. Ltd.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Magnum Integrated Technologies Inc., Brampton, Ontario, Canada, opened a design and procurement center for its subsidiary division, Magnum Metal Process Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Pune, India.

Alfe Heat Treating.(Newscast)(Celebrations)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Alfe Heat Treating, Fort Wayne, Ind., is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Quality certifications.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... The following metalcasting and supplier organizations have received recent certifications or passed surveillance audits: Buck Co., Quarryville, Pa., (ISO 9001:2000); Dynacast Inc., Lake Forest, Calif., (ISO/TS 16949); Dynacast...

Duncan Propellers established.(Around the World)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... With a 20,000-sq.-ft. facility to design and manufacture watercraft propellers, Duncan Propellers, Newton Abbot, South Devon, England, was launched to tap into the marine market, according to the International Boat Industry. The new...

Correction.(Industry News)(Correction Notice)
February 1, 2005... MODERN CASTING would like to clarify that in the feature "38th Census of World Casting Production--2003," December 2004, p. 25, the metric tonnage listing for Hungary was inaccurate. The correct statistics are 97 tons of malleable iron...

Calendar of events.(Calendar)
February 1, 2005... February February 13-17--The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society (TMS) Annual Meeting, Moscone Convention Center, San Francisco. March March 9-11--AFS Metalcasting Industry Government Affairs Conference, Washington, D.C. ...

Citation Corp.(Personals)(Promotions)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Citation Corp., Birmingham, Ala., promoted Jeffrey N. Paxton to vice president-product engineering & development.

Hayes Lemmerz International Inc.(Personals)(Appointments)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Hayes Lemmerz International Inc., Northville, Mich., named Marc Hendrickx vice president-aluminum operations for the company's International Wheel Group.

Howmet Castings (Alcoa Inc.).(Personals)(Appointments)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Howmet Castings (Alcoa Inc.), Cleveland, appointed Raymond B. Mitchell president of Howmet Castings and Aerospace Forgings.

Alcoa Inc.(Personals)(Appointments)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Alcoa Inc., Pittsburgh, named Kevin Kramer president of Alcoa Wheel Products, Regina Hitchery vice president-human resources and Christine Breves chief procurement officer.

IdraPrince Inc.(Personals)(Appointments)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... IdraPrince Inc., Holland, Mich., named Mark Los president.

Kuka Robotics Corp.(Personals)(Appointments)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... Kuka Robotics Corp., Clinton Township, Mich. (Augsburg, Germany), named John Nelson key technology manager-plastics for North America.

Obituaries.(Obituary)
February 1, 2005... Earl C. Bradley Jr., Eastland, Texas, died in January. He was 80. An AFS member since 1965, Mr. Bradley worked for several companies in Houston, such as Municipal Supply Co. and Barber Plumbing Co. He later worked seven years at Tyler Pipe &...

Testing keeps pace with PUCB binders.
February 1, 2005... Inside This Story: * To keep up with new PUCB binders, test methods have been developed that accurately measure binder reactivity and amine consumption efficiency. * Detailed within is the T-tool test method, which can help production...

Data solves core movement dilemma.
February 1, 2005... Inside This Story: * Relying on speculation to solve problems in the metalcasting process can be dangerous without data to back up your findings. * Detailed within is how statistical tools helped solve core movement and provided a...

Inoclulating iron through filters.
February 1, 2005... Inside This Story: * In-mold inoculation and ceramic foam filtration have been practical methods to obtain efficient iron castings. * Recent investigations have examined combining the two methods at one point in the mold by inserting...

Taking another look at test bar molds: the mechanical properties of test bars cast in both an ASTM B108 test bar mold and a modified mold were evaluated, and efforts were made to create an entirely new test bar mold.
February 1, 2005... Permanent mold cast test bars have a number of applications, such as examining metalcasting techniques, metal quality, heat treatment and the properties of an alloy. However, these bars cannot be used to predict the quality of a simple casting...

Succeeding with concurrent engineering: while the current trend in concurrent engineering heavily favors casting buyers, by abiding by a new set of rules, metalcasters can tip the scales more in their favor.
February 1, 2005... In the past, only sales personnel interfaced with the customer, who provided product designs and casting drawings. Metalcasting facilities, in turn, bid on the manufacture of the casting. Customers would then choose a casting supplier based...

www.didion.com.(Web Site Spotlights)
February 1, 2005... For more than 25 years, Didion Intl. has been a leading supplier of shakeout and materials handling systems and equipment with more than 700 machines in 42 countries. Rotary processing equipment includes sand casting separators, media drums,...

www.vulcangroup.com.(Web Site Spotlights)
February 1, 2005... Vulcan Engineering Co. offers complete solutions for the metalcasting industry. Browse by process or by specific equipment type for your immediate needs. Project milestones may be found in our Press Release section, and view the company profile...

www.laempeusa.com.(Web Site Spotlights)
February 1, 2005... Laempe+Reich offers a complete core solution for your metalcasting facility. From the small job shop to the high-production foundry, Laempe has the experience, knowledge and talent to increase your core quality and efficiencies. Laempe was the...

www.maus.it.(Web Site Spotlights)
February 1, 2005... MAUS has introduced a proven design of automatic grinding of iron and steel castings. The MAUS technique is a repeatable process utilizing rugged CNC platform, precise individual casting position verification, grinding wheel wear verification...

www.ashspec.com.(Web Site Spotlights)
February 1, 2005... Serving your casting needs, one foundry at a time. Ashland offers a complete product package including sand-binding resin systems, refractory coatings, release agents, engineered sand additives, riser sleeves and the tech support and product...

www.inductotherm.com.(Web Site Spotlights)
February 1, 2005... Based in Rancocas, N.J., Inductotherm is a global leader in the manufacture of induction furnaces for metal producers. With facilities in 14 countries, the company has built over 10,000 melting systems. Inductotherm manufactures a line of...

www.wsf-industries.com.(Web Site Spotlights)
February 1, 2005... Job-proven Dewaxing Autoclave Systems by WSF assure uniform ceramic shell heating for complete process mold dewaxing. Steam pressure build-up to 130 psig achieved in less than five seconds. Shorter cycle times are possible since system...

www.amafond.com/nafta.asp.(Web Site Spotlights)
February 1, 2005... Machines Italia partner, AMAFOND, the Italian association of companies producing equipment, systems and supplies for the foundry industry, recently added a page to its web site featuring 10 member companies seeking to further develop business...

Price-based costing.(CEO Journal)
February 1, 2005... When it comes to pricing, the metalcasting industry has long been its own worst enemy on at least two levels. First, metalcasting facilities have given themselves little opportunity to price for profit because of weaknesses in their strategic...

Q the cost of providing compressed air (including maintenance and repair of equipment) continues to escalate. What can we do to help control this cost?(Casting Answers & Advice)
February 1, 2005... Background: Metalcasting facilities typically have many compressed air applications. Core machines require clean, dry air, table lift cylinders in molding machines must receive a minimum amount of stable pressure to provide consistent quality,...

British Columbia--in December, the chapter awarded several metalcasting representatives with Service Pins.(AFS Chapter News)
February 1, 2005... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: BRITISH COLUMBIA -- In December, the chapter awarded several metalcasting representatives with Service Pins. In the photo at left, Barry Allan, Inproheat Industries Ltd., presents a 45-year pin to Tony...

Central Indiana--in January, Bryan Gallagher, Vermillion Ironworks, greets Ron Thiele, Pyrotek Inc.(AFS Chapter News)
February 1, 2005... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: CENTRAL INDIANA -- In January, Bryan Gallagher, Vermillion Ironworks, greets Ron Thiele, Pyrotek Inc., after his presentation on the use of filters in metalcasting facilities.

Stateline--in December, Wayne Carr, Olson Aluminum Castings, greets Alfred Spada, Modern Casting, after his presentation.(AFS Chapter News)
February 1, 2005... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: STATELINE -- In December, Wayne Carr, Olson Aluminum Castings, greets Alfred Spada, MODERN CASTING, after his presentation, "The New AFS."

Michiana--in January, Tom Payovich, retired, greets Eli David, Globe Metallurgical Inc.(AFS Chapter News)
February 1, 2005... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: MICHIANA -- In January, Tom Payovich, retired, greets Eli David, Globe Metallurgical Inc., after his presentation "The Solidification of Cast Irons."

Twin Cities--in January, John Miller, Prospect Foundry, greets Vasko Popovski, Elkem Metals Inc.(AFS Chapter News)
February 1, 2005... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: TWIN CITIES -- In January, John Miller, Prospect Foundry, greets Vasko Popovski, Elkem Metals Inc., after his presentation, "Casting Defects in Gray & Ductile Iron."

Tri-State--in November, Rob Gragg, Oklahoma Dept. of Commerce, Amber Egnor, Oklahoma Dept. of Commerce, Wally Stedley, Indigo Compliance and Risk Management, and Thomas Hahn, Pittsburgh State Univ.(AFS Chapter News)
February 1, 2005... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: TRI-STATE -- In November, Rob Gragg, Oklahoma Dept. of Commerce, Amber Egnor, Oklahoma Dept. of Commerce, Wally Stedley, Indigo Compliance and Risk Management, and Thomas Hahn, Pittsburgh State Univ., meet...

Northeast Ohio--in December, as part of a joint meeting with the AFS Canton Chapter.(AFS Chapter News)
February 1, 2005... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: NORTHEAST OHIO -- In December, as part of a joint meeting with the AFS Canton Chapter, students from Case Western Reserve Univ. and Kent State Univ. received scholarships from chapter representatives.

Northwest Pennsylvania--in January, Lisa Anderson, Liberty Iron Inc., greets Scott Thistle, Environmental Law Group.(AFS Chapter News)
February 1, 2005... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: NORTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA -- In January, Lisa Anderson, Liberty Iron Inc., greets Scott Thistle, Environmental Law Group, after his presentation on the liability of upper management for environmental policy and...

Chapter meetings.(AFS Chapter News)(Calendar)
February 1, 2005... BIRMINGHAM March 11--Univ. of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Ala.; Student Night and Golf. April 8--Wynfrey Hotel, Birmingham, Ala.; General Meeting. May 9--Wynfrey Hotel, Birmingham, Ala.; General Meeting. BRITISH COLUMBIA February TBD--TBD. March...

RCT takes layer-by-layer approach to mold, core production.(New Product)
February 1, 2005... In the metalcasting process, shaving even just a few seconds off of the total time it takes to cast a component can make a huge difference. Several steps of the process offer opportunities to gain those valuable seconds. Or, to drastically cut...

Job shop regains control of pouring process with automatic pouring ladle.(Case History)
February 1, 2005... When it was time for The Dotson Co., Mankato, Minn., to upgrade the equipment it uses to pour gray and ductile iron castings, the firm had one goal--reduce variation and physical requirements. The best way to do that is through automation....

Bag dump station.(Metalcasting Supplies)
February 1, 2005... Premier Pneumatics Inc. now offers a manual bag dump station to ensure a clean, dust-controlled environment. A material is unloaded, the bag dump station's fan draws dust-laden air away from the operator. Dust is routed to the continuous...

Air cleaner.(Metalcasting Supplies)
February 1, 2005... Micro Air recently unveiled its OM6000DD air cleaner that is designed specifically to capture airborne oil-mist through a combination of baffle-type oil impingers and special oil-mist bag filters. The captured oil flows to the bottom of the...

Shelf-mounted robots.(Metalcasting Supplies)
February 1, 2005... Kuka Robotics Corp. now offers a six-axis shelf mount KS series of robots. The machines are designed for top loading and unloading of injection molding machines. The series of machines offers a low-profile design to reduce ceiling height...

Hot-face insulators.(Metalcasting Supplies)
February 1, 2005... Zircar Ceramics Inc. now offers alumina insulation type AL-28/1800, a hot-face insulation for use in furnaces and other thermal processing systems operating to temperatures of 3,272F (1,800C). Constructed of a combination of...

Metalcasting facilities get animated.(Shakeout: in case you didn't know ...)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2005... As metalcasters look for increased recognition for whay they contribute to society, they can find it in an unusual place--the animated world. Throughout the years, the metalcasting industry has been there to help solve the problems faced...