Modern Casting articles from July 2003

Modern Casting archives from July 2003

Tomorrow's victory is today's battle. (Editorial).(Editorial)
July 1, 2003... One of the enjoyable things about my job is the involvement with industry committees. In addition to some meaningful projects, the emails sent by fellow members have brought laughs on days they were needed, and the phone conversations usually...

AFS continues to push changes to the pending Iron & Steel MACT rule. (Washington Alert).(American Foundrymen's Society)(National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Iron and Steel Foundries)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... As part of the industry's ongoing efforts to work with the U.S. EPA in the development of the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Iron and Steel Foundries (Iron & Steel Foundry MACT), AFS continues negotiations with EPA...

Crystalline silica remains a priority on OSHA's regulatory agenda. (Washington Alert).(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... OSHA unveiled its regulatory priorities for the next year in the Federal Register on May 27. The semiannual regulatory agenda outlines work on new standards including crystalline silica, hexavalent chromium and assigned protection factors for...

President Bush signs tax relief bill in June to spur economic growth. (Washington Alert).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... In June, President Bush signed into law the "The Jobs and Growth Tax Act of 2003." Supporters hope the law will stimulate the economy by increasing people's take home pay and spur investment in the business community. Included in this package...

Letterbox.(Letter to the Editor)
July 1, 2003... Progress in Trade Talks a Welcome Sign to Industry This letter is in eager response to the article, "Keeping One Eye on Washington: Trade, MACT Threaten U.S. Foundries," which appeared in the May issue of MODERN CASTING. I felt a welcome...

Howmet Castings to provide hydraulic vessel and cover aluminum components for A380 cargo jet. (Industry News: North America).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Howmet Castings, Inc., (Alcoa, Inc.) Laval, Canada, has been picked by CESA to provide two components--a hydraulic vessel and cover--for the Airbus 380 cargo jet. The spherically shaped hydraulic vessel is approximately 28 in. in diameter. ...

Intermet Corp. to close Radford, Virginia Foundry. (Industry News: North America).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Intermet Corp., Troy, Michigan, announced that it will close its Radford Foundry, Radford, Virginia, before the end of the year, citing changes in market conditions and production technology, as well as a substantial investment required for...

Teksid Aluminum Foundry starts $9 million expansion. (Industry News: North America).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... According to the Knoxville News Sentinel, Teksid Aluminum Foundry will add 91 jobs at its Dickson, Tennessee plant as part of a $9 million expansion. Teksid's Dickson plant currently employs 505 people. "Today's announcement will create a...

Neenah Foundry Co. to file 'prepackaged' Chapter 11 plan of reorganization. (Industry News: North America).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Neenah Foundry Co., Neenah, Wisconsin, plans to file a "prepackaged" Chapter 11 plan of reorganization after reaching an agreement in principle with holders of a substantial majority of the firm's outstanding 11 1/8% series A, B, D and F senior...

International Truck & Engine Corp.'s Waukesha Facility receives plant Engineering Award. (Metalcasting Associations).(107th Casting Congress award)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Caption: During the 107th Casting Congress in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, April 26-29, representatives of International Truck & Engine Corp.'s Waukesha Manufacturing Facility receive the AFS Plant Engineering Award from Paul Barker (I), Chairman of...

Ductile Iron Society Conference focuses on trade, education. (Industry News: North America).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The Annual Ductile Iron Society Conference held at the Woodlands Inn & Resort, Wilkes Bare, Pennsylvania, June 2-4, featured eight presentations on a variety of topics including trade issues and scenario planning. The conference also featured a...

Buffalo sculpture commissioned by Kevin Costner on display. (Industry News: North America).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... A buffalo sculpture that was commissioned nine years ago by actor-director Kevin Costner and is billed as the third-largest bronze sculpture in the world went on display in June at the Dunbar Resort, Deadwood, South Dakota. The sculpture,...

Quality certifications.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The following foundry and supplier organizations have received recent certifications: Littlestown Foundry, Inc., Littlestown, Pennsylvania (ISO 9001:2000); Quality Investment Castings, Inc., Blandon, Pennsylvania (ISO 9001:2000); ...

Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc. (Foundry Ticker).(first quarter profits)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc., Northville, Michigan, reported higher sales and improved operating income for the first fiscal quarter 2003. First quarter net sales of $515.3 million were up 5.9% from $486.7 million a year earlier. First...

Atchison Casting Corp. (Foundry Ticker).(third quarter sales decreased)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Atchison Casting Corp., Atchison, Kansas, reported that third quarter net sales decreased 14,1% to $80.7 million from $93.9 million during the comparable period last year. Excluding operations that were sold, closed or placed into liquidation...

Ashland Casting Solutions to distribute Z Corp. 3D printers. (Industry News: North America).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Ashland Casting Solutions (Ashland Specialty Chemical Co.), Dublin, Ohio, will distribute Z Corp.'s, Burlington, Massachusetts, line of 3D printers and ZCast material systems for use in short-run prototype metal casting. "We view this as a...

Ford Motor Co. (Newscast).(new engine with PSA Peugeot Citroen announced)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... In June, Ford Motor Co., Detroit, and PSA Peugeot Citroen jointly announced their new high performance 2.7 litre V6 diesel engine. It is the first-ever high-volume engine to use a compacted graphite iron cylinder block. The block will be...

Buckeye Steel Castings Co. (Newscast).(reopens as Columbus Steel Castings)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Buckeye Steel Castings Co., Columbus, Ohio, has reopened as Columbus Steel Castings. The firm has brought back approximately 500 employees.

Atlantic States Cast Iron Pipe Co. (Newscast).(workplace violations fine imposed)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... According to the Express-Times, Federal regulators proposed a $130,000 fine to Atlantic States Cast Iron Pipe Co., Phillipsburg, New Jersey for workplace violations. An official of corporate parent McWane Inc., Birmingham, Alabama, said the...

The Japan Machinery Federation in February for its ACE tight flask molding machine. (Newscast).(Sintokogio Ltd.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Sintokogio, the Japanese-based parent company of Roberts Sinto Lansing, Michigan, received an award from the Japan Machinery Federation in February for its ACE tight flask molding machine.

Belmont Metals, Inc. (Newscast).(O'Brien and Sons, sales representatives)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Belmont Metals, Inc., Brooklyn, New York, named O'Brien and Sons, Fort Wayne, Indiana, its sales representative to the state of Indiana.

Alfe Heat Treating. (Newscast).(Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. gives quality assurance certification )(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Alfe Heat Treating, Fort Wayne, Indiana, announced that its Wadsworth, Ohio plant has received quality assurance certification from the Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., Savannah, Georgia.

Taylor Metalworks, Inc. (Newscast).(bottom-pour ladle system)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... After developing a molten aluminum pouring system for working partner TPI Arcade, Arcade, New York, Taylor Metalworks, Inc., Orchard Park, New York, is now making its refractory-based bottom-pour ladle system available to other aluminum casting...

Asbury Wilkinson, Inc. (Newscast).(Alloy Division formed; lead by of Robert Greason)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Asbury Wilkinson, Inc., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, announced the formation of an Alloy Div. under the leadership of Robert Greason.

Calendar of events.(conferences and conventions)(Calendar)
July 1, 2003... View the Extended Industry Calendar at www.afsinc.org August August 17-20--AFS 15th Environmental Health & Safety Conference, Holiday Inn Select North at the Pyramids, Indianapolis. September September 15-18--North...

Osco Industries, Inc. (Personals).(Charles K. Denny, vice president and manager)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Osco Industries, Inc., Portsmouth, Ohio, named Charles K. Denny vice president and manager of its Jackson, Ohio shell casting plant.

Xenia Foundry & Machine Co. (Personals).(Aleks Huston, director of operations)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Xenia Foundry & Machine Co., Xenia, Ohio, named Aleks Huston director of operations.

General Motors Powertrain. (Personals).(Arvin L. Jones, manufacturing manager)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... General Motors Powertrain, Pontiac, Michigan, named Arvin L. Jones manufacturing manager--castings and components sector.

Carpenter Brothers, Inc. (Personals).(Dan AuBuchon, Jim Craig, exclusive sales agents)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Carpenter Brothers, Inc., Milwaukee, named Dan AuBuchon and Jim Craig exclusive sales agents. AuBuchon will cover Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Arkansas and Southern Illinois, while Craig will cover Northern Ohio, Western Pennsylvania and Western...

Miller and Co., L.L.C. (Personals).(John A. Adcock, president)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Miller and Co., L.L.C., Rosemont, Illinois, named John A. Adcock president and chief executive officer.

Guardian Software Systems. (Personals).(Karen Sell-Rehfeldt and Jenny Gladczak appointed)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Guardian Software Systems, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, named Karen Sell-Rehfeldt support specialist and Jenny Gladczak marketing associate.

Obituaries.(James F. Foster)(Murphy, Edward P.)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... James F. Foster, retired vice president of Roberts Sinto Corp., Lansing, Michigan, died in February. He retired in 1990 after 30 years at Roberts Sinto. Edward P. Murphy, 73, founder and co-owner of J-Lenco, Inc., Marion, Ohio, died in...

International Truck & Engine Corp. Waukesha Manufacturing Facility. (2003 Foundry Casting of the Year).
July 1, 2003... All it wanted was an opportunity. International Truck and Engine Corp.'s Waukesha Manufacturing Facility, Waukesha, Wisconsin, saw that a competitor was failing to produce ductile iron V-8 and v-6 bed-plates within adequate scrap levels....

Mission accomplished: advancement in military castings. (Casting Market Focus).
July 1, 2003... Men have fought with one another ever since the day that Cain struck down his brother Abel. Simply put, it is a fact of the human condition. As long as tyrants and madmen continue to create injustices, weaponry and other such combat equipment...

Survey results reveal 'razor-thin' cost picture: AFS-NADCA 2003 Confidential Operational Cost Survey. (Executive Memorandum).(Industry Overview)
July 1, 2003... In order to arm metalcasting managers with better data on which to manage their business decisionmaking, AFS and NADCA teamed to commission the Confidential Metalcasting Operational Cost Survey in 2003. As was the case with the 2001 AFS...

Understanding bottom wear in coreless induction furnaces.
July 1, 2003... This article looks at the reasons behind coreless induction furnace lining wear at Rochester Metal products and explains why melting ductile iron causes a more aggressive erosion of the silica lining. In the late 1940s, large capacity,...

Do you make a difference? (2003 Charles Edgar Hoyt Memorial Lecture).
July 1, 2003... In his Hoyt Memorial Lecture at the 107th AFS casting congress, former citation executive vice president R. Conner Warren challenged metalcasters to focus on performance and attitude. Everyone has heard the phrase, "It's the dash that...

Casting answers & advice.
July 1, 2003... Q: What are the choices available to replace leaded copper alloys for plumbing applications? Background: Plumbing components in North America traditionally have been made from sand-cast leaded red and semi-red brasses (alloys C83600 and...

Are you getting a good daily ROI? (Small Foundry Management).(Return on investment)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Return on investment (ROI) is something that we've heard about since our days in Economics 101. Figuring out what we're going to get from our investment before we make it is logical and smart business. I doubt that there are many foundries that...

Kohler Co. (AFS Chapter News).(Bill Michaels gets speaker's award)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... WISCONSIN--In May, Gerald Wilkinson (I), Kohler Co., presents a speaker's award to Bill Michaels, Newsradio 620 WTMJ, after his presentation.

Bob Bristow, Corbitt Manufacturing Co. (AFS Chapter News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Bast, Lindell ST. LOUIS--In May, Bob Bristow, Corbitt Manufacturing Co., gives a presentation on the history of Corbitt before providing a tour of the facility.

Jim Hickie, Sivyer Steel Corp. (AFS Chapter News).(Richard Stump receives speaker's award)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... QUAD CITY--In November, Richard Stump (I), Constants in Quality, receives a speaker's award for his presentation on Six Sigma techniques from Jim Hickie, Sivyer Steel Corp.

Gunite Corp. (AFS Chapter News).(Rabbi Farraj gets speaker's award)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... STATELINE--In April, Rabbi Farraj (I), Gunite Corp., accepts a speaker's award after his presentation on the different processes used to design and test castings at Gunite from Jeff Clark, Gunite Corp.

Virginia Tech. Univ., and Paul Huffman, Dominion Metallurgical, Inc. (AFS Chapter News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... PIEDMONT--In May, (pictured from I) Bill Reynolds, David Clark and Steve Bickley, Virginia Tech. Univ., and Paul Huffman, Dominion Metallurgical, Inc., gather after Huffman presents two scholarships to Virginia Tech. Univ. students.

The Calhoun Area Technical Center. (AFS Chapter News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... CENTRAL MICHIGAN--IN May, during a tour of the Calhoun Area Technical Center (CATC), Mark Gothberg, CATC, discusses the machining training department. The Central Michigan Chapter donated a $500 grant to, the CATC in both 2002 and 2003.

Matthews International Corp. (AFS Chapter News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... PITTSBURGH--In May, Thomas Matthews (I) and Eck J. Buratti, Matthews International Corp., provide a tour of their foundry to 29 members of the Pittsburgh Chapter.

Kansas Castings, Inc. (AFS Chapter News).(DeAnna Kitchens receives speaker's award )(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... PLAINS STATES--In May, PatPomeroy (I), Kansas Castings, Inc., and Sandy Linton (ctr), Tonkawa Foundry, Inc., present a speaker's award to DeAnna Kitchens, Kennedy & Coe, L.L.C., after her presentation.

AFS Chapter Officers Conference.(American Foundry Society )(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... In June, 55 delegates from 35 chapters gathered at AFS Headquarters, Des Plaines, Illinois, for the annual Chapter Officers Conference. The conference featured opening remarks from AFS President H. Arthur Edge, Jr., American Cast Iron Pipe Co....

Steve Reynolds, Lufkin Industries, Inc. (AFS Chapter News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... TEXAS--In February, (pictured from I) Steve Reynolds, Lufkin Industries, Inc., Kent Smith, Joe H. Smith Co., Richard Grimes, Houston Pattern Works, Inc., Clay Quaife, Porter Warner Industries, Inc., Ron Hopson, Lufkin Industries, Inc., and Mark...

Dike-O-Seal, Inc. (AFS Chapter News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... NORTHEAST INDIANA--In April, Company of the Month Representative Enzo Bulleri (I), Dike-O-Seal, Inc., is welcomed by Todd Yarde, Ford Meter Box Co., Inc

Performance Castings, Inc. (AFS Chapter News).(Jerry Sequeira receives speaker's award)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... NORTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA--In May, Jerry Sequeira (I), Performance Castings, Inc., receives a speaker's award from Dan Mayton, Urick Foundry Co., following a tour of Performance Castings

Mueller Co., and Jerry Donohue, EMSCO, Inc. (AFS Chapter News).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... TENNESSEE--In May, Chris Carson (I), Mueller Co., and Jerry Donohue, EMSCO, Inc., gather after Carson's presentation on regulatory changes in the 2lst century foundry and Donohue's presentation on the AFS Trade Commission.

Chapter meetings.(Brief Article)(Calendar)
July 1, 2003... CENTRAL NEW YORK August 23--Golf Outing, Greenview Golf Course, West Monroe, New York. METROPOLITAN August 11--Golf Outing, Cranbury Country Club, Cranbuy, New Jersey. NORTH WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA July 28--Golf Outing. PITTSBURGH...

www.disagroup.com. (Website Spotlights).(Advertisement)
July 1, 2003... Founded in 1900, DISA is the world's leading supplier of foundry molding lines, foundry equipment and metal surface finishing systems, and one of the world's largest and most experienced suppliers of air pollution control solutions. With...

www.hottinger-na.com. (Website Spotlights).(Advertisement)
July 1, 2003... Hottingers wide product range comprises: turnkey projects, single and multi-station core shooting, mold dumping machines and mold dosing devices, handling equipment using robots and manipulators, customized machines to suit specific...

www.laempeusa.com. (Website Spotlights).(Advertisement)
July 1, 2003... Laempe+Reich offers a a complete core solution for your foundry. 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 pioneer of...

www.maus.it. (Website Spotlights).(Advertisement)
July 1, 2003... 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. (Website Spotlights).(Advertisement)
July 1, 2003... Serving your casting needs, one foundry at a time. Ashland offers a complete product package including sand-binding resins systems, refractory coatings, release agents, engineered sand additives, riser sleeves and the tech support and product...

www.generalkinematics.com. (Website Spotlights).(Advertisement)
July 1, 2003... General Kinematics vibratory equipment leads the foundry industry in automation, energy efficiency, cost control and increased productivity. Learn more about our dependable products; including shakeouts, conveyors, sand/casting processing...

www.wsf-industries.com. (Website Spotlights).(Advertisement)
July 1, 2003... Jon-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.cisa.org. (Website Spotlights).(Casting Industry Suppliers Association website)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Nearly 70 supplier companies make up the Casting Industry Suppliers Association. The mission of CISA is to educate its members and work on challenges that are common to all. Such things as labeling, packaging, handling procedures, OHSA and EPA...

www.didion.com. (Website Spotlights).
July 1, 2003... For more than 25 years, Didion International has been a leading supplier of shakeout and materials handling systems and equipment - with more than 700 machines in 42 countries worldwide. Rotary processing equipment includes sand casting...

www.gmdenv.com. (Website Spotlights).
July 1, 2003... GMD engineers, designs, manufactures and installs environmental equipment for Air Pollution Control (Fabric Filters, i.e. Baghouses) and Sand Reclamation (Thermal & Mechanical). GMD's Totally Enclosed Treatment Systems (TETS[TM]) are designed...

www.inductotherm.com. (Website Spotlights).
July 1, 2003... Based in Rancocas, New Jersey, Inductotherm is a global leader in the manufacture of induction furnaces for metal producers. With manufacturing facilities in 14 countries, the company has built more than 10,000 melting systems. Inductotherm...

www.mouat.com. (Website Spotlights).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... The Mouat Company, Inc. has over 76 years of experience in foundry projects, and has a staff of engineers with extensive experience in designing foundry systems. Mouat also has on staff degreed metallurgical engineers, with experience in...

Oshkosh Truck integrates simulation into casting design process. (New Installation).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Oshkosh Truck Corp, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, is a leading producer of specialty trucks and truck bodies for the fire and emergency, defense, concrete placement and refuse hauling markets. Its robust vehicles require sound design and manufacturing...

Alcan diecasting process to be licensed in North America. (New Process).
July 1, 2003... The search for production efficiency often leads to innovative technology. That was the case when Alcan Automotive (Alcan, Inc.), headquartered in the U.S. in Farmington Hills, Michigan, was challenged by Audi to develop several thin-walled,...

Hardness testing system.
July 1, 2003... Leco Corp., introduced the fully-automated LCR-500, a versatile Rockwell-type Hardness Testing System. Utilizing state-of-the-art, closed loop, self-compensating load cell technology, the LCR-500 allows user selection of a minor/major load...

Measurement systems.
July 1, 2003... Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc., offers a comprehensive range of testing and measurement systems for material strength testing, powder and particle analysis, thermal analysis and viscosity testing. The firm also offers on-site training at...

Dust collector.
July 1, 2003... Beltech Engineering, introduced the new Crossflo system of dust collectors, an efficient, low maintenance high-pressure pulse filter-bag style dust collection system. The Crossflo system moves the incoming particulate airstream perpendicular to...

Refractory papers.
July 1, 2003... Zircar Refractory Composites, Inc. introduced its ZRCI AluminaSilica Fiber Paper Type ASPA-1 and ASPA-2, a lightweight refractory material made from high-purity alumina-silica fibers formed into highly flexible sheets. These alumina-silica...

Animating the foundry. (Popeye the Foundryman).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... Apparently, Popeye wasn't always a sailor man. In 1937, Popeye appeared in the cartoon, "Lost and Foundry," which was set in a foundry. In the black and white cartoon, produced by Max Fleischer and directed by Dave Fleischer, Popeye is...

Bronze, not spinach. (Popeye the Foundryman).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2003... In Chester, Illinois, Popeye's strength has more to do with brass then it does with spinach. That's where a six ft tall, 900-lb bronze statue (commissioned by the town for $10,000) was erected in honor of Popeye's creator, Elzie Segar, who was...