Modern Casting articles from March 2006

Modern Casting archives from March 2006

Rolls Royce names pacific cast technologies supplier of the year.(Industry News)
March 1, 2006... Pacific Cast Technologies (PCT), Albany, Ore., received the 2005 Joint Strike Fighter Supplier of the Year award from Rolls Royce plc, London. The award recognizes the achievement for best all-round supply-chain performance in 2005 on the Roll...

Danko Arlington recognized for hiring practices.(Industry News)
March 1, 2006... Danko Arlington Inc., Baltimore, was recognized recently for hiring and training ex-offenders, recovering addicts and former homeless men to work at its metalcasting plant. The company was a 2005 recipient of the Mayor's Recognition Award and...

Question of the month.(moderncasting.com)
March 1, 2006... The January web site question asked, "During the last two years, what part of your operation has seen the biggest change as a percentage of sales?" Raw Materials 55% Labor 17% Maintenance 11% Other 17% This month's...

Six-axis robots spray, handle casting molds.(Product Innovations)
March 1, 2006... Aluminum and magnesium diecaster Druckguss Hoym GmbH, Hoym, Germany, automated one of its casting cells by installing a Kuka KR 30 robot and a Kuka KR 60 K shelf-mounted robot to lower costs, improve work conditions and execute quick product...

Rapid manufacturing produces custom lingual orthodontic appliances.(Product Innovations)
March 1, 2006... T.O.P. Service fur Lingualtechnik GmbH, Bad Essen, Germany, incorporates rapid manufacturing technology to produce custom orthodontic castings that are mounted on the inside of patients' teeth.

Worth repeating.
March 1, 2006... In the modern world of business, it is useless to be a creative original thinker unless you can also sell what you create. Management cannot be expected to recognize a good idea unless it is presented to them by a good salesman."

Seeking innovation.(EDITORIAL)
March 1, 2006... I have an assignment for you. Go out and visit other metalcasting facilities. There are more than 2,300 plants in the U.S., more than 200 in Canada and more than 1,700 in Mexico. For most of you, this means you are a short drive from numerous...

Intermet plant to supply engine castings for Toyota Camry Hybrid.(North America)
March 1, 2006... Intermet Corp., Troy, Mich., has been selected as a supplier of engine cam covers for Toyota's new hybrid Camry. Intermet's plant in Palmyra, Mo., will diecast the magnesium cam covers for the 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid, which goes into...

Rolls Royce names pacific cast technologies supplier of the year for F135 component.(Rolls Royce plc, Pacific Cast Technologies)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Pacific Cast Technologies (PCT), Albany, Ore., received the 2005 Joint Strike Fighter Supplier of the Year award from Rolls Royce plc, London. The award recognizes the achievement for best all-round supply-chain performance in 2005 on the Roll...

Wescast's European unit to begin production of new orders.(North America)
March 1, 2006... Wescast Industries Inc., Brantford, Ontario, Canada, announced that its European business unit, Wescast Hungary Zrt., has received new orders to supply several cast and machined exhaust manifolds, turbine housings and cast turbomanifolds for...

Robinson Foundry files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy.(North America)
March 1, 2006... According to the Alexander City Outlook, Robinson Foundry, Alexander City, Ala., filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection Jan. 30. The 60-year-old plant will continue to produce castings for its customers, and there are no plans to...

Alcoa wins Hyundai contract.(North America)
March 1, 2006... Alcoa announced that Hyundai Motor Manufacturing America (HMMA) will use an Alcoa cast aluminum rear upper control arm for the Korean automaker's 2007 Santa Fe crossover vehicle. It is the first Alcoa component to be used by Hyundai Automotive....

Hayes Lemmerz realigns its wheel groups.(North America)
March 1, 2006... Hayes Lemmerz International Inc., Northville, Mich., announced the strategic realignment of its wheel businesses to strengthen coordination and synergies worldwide. The move combines the company's North American and International Wheel Groups,...

Preliminary program for world foundry congress set.(Around the World)
March 1, 2006... The World Foundry Congress 2006 preliminary technical program has been released by the Institute of Cast Metals Engineers (ICME) and highlights a range of topics on the technological and practical advances required to sustain the global cast...

Acme Foundry closes out centennial anniversary.(North America)
March 1, 2006... Acme Foundry Inc., Coffeyville, Kan., completed its centennial anniversary in 2005. Founded in 1905, the metalcasting facility was originally 8,200 sq. ft. of work space operated by 40 employees who made and repaired parts for local brick and...

ThyssenKrupp Waupaca Inc., Waupaca, Wis., has selected Loramendi, Fenton, Mich., to supply two complete coremaking cells.(Newscast)
March 1, 2006... ThyssenKrupp Waupaca Inc., Waupaca, Wis., has selected Loramendi, Fenton, Mich., to supply two complete coremaking cells. Each cell consists of a horizontal/vertical core machine and robotic handling for automatic core removal, dipping and...

Chase Brass & Copper Co. Inc., Montpelier, Ohio, signed a sub-license with Ingot Metal Company Ltd., Toronto.(Newscast)
March 1, 2006... Chase Brass & Copper Co. Inc., Montpelier, Ohio, signed a sub-license with Ingot Metal Company Ltd., Toronto, to produce and sell ECO BRASS Ingots for the North American marketplace.

Ashland Casting Solutions, Dublin, Ohio, held a coldbox/nobake seminar for Mexican metalcasting professionals.(Newscast)
March 1, 2006... Ashland Casting Solutions, Dublin, Ohio, held a coldbox/nobake seminar for Mexican metalcasting professionals in conjunction with the Instituto Tecnologico de Saltillo in February.

Guardian Software Systems, Oconomowoc, Wis., donated its Guardian Foundry System to Pittsburg State Univ.(Newscast)
March 1, 2006... Guardian Software Systems, Oconomowoc, Wis., donated its Guardian Foundry System to Pittsburg State Univ., Pittsburg, Kan.

Harbour Group, St. Louis, through an affiliate, acquired Alemite LLC, Fort Mill, S.C., a supplier of lubrication and fluid handling equipment systems.(Newscast)
March 1, 2006... Harbour Group, St. Louis, through an affiliate, acquired Alemite LLC, Fort Mill, S.C., a supplier of lubrication and fluid handling equipment systems. Alemite will join Lincoln Industrial Corp. as part of Harbour Group's Lubricating Systems...

Bender Foundry Service Inc.(Newscast)
March 1, 2006... Bender Foundry Service Inc., Sigourney, Iowa, now offers cores made with GMBond sand binder.

Ajax Tocco Magnethermic, Warren, Ohio, has purchased the current assets of Lectrotherm, Canton, Ohio.(Newscast)
March 1, 2006... Ajax Tocco Magnethermic, Warren, Ohio, has purchased the current assets of Lectrotherm, Canton, Ohio, and the assets of Premelt Systems, Canton, Ohio. Also, Foundry Services, Hemer, Germany, has merged its operation with Ajax Tocco Magnethermic...

Kuka Robotics Corp., Clinton Township, Mich., has signed Transbotics Corp.(Newscast)
March 1, 2006... Kuka Robotics Corp., Clinton Township, Mich., has signed Transbotics Corp., Charlotte, N.C., and Automation Engineering Corp. (AEC), Greenville, S.C., as new system partners. Transbotics Corp., an integrated solutions provider specializing in...

Bard Capital Group LLC and Bard & Co., Denver, announced the sale of WG Global Inc.(Newscast)
March 1, 2006... Bard Capital Group LLC and Bard & Co., Denver, announced the sale of WG Global Inc., including its main operating subsidiary Wheelabrator Group, to the Emerging Europe Convergence Fund II LP, managed by Mid Europa Partners LLP.

August Mack Environmental Inc.(Newscast)
March 1, 2006... August Mack Environmental Inc. recently opened a new office in Tyler, Texas. Targeted to serve eastern Texas and western Louisiana, the Tyler office will support the company's compliance, remediation and transaction services.

IdraPrince Inc., Holland, Mich., signed Automated Comercio, Sao Paolo, as its sales and service organization for Brazil.(Newscast)
March 1, 2006... IdraPrince Inc., Holland, Mich., signed Automated Comercio, Sao Paolo, as its sales and service organization for Brazil. Automated will be responsible for all sales, marketing and service requirements for customers in Brazil.

Quality certifications.(Newscast)
March 1, 2006... The following metalcasting organizations have received recent certifications or passed surveillance audits: Broust Foundry Co., Cleveland, Ohio (ISO9001:2000); and Mansfield, Ohio (ISO9001:2000) River Metals Recycling LLC, Cincinnati...

Buhler Group.(Foundry Ticker)
March 1, 2006... Buhler Group, Uzwil, Switzerland, achieved consolidated sales of $1.15 billion in fiscal year 2005. This translates to growth of 3%. Results for diecasting systems was down by 1%.

Lufkin Industries Inc.(company sales and share values)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... Lufkin Industries Inc., Lufkin, Texas, announced results for the fourth quarter and twelve months ended Dec. 31, 2005. Sales for the fourth quarter increased 35.4% to 145.4 million from $107.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2004. Net...

Finding a happy medium for pricing castings.(Letterbox)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2006... I read with particular relish the editorial, "Do We Produce Castings or $$$$?," in the January 2006 issue of Modern Casting. Having been associated with the metalcasting industry for more than 52 years, I can recall the "good old days" when all...

Citation Corp.(Personals)
March 1, 2006... Citation Corp., Birmingham, Ala., hired William R. Goodin as vice president of human resources.

Whitman Castings.(Personals)
March 1, 2006... Whitman Castings appointed George Brown as director of business development.

Martin Foundry.(Personals)
March 1, 2006... George Stone, president of Martin Foundry, Kansas City, Mo., retired.

MetalTek.(hires)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... MetalTek, Waukesha, Wis., named Philip Crouch technical director, Jerry Markem general manager of the firm's Cardonelet facility in Pevely, Mo., and Jack Lilly vice president engineering and quality assurance at the Wisconsin Centrifugal...

The Simpson Group.(Personals)
March 1, 2006... The Simpson Group, Aurora, I11., hired Brandon Kruse as sales representative.

Foseco plc.(Personals)
March 1, 2006... Foseco plc, Staffordshire, U.K., appointed Lee Plutshack as head of Foseco Steel.

Firth Rixson.(Personals)
March 1, 2006... Firth Rixson, East Hartford, Conn., appointed David Mortimer COO and Philip Kirkham vice president-metals division.

The Keener Sand & Clay Co.(Personals)
March 1, 2006... The Keener Sand & Clay Co., Columbus, Ohio, hired MikeWarner as operations manager.

Obituaries.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Obituary)
March 1, 2006... Richard (Dick) Wendorf, Wisconsin Dells, Wis., died Jan. 11. He was 75. Wendorfbegan his metalcasting career with Grede Foundry in Reedsburg, Wis. He was foundry manager at Milwaukee Valve Co., Prairie du Sac, Wis., from 1989 until his...

Calendar of events.
March 1, 2006... March 19-21--Casting Industry Suppliers Assn., Spring Meeting, El Conquistador, Tucson, Ariz. March 23-25--AFS Texas Regional Conference, Doral-Tesoro Resort, Dallas. March 27-30--Society of Manufacturing Engineers Total Manufacturing...

Metalcasting group to work with EPA on new area source rule.(WASHINGTON ALERT)
March 1, 2006... The 1990 Clean Air Act requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate the emissions of Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) from non-major (i.e. area) sources in certain industry sectors. All iron and steel metalcasting facilities...

President Bush introduces American competitiveness initiative.(WASHINGTON ALERT)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... On Jan. 31, President George W. Bush delivered the State of the Union address. His message highlighted the Administration's accomplishments of 2005 and laid out his agenda for the coming year. A major component of the President's agenda...

Boehner elected house majority leader; blunt retains position as whip.(John Boehner, Roy Blunt)(Brief article)
March 1, 2006... After two rounds of secret ballot voting on Feb. 2, House Republicans elected Congressman John Boehner (OH-8th) to the Majority Leader post, ousting interim Majority Leader Roy Blunt (MO-7th). Rep. Blunt had occupied the position since last...

On track with added value: a metalcasting facility's responsibilities don't have to end after the final casting is poured. This article details how a truck assembly for a mass transit train was produced by a metalcaster from engineered concept to finished assembly.
March 1, 2006... The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), Washington, D.C., operates the second largest rail transit system in the U.S. Its rail cars gave riders a total of 190 million trips in 2004 alone on its 103-mile rail network. It...

Maintaining competitiveness through tech development: three research projects provide practical information for metalcasters to remain on the cusp of technological advancement.
March 1, 2006... Firms that constantly explore new metalcasting methods, practices and applications will eventually find a way to remain competitive in the marketplace. Investing in the research of new technology and process development takes time and...

Demand expansion forecast for iron, diecast aluminum: due to reduced U.S. capacity in certain production segments, casting buyers may have to look to imports to meet specific needs.
March 1, 2006... Based on interviews of casting end users in the U.S., Stratecasts, Inc. has forecast 2006 demand and supply of metal castings by weight classes, casting processes and market sectors. The results and analyses have been summarized in the...

Latest methods, technology abound at 110th Metalcasting Congress.
March 1, 2006... Metalcasters and suppliers from across the globe will meet to exchange ideas this April at the 110th Metalcasting Congress, which is sponsored by AFS and NADCA. Held April 18-21 at the Hyatt Regency Columbus in Columbus, Ohio, the...

110th Metalcasting Congress: April 18-21, 2006: Columbus, Ohio.
March 1, 2006... Monday, April 17 Improving Visual Inspection Techniques Seminar, 2 p.m. This seminar, taught by Ted Schorn, is based on significant research in the field of human visual reliability and inspection theory. Tuesday, April 18 ...

Technical program.
March 1, 2006... (Information appears as listed on the Metalcasting Congress web site as of February 23) Hoyt Memorial Lecture Friday, April 12 10:15 AM Room: Franklin Been There Done That, Now What? (06-081) Thomas H. Davies ALUMINUM ...

Pangborn Corp.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... Pangborn Corporation manufactures a complete line of standard blast machines and custom designed systems that are used for cleaning, deburring, descaling, and peening a wide variety of products. Pangborn[R] systems include state-of-the-art...

Roberts Sinto Corp.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... A picture is worth a thousand words. Log on to www.robertssinto.com and watch a video of the new F-Series Barinder[TM] Grinder. See a part that has a normal grind time of 100 seconds only take 46 seconds with the F-Series Barinder[TM] Grinder!...

YXLON International Inc.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... YXLON's Y.CT Compact offers low-priced access to the advantages of Computed Tomography. Its modular design adapts to changing requirements. The high image quality enables reliable decisions and short inspection times. Y.CT Compact meets 3D...

Fata Aluminum Inc.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... Fata Aluminum supplies automated casting plants for aluminum castings produced in semi-permanent mold, automatic carousels, casting machines, pouring robots, manipulators, and engineering of the 7 axis robot. The company also produces decoring...

DIDION International Inc.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... DIDION will feature its line of Rotary Foundry Equipment and CDC Vibratory Equipment. The New Mark 5 Series Rotary Media Drums and Rotary Lump Crusher/Sand Reclaimers will be displayed. The patented design guarantees increased productivity and...

UNIMIN Corp.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... UNIMIN offers the industry's most comprehensive portfolio of core and molding sands, clays and preblends including InCast[R] silica and InCast[R] LE olivine core and molding sands and Customix[R] greensand preblends. With superior deposits,...

Capital Refractories Ltd.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... Capital Refractories Limited is the largest independent refractory company in the UK and operates in over 40 countries. They work closely with LOCAL USA distributors and supply numerous sites with gas diffusers (latest successful trial--a large...

Rimrock Corp.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... Rimrock's new automatic saw is designed to be integrated into a robotic workcell. A servo drive linear actuator slides the casting(s) through the saw blade for accurate, precision cuts of gates, risers and heavy flash. Custom hydraulic fixtures...

Applied Process Inc.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... Applied Process' 8-page brochure is an information-packed guide to the Austempering process, a high performance heat treatment for steel, gray iron, and ductile iron that delivers improved toughness, wear-resistance, and fatigue strength. Learn...

Foundry Solutions & Design, LLC.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... Foundry Solutions & Design is a leading foundry engineering/consulting and construction company. Staffed with highly experienced engineers, FS&D offers both ferrous and non-ferrous foundries professional assistance in rationalizing labor...

Brock Solutions.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... Brock Solutions' Foundry Group provides complete engineering and project management services that include the design, development, and deployment of innovative, technologically advanced solutions involving Matchplate Molding Machines,...

Laempe + Reich.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... Laempe continues to lead the way with the unique CoreCenter concept, combining core shooter, sand mixer and gas generator under a single controller with a Windows-based PC. The company has expanded its product line to the economical LL series...

Saint Gobain Advanced Ceramics Hamilton.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... Saint-Gobain Advanced Ceramics Hamilton manufactures Flow-Rite[TM] ceramic foundry filters. These filters provide an engineered balance between flow rate and strength, to remove dross, slag and impurities from the melt. This results in...

B & L Information Systems, Inc.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... Stop by booth 509 and learn why over 335 metalcasters have chosen B&L Information Systems' ERP software to run their businesses. Learn about B&L's customer successes including savings of over $200,000, increasing on-time delivery performance,...

KOINS Corporation.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... The KOINS' Automatic Inoculation System (AIS) features a stainless steel, heat protected dosing unit with multiple sensors to ensure proper inoculation. It is designed to be a stand-alone unit or integrated into the PourTECH system. In manual...

Thermtronix Corp.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... Thermtronix[R] will exhibit advances in energy efficient technology applied to their high performance aluminum melting and holding furnaces. Solid state technology allows modern furnaces to precisely measure the exact amount of energy necessary...

LECO Corp.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... Results in materials characterization are achieved with LECO analytical instruments, spectrometers, and metallographic/ optical products. Our Glow Discharge-Atomic Emission Spectrometers perform bulk analysis and QDP in ferrous and nonferrous...

Ajax TOCCO Magnethermic Corp.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... Ajax TOCCO Magnethermic Corporation designs and manufactures induction heating and melting equipment. Ajax TOCCO's advanced technologies are used for the melting and holding of ferrous and nonferrous metals. Melting applications are suited for...

Vesuvius USA.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... Through Vesuvius R&D and manufacturing enhancements, Vesuvius continues to refine product lines as market demands change. Some of our customer -designed products include: Alumina, zirconia and silicon carbide reticulated ceramic filters,...

Innovation in shakeout.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... The Carrier Barrel Horse([TM]) is a proven one-step solution to casting damage and sand mix problems. Unlike conventional rotary shakeouts, which lift and drop castings, the Barrel Horse action allows castings to swim in the sand bed,...

KUKA Robotics.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... KUKA Robotics (www.kukarobotics.com) is the North American subsidiary of KUKA Roboter GmbH of Germany, one of the largest robotics manufacturers in the world. KUKA differentiates its 60,000 plus robot installation base by utilizing a PC-based...

Simpson Technologies Corp.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... The Simpson Group, which includes Simpson Technologies Corporation, Beardsley & Piper LLC, and Hartley Controls Corporation, is a world renowned provider of foundry molding sand preparation technology including batch and continuous mixers,...

Palmer Manufacturing Inc.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... Palmer Manufacturing introduces this low level shakeout deck with attrition mill. This new shakeout deck attrition Mill (SDAM) is a shakeout deck, with integral attrition mill. The output of this unit is grain size. Unlike others, this unit...

Can-Eng Furnaces.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... With over 40 years experience servicing the foundry industry, Can-Eng Furnaces is pleased to showcase its recent development in heat treatment technology. CAN-ENG was first to introduce our Basketless Heat Treating System (BHTS) for the T4, T5,...

ProMetal--Division of the Ex One Co.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... The ProMetal Division of The Ex One Company is the leading provider of metal rapid manufacturing solutions. Focused on transitioning new technologies to the manufacturing floor, ProMetal uses 3D printing to produce patternless, digital sand...

Kurtz North America.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... The Kurtz Foundry Machine spectrum includes tilt pour casting, gravity casting, and low-pressure casting technology. Machines range from serial casting to rapid-prototyping. Kurtz also offers engineering, process development and mold making,...

Heraeus Electro-Nite Co.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... Spectrometer analysis of molten metal is greatly dependent on the quality of the sample. The QS3000 immersion sampler--Quik-Spec[R] 3000--from Heraeus Electro-Nite gives a perfect disc for spectrometer analysis every time. If your current...

CARBO Ceramics Inc.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... CARBOACCUCAST[R] ceramic media possesses strength, roundness and low expansion properties to provide increased media life, casting accuracy and reduced production costs in metal casting applications. Manufactured from readily available raw...

Foseco Metallurgical, Inc.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... FEEDEX Riser Sleeves provide the best thermal performance of any riser technology in the world today. These fast-igniting, highly exothermic sleeves provide reliable, core shot precision and the robust performance necessary to allow spot...

Vulcan Engineering Co.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... Vulcan Engineering Co. designs, manufactures and installs all types of Casting Systems; Green Sand, Nobake, Lost Foam, Investment Casting, Precision Sand, Sand Reclamation and Complete Finishing Systems; Fox Grinders, FOXALL[TM] Automated...

General Kinematics, Corp.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... General Kinematics high frequency, two-mass vibratory shakeouts remove sand faster and better while helping to reduce casting damage typically found with other shakeout methods. Two-mass, high frequency vibratory action also uses significantly...

Ashland Casting Solutions.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... Ashland Casting Solutions has fueled growth and driven innovation in metal casting technology. Through our level of expertise, we lead the global casting industry by driving performance and technology solutions. Be sure to visit Ashland's booth...

Inductotherm Corp.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... Inductotherm builds induction melting, holding, heating and pouring systems for virtually all metals and offers a complete line of coreless and channel type induction melting and holding systems, charging and preheating systems, melt shop...

Wheelabrator Group.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... Wheelabrator Group continues its legacy of providing innovative solutions with its Equipment Modernization Programs for existing Wheelabrator equipment and retrofits to competitive equipment. Dramatic productivity enhancements, superior design...

Guardian Software Systems, Inc.(Casting Technology Showcase 2006)
March 1, 2006... The Guardian Foundry System provides windows based ERP software solutions. Timely, accurate information is a necessity in this fast-paced, highly competitive marketplace. Guardian solutions transform complex data, processes and functions into...