Modern Casting articles from May 2004

Modern Casting archives from May 2004

Question of the month.(moderncasting.com)
May 1, 2004... The March web site question of the month asked, "What is your operation doing to survive the escalating raw material melt price crisis?" Answers: * 43%--Imposing surcharges. * 37%--Improving melting practices. * 12%--Actively...

They have to feel and see it.(Editorial)(Editorial)
May 1, 2004... Have you ever tried to explain metalcasting to a child? I have two daughters, ages six and one, and I recently tried to explain metalcasting to the oldest one. As she is prone to do from time to time, she asked me about my job and why I have my...

AFL-CIO files China labor case with U.S. Trade Representative.(Washington Alert)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... The AFL-CIO filed a case in mid-March with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) alleging that China's "repression" of its workers violates U.S. trade law. The move by the group is the first time that an entity other than a private...

President Bush signs order to encourage more research for small manufacturers.(Washington Alert)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... In late February, President Bush signed an Executive Order to increase the focus of the federal small business research programs on manufacturing. This action will potentially result in millions of dollars of additional research and development...

GAO report highlights effectiveness of OSHA's voluntary, cooperative programs.(Washington Alert)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... A year-long study by the Government Accounting Office (GAO) on OSHA's voluntary compliance programs wrapped up in March with the GAO saying the strategies "have improved employers' safety and health practices" and noted that many participants...

Bronze Horse to assist in casting "The American".(North America)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Bronze Horse, Pawhuska, Okla., a metalcasting facility that specializes in sculptures, has been chosen to assist in the production of "The American,"--a cast bronze statue that will eclipse the Statue of Liberty as the largest in the world ...

Hayes Lemmerz expands facilities.(North America)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Hayes Lemmerz International, Northville, Mich., is expanding its low-pressure aluminum wheel casting capabilities in Thailand and the Czech Republic to better serve customers in Asia and Europe. The company also plans to refurbish and expand...

Marion Power Shovel to reopen casting facility.(North America)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... The metalcasting facility of Marion Power Shovel, Marion, Ohio, is only steps away from reopening its doors after being shut down eight years ago. Cando Contracting, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, seeks to rejuvenate the metalcasting facility...

Imco Recycling Inc. expansion to benefit General Motors Saginaw Operations.(North America)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Imco Recycling Inc., Irving, Texas, will expand its Saginaw, Mich., facility by 50% to increase aluminum alloy shipments to General Motors (GM) Powertrain Saginaw Metal Casting Operations. The aluminum and zinc recycling firm agreed to the...

Aisin Automotive Casting building new metalcasting facility, offices in Tennessee.(North America)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Aisin Automotive Casting LLC, London, Ky., is building a new metalcasting facility in Clinton, Tenn. The company has purchased a 42-acre land tract and is currently in the process of constructing a 250,000-sq.-ft. facility where it will produce...

WAFCO honored for technology, education.(North America)(Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry Co. Inc.)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry Co. Inc. (WAFCO), Manitowoc, Wis., won a special award for its "Dedication to Wisconsin Workers" on Feb. 26 during the 2003 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Awards at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee. Judges...

Amcast Industrial Corp.(financial results)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Amcast Industrial Corp., Dayton, Ohio, reported fiscal second quarter sales of $94.4 million. This was 4.7% lower than the prior year's quarter sales, which were $99.1 million. This resulted from lower aluminum component sales. However,...

Navy visits Danko Arlington's casting facility.(North America)(Illustration)
May 1, 2004... During a plant tour for the U.S. Naval Academy, Edward Cooper Jr. and Vladimir Arutyunov demonstrate a green sand pour at Danko Arlington Inc., Baltimore. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Jensen International celebrates quality, six years without a lost-time accident.(North America)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Jensen International Inc.'s South Coffeyville, Okla., metalcasting facility gathered on April 2 to celebrate six years of operation without a lost-time accident and exceeding the targeted goal of shipments by 5%. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Hayes Lemmerz International Inc.(financial results)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Hayes Lemmerz International Inc., Northville, Mich., reported an operating profit of $62 million for the fiscal year, which ended Jan. 31, compared with an operating loss the previous year of $300,000. 2003 earnings, minus gains and expenses...

Intermet Corp.(financial results)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Intermet Corp., Troy Mich., reported first-quarter sales of $210.6 million, a 9% increase from the 2003 first-quarter number of $193 million. The company attributes the increased sales to a combination of currency exchange rates, sales-volume...

Winsert Inc., Marinette, Wis., was awarded the "Supplier of the Year award from Detroit Diesel Corp., Detroit.(Newscast)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Winsert Inc., Marinette, Wis., was awarded the "Supplier of the Year award from Detroit Diesel Corp., Detroit. The award recognizes quality, delivery, cost and technical support with the goal of eliminating waste, and it's Winsert's fourth time...

Superior Industries International Inc.(contracts )(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Superior Industries International Inc., Van Nuys, Calif., was named General Motors' Supplier of the Year for the fourth consecutive year.

Southwestern Foundry.(reorganization)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Southwestern Foundry, Paris, Texas, filed for Chapter 11 protection in January. The plant has continued production through the reorganization process.

Giddings & Lewis Castings' (Giddings & Lewis LLC).(downsizing)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Giddings & Lewis Castings' (Giddings & Lewis LLC, Fond du Lac, Wis.) foundry in Menominee, Mich., closed in January. More than 100 employees were affected by the closure.

Bremen Castings Inc.(celebrations)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Bremen Castings Inc., Bremen, Ind., celebrated its 65th anniversary March 17. Originally known as Bremen Gray Iron Foundry, the company changed to its current name in 1972.

Parks Bronze.(production data)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Parks Bronze, Enterprise, Ore., produced its 20,000 casting in March. The 18-year-old facility cast a 14-foot eagle statue for a housing subdivision.

CNH Global NV.(facility closures)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... CNH Global NV, Lake Forest, Ill., will close its metalcasting facility in Racine, Wis., this summer. Nearly 100 employees are to be affected.

Sibley Foundry (SM&F Manufacturing).(facility closures )(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Sibley Foundry (SM&F Manufacturing), South Bend, Ind., will be closing later this year.

Simpson Technologies Corp., Aurora, Ill., will supply eight core sand mixers.(Newscast)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Simpson Technologies Corp., Aurora, Ill., will supply eight core sand mixers for the precision sand project at General Motors Powertrain, Saginaw Metal Casting Operations in Saginaw, Mich.

Induction Technology Corp.(celebrating its 25th anniversary)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Induction Technology Corp., Adelanto, Calif., is celebrating its 25th anniversary of supplying equipment to the induction heating and melting industry.

Can-Eng Furnaces Ltd.(celebrating its 40th anniversary)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Can-Eng Furnaces Ltd., Niagara Falls, N.Y., is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The company will be holding several events to celebrate the occasion throughout the year.

Kuttner LLC, Port Washington, Wis., named McGlinchey & Associates, Brookfield, Wis., as agency of record for marketing communications.(Newscast)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Kuttner LLC, Port Washington, Wis., named McGlinchey & Associates, Brookfield, Wis., as agency of record for marketing communications.

Hoosier Pattern Inc.(changed address)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Hoosier Pattern Inc., Decatur, Ind., has changed its address. The company is now located at 906 N. 10th St., Decatur, IN 46733.

HA International LLC.(IGC Technologies)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... HA International LLC, Westmont, Ill., has been appointed the chief North American distributor of IGC Technologies' Veinseal products.

Epic Machine Inc.(celebrated its 25th anniversary)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Epic Machine Inc., Fenton, Mich., a machine shop that makes tooling for the metalcasting industry, celebrated its 25th anniversary in April.

Ashland Specialty Chemical Co., Dublin, Ohio, has agreed to purchase metalcasting technology from Blackhawk Specialty Products, Rock Island, Ill., for the next three years.(Newscast)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Ashland Specialty Chemical Co., Dublin, Ohio, has agreed to purchase metalcasting technology from Blackhawk Specialty Products, Rock Island, Ill., for the next three years. Ashland has been using several Blackhawk products since 1992.

Belmont Metals Inc., Brooklyn, N.Y., will acquire Ney Metals, Brooklyn, N.Y.(Newscast)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Belmont Metals Inc., Brooklyn, N.Y., will acquire Ney Metals, Brooklyn, N.Y. The companies plan to merge their nonferrous metal supplies.

Quality certifications.(Hoosier Pattern Inc.)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... The following metalcasting and supplier organizations have received recent certifications: Badger Foundry Co., Winona, Minn., (ISO 9001:2000), Tampa Brass & Aluminum Corp., Tampa, Fla. (ISO 9001:2000); Hoosier Pattern Inc.,...

Clarification.(Correction Notice)
May 1, 2004... MODERN CASTING would like to clarify that in the feature, "Molten Aluminum Flow Control via Foam Filtration," March 2004, p. 21 the first four figures should be attributed to John Campbell, Univ. of Birmingham, England.

Metalcaster speaks against OSHA's possible reduction of the Silica PEL.(Letterbox)
May 1, 2004... In light of OSHA's proposed draft-rule to lower the permissible exposure limit (PEL) of crystalline silica, I was asked to participate in a Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Act (SBREFA) process to review the plan. This panel was sponsored...

Winsert Inc.(Daniel Kippola appointed)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Winsert Inc., Marinette, Wis., named Daniel Kippola director of quality.

Spuncast Inc.(appointments)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Spuncast Inc., Watertown, Wis., named Ron Rohrmayer chairman, Don Payne president, Kyle Reading controller and Alan Holtz vice president of sales and engineering.

Citation Corp.(Charles A. "Chuck" Pestow appointed)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Citation Corp., Birmingham, Ala., named Charles A. "Chuck" Pestow vice president of sales and marketing.

Howmet Castings (Alcoa Inc.).(Paul Woerz appointed)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Howmet Castings (Alcoa Inc.), Cleveland, named Paul Woerz vice president of environment, health and safety.

Fairmount Minerals.(Al Cisan appointed)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Fairmount Minerals, Chardon, Ohio, named Al Cisan corporate quality manager.

Professional Metallurgical Services.(Lucas Dix appointed)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Professional Metallurgical Services, Buchanan, Mich., hired Lucas Dix as a metallurgical engineer.

Keramida Environmental Inc.(Kyle Hendrix appointed)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Keramida Environmental Inc., Indianapolis, named Kyle Hendrix director of urban development, specializing in brownfield redevelopment.

Obituaries.(J.M. "Jay" Snyder, Karl Landgrebe Jr., Robert M. Schumo)(Brief Article)(Obituary)
May 1, 2004... J.M. "Jay" Snyder, San Leandro, Calif., died in January. He was 85. A long-time member of AFS, Mr. Snyder founded National Abrasives in San Leandro in 1959. Karl Landgrebe Jr., Signal Mountain, Tenn., died in February. Mr. Landgrebe was an...

Calendar of events.(Calendar)
May 1, 2004... May May 23-26--11th World Conference of Investment Casting, Caledolnian Hilton, Edinburgh, Scotland. May 26--Metal Processing Institute Spring Symposium, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Mass. June June 2-4--2nd...

Steel castings scrape the sky.(Cover Story)
May 1, 2004... Inside This Story: * The current uses of steel castings show they can meet the needs of the construction industry. The challenge for steel metalcasters is getting their customers to understand that. * Detailed within are examples of...

Ensuring your voice is heard: metalcasters storm Capitol Hill.
May 1, 2004... Inside This Story: * The two main issues facing metalcasters in Washington D.C.--a reduced silica PEL and trade--are highlighted, including details on how the industry is asking Congress to help. * Thoughts from various Washington...

Fins vs. Chills: solidifying an answer.(cooling fins, external chills)
May 1, 2004... Inside This Story: * Two of the most widely used methods to control nonferrous casting solidification are cooling fins and external chills. * Although these methods are applied differently, their functions provide for a more sufficient...

Aluminum structural castings: following aircraft's lead.
May 1, 2004... Inside This Story: * An understanding of the relationship between the aircraft and metalcasting industries has opened up the opportunity for cast components to play a more important role in aircraft structures. * Detailed within are...

Working toward solutions.(108th Metalcasting Congress: June 12-15, 2004 * Rosemont, Illinois)
May 1, 2004... To say that today's metalcasting industry is in a state of change would be an understatement. From the roller coaster ride of the economy to foreign competition to increasing government regulations, today's metalcaster has to keep one eye on...

Officers/directors.(108th Metalcasting Congress: June 12-15, 2004 * Rosemont, Illinois)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... AFS Board of Directors PRESIDENT H. Arthur Edge, Jr. Vice President & Works Manager (retired) American Cast Iron Pipe Co. VICE PRESIDENT Charles M. Kurtti Executive Vice President (retired) Neenah Foundry Co. 2ND VICE PRESIDENT...

2004 award winners.(108th Metalcasting Congress: June 12-15, 2004 * Rosemont, Illinois)
May 1, 2004... AFS Gold Medals The JOSEPH S. SEAMAN GOLD MEDAL... for significant technical contributions through the development and transfer of knowledge to the metalcasting industry as an author, researcher, teacher and entrepreneur. RODNEY L....

The absence of perfection.(2004 Charles Edgar Hoyt Memorial Lecture)(Professional Metallurgical Services)
May 1, 2004... Presenting the Charles Edgar Hoyt Memorial Lecture at the AFS Casting Congress is one of the industry's highest honors. At the 108th Metalcasting Congress in Rosemont, Ill., the honor will be bestowed upon George M. Goodrich, Professional...

108th Metalcasting Congress Technical and Management schedule.(108th Metalcasting Congress: June 12-15, 2004 * Rosemont, Illinois)(Illustration)(Calendar)
May 1, 2004... 108th Metalcasting Congress Technical and Management Schedule TIME FRIDAY JUNE 11 SATURDAY JUNE 12 SUNDAY JUNE 13 Exhibits ...

Special events.(108th Metalcasting Congress: June 12-15, 2004 * Rosemont, Illinois)(Calendar)
May 1, 2004... Saturday, June 12 Copper Division Luncheon, 11:45 a.m. This luncheon will include a presentation by J. Mallory, Nonferrous Founders' Society, entitled. "Defending American Foundries from Attack--Foreign and Domestic." Annual...

List of exhibitors.(108th Metalcasting Congress: June 12-15, 2004 * Rosemont, Illinois)(Illustration)
May 1, 2004... List of Exhibitors Company Booth A Finkl & Sons 900 ABB Inc., Foundry Systems 522 ABB Inc., Foundry Systems ...

Core/molding products.(Casting Technology Showcase 2004)
May 1, 2004... Unimin has assembled a portfolio of core/molding products. Employed individually of as an integrated system, these high-quality sands, clays and pre-blends deliver superior performance for cost savings and better quality, castings. Supported...

Automatic Matchplate Molding Machines.(Casting Technology Showcase 2004)
May 1, 2004... Hunter is offering information on its G & H Series Automatic Matchplate Molding Machines--Hunter molding machines have been continuously refined and improved for 35 years. Today's machines are a blend of high technology and a simple,...

MAUS automatic grinding.(Casting Technology Showcase 2004)
May 1, 2004... MAUS introduces 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 and...

Aluminum melting, holding and dosing furnaces.(Casting Technology Showcase 2004)
May 1, 2004... Meltech is the sole distributor of Stotek products in North America, offering a wide range of aluminum melting, holding and dosing furnaces. The Dosotherm dosing furnace features patented pump technology and PLC control with accuracy of [+ or...

CoreCenter.(Casting Technology Showcase 2004)
May 1, 2004... 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...

Ceramic media.(Casting Technology Showcase 2004)
May 1, 2004... CARBOACCUCAST[TM] ceramic media possesses strength, unique thermal properties and a uniform shape to provide increased media life, casting accuracy and production to metalcasting applications. Lower production costs, reduced waste and less...

Aluminum melting/holding furnaces.(Casting Technology Showcase 2004)
May 1, 2004... HI T.E.Q., the leading manufacturer of aluminum melting, holding, treating and delivery systems, has created two new product data bulletins covering its compact Mini-Melter[TM] furnace and advanced dosing furnace. The small-footprint and...

Simulation software and consulting services.(Casting Technology Showcase 2004)
May 1, 2004... CAPCAST is a powerful, accurate, efficient simulation software package including mesh generation, solidification simulation, flow simulation and stress simulation. EKK, Inc. provides answers and solutions to a wide variety of metalcasting...

Shakeouts.(Casting Technology Showcase 2004)
May 1, 2004... This eight page brochure highlights and illustrates various Natural Frequency and Brute Force Shakeouts. From small to large capacity, from a single unit to extended conveyor systems, this equipment is custom-de-signed for individual capacity...

Lost foam solutions.(Casting Technology Showcase 2004)
May 1, 2004... "Lost Foam Solutions" is a Multi-Media CD that showcases Vulcan's full line of lost foam equipment and systems and a review of the equipment needed for the lost foam process.. This CD also includes an in-depth explanation of the lost foam...

Chemicals and specialty products.(Casting Technology Showcase 2004)
May 1, 2004... Ashland Casting Solutions is the world's leading supplier of metalcasting chemicals and specialty products including sand-binding resin systems, refractory and ceramic coatings, mold release agents, engineered sand additives and riser sleeves....

Austempered Ductile Iron.(Casting Technology Showcase 2004)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Applies Process has been a technology leader in the heat treating industry since 1978. The company specializes in Austempered Ductile Iron (ADI), Austempered Steel, Carbo-Austempered Steel, Carbidic Austempered Ductile Iron (CADI) and...

Rotary media drum.(Casting Technology Showcase 2004)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Didion's rotary media drum offers a new way to achieve better shakeout. sand screening, casting cooling and efficient casting cleaning. The product also can process very delicate castings and reduce shotblast time up to 80%. Its patented design...

Casting engineering services.(Casting Technology Showcase 2004)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Besides being the world leader in casting simulation software, MAGMA provides an extensive amount of casting engineering services for OEM and foundries alike. These services support foundrymen in the reduction of defects and help with yield...

Matchplate molding machines.(Casting Technology Showcase 2004)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Brock Solutions looks forward to meeting you to share the exciting benefits of our "Day Shift, Night Shift, No Shift" innovative matchplate molding machine squeeze-station technology. You'll be compelled to arrange for your personal matchplate...

Casting cleaning & finishing.(Casting Technology Showcase 2004)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... DISA SERF delivers very competitive solutions for cleaning, trimming and finishing of castings, proven at hundreds of installations worldwide DISA Goff offers a complete range of shot blasting equipment for cleaning and surface finishing of...

Intelligent robotic solutions.(Casting Technology Showcase 2004)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... FANUC Robotics is the leading supplier of intelligent robots and robotic automation solutions for diecasting and foundries. We offer the world's most reliable robots, complete aftermarket support, and a team of process experts Contact us at...

Riser sleeves for iron castings.(Casting Technology Showcase 2004)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Foseco Riser Sleeves help your foundry increase performance in quality, productivity and profitability. You can improve your yield, your foundry processes, and final quality and soundness of your castings. In addition, many castings that cannot...

Heat treating furnaces and equipment.(Casting Technology Showcase 2004)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Can-Eng Furnaces is a leading designer and manufacturer of industrial heat treating equipment. Since its founding 40 years ago, Can-Eng's steady and successful approach to business has given it a market presence in 17 countries around the...

Nobake molding.(Casting Technology Showcase 2004)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... IMF designs and manufactures equipment for flask and flaskless nobake molding. Components include: Interlinking Pattern and Production Management Systems, Continuous Mixers, Refractory Coaling Stations, Manual and Automatic Mold Closers....

Casting trim and finishing.(Casting Technology Showcase 2004)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... DISA SERF provides complete finishing systems with accurate and rigid machinery, long-lasting quality tooling, automated to fit any application for all ferrous and aluminum metals. The trim process is clamp and cut ensuring no damage to trimmed...

Flat-stroke conveyor for sorting and inspection.(Casting Technology Showcase 2004)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... A new low amplitude, flat-stroke conveyor design by General Kinematics produces a smooth, quiet, easy to view motion for parts/scrap sorting and inspection. Two-mass units with multilane capability are mounted on isolation pads for fast,...

Technikon testing and related foundry services.(Casting Technology Showcase 2004)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Technikon's internationally recognized foundry testing facility is the source of data being used by EPA and state agencies for HAP calculations. Only Technikon delivers consistently accurate, repeatable air emission testing data needed for...

Semi-Automatic Mold Closer.(Casting Technology Showcase 2004)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Kloster Corp.'s Semi-Automatic Mold Closer is designed to precisely close nobake molds on a repetitive basis at a relatively high production rate. Within design parameters, the infinitely adjustable two-axis mold alignment system allows for...

Ceramic filters.(Casting Technology Showcase 2004)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Saint-Gobain Advanced Ceramics Hamilton produces Flow-Rite[TM] ceramic foundry filters in a wide range of sizes for use in iron, steel, and nonferrous metals. The cellular design provided an engineered balance between flow rate, thermal shock...

Magellan QM emission spectrometer.(Casting Technology Showcase 2004)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... The Magellan QM provides for a wide variety of applications and is an ideal analysis system for the metal producing and metal processing industries. Its rugged design makes it ideal for routine operation in both laboratory and production...

Automated pouring.(Casting Technology Showcase 2004)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Inductotherm's new automatic pouring brochure describes a wider range of automated pouring systems by combining technologies with engineering recently acquired from DISA (formerly Georg Fischer). The combination brings together experience...

Molding machine/automatic core setting.(Casting Technology Showcase 2004)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Roberts Sinto Corp.'s FBO series has been enhanced with the addition of more mold sizes, additional proportional controls and faster speeds. The 20"x 24" mold size features molding rates up to 170 molds per hour. Cost effective vacuum automatic...