Modern Casting articles from September 2003

Modern Casting archives from September 2003

American Cast Iron Pipe to acquire Mid-American Casting Corp.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... American Cast Iron Pipe Co., Birmingham, Ala, has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase the foundry owned by Mid-American Casting Corp. at MidAmerica Industrial Park in Pryor Creek, Oklahoma. The transaction was expected to be...

ASF-Keystone to manufacture rail suspension system.(Industry News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... ASF-Keystone (Amsted Industries), Chicago, has acquired the rights to manufacture swing motion design suspension systems for railroad freight cars from Meridian Rail, Birmingham, Ala. Swing motion is a high performance truck for railroad...

Atchison Casting Corp. files for bankruptcy.(Industry News)(subsidiary G&C Foundry Co. not included)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Atchison Casting Corp., Atchison, Kan., announced that it and its U.S. subsidiaries (except The G&C Foundry Co., Sandusky, Ohio) have filed a voluntary petition for reorganization. The firm's Canadian and U.K. operations have not been included...

Automated casting finishing cell empowers jobbing foundries.(Product Innovations)(Vulcan Engineering Co.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... For jobbing foundries to compete in today's global market, they must reduce labor and increase efficiencies in cleaning and finishing. But until recently, few options existed for jobbers to automate these systems. Vulcan Engineering Co.,...

Mercury castings increases quality, repeatability with shot control system.(Product Innovations)(Mercury Castings)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Mercury Castings, a division of Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac, Wisc., casts more than two million pounds of aluminum a month for outboard engine components and other custom OEM applications. Given the size and volume of the parts it produces,...

Question of the month.(moderncasting.com)
September 1, 2003... Visit www.moderncasting .com to provide an answer to our September question of the month and view the results from our recent question to the industry, "Why do you like this foundry stuff?"

You can leave the foundry ... ... but it can't leave you.(Editorial)(editor Michael J. Lessiter resigns)(Editorial)
September 1, 2003... My chair will still be warm as this issue hits your desk, but I already know the above maxim to be true. This month, I answered the "call back home" to join my parents' trade publishing business in Milwaukee. I know many of you understand...

OSHA takes next step in issuing a silica standard, lower PEL.(Washington Alert)(Occupational Safety and Health)(Personal Exposure Limit)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... OSHA has long indicated its interest in developing a comprehensive silica standard. In 1997, OSHA formally announced its intention to adopt a standard, with a potentially very stringent Personal Exposure Limit (PEL). This year, OSHA listed...

Foundries urged to comment on proposed risk management plan rule.(Washington Alert)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... EPA issued a proposed risk management regulation in the July 31 Federal Register for comment. The rule will give industrial facilities that use, store or make certain amounts of toxic chemicals six months, rather than the current five years, to...

Congress responds to increased foreign competition for manufacturing.(Washington Alert)
September 1, 2003... In May, the Commerce, Justice, State (CJS) Appropriation Subcommittee held a hearing in which two foundry owners testified on the effects Chinese imports are having on the U.S.' manufacturing, agricultural and pharmaceutical industries. As a...

American Cast Iron Pine Co. to acquire Mid-American casting.(Acquisitions)(Mid-American Casting Corp.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... American Cast Iron Pipe Co., Birmingham, Alabama, has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase the foundry owned by Mid-American Casting Corp. at MidAmerica Industrial Park in Pryor Creek, Oklahoma. The transaction was expected to be...

Atchison Casting Corp. files for bankruptcy.(North America)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Atchison Casting Corp., Atchison, Kansas, announced that it and its U.S. subsidiaries (except The G&C Foundry Co., Sandusky, Ohio) have filed a voluntary petition for reorganization. The firm's Canadian and U.K. operations have not been...

ASF-Keystone to manufacture rail suspension system.(Acquisitions)(acquires Meridian Rail rights)(invests in Chinese joint ventures)(Zhuzhou Foundry and Datong Locomotive Works)
September 1, 2003... ASP-Keystone (Amsted Industries), Chicago, Illinois, has acquired the rights to manufacture swing motion design suspension systems for railroad freight cars from Meridian Rail, Birmingham, Alabama. Swing motion is a high performance truck for...

California foundryman goes up against the terminator in Gubanatorial race.(North America)(Jeff Mock)(Arnold Schwarzenegger )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: After filing their papers to run for Governor of California, candidates Jeff Mock (l), vice president of Thorock Metals, an aluminum alloy supplier, and Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger stop to talk at...

Intermet opens engineering offices in Europe, Japan.(North America)(Intermet Corp.)
September 1, 2003... Intermet Corp., Troy, Michigan, has established a European Engineering Center based at its European Headquarters in Saarbrucken, Germany. "This new engineering facility will complement the capabilities of our technical center in Lynchburg,...

Domestic Casting Co. acquires Pennsylvania's General Casting Co., saves 96 jobs.(North America)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Domestic Casting Co., L.L.C., Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, has purchased the assets of the General Casting Co. Domestic Div., Harrisburg, which was scheduled to cease operations at the end of August. Domestic has continued the foundry operations,...

Pemco Die Casting Corp. to cease operations this month.(North America)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Pemco Die Casting Corp., Bridgeman, Michigan, will close in September, resulting in the loss of 234 employees. In a written statement, "Pemco expressed regret over the plant closing saying the company's largest customer unexpectedly...

Modern casting staff receive promotions.(North America)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Rolf J. Petersen has been promoted to publisher of both MODERN CASTING and Engineered Casting Solutions. After five years as an independent advertising sales rep for MODERN CASTING, Petersen joined the AFS magazine staff full-time in 1993 as...

L.A. Aluminum Casting Co.(Newscast)(wins Impact Award)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... L.A. Aluminum Casting Co., Hayden, Idaho, was awarded the Impact Award from the Idaho Chamber of Commerce for its significant impact on the community both financially and through volunteer activities.

Excelsior Foundry Co.(Newscast)(has closed)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... According to the Belleville News-Democrat, Belleville, Illinois, Excelsior Foundry Co., Belleville, has closed, resulting in a loss of 50 jobs.

Glocon, Inc.(Newscast)(expands production capability)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Glocon, Inc., Parsippany, New Jersey, has expanded its production capability of aluminum, zinc and copper alloy castings due to recent partnerships with several offshore foundries.

Fishercast.(Newscast)(move to Canada)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... According to MSNBC.com, Fishercast is moving from its 40-yr-old Watertown, New York location to Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, resulting in a loss of 116 jobs. The company hopes that the move will allow more focus on research and development.

Intermet Corp., Troy, Michigan, has closed on the sale of its Frisby P.M.C. machining plant to J.J.L. Group, L.L.C., Elk Grove Village, Illinois.(Newscast)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Intermet Corp., Troy, Michigan, has closed on the sale of its Frisby P.M.C. machining plant to J.J.L. Group, L.L.C., Elk Grove Village, Illinois. The plant manufactures components for the automotive, truck and power tool markets.

ABB, Inc., Zurich, Switzerland, has sold certain fixed assets of its former robot automation systems group to Rimrock Corp., New Berlin, Wisconsin.(Newscast)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... ABB, Inc., Zurich, Switzerland, has sold certain fixed assets of its former robot automation systems group to Rimrock Corp., New Berlin, Wisconsin. ABB and Rimrock have also signed a partner agreement for Rimrock Automation, Inc., the name of...

Ashland Casting Solutions.(Newscast)(safety award)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Ashland Casting Solutions (Ashland Specialty Chemical Co.), Dublin, Ohio, has been honored with two awards from the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation Div. of Safety and Hygiene. The plant received a "100% Award" for operating the entire year...

John Winter & Co., Ltd, Halifax, England, has appointed Carpenter Brothers, Inc., Milwaukee.(Newscast)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... John Winter & Co., Ltd, Halifax, England, has appointed Carpenter Brothers, Inc., Milwaukee, as its exclusive North American distributor for Anti-Finn #2, a core additive to prevent veining.

Original casters of Popeye step forward.(Letterbox; Atlas Casting Company Inc.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Imagine our surprise upon flipping through the July 2003 issue of MODERN CASTING and finding the "Shakeout" page devoted to Popeye the Foundryman. Mr. Robert Walker of St. Charles, Missouri is the artist who designed the Popeye statue and...

Calendar of events.(metalworking industry)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
September 1, 2003... September September 15-18--North American Die Casting Assn. (NADCA), 22nd International Die Casting Congress and Exposition, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis. October October 1-2--American Metalcasting Consortium (AMC)...

Grede Foundries, Inc.(Personals)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Grede Foundries, Inc., Milwaukee, named Todd Sternaman group vice president--ductile iron operations.

Winsert, Inc.(Personals)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Winsert, Inc., Marinette, Wisconsin, named Vincenzo Speziale database administrator/programmer.

Superior Industries International Inc.(Personals)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Superior Industries International, Inc., Van Nuys, California, has established a nominating/corporate governance committee consisting of Rudy A. Schalais, Jr., V. Bond Evans and Philip W. Colburn.

Sivyer Steel Corp.(Personals)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Sivyer Steel Corp., Bettendorf, Iowa, named Arthur Gibeaut president.

Alfe Corporate Group.(Personals)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Alfe Corporate Group, Fort Wayne. Indiana, named Matt Jones general manager of its Saginaw Div.

Vista Engineering.(Personals)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Vista Engineering, Birmingham, Alabama, named James F. MacRae senior engineer responsible for industrial engineering services.

Formteck, Inc.(Personals; metalworking, Washington D.C.)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... Formtek, Inc., Washington D.C., named John Kopsick roll tooling product line manager for the Yoder, Dahlstrom, B&K, FMI and Lockformer product lines.

The Federal Metal Co.(Personals)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... The Federal Metal Co., Bed ford, Ohio, named Peter J. Nagursky vice president of quality.

Obituaries.(Industry News)(Brief Article)(Obituary)
September 1, 2003... Harry E. Bremer, retired president and founder of Bremer Manufacturing Co., Inc., Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, died in June. He founded the company in 1937.

Dig it! Bucyrus moves the earth with castings: this surface mining industry OEM uses casting design as a tool to increase the productivity of its shovels and draglines, moving more earth per second than anyone in the world.
September 1, 2003... Bucyrus International loves castings. "They are integral to our mining technology." said Ron Maci, manager--value chain management, "Our machines couldn't perform at the necessary production levels without them." More to the point,...

In Pursuit of high tech: what foundries must consider to become State-of the-Art: three engineering firms detail their vision of what it takes to be considered a high-tech foundry.
September 1, 2003... When we think of a high-tech foundry, images of robots and automated (labor-less) molding, pouring and grinding operations jump to mind. While this can be the case, a high-tech foundry might also refer to a plant utilizing the latest management...

New dualtech foundry to compete in speed business: a look inside the year-old Dualtech prototype casting operation reveals the culture needed to compete in a business focused on speed and service.
September 1, 2003... Whatever it is you see in your mind when you hear the word "foundry," Dualtech is on the outer fringes of that definition. The year-old greenfield plant is run by seven people, is air-conditioned, and consists of a team culture that is not...

Analyzing steel alloy filtration.
September 1, 2003... Inside This Story: * This article examines how properly applied filtration can significantly reduce cleaning room and inspection costs, scrap rates, machining costs and customer returns. * An overview of a number of trade-offs and...

Fighting costs with good health.(American Cast Iron Pipe Co.)
September 1, 2003... When management officials think of the word "health," the first thought that comes to mind is often health care, and the rising costs that can put a strain on their company. Good employee health, however, can help diminish those rising costs....

Coldbox scrubbers.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... Gaylord Foundry Equipment offers combustion ladle heaters for all standard ladle designs as well as custom designed units to meet more challenging applications. Our designs meet current design codes and are furnished with various levels of...

Carbon alloys.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... Desulco, manufactured by Superior Graphite Co., is the premier carbon alloy preferred by ductile and gray iron, and high carbon steel producers worldwide. For 25 years this unique material has enabled melt shop managers to consistently and cost...

Shakeouts.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... 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-designed for individual capacity...

Send us your sprue.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... To see what the "Chewing Crusher" can do for your sprue casing application contact Kodiak Group. We will set up your testing in our Toledo, Ohio manufacturing facility. With over a million pounds of crushing force, this crusher incorporates...

Core automation.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... Laempe has taken core automation to a new level by integrating reliable robotic handling for core removal, processing and assembly. The company's in-house automation staff utilizes the latest engineering and software technology to lead you...

Rugged foundry equipment and consumables.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... Palmer Manufacturing and Palmer Engineered Products have released updated product literature and videos on their ever-expanding line of rugged foundry equipment and consumables. These tools are intended not only for production comparison...

Casting trim and finishing.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... 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...

Furnaces from a "Crucible" company.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... Morganite Crucible, Inc., a leading manufacturer of crucibles for the aluminum, copper and copper alloy, steel and precious metals industries now offers a full line of electric, gas and gas/electric dual energy furnaces under the...

Fast, efficient sand lump reduction.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... Full color bulletin introduces a new high energy Vibra-Mill[R] for faster and more efficient reduction of no bake sand lumps. Model VM-64 has more force and fewer components for improved performance and less maintenance. Economical design...

Ceramic gating components.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... The use of Universal ceramic gating components results in consistently better quality castings. Standard items to customize shapes for small production runs to large specials of 100 tons and heavier. UCP staff provide in-house technical support...

Tumble belt blast machines.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... The Viking 700S and 1400S steel flight tumble belt blasters are the heavy-duty blast machines with wide ranging capability. They handle shot or grit in addition to handling and cleaning light abrasives. The heavy-duty wheel components and lower...

The Escher team.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... Many foundries are realizing the high. cost to modernize their cupola melting and environmental systems. ESCHER has been providing higher value, lower cost solutions worldwide since 1956. The ESCHER team features the experience and equipment...

Casting engineering services.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... 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...

Heat treating furnaces and equipment.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... Can-Eng provides heat treating furnaces and equipment for non-ferrous and ferrous foundries. Can-Eng Furnaces is excited to announce its newest innovation a Precision Air Quenching System (PAQ) for aluminum castings. Can-Eng product line...

Optical emission spectrometers.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... Shimadzu's powerful OES-5500/6000 spectrometers enable simultaneous determination of multiple elements in ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Element concentration determination and accept-reject decisions are completed within one minute, PDA...

Rotary media drum.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... 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...

Heat treating services.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... We understand that heat treating is an integral part of your production process. So we make sure you're always in control. Our job is to make your job easier whether you have one-of-a-kind or high-volume manufactured parts, aluminum or ferrous,...

Dewaxing Autoclave Systems.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... WSF Dewaxing Autoclave Systems assure uniform ceramic shell heating for complete process mold dewaxing. Manufactured to meet virtually any production specification, the systems may be skid-mounted when size allows, factory piped, wired and...

Non-ferrous equipment & service.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... Alfe Systems designs, constructs and repairs entire furnace systems for the commercial market. Alfe Systems offers a complete combustion equipment service. We perform thermal survey services that represent the time and temperature of your...

Protein sand binder.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... The GMBOND[R] Sand Binder enables business success with a proven technology. Shakeout studies show that GMBOND[R] maintains better collapsibility. Because it's water soluble, it simplifies core removal and allows sand and binder to be reused....

Flexible borescopes for casting inspections.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... Machida offers a complete line of quality flexible borescopes designed for various industrial inspections. With insertion tube lengths from one to 20 feet and diameters that range from 0.6mm to 11mm, Machida can accommodate most any casting...

Free equipment buyers guide.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... The Casting Industry Suppliers Assn. (CISA) has just released its all-new "Foundry Equipment Buyers Guide." This 16-page, four-color guide is designed to help foundry personnel specify, select, install and properly utilize equipment most suited...

Software.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... Odyssey is an enterprise software solution designed specifically for metal casting companies. All areas of manufacturing, costing, quality, and accounting are addressed. Odyssey is provided by B&L Information Systems, the leader in metal...

Casting simulation software.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... FLOW-3D[R] is a powerful computer simulation tool that is used all over the world by casting engineers to obtain a window into the filling and solidification processes of their parts. FLOW-3D[R] is especially good at tracking and identifying...

Automated pouring.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... Inductotherm has released a comprehensive information package describing the advantages of the various types of automated pouring systems. It covers heated and unheated pouring vessels and the various methods of controlling the pouring process,...

Ceramic media.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... CARBOACCUCAST[TM] Ceramic media possesses strength, unique thermal properties and a uniform shape to provide increased media life, casting accuracy and production to metal casting applications. Lower production costs, reduced waste and less...

Automatic Matchplate Molding Machines.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... 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.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... 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...

CoreCenter.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... 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...

Non-ferrous melting and holding furnaces.(Literature+PLUS+)
September 1, 2003... Lindberg/MPH with its commitment to customer service offers a full line of non-ferrous melting and holding furnaces and launder systems--gas or electric. "We also provide custom design, manufacturing, reline/remanufacture, replacement parts and...

Higher demand in specific markets, weight classes expected for '04.(Casting Market Trends)
September 1, 2003... Following interviews of casting end users in the U.S., Stratecasts has forecast 2004 demand of metal castings by weight classes, casting processes and market sectors. The analysis shows the lower weight-range classes continue to dominate the...

AFS details metalcasting to State Legislators.(AFS/CMI News; American Foundrymen's Society)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... At the National Conference of State Legislators held in San Francisco from July 23-25, AFS spoke to more than 6000 officials on the value of American manufacturing and the importance that metalcasting has on the national economy. Pictured are...

AFS hosts booth at Rapid Manufacturing Show.(AFS/CMI News; American Foundrymen's Society)
September 1, 2003... AFS sang the praises of metal castings at May's Society of Manufacturing Engineers Rapid Prototyping & Manufacturing Conference. Pictured is AFS Director of Membership David Peterson in the booth. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

CMI thanks instructors, companies.(AFS/CMI News; Cast Metals Institute)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2003... This space is to thank the instructors and their companies who have provided their time and expertise for CMI courses held June 1-July 31, 2003. Dave Kasum, Kuttner-Modern, L.L.C. Norman Lillybeck, retired Pete Satre, Allied...

Michiana.(AFS Chapter News)
September 1, 2003... Caption: In July, Darrell Brothers (fourth from l), Hill and Griffith Co., presented a total of $9000 in scholarships to (from l) Brooke Brothers, Karthik Prasad, Jake Pavlak, Lee Woodward. Megan Tahara, Megan Shidler, Heather Gibbons and Lacey...

Pittsburgh.(AFS Chapter News)
September 1, 2003... Caption: In May, Eugene Tarahek (l) congratulates college scholarship winner Jamie Weaver (third from l). Pictured with Tarabek and Weaver are (from l), Jack Weaver, Robert Creese, West Virginia Univ., Janis Weaver, and David Webb, Noble...

Texas.(AFS Chapter News)
September 1, 2003... Caption: In June, Bill Dean (l), East Jordan Iron Works, Inc., congratulates Chad Reynolds, recipient of a $1000 scholarship. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Stateline.(AFS Chapter News)
September 1, 2003... Caption: In May, the Stateline Chapter awarded $1000 scholarships to (from l) Steven Gyarmaty, Tyler Olson and Renee Sarow. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Wisconsin.(AFS Chapter News)
September 1, 2003... Caption: In May, Ozzie Clemmons (r), Joy-Mark, Inc., presents plaques to the "Old-Timers" and speaker Bill Michaels, Neweradio 820 WTMJ. Pictured (from l) are Hank Schneider, Astro Pattern L.L.C., Vernon Brandt, retired, Bob Zieger, Amcast...

Northern California.(AFS Chapter News)
September 1, 2003... Caption: In November, James "Ted" Ray (l), American Brass & Iron Foundry, and Craig Wilson (r) Production Pattern & Foundry Co., congratulate Tim McMillin on his presentation on simulation software. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

St. Louis.(AFS Chapter News)
September 1, 2003... Caption: In May, Don Kintz (l), Excelsior Foundry Co., congratulates scholarship winner Carolyn E. Hoeing. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Keystone.(AFS Chapter News)
September 1, 2003... Caption: In April, Mark Bidoli (l), Hickman, Williams & Co., presents a speaker's award to Richard Boyd, Nova Precision Casting Co., after his presentation on his experiences with importing castings. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]