SinterCast presents new technologies at GIFA world foundry trade fair
* Expanded capability and improved efficiency for Compacted Graphite Iron
process control
* Ductile iron process control technology introduced for field trials in 2011
[Düsseldorf, 28 June 2011] - At the GIFA world foundry trade fair, held every
four years in Düsseldorf, SinterCast has introduced a suite of new technology
advances to extend the functionality and capability of its Compacted Graphite
Iron (CGI) process control technology. SinterCast's third generation process
control system for high volume CGI series production - the fully automated
System 3000 - is on display at SinterCast's technology exhibition in Hall 10,
Stand G53, incorporating following new features and functionality:
Automated Base Treatment Control: as an extension of SinterCast's feedforward
measure-and-correct process control technology, the System 3000 now offers
automated feedback control of the wirefeeding base treatment operation. The
control logic is based on the automated input of chemistry, temperature and
weight for each ladle, plus the actual recovery measured from preceding ladles.
The base treatment control capability is provided by a System 3000 with two
wirefeeders, resulting in improved process accuracy and efficiency.
Process Database: the System 3000 functionality has been expanded to enable
collection of process data from the melting, moulding, pouring and shake-out
operations, and from the chemistry and quality control laboratories. These data
are compiled into a single database, together with the SinterCast process
control results, to provide improved process control and production
traceability.
Efficiency Benchmarking: production results are compiled in monthly process
efficiency summaries to allow foundry managers to compare their CGI production
efficiency to SinterCast's best-in-class customer for key production
parameters. The benchmarking results provide a quantitative basis for
implementing process changes and monitoring the continuous improvement of each
foundry's CGI production process.
Thermocouple Pair Durability: following the System 3000 re-design of the
Thermocouple Pair, and a two-year programme of testing and recalibrating used
Thermocouple Pairs, SinterCast has increased the preventive replacement limit
from 200 cycles to 250 cycles. The increase improves thermocouple durability
and cost efficiency by 25%.
Image Analysis: the SinterCast CGI microstructure image analysis routine,
adopted by the international ISO 16112 standard for CGI, is now available to
SinterCast foundry customers as a separate software programme for use in Image
Pro Plus image analysis software. The image analysis results can be ported to
any commercial spreadsheet or database software for process documentation,
quality control and traceability.
In addition to the fully automated System 3000 process control system, the Mini-
System 3000 is also on display at the SinterCast stand. The Mini-System 3000
uses the same sampling technology and thermal analysis software as the fully
automated System 3000, but it is based on a simplified hardware platform, with
reduced peripheral functionality. The Mini-System 3000 is available for
foundries to support CGI product development and niche volume production.
SinterCast has also taken the opportunity of GIFA 2011 to introduce its
technology development for the process control of ductile iron. The ductile
iron technology incorporates the core SinterCast thermal analysis principles
developed and proven for CGI process control, including a Dewar-type stamped
steel sampling device to provide uniform and consistent solidification
conditions. The patented ductile iron sampling device consists of two spherical
sampling chambers with different diameters to provide two different
solidification rates. The thermal analysis measurement provides results for
microstructure and shrinkage sensitivity that can be used for process control
and/or quality control purposes. The ductile iron technology is introduced at
GIFA with the intent to secure field trial commitments beginning during the
autumn of 2011.
"The GIFA provides an excellent opportunity for SinterCast to showcase its
technology and to meet current and potential customers from around the world"
said Dr Steve Dawson, President & CEO, SinterCast. "We are excited to introduce
the extended functionality of our core Compacted Graphite Iron technology and to
present our ductile iron thermal analysis development to the market. We look
forward to the next five days in Düsseldorf and to exploring the new
opportunities that this unique trade fair can bring."
Dr Steve Dawson
President & CEO
SinterCast AB (publ)
Tel: +46 8 660 7750
e-mail: steve.dawson@sintercast.com
SinterCast is the world's leading supplier of process control technology for the
reliable high volume production of Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI). With at least
75% higher tensile strength, 45% higher stiffness and approximately double the
fatigue strength of conventional grey cast iron and aluminium, CGI allows engine
designers to improve performance, fuel economy and durability while reducing
engine weight, noise and emissions. SinterCast produces a variety of CGI
components ranging from 2 kg to 17 tonnes, all using the same proven process
control technology. The end-users of SinterCast-CGI components include Aston
Martin, Audi, Caterpillar, Chrysler, DAF Trucks, Ford, Ford-Otosan, General
Electric Transportation Systems, General Motors, Hyundai, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia,
Land Rover, MAN, Navistar, Porsche, PSA Peugeot-Citroën, Renault, Rolls-Royce
Power Engineering, Scania, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo, VM Motori, and Waukesha
Engine. The SinterCast share is quoted on the Small Cap segment of the NASDAQ
OMX stock exchange (Stockholmsbörsen: SINT). For more information:
www.sintercast.com
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