INDUSTRY NEWS North America
ASTM Approves Standard for Squeeze, Thixocast, Rheocast Parts An ASTM committee recently ap-
proved a new standard that provides an outline for how to do business when selling and purchasing squeeze, thixocast or rheocast parts. The standard, written for casting designers, purchasers, producers and technical societies, was approved by the International Committee B07 on Light Metals and Alloys and devel- oped by Subcommittee B07.01 on
Aluminum Alloy Ingots and Castings. According to Brian Cochran, presi- dent, Brian P. Cochran and Associates LLC, Wabash, Ind., and chairman of B07.01, the standard (B969, “Specifi- cation for Aluminum-Alloy Castings Produced by the Squeeze Casting, Thixocast and Rheocast Semi-Solid Casting Processes”) defines responsi- bilities for producers and purchasers, the type of testing to be conducted on
parts and how it is to be conducted. Cochran said B07.01 invites inter-
ested parties to help develop other standards for metal matrix composites and lost foam castings. ASTM International is an inter-
national standards developer. Its standards are accepted and used in research and development, product testing, quality systems and commer- cial transactions.
MC
Manufacturer’s Brass & Aluminum Foundry Installs New Sand Prep System Manufacturer’s Brass & Aluminum
The nonferrous job shop, a division
Foundry Inc. (MBAF), Blue Island, Ill., announced it has completed the installation of a new green sand prepa- ration system.
of G&W Electric Co., also of Blue Island, expects the new equipment to improve output and the quality of its green sand molding production.
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The equipment includes a mix-
muller with variable frequency drive and a compactability controller capable of determining bond levels, as well as a two-wheel aerator on the discharge belt. Summit Foundry Systems Inc., Fort Wayne, Ind., installed the equipment line for MBAF.
MC
Mueller to Close North Birmingham Ductile Pipe Plant (continued from page 11)
ing our manufacturing technology.” Hyland said that the need to repair
or replace the country’s water infra- structure and a residential construction recovery should cause an eventual upturn in the demand for ductile pipe. In connection with the North Bir- mingham plant closure, Mueller ex- pects to incur a restructuring charge of approximately $15 million, with approximately $6 million in asset write- offs and $9 million in cash costs. The company also expects an incremental cash operating expense associated with the restructuring of approximately $2 million. However, annual savings are projected to be between $20 million and $25 million. Mueller’s 12-month net sales through
Dec. 31, 2009, were $1.4 billion. The company is comprised of three oper- ating segments: Mueller Co., U.S. Pipe and Anvil. The company employs ap- proximately 5,100.
MC 14 MODERN CASTING / March 2010
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