. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . eDitOrial
Help Exists If You Seek It Out
Today’s engineering schools don’t focus on processes like metalcasting like they used to, so the newer generations are left to fend for themselves when designing a product that requires a casting, forg- ing or stamping. Luckily, Manitowoc looks
T
as if it has younger engineers putting in the time to learn the mysteries of metalcast- ing, as well as a purchasing department that believes in gaining a full-picture per- spective on its sourcing of castings directly or indirectly.
he struggles of Manitowoc Crane (p. 23) to main- tain a strong base of in-house casting knowledge is a struggle many OEMs face these days. As older generations retire (or are laid off), the knowledge of “older” manufacturing processes goes with them.
engineers cited mentioned the importance of process knowl- edge and/or close communication with suppliers.
“Prior experience and a good understanding of the casting process and all that is involved with it is the most important tool when designing castings.” —Randy Lott, Tool Design Plus LLC
Since you may not have
“ What information and/or tools would help you better
design and source your metal castings? Send me an email and tell me what you need.
“There is value in knowing everything possible. On our drawings, I will include draft, because I know [it assists the metalcaster]. I don’t dictate where the parting line goes, but I want to know where it is going to be. The more you understand about the process, the more efficiently you’ll be able to design the part.” —Joel Zick, engineer, Manitowoc Crane
“It’s as much about the suppliers as us. We’re the experts relative to cranes, but the casting guys are the experts in casting, so it’s early collabora- tion that makes us successful.” —Tim Reybrock, buyer, Manitowoc Crane
What about your firm? How does the level
of metalcasting knowledge and expertise compare? Do you have the tools you need to effectively design the next generation of engineered cast components? Our feature on p. 43 is the result of a
survey to determine what tools our read- ers use when they are designing metal castings. Since these tools become even more important with the loss of casting knowledge that is occurring, it is good to know that six of the seven
September/OctOber 2010 Alfred Spada, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
If you have any comments about this editorial or any other item that appears in Metal Casting Design & Purchasing, email me at
aspada@afsinc.org.
”
learned basic metalcasting in school, it is critical that you understand one of the best ways to gain the knowledge is to work face-to-face with casting suppliers. That said, this editorial
also serves as an open-ended offer of help to you. Maybe you have asked for help from suppliers. Maybe the software tools and textbooks
aren’t providing you the proper guidance. Maybe you just need an unbiased source of information. Send us an email and tell us the information and/or tools you need to design and source your metal castings better. Maybe I have the tool at my fingertips, or maybe it is something we should put on our to-do list. The goal of our magazine is to help you. Let us know what you need. The loss of knowledge in manufacturing affects us all, but untapped resources do exist. The time is now to take advantage of them.
metal caSting DeSign & purchaSing
7
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60