AFS/CMI NEWS
Southeast Regional: Doing More With Less Saving money through energy reduc-
tion is easier than selling castings to new customers, according to one presenter at the recent AFS Southeast Regional Conference. Dick Winsemius, Powerit Solutions, Seattle, offered attendees of the conference, held March 2-4 at the Litchfield Golf & Beach Resort, Pawleys Island, S.C., a presentation, “Reducing Costs, Maintaining Production: A True Story.” Te presentation focused on how Winsemius and his company work with metalcasting facilities to cut energy costs. “To match a $100,000 annual sav-
ings in electricity, which goes right to the bottom line, how much in casting sales would you need to net that same amount?” Winsemius asked. “Which is easier? Save money or make money?” In addition to Winsemius’ presenta-
tion, 10 others were given, including cost savings through process optimization, and labor and employment strategies. A banquet also was held in conjunction with the event, which attracted more than 120 registrants. Attendees also went on a tour of Conbraco Industries Steel Product Division, Conway, S.C.
Ted Kostilnik, Piedmont Chapter Chairman (right), thanks Jerry Call, AFS executive vice president, for giving a presentation at the conference.
AFS Urges Action Against Raw Material Export Restrictions AFS, along with the American Iron
and Steel Institute, Steel Manufacturers Association, Specialty Steel Industry of North America, Ductile Iron Pipe Research and Municipal Castings Association, sent a letter to Ron Kirk, U.S. trade representative, on March 16, urging him to take action to address the growing imposition of restraints on exports of raw materials used in metal- casting by a number of major countries. Te letter urged Kirk to lead the
global trading community in addressing the issue of restraints on exports of raw materials, pointing to India’s recent qua- drupling of export duties on certain types of iron ore and Russia’s announcement that it will limit exportation of iron and steel scrap through only certain ports. Te letter also noted China has an- nounced further restrictions on exports of fluorspar and refractory bauxite, despite an ongoing World Trade Orga- nization (WTO) challenge.
AFS Organizing Sand Casting Consortium AFS has partnered with the
National Industrial Sand Asso- ciation (NISA) to create a research consortium to develop and monitor research focused on improving the sand casting process. Te decision to form the consor- tium was formalized during a recent workshop, held at AFS Headquarters on March 8, which included presen- tations about the latest research on dimensional accuracy and tolerances in sand casting. Te event was attended by more than 45 people representing 12 metalcasting facilities, 15 metal- casting supply companies and three research organizations. Te workshop identified potential paths to move sand casting into the future. Te discussions
Te letter notes that some export
restrictions, such as those imposed by China, are in clear violation of WTO rules. Other restrictions, like export duties, may not be subject to uniform international discipline. Te letter recommended export duties that are not subject to adequate discipline by WTO or another body should be a priority of international negotiations.
To view a copy of the letter, visit the AFS website at
www.afsinc.org.
CMI COURSE SCHEDULE
identified better dimensional controls and improved sand mold stability, the ability to produce more complex castings, real-time instrumentation for measuring green sand properties, more accurate computer modeling of green sand molding, zero emission sand cast- ing, improved surface finish and other technical challenges as areas for sand casting improvement.
Te AFS and NISA membership
consortium is open to all metalcasting personnel and will develop research programs to address the technical chal- lenges that have been identified.
For more information or to join the consortium, contact Steve Robison, AFS senior technical director, at
stever@afsinc.org or 800/537-4237 x227.
APRIL 25 –MAY 22 Casting Cost Estimating
INTERNET
APRIL 26-28 Casting Design
SCHAUMBURG, ILL.
MAY 3-5 Metallurgy of Gray & Ductile Iron BLACKSBURG, VA.
MAY 10-12 Analysis & Reduction of Casting
Defects SCHAUMBURG, ILL.
MAY 18-19 Quality 101
SCHAUMBURG, ILL. April 2011 MODERN CASTING | 51
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