EDITORIAL
”Knowledge Is Power” W
hile I am proud of all the Modern Casting issues we publish, I was excited when the editorial lineup came together for
this issue, because each of our features presents ideas that should appeal to all the various segments of our audience, whether you work for a large or small metalcaster. Take a look
at the profile on Palmer, Mass.- based Palmer Foundry, “Data- Driven Decisions” on p. 24, and see the attention to detail being taken by a $12 mil- lion metalcasting facility. Driven by how their customers operate as well as by in- ternal desire, this metalcaster began a data collection program in 2012 that is securing daily information from throughout its facility. It uses this data to analyze almost all plant operations, including environmental con- trols, humidity and sand flow. In addition, the metalcaster recently installed a statistical process control system for transactional information about raw materials, in-process product measurements and laboratory data. “Knowledge is power, and this is knowledge
packaged in a form we can use,” said Bob Logan, president, Palmer Foundry. Tis metalcaster has realized it must base its
decisions on data to be proactive and work to avert obstacles before they arise. In the feature, “Cooling Is Crucial” on p. 32, the
focus is on induction furnace cooling systems and a project at the Chassix Columbus Casting Operation, Columbus, Ga., to rebuild its cooling system after a melt shop enhancement (three new furnaces were added). While metalcasters work through equip- ment installations and system rebuilds every day, this article provides all induction melt facilities a
Alfred T. Spada, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
If you have any comments about this editorial or any other item that appears in Modern Casting, email me at
aspada@afsinc.org.
“Tis metalcaster has
realized it must base its decisions on data to be proactive and work to avert obstacles before they arise.”
foundation of knowledge on how to evaluate your facility’s cooling system. Articles like this one are the base of a successful trade magazine. Two of our other features take a look
at metal castings from the design side of the equation. Metalcast- ers must constantly sell the capabilities of the metalcasting process to casting buyers and designers, so Modern Casting regularly show- cases innovative production techniques to provide you with ideas for advance- ment. On p. 40, a conversion to casting for a military component is showcased, demonstrating the continued use of additive manufacturing in our industry combined with sound design criteria to meet strict supply chain requirements. Te overcasting process (or cast-in inserts) article on
p. 48 details a unique opportunity with metalcasting to utilize different metals in the same component to apply material properties where the component requires them in application. While overcasting isn’t new, it is an advantage to metalcasting that we can sell to our customers. As you read this issue of Modern Casting, be sure to pass along the ideas you find intriguing to the appropriate people within your facility. Remember, “Knowledge is power.”
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