Even running some of the most up-to-date, smoothly operating metalcasting equipment in the world, the CastExpo'08 floor wasn't a peaceful scene. Energy surged through machine and man alike--diecasting units puffed with hydraulic pressure, vibratory shakeout systems steadily hummed, and salesmen and technical know-it-alls spouted sales pitches and equipment.

Melting, Pouring and Heat Treatment

ABP Induction, Dortmund, Germany, spotlighted its medium-frequency coreless induction furnace system type FS for melting and holding ferrous and nonferrous materials. The furnace is said to offer increased uptime, operational safety and low costs, while still delivering operational safety.

Air Products, Allentown, Pa., told attendees, "Your route to savings starts at Air Products." The company's booth featured their full spectrum of industrial gases and technology solutions for ferrous and nonferrous metalcasters. Among the highlighted technologies were oxygen enrichment for cupolas, oxygen-enhanced combustion, inert and reactive gas refining, Solids injection in cupolas, Molten metal blanketing, Die cooling. These technologies can reduce fuel/coke costs, increase yield and production, and reduce emissions.

Ajax Tocco Magnethermic. Warren, Ohio, illustrated its induction heating and melting equipment, which is intended for various industries, including metalcasting. In addition, the company provides services such as laboratory process development, preventive maintenance, equipment repair and parts, coil repair facilities and installation services.

Alfe Heat Treating, Fort Wayne, Ind., informed attendees about its heat treating and related services for automotive, industrial and aerospace applications. Alfe operates seven facilities in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and North Carolina. Founded in 1979, the Alfe name comes from the scientific symbols for aluminum and iron, both of which the company is capable of heat treating. Alfe provides its customers with services beyond heat treating, as well; its technology-based furnace systems provide automated control and documentation.

Allied Metal Company, Chicago, discussed its aluminum and zinc alloys, available for metalcasters of all types. The company said it supplies operations that serve the appliance, automotive, electronics, furniture, hardware, housewares, sporting goods and toy industries.

Bluewater Thermal Processing announced a name change to Bluewater Thermal Services, Buffalo, N.Y., to indicate that its six business units (Carolina Commercial Heat Treating, Reidsville, N.C., Hi- Temp, Northlake, Ill., Harbor Metal Treating Co., South Bend, Ind., Brazing Concepts Co., Coldwater, Mich., Pennsylvania Industrial Heat Treaters, St. Marys, Pa., and B&W Heat Treating, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada) are involved in heat treating and brazing services, rather than processes.

Can-Eng Furnaces, Niagara Falls, N.Y., showcased its announcements-making the largest metalcasting exhibition in North America a difficult stretch to navigate.

To sort out the confusion, MODERN CASONG searched the show floor for the latest metalcasting advancements. Following is a look at what the exhibitors displayed and explained, arranged alphabetically and categorized according to their main product or service offering. Basketless Heat Treating System for the processing of aluminum intensive automotive components. Because it does not require parts to be loaded into baskets prior to heat treating, the system reduces energy consumption by 40%, floor space requirements by 30%, cycle times, and material handling, maintenance and capital costs.

Dueker, Karlstadt, Germany, showcased its Cokeless Cupola Furnace, which uses natural gas as its primary energy source for high thermal efficiency. The relatively new melting variant reduces the emission of CO2, and the separate feeding of energy source and melting material, as well as a steplessly adjustable burner control, permit flexible production. According to the company, the emissions of NOx, CO, SO2 and dust also are considerably lowered.

Ecocer, Arluno, Italy, used its space in the Italian Trade Commission booth to showcase its line of fluxes, protective coatings and lubricants, and refractory ceramics, graphite and filters for nonferrous metalcasting facilities.

EMSCO Inc., Louisville, Ohio, advertised its variety of induction heating maintenance services (e.g. table mount furnace repairs and grouting) and related products (e.g. filter systems and water- cooled power leads).