CPT International 02/2015

EDITORIAL K
Welcome to Düsseldorf!
GIFA is not just the world’s largest foundry trade fair. In terms of exhibitor
numbers and reserved exhibition space it will also be larger this year than ever
before!
This issue, naturally the most extensive one for four years, contains some special
highlights that the editorial team of CASTING, PLANT & TECHNOLOGY
has put together for you. The featured technologies are exemplary in their
particular fields. For example, the one on completely linked inorganic core
production for manufacturing cylinder heads at the Volkswagen Foundry in
Hanover (from P. 24), which shows how numerous complex process steps can
be harmonized with one another – from the preparation of the core molding
material and core shooting, through automatic deburring and transport via
robot, to the placement of each two core packages in the double mold on the
casting turned table.
The new material SiWind for wind turbine hubs exemplifies the viability of
the 5,000-year-old production process of casting: foundries have opened up a
new customer group – not just in Germany – and have entered the field of renewable
energies with cast wind turbine hubs. New materials can defy the
harsh marine conditions and be used to optimize the need for greater wind
turbine energy yields (from P. 8).
With its new research and development center in the Dutch city of Enschede,
Foseco also provides an example of best practice: the company has taken a new
path by concentrating the research activities of the foundry supplier group in
one research center (from P. 50).
The use of PET oxygen technology as a reasonably priced alternative to conventional
coke could revolutionize some melting operations. A promising
trial is underway at the Gienandt iron foundry (from P. 32).
Other topics examined in this issue include numerical simulation of the
quenching process for castings (P. 46), an article on progress in inorganic binding
systems and, last but not least, two articles on a trailblazing collaboration
between the German and South African foundry industries involving energy-efficient
technologies (from P. 60).
This GIFA issue of CASTING, PLANT & TECHNOLOGY is rounded out by a
comprehensive GIFA Special that represents a cross-section of the companies
at the trade fair (from P. 73). Are you interested in the technical presentations?
Then check out what the four technical forums have to offer in our Special.
Presentations that are not held in English are simultaneously translated.
Have a good read!
Robert Piterek, e-mail: robert.piterek@bdguss.de
Casting Plant & Technology 2/2015 3