New concept for manufacturing engine blocks by diecasting

At the end of the 1970s, engine blocks were for the first time no longer made from grey cast iron, but aluminium. This change in the raw material was triggered by the weight reductions allowed by the appreciably lower density of aluminium – despite the higher material cost. Ever since, light metals such as aluminium and increasingly also magnesium are playing an ever more important role in engine construction. Not least, more stringent environmental protection laws also favour the use of light metals. 2006 was the first year that more passenger cars left European assembly lines with engine blocks of aluminium rather than grey cast iron.

Synchro has designed four generations of integrated ERP/MRP (production control) management information systems, specific for the foundry and cast metals industry. Managing director and CEO, Chris Collins, gives his thoughts on his team’s success.

Foundry operations can be particularly demanding on materials handling equipment, but how can the operation manager make sure the equipment delivers optimum efficiency and productivity?

This paper is reproduced with the kind permission of Foseco International Ltd- Spain by E Pardo

Introduction

The Alfa company was founded in Eibar in Spain in 1920.  The city was renowned for arms production and many factories were involved in this type of work including Alfa.

In 1922 Alfa decided to change focus and began to produce sewing machines. The quality was of a high standard and the company gained an exceptional reputation and expanded quickly. At this time it was decided to produce castings in-house and the Alfa foundry was founded.

This situation remained for a number of years, however in the 1970’s import restrictions changed and the sewing machine market changed with many lower cost alternatives, particularly from far-eastern countries, becoming readily available.