Diecasters project steady growth for '90s.

Diecasters Project Steady Growth for '90s

The North American diecasting industry is expected to show 4% growth in 1989, remain steady in 1990 and then produce solid growth in 1991, ranging from 8-9% for zinc-based alloy castings to 15% for aluminum.

Speaking before top industry executives at the annual meeting of the North American Die Casting Association, Larry G. Hayes, NADCA executive vice president, predicted that total industry sales in 1989--including the value of tooling, electroplating and other finishing processes--will total $8.08 billion, an increase of 4% over 1988. Actually, he admitted, the volume of shipments has dropped slightly during 1989, with sales growth being the result of higher prices for aluminum and zinc. He went on to point out a number of positive actions which bode well for the future of the industry.

"With improvements in technology and the resulting productivity gains," said Hayes, "domestic diecasters are more efficient than ever. The newly revitalized industry continues to make strides in regaining lost markets and developing new ones. Diecasting companies continue to build better and closer relationships with customers, as many customers seek single sourcing for complete components.

"Issues concerning energy, labor, advanced materials, materials substitution and international competition and trade continue to be at the forefront as domestic diecasting companies position themselves for the coming of EC 1992 and the further globalization of the economy," reported Hayes. Magnesium diecasting production in 1989 is estimated to be 16,400 tons, a 9.3% increase over 1988.

These trends represented a mere fraction of the topics discussed by industry executives who gathered at St. Louis' Cervantes Convention Center, Oct 16-19, for the 15th International Die Casting Congress & Exposition and the first under the NADCA banner. The Show attracted more than 4000 attendees from diecasting operations located throughout North America and overseas. Some 190 companies and organizations--including AFS--participated as exhibitors during the four day meeting which used the theme "Gateway to the New Decade of Die Casting" as its rallying cry.

In addition to the Show, those present were offered an extensive technical program featuring 45 topics vital to those in diecasting. Among the subject areas covered were tools and tool materials, diecasting process monitoring and modeling, process engineering and application of statistical and nondestructive testing techniques.

Another highlight at this year's meeting was an all-day seminar intended for product designers and casting specifiers. The program reviewed the capabilities of advanced diecasting technology in aluminum, zinc, magnesium and the ZA alloys. Seminar participants also had the opportunity to hear General Motors' president Robert C. Stempel deliver an upbeat luncheon address on future prospects for the casting industry.

As part of his presentation, Stempel noted that GM sources 350 million lb of aluminum diecastings for about 40 suppliers annually, amounting to about $430 million of business each year. GM also is in the diecasting business with approximately 50% of the castings produced used in-house at Central Foundry, Hydramatic, AC Rochester and other divisions.

Stempel further indicated that diecasting business, like the automotive industry, has changed dramatically from what it was a few years ago. He cited the following trends: * increased emphasis on technology; * properly designed diecastings can replace many traditional stampings and welded assemblies, improving quality and accuracy, lowering costs and enhancing reliability; * where fluids like oil or water are involved, diecastings allow a single part to have several passages or chambers handling different fluids; * developing new relationships with our people.

"The challenges ahead for both our industries are difficult; but that's not all bad. Tough situations have a way of bringing out the best in people. Competition makes us all perform at higher levels than we ever thought possible," Stempel added.

Three prominent industry executives were honored by their peers at NADCA's Corporate Section Awards Banquet. Recipient of the Doehler Award for outstanding contributions to the advancement of the diecasting industry was Russell D. Davis, Du-Wel Products, Inc; the Nyselius Award for significant technical achievement went to Michael L. Bess, Aluminum Smelting & Refining/Certified Alloys Co; and the Gullo and Treiber Award for his promotional and marketing services to the industry was presented to Gene Cowie, Pioneer Engineering & Mfg Co.

In other award presentations, Larry G. Hayes of the NADCA staff received the Edward A. Kruszynski Achievement Award for his outstanding industry and association accomplishments. He started as executive vice president of the Society of Die Casting Engineers in November 1983 and when consolidation of that group and the American Die Casting Institute was announced earlier this year, Hayes was named to head the unified operation.

PHOTO : During the recent 15th International Die Casting Congress & Exposition, David Schmidt

PHOTO : (back to camera), AFSoftware Service, at the AFS booth demonstrates the virtues of a

PHOTO : program which assists in solidification analysis.

Norwin A. Merens Director/Marketing & Public Relations American Foundrymen's Society, Inc