Weiss: evolution, not revolution. (Cast Iron Honorary Lecture).In his Cast Iron Div. Honorary Lecture (02-051), B. Weiss, Caterpillar, Inc., examined the implications that technology development has had on business opportunities, competitive advantage, quality, productivity and automation for today's U.S. iron foundries. He concentrated his remarks on the technical areas of solidification so·lid·i·fy v. so·lid·i·fied, so·lid·i·fy·ing, so·lid·i·fies v.tr. 1. To make solid, compact, or hard. 2. To make strong or united. v.intr. , thermal analysis Thermal analysis is a branch of materials science where the properties of materials are studied as they change with temperature. Techniques include:
Nondestructive evaluation (NDE) is a technique used to probe and sense material structure and properties without causing damage. , special and wear-resistant irons, melt condition and mold-metal reactions. "Our industry in the U.S. is in a competitive war," said Weiss. "Currency exchange rates, excess capacity throughout the world, emerging competition, cheap labor rates in emerging countries, environmental regulations and improving quality from the competition create an uneven playing field. None of the business opportunities for U.S. foundries can be maximized unless all available technology is integrated to provide a competitive advantage." Following is a look at some of Weiss' thoughts on the various technical subjects areas he addressed. On solidification: "The evolution of computing power in the last 20 years has provided an opportunity for further development of solidification knowledge. Today, many solidification programs exist to predict solidification and potential unsoundness UNSOUNDNESS. Vide Crib-biting; Roaring; Soundness. in casting, thus affecting both the design and production of castings. These programs in the hands of skilled specialists can provide significant advantages to the U.S. foundry." On thermal analysis: "The development of the concept of carbon equivalent has provided foundry operations with a quick, reliable method of assessing carbon and silicon levels in molten iron...In 1973, (work was) published on the relationship of thermal analysis on gray and ductile iron Ductile iron, also called ductile cast iron or nodular cast iron, is a type of cast iron invented in 1943 by Keith Millis[1]. While most varieties of cast iron are brittle, ductile iron is much more ductile, as the name implies. . It clearly showed the effect of inoculation inoculation, in medicine, introduction of a preparation into the tissues or fluids of the body for the purpose of preventing or curing certain diseases. The preparation is usually a weakened culture of the agent causing the disease, as in vaccination against on the shape of the curves, providing the realization that thermal analysis was not just a useful tool for carbon and silicon measurement." On inoculation: "As casting demand becomes more stringent and new applications are implemented, special knowledge needs to he available to foundries. Applications such as core engine components require an understanding of how certain alloying elements affect equilibrium temperatures, propensity towards chill, strength, hardness, modulus See modulo. , shrinkage Shrinkage The amount by which inventory on hand is shorter than the amount of inventory recorded. Notes: The missing inventory could be due to theft, damage, or book keeping errors. and elevated properties. Wise use of this knowledge on the effect of alloys will continue to provide a significant opportunity for expansion in cast iron demand." On the future for the casting industry: "Let me put a bold goal in front of you. Design, build and ship a casting in one day. Product life cycles are becoming shorter and customers are looking for Looking for In the context of general equities, this describing a buy interest in which a dealer is asked to offer stock, often involving a capital commitment. Antithesis of in touch with. the ability to change designs in a short time, at a low cost and with high reliability. It is up to us to respond to the customers needs." Weiss concluded his remarks by summarizing the challenge ahead for cast iron foundries. "The rate of evolution will accelerate and it is up to us to embrace it and be prepared for the changes it will demand." |
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