Simple Solutions That Work! Issue 5

43 requirements, and maintenance costs, put the return-on-investment (ROI) for thesetypesofcoremachine solutions out of the reach of most competi¬tive foundries. 3-in-1 technology centers on a simpler design that can be easily transferred to existing core machinesand toolingpackages. The centers around a commonmethod of blowing, tamping, and gassing in a simplified manner. In¬cluding tamping to eliminate any post- blowing core processes, such as the sanding or filling of these areas. The concept of a sliding blow tube inside of a sealing tube, with a non- transferring gas¬sing manifold was the solution to solvingpost-blowing core processes. This new process allows the core (or mold) to be blown, after which the continuously clampeddrag-and-copeas¬sembly are able to move approximately a half an inch to tamp and then cure. The inner tube allows the passing of the sand fromthe sandmagazine to the core box. At the tip of this inner blow tube is a vent that allows the catalyst topass throughduringcure. Theouter tube, which ismounted in thecope, allows for sealed interfaces between the inner and outer tube, where the blown sand in the tube is isolated from the catalyst. The gassing manifold is decoupled from the typical trans¬fer mechanism and is integrated onto the perimeter of the blow plate. With no gas shuttle re¬quired, this eliminated the lowering of the core box, the transferring of the gassing manifold, and the raising of the box back up to gas. In fact, the clamp table stroke is reduced and the only stroke required is to extract the core frombetween the cope anddrag (or clear for drag out) plus half an inch. This results in a compact machine with minimal dry cycle times and core box motions. The benefits of 3-in-1 technology are easy to understand: 1. The sealed interface keeps sand out, thereby reducing the time for cleaning, maintenance, and of course downtime. 2. The Sand and Gas cycles do not require swing in-swing out or shuttling heads providing less wear and quicker cycle times. 3. Critical alignments are made through the tooling. 4. Higher quality core that no longer needs post-processing work. 5. Reduced footprint from all processes being managed from one machine. 6. 28%-36% reduction in cycle times. The 3-in-1 utilizes new blow tube technology to enhance the cold box core making processes. By definition, this new method of processes imbedded intoamachine is going to result in change. Will you embrace the change and decrease cycle times, improvequalityand lean your manufacturing or will you stay the coursewithmachine processes developed decades ago? New technology is going to drive changes into our industry which will allow us the benefits of lean manufacturing, stronger ROI’s, safer cleaner work environments, reduced scrap and ultimately increased profitability. Contact: Jerry Senk [email protected] SEE IT IN ACTION! TAP FOR VIDEO