Guide: Comparing Casting Automation Options for Green Sand Foundries
Read our guide to learn how foundries can alleviate staffing challenges by automating casting – and see how popular automated solutions compare.
In recent years, staffing has become a major thorn in the side of those who manage green sand foundries. Across the industry, turnover is high and recruitment – which has become increasingly competitive – is sluggish. These challenges are particularly acute for foundries whose workers still hand ladle molten metal.
Ladling molten metal by hand is a difficult and dangerous job: the physically taxing nature of the work rapidly burns workers out, and injuries aren’t uncommon. Because of this, a growing number of foundries have started to invest in solutions that automate the casting process – both to protect employees and to keep production up.
Our guide compares the three most popular forms of casting automation – automated ladles, robotic ladles, and electromagnetic (EM) pumps – to help you select the right solution for your foundry.
At a Glance: How Popular Casting Automation Solutions Compare
Which Form of Casting Automation is Right for Your Foundry?
The right automated solution will look different for each foundry. Depending on the parts you manufacture, your throughput goals, and the capacity and abilities of your staff, any of the options above may or may not be a good fit.
But be warned: if you are new to automation, don’t assume the “entry-level” solution will necessarily get you the most bang for your buck. If you invest in a form of casting automation that doesn’t appropriately address your unique needs, you may end up wasting time and resources.
As a general rule of thumb:
- Automated ladles suffice for foundries that produce a high volume of parts for which precision and high metal quality aren’t critical
- Robotic ladles are high-cost investments that require computing knowledge to operate, but produce fairly precise pours, suitable for critical parts
- Electromagnetic pumps are a flexible, precise and low maintenance solution for foundries that manufacture critical parts and want to maximize throughput
For a comprehensive overview – including an explanation of how each option works, and the pros and cons of each – download the guide.
Automate Casting with CMI Novacast
Since its founding in 1981, CMI Novacast has supplied foundries with EM pumps and related systems (including heated launders, preheat ovens and control systems) that alleviate their most common pain points – including staffing challenges.
Speak with a CMI Novacast factory expert about your casting application and learn how electromagnetic pumps can improve your worker retention, production throughput and revenue generation.
