Metalcasters can automate pouring and molten metal transfer in a variety of ways, including using a programmed robot, as in this investment casting facility.
While methods to automate molten metal transfer from the furnace to the mold have been around for decades, the incorporation of automated pouring in job shops lags behind the adoption of automation in other areas of the metalcasting facility for several reasons—alloy changes, cost, low volume, etc. However, the advantages of automated pouring exist for high production and job shop casting facilities alike. It leads to better control of temperature, pouring speed and pouring volume, and eliminates an unpopular and potentially hazardous job from the shop floor.
“I think overall, automation got a black eye in the ‘80s and ‘90s because everyone was trying to do it and using in the wrong areas,” said Robert Conrad, vice president foundry sales, Roberts Sinto Corp., Lansing, Mich. “Autogrinding and autopouring takes operators to a safe place, and they give repeatability for part quality.”