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Configurable Core Shooter Suits Users Production Plans

April 8, 2010
The new Power Core machine from IMF operates in automatic or manual mode, so the operators have the ability to store 100 recipes, simplifying the task of incorporating the new equipment and adapting to new production processes.
IMF developed the Power Core as a scalable installation, adaptable to different foundry layouts and capable of producing cores in various sizes and volumes.

Foundry machinery developer IMF, which is recognized worldwide for its molding machines, has designed and introduced a new coremaking system it says will suit any foundry’s requirements. In addition to molding and core machines IMF also designs high-speed continuous mixers, sand-reclamation plants, sand transport systems shakeout systems, and various installations for other stages of the metalcasting process chain. It says this diversity gives it insights into technical and economic trends in the global industrial market.

IMF North America Inc. represents the group in the U.S. and Canada, supplying new equipment and spare parts through its Indianapolis offfice.

The IMF Power Core machine is offered in five different capacities (20, 30, 50, 75, and 120 liters), so it’s capable of various configurations according to different foundries’ manufacturing needs. “This represents an indispensable asset to our customers, both present and future,” to quote the developers.

The basic machine is outfitted with a touch-screen PLC control panel, and the operating system is based on an easy-to-learn program that allows operators to interact easily (and “instinctively,” according to IMF) with the machine, and the sand mixer and gassing unit that are connected to it.

The Power Core machine operates in automatic or manual mode, so the operators have the ability to store 100 recipes. This will simplify the operator’s task of incorporating the new equipment and adapting to new production processes. All of the machine’s movements are managed by hydraulic actuators controlled by proportional valves, which “guarantee constant smooth movements,” according to IMF. The hydraulic power pack can be sized according to the cycle times.

The main structure was designed to conform to different foundries different processes and layouts. The configurations include:

• A one-station machine with a front exit, without clamps, for horizontally-parted core boxes;

• A one-station machine with a front exit and fixed clamps inside the machine, for horizontally and vertically-parted core boxes;

• A one-station machine with a front exit and clamps on board, for horizontally and vertically-parted core boxes;

• A two-station machine with side discharge, with or without clamps assembled on board, for alternating production of two core boxes. • A machine with two stations rotating inside, with or without clamps assembled on board. This version is called Dual Rotation, and is available in the 20- and 30-liter versions.

The lifting system of the core box cope can be mechanical, assembled on the gassing plate structure; or hydraulic, assembled outside able to suit all core box sizes.

IMF states that the performance of the Power Core machine’s shooting head has been well appreciated by the various foundries that have installed the system.

Power Core Technical Data
Shooting capacity: 75 liters
Cabinet max. size: 3,000 2,300 H 2,650 mm
Table size: 1,200 1000 mm
Clamp size: 750 410 mm
Opening (clamps at pos. 1): max. 1,200 - min 500
Opening (clamps at pos. 2): max. 1,400 - min 700
Shooting head stroke: 750 mm
Core box height: min. 550 mm / max. 1,000 mm
Shooting and gassing plate size: 850 770 mm
Shooting and gassing useful areas: 650 570 mm
Shooting nozzles: up to 200 mm
Air consumption: 50 mc/h at 6 bar
Installed power: 18 kW
Weight of the machine: 7,600 kg