Latest from Molds/Cores

Cascade Die Casting
Ryzhov Sergey | Dreamstime
Low-pressure sand mold components.
Warut Sintapanon | Dreamstime
Molten iron pouring into a sand mold.
Thiti Tangjitsangiem | Dreamstime
'Availability of new foundry sand is already becoming a challenge, along with the need of providing new solutions to waste management,” according to the director of a metallurgical research center.
U.S. Air Force / Paul Shirk
Ted Fetchik, a USAF 553rd Commodities Maintenance Squadron welder, pours aluminum into a 3D-printed mold at Tinker Air Force Base.
Waygate Technologies
Inline computed tomography (CT) – which several automotive foundries have implemented already – is an inspection process that supports wider digitalization efforts, optimizing product design and production planning.

Nemak Will Cast GM Ecotec Engine Blocks

Sept. 28, 2010
Union agrees to separate bargaining unit for new product line
Nemak has won a significant contract to supply aluminum engine blocks to General Motors for its new Ecotec series engines, essentially saving the Windsor, ON, casting operation from closing. The plant produces blocks engine blocks for GM and Ford, at a total capacity of 400,000/year, though its contract to supply Ford is due to expire next year. Neither Nemak nor GM has indicated the terms of the new supply contract, which would begin next year. The GM contract followed an August agreement between Nemak and the Canadian Auto Workers union that allows the foundry to create a stand-alone bargaining unit for workers assigned to the new production program. These production workers will earn about one-third less than the current rate (from C$30/hour to C$19.50/hour). Skilled tradesmen will earn C$26.33/hour. About 230 workers are employed overall at the Nemak plant, which has had a large number of layoffs in the past year. Nemak will invest a reported C$8 million to retool a production line, of which the City of Windsor will contribute C$3 million. GM announced earlier this month that it will invest $483 million to expand production of its Ecotec engines at the powertrain plant in Spring Hill, Tenn. The bulk of that investment is directed at the forthcoming Ecotec engine model, which GM touts for its fuel efficiency, performance, and low-emission technology. The four-cylinder Ecotec engines feature direct fuel injection, variable valve timing, and turbocharging. Nemak produces aluminum cylinder heads, engine blocks and transmission parts, and other aluminum automotive components at 27 plants worldwide.