Released on May 26, 2011

Gray and ductile iron caster Friedrichshütte GmbH, Laubach, Germany,  has invested in a new electric melt shop to increase its melting capacity.

The order for the system was placed in the fourth quarter of 2010, and the project was completed in June.

The company contracted with Inductotherm, Rancocas, N.J., to supply two 6,614-lb. (3,000-kg) heavy steel shell furnaces and one 1,102-lb. (500-kg) steel shell furnace. The company said the smaller furnace will be used for specialty alloys and give it an advantage in exploiting new markets.

In addition to the furnaces, a closed cooling circuit (air/water) was installed to capture heat losses and offer the capability of being connected to a heat recovery unit. The system also includes fume hoods to save energy and purify the air quality on the melting platform.

Friedrichshütte produces simple and complex castings between several ounces and 45 lbs. (20 kg).