A walk through the dynamic, nonstop bustle and business of CastExpo’s massive trade show.

ABP highlighted how it’s the foundry’s partner to zero emissions through four routes: (1) Demographic change––global entities train together and collaborate with each other through virtual training and communication; (2) Digitalization––digital intelligence processes and tech solutions to reduce emissions and NRG consumption; (3) Deglobalization––allows production and supply chains to operate even in restrictive times (with around the clock service/tech support); and (4) Decarbonization––change production technology to reduce process emissions. Focus: green power and green hydrogen.

Ajax TOCCO emphasized its complete line of coreless and channel furnaces for ferrous and nonferrous melting and holding applications. From simple melt-and-pour systems to sophisticated computer-controlled , energy-efficient melt shops, it demonstrated how its line of induction equipment, power supplies, and support provide reliable, accurate, and economical solutions for the foundry. 

Specializing in Manipulators 

Andromat showcased its handling manipulators, pneumatic hammers, turn-tip-tables, grinding manipulators, gate breakers, and special machines. The company emphasized its verification with FEM analysis, remote diagnostics, tool management, and worldwide service. Andromat said its AMX-Manipulators are available for any handling weights within a wide ranges of working areas. 

Training in 13 Cities

BCT – Blast Cleaning Technologies emphasized its operation and maintenance training seminar taking place May through October at 13 different locations across the U.S. and one in Mexico. The training for foundries covers blast wheels, cabinets, work handling systems, dust collection and duct work, and abrasive reclaim system.

Molding and Finishing Team Up

Equipment Manufacturers International (EMI) shared booth space with Siif. EMI spotlighted its range of molding machines and systems (standard, molding, jolt squeeze, and matchplate) plus jolt table, impact molding, flask handling equipment, coldbox core machines and more. Siif underscored its processes and systems for cooling, decoring, deburring, sawing, inspection, and pre-machining for the foundry environment. 

Revolutionizing High Volume Mold/Sand Handling

General Kinematics’s Vibra-Drum sand and casting conditioner was hard to miss on the company’s large piece of CastExpo real estate. Proven in hundreds of applications worldwide, VIBRA-DRUM has revolutionized high volume mold/sand handling for foundry applications. It combines sand conditioning, casting cleaning, and cooling into one efficient unit. The Two-Mass VIBRA-DRUM delivers continuous shakeout operation, plus superior material motion for efficient sand casting processing. The optional water addition systems, SPRAYCOOL, are designed for precise in-process conditioning of foundry sand.  

Talking Tech 

HA Group highlighted its innovative core and mold production solutions, underscoring that it strives to offer high-quality, technically-superior products and services. At the booth, they stressed that their technical service team is known for its expertise and experience, supporting clients in achieving product performance.  

Leading a 3D Transformation

Humtown Additive told its story of leading an industry-wide transformation in bringing 3D printing to foundries and, in the process, became a global leader in sand additive manufacturing. The company said it’s the industry’s first conventional sand core and mold manufacturer to commercialize 3D printing. Humtown says it partners with foundries to supply strong, no-assembly, intricate 3D printed sand cores and molds to use in their pours.

A Furnace In Front of You

A working robot in Inductotherm’s booth was a main attraction as the company showcased its advanced induction melting, heating, holding, and pouring systems for virtually all metals, with furnace capacities ranging from a few ounces to several tons. Providing solutions to melt shops through new advancements in controls, system integration, and diagnostics, Inductotherm said it builds rugged and high-quality melting equipment and delivers stellar customer service so customers can melt more metal faster with less power. 

A Booth That was Buzzing

The LAEMPE REICH team, which included members from across their organization including CoreRoom associates, engineering, sales, parts, project management, and technical services were fully engaged with new and existing customers. The company showcased the LAEMPE LL20 CoreCenter built for LAEMPE REICH’s customer, Fondrémy. Also available were interactive experiences with LAEMPEar, the company’s remote service and training platform, and an immersive demo of the new LAEMPE 3D Printer.

Bring on the Challenges 

Matthews Additive Technologies said it enjoyed many great conversations about how its printed sand can offer benefits to foundries that nobody else can offer thanks to the hard work its team has put into pushing the limits of 3DP technology. On display: A complex, intricate bronze anchor casting produced with a 3D printed mold, specifically produced to demonstrate the company’s extensive capabilities––the casting was also recognized in the 2024 AFS Casting Competition as Best Prototype Or Innovation.

Six Models for High-Volume Shotblasting

Pangborn brought its Continuous Tumble Barrel Machine into the spotlight. For situations demanding an automatic, high-rate and efficient production line without an operator, the machine represents an optimal solution that’s reliable and cost effective, they said. The company also highlighted the Genesis family of blast wheels in a variety of vane sizes, speeds, and configurations to meet the foundry’s exact needs. 

Acquisitions mean More Foundry Products

Refcotec brought its experts to discuss a range of products including refractory coatings, sand additives, resin systems, pastes, partings, and more. The company’s big news was its exciting year of growth following acquisitions of Alpha Resins and Exochem, which added new products and technology to benefit the foundry.

Smart Foundry at your Service

Sinto America showcased a wide range of innovative equipment and solutions, including its foundry-grade electrically driven mold handling line. Sinto also featured equipment from Tinker Omega Sinto, an FDNX flaskless molding machine, and the reliable, industry proven, BARINDER Grinder. A major focus at CastExpo was SINTO SMART FOUNDRY, a practical, results-driven Industry 4.0 solution for total foundry optimization. 

Foundry in the House

St. Marys Foundry was one of 45 foundries that exhibited in the Cast in North America Pavillion to meet with casting buyers and designers. Casting of the Year winner in 2024, St Marys produces castings from 500–60,000 lbs. for a wide variety of industries and specialty markets including air and gas compression, pumps, aerospace, power generation, valves, mining, turbines, engines, and machine tool.

Laser-Controlled Pouring

Viking Technologies demonstrated its automatic pouring systems with laser-controlled pouring, and gate and sprue crushers, emphasizing increased productivity, improved quality, casting traceability, and reduced remelt cost for the foundry. The company also highlighted its in-stream inoculation and detection systems and database system for pouring data storage.