Product category:
Diecasting machines and equipment
News Release from: Frech | Subject: Diecasting machine with automatic ladling
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 05 January 2007
Automatic ladling raises diecasting
output
As well making operator's work easier, automatic ladling contributes to the faster diecasting cycle times, increasing the throughput of metal to almost 60 shots/h.
When a company invests in modern diecasting equipment, almost inevitably greater productivity will be its first priority - but these days the safety and comfort of the people who operate the machine is also likely to be a requirement Or, as Colin Woodruff, production manager at Hallam Castings, UK, said: "Who wants to spend all day heaving around several kilos-worth of ladle filled with liquid metal when they can earn almost as much filling shelves in a supermarket?" The comment was prompted by the company's recent acquisition of a DAK 450M, one of the latest generation of Frech cold chamber machines
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 26 Mar 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
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For metal ladling, it has a Feedmat automated feeding system - the Hallam Castings' first machine with such a facility.
As well as making life for the operator easier, automatic ladling contributes to the faster cycle times of which the Frech is capable, increasing the throughput of metal in one case from 40 to almost 60 shots/h.
Also appreciated, and for much the same reasons, are the machine's DataDialog control system, which reduces the trial and error of manual machine set-up to the simple task of calling up the parameters for the job from the system's memory, and the fault diagnosis feature which, in the event of a machine stoppage, generates an on-screen report of the likely cause.
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If the problem concerns an imperfection in the casting itself, DataDialog has an extensive photo-library of casting defects and their causes for visual matching.
The Frech replaced one of a pair of Redring 400 tonf (4000kN) machines, the second of which, although still in regular use, may go the same way if things go to plan.
Hallam's extensive plant list also includes nine SMTs and two Wotan 280s producing both aluminium and zinc castings.
The company also has pressing and milling facilities that are especially in demand for the wound rotors and other components for fractional horsepower electric motors that gave the company its start and still account for around a third of output.
The business was founded in 1969 by Wilfred Hallam and his son Derek who, as well lending it their surname, brought the expertise in diecasting electric motor parts that they had acquired as employees of Associated Electrical Industries, which had decided to close its manufacturing operations in Thorne.
Why AEI had a factory in what was then a remote corner of the Yorkshire/Lincolnshire hinterland is something of a mystery, but the Hallams' decision to stay put (literally in a barn to begin with) was vindicated by the later development of the South Yorkshire and Humberside M1 / M18 / M180 / M62 motorway network, which today gives the company good road access to customers in all parts of the UK.
Over time, Hallam diversified into many other industries where diecastings are in demand, including domestic appliances, DIY tools, hi-fi equipment, office furniture, industrial fans, filters and housings.
Currently it has several hundred jobs on the books, some of them finished products, serviced by a workforce of 65 in total.
Shot weights range from below 1kg up to a maximum of 3kg.
The decision to buy from Frech rather than another machine builder was made at an early stage.
Like many others, Derek Hallam's son Greg made up his mind when he saw one of the company's machines doing 'real' work (at a customer in Germany in this instance).
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