Casting course in demand

The Institute of Cast Metals Engineers’ ‘Design for Casting’ technical course is in demand with companies wanting to understand more about casting as a route to manufacture.

The advantages of casting are clear – near-net-shape production (leading to a reduction in process steps) and design flexibility (particularly now that 3D printing of patterns and moulds enables a rapid turnaround of prototypes). The use of secondary raw materials (metal alloys) for metal casting means that the final component is readily recyclable too and can have a lower carbon footprint when compared with parts manufactured using other processes and materials.

But an understanding of design for casting and casting processes is needed to ensure that component designs are optimised for the process, reducing the need for design modifications down the line, whether the part is to be sand cast, die cast or cast using the investment of lost wax process.

The feedback from ICME’s recent design for casting was very positive from all attendees; when ICME asked delegates if they would recommend this course to others, the response was an overwhelming ‘yes’.

The course covers a range of topics including an overview of casting processes, principles of casting design, some ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ of design for casting, an introduction to casting metallurgy and solidification as well as casting repair – so some common defects and methods of rectification.

Delivered by John Myers, who has a wealth of experience and knowledge from time served within the industry, the course can be delivered on site at a company’s premises or at ICME offices in the West Midlands, and can be tailored to the specific needs of the learners, who may have a good level depth knowledge about casting or may need a ‘back to basics’ approach. A delegate commented: “This course has given me a good overview of things to consider in casting design and methods.”

Pam Murrell CEO of the Cast Metals Federation, whose company member benefits from the training said, “I am delighted to see such strong interest in this course. It’s great that people in the manufacturing supply chain can take advantage of casting to produce their parts, as the casting process is a key part of circular economy for metals. And of course making the parts in the UK means we avoid exporting this secondary metal, which is a key resource for the country, whilst also keeping local jobs and avoiding the carbon footprint associated with shipping. And hopefully some of them will go on to design and source other parts in the UK and our team is here to help with any casting sourcing enquiries.”

8 ICME.org.uk

ICME (Institute of Cast Metals Engineers) recently delivered its ‘Metallurgy for Nonmetallurgists’ course to 14 delegates. The course was presented by Clive Clemens Hon FICME who shared his many years of knowledge and experience within the castings and foundry industry.

During the two-day course, delegates learned about simple phase diagrams, solidification metallurgy, aluminium alloys standards & specifications as well as the metallurgy of steel, cast irons, copper and copper alloys. The course also included mechanical properties and testing methods, casting defects and their causes, heat treatment processes and surface treatments for castings as well as a basic intro to design for casting.

Delegates were full of praise for Clive and the course and comments included: “Well presented and highly educational training. I was pleased with the content and the quality of the programme.”

“Very knowledgeable of all foundry operations and the course will help me in the future in my role.”

“The course was very well presented, and the trainer was very knowledgeable with excellent subject knowledge.”

“Our team that attended the training course were of various knowledge, backgrounds and length of service within the business. We all agreed that what we learned will be invaluable to