Sectors

Sectors Casting and Automotive Spares

Construction

Power Generation and Distribution

Steel, Iron and Mining

Casting and Automotive Spares

Pulp, Paper and Packing

Finance

Logistics and Transportation

Health and Pharmaceuticals

Media

Consumer Products and Retail

Travel, Leisure and Tourism

Cable and Wire

Manufacturing

The majority of metal casters are not positioned to perform the research and development necessary to remain competitive. Metal casting is one of the most energy-intensive industries. Approximately 55% of energy costs are consumed in melting. Mold making, core making, heat treatment and post-cast operations also use significant energy. Research to improve these operations and reduce melting requirements will help the industry save energy and improve competitiveness.

Metal castings play a critical role in all sectors of the economy. Yet, many of manufacturers, managers and technical professionals, government decision makers and the public at large are not familiar with the casting industry and not aware of its importance to a healthy and vibrant economy. Improving design capabilities in metal casting is critical to the industry's ability to produce cast products that will be competitive in world markets. Improvements in casting design will reduce testing and tryout on the shop floor and replace it with computer-based design and analysis.

This will significantly reduce energy and environmental impacts. Improved design capabilities will also reduce defects, post casting operations, and rejected castings - also saving energy and reducing environmental emissions. The industry is trying to develop additional data and tools, which are needed to improve casting design methods. This includes alloy properties and performance data as well as the accurate simulation of casting performance based on alloy properties, stress levels, and solidification integrity. These improvements can increase the value of metal components, reduce component weight, reduce manufacturing lead-times, and assure product performance. They will assist manufacturers to build better products with less cost and less energy.

The companies hit direct or indirect by global economic crisis, declaining demand from automotive industry, insufficiency of working capital, and increasing competition in the markets.