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CONTENTS

Contents

Welcome addresses 4 – 5Conference Information 6 – 7Switzerland and Lugano 8 – 14Precicast SA 15 – 16Conference Programme 17 – 19Exhibitor Booth numbers 20Principal Sponsor 3M 21Co-sponsors profiles 22 – 25Exhibitors profiles 26 – 29Plenary session 31 – 33Technical sessions 34 – 44Delegate visits 45 – 51EICF Information 52 – 53

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WELCOME

Welcome Address

Dear Delegate to the 28th International Conferenceof the EICF

It is a great honour for me to welcome you to thisinternational event, organized by the European InvestmentCasters qFederation and hosted by Precicast SA,Novazzano. This is the 28th International Congress held inthe picturesque city of Lugano nestled between the LuganoPrealps. Lugano is the 9th largest city in Switzerland and thelargest Italian-speaking city outside of Italy and lake Luganoand we hope you take time to explore this extraordinarilybeautiful area.

It is 4 years since our last conference held in KrakówPoland, with 3 technical workshops held in the interveningyear throughout Europe, Cork Ireland 2010, BudapestHungary 2012 and Bordeaux France 2013. Once again wegather in central Europe to discover the latest technicalinformation and market trends intended to maintainInvestment Casting at the forefront of precisionmanufacturing. As an industry we are facing manychallenges, which will be addressed in the plenary session.The conference will open with a presentation asking “IsBetter Good Enough?” by Prof. Stephane Garelli, Professorof World Competitiveness at IMD Business School,University of Lausanne. Following the opening presentation,the conference will proceed with a review of Globalmaterials resources by Robert Baylis complemented byindustry major market sector reviews. The session will closewith a Key Note Lecture by Prof. Nick Green who willpresent the argument whether “Net Shape Manufacture” is athreat or an opportunity?

Investment Casting is the essential manufacturing processfor biomedicine, automotive, nuclear energy, aerospace,power generation, naval propulsion, general engineering,and not forgetting, art casting. Investment casting is itselfboth an art and a science having its beginnings in art and itsmodern practice in science. The purpose of this conferenceis to provide the keys to understand the future technologiesrequired to satisfy the industry’s customer requirements.The papers presented and discussions from delegates willidentify those issues of importance. From these discussionsthe industry will go forward to plan for the future andintroduce management practice and new technologies tosatisfy the demands of its customers.

Nowadays there are no business strategies that do notcontemplate networking as a key element of success. Thisconference provides such an opportunity for foundries,customers and suppliers to the industry to meet in the spiritof cooperation to review their requirements and plan theirstrategies for the future. The EICF has been providing theenvironment for networking and cultural exchange for over50 years and this has brought great benefit to the industryand has assisted the European industry to provide around30% of the worlds’ investment castings. For this conferencethe EICF board has put a lot of care and attention toproduce an event that will represent real value for you. Theprogramme built by the Secretariat covers a wide spread oftopics to cover the markets, customer requirements anddevelopments in technology. This year a specialist seminarhas been added for the ever growing turbocharger turbinewheel casting suppliers who are facing up to 9% year onyear growth and material development challenges to meetthe needs of the automotive industry from which it is hopedthat the delegates will identify and develop their futurestrategies. As is also a tradition, the Suppliers Exhibition willbe complementing the information provided by the technicalsessions; sharing with us their latest developments andsolutions. Once again their willingness to show theirproducts and share their advances in technology plays afundamental role for the conference. Finally the conferenceconcludes with industrial visits of major relevance; FonderiaPerseo Art Foundry, George Fisher High Speed Machiningor Maserati Sports Car Production to help us understandhow we integrate into the investment-casting world andmanufacturing industries.

Getting together provides an element of value, and throughcooperation and networking we will get to know each otherenriching us as individuals. There will be many momentsduring the conference to develop this personal approach butwithout any doubt the Conference Banquet provides aunique occasion to develop personal relationships. For thisoccasion we take the opportunity to thank our principalsponsor 3M for their generous support.

The EICF board wish that all delegates will find thisconference of the utmost interest particularly in these timesas the world emerges from years of austerity. We need toembrace this forum that can help us reinforce our efforts todevelopment our industry. There are many people to thankfor making this event possible; firstly the co-sponsors andfriends of the conference who have enabled us to keep thedelegate costs affordable and secondly to Precicast SA,Novazzano, without whose help, the organisation of theevent would have been impossible.

WELCOME

Sincerely yours

Steve Leyland - President of the EICF

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WELCOME

Welcome Address

by Laura Sadis,Head of the Department of Finance and Economic

Affairs of Canton Ticino

First of all, may I take this opportunity to thank you forchoosing Lugano for your 28th International conference and,on behalf of the government of Ticino, to welcome you toour Canton.

The development of Canton Ticino is strongly linked to asolid local economy, which is varied and well balanced on allits different industry sectors. The service industry is theleading sector: Lugano is the third Swiss financial market,with a widespread network of insurance and consultancycompanies. Nevertheless, the industrial sector is verycompetitive as well, mostly thanks to its export-orientedcompanies dedicated to innovation. Alongside moretraditional areas like the electro-mechanical and thechemical-pharmaceutical fields, emerging sectors such aslogistics and fashion have established themselves over thepast few years.

Although its territory is small and it is the only Italian-speaking Canton in the country, Ticino has more than onegood reason to be an attractive place to invest in: First of all,the University of Italian Switzerland (USI) and the Universityof Applied Sciences of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) offerboth business companies and the education and researchsector the possibility to cooperate to the advantage of bothparties. Furthermore, the strategic location of Ticinobetween Zurich and Milan combined with the future fastconnections thanks to AlpTransit and the new railway linebetween Malpensa and Lugano will open up possibilities tobuild exclusive relations with northern Italy and Lombardy inparticular. Ticino also offers a fair and competitive taxsystem as well as a slim and well performing administrativesystem. According to a survey published in 2013 from theCantonal Chambers of Commerce, Ticino owns the mostcompetitive cantonal administration in Latin Cantons ofSwitzerland; and last but not least, high quality livingstandards and efficient public transport, a high qualitymedical system and overall security.

Of course, in the near future we will also have to facepolitical and economic challenges. Considering the rapidchanges both at economic level and in the field of tourism,public authorities have done their best to improve and –where necessary – re-direct some fundamental strategicdirections. After the new regional economic policy becameeffective, the Cantonal Government started a total reform ofthe Tourism Law, which is now being discussed inParliament. The amendments to the Law for economicinnovation should be enforced soon: Said changes areaimed at encouraging competition in the whole canton andat supporting employment growth.

Ticino will also have to cope with the ongoing changes in thefinancial sector, which has been the engine of growth anddevelopment in our canton over the past years. The localfinancial market will have to redefine its role by developingadded value including the supply of new services and highlevel competences. “Ticino for Finance”, an associationwhose goal is to promote our financial market and which issupported by the Department of Finance and EconomicAffairs and by the Ticino Bankers Association, will play agrowing role in supporting new financial activities at locallevel. In particular, the association acts as a link betweenfinancial operators interested in our canton as a potentialoperating site, and public and private partners alreadyworking in our area.

AlpTransit represents another important challenge for thefuture of our region. When operational, it will offer manyopportunities to transform the growth and developmentpotential into medium and long term positive results for thewhole area. Special attention will have to be given tomaintaining a sound entrepreneurship: on the one hand byfighting unfair competition on the labour market, and on theother by promoting healthy and dynamic companies.Government is called to constantly monitor and improve thebusiness environment in order to avoid the spreading ofwage dumping and speculation on cross-border workers.Companies, for their part, will have to show a sense ofresponsibility towards the area where they work and wherethey find the infrastructures and conditions for their futuredevelopment. We will therefore continue to rewardcompanies which are able to interact with local productionareas and to offer qualified jobs to our population.

To sum it up, Ticino has what it takes to continue being athriving place for economic activities, while improving itscompetitiveness. However, in order to overcome thechallenges which are in store for us, we will have to focuson dynamism and innovation, to encourage companieswhich can assure a positive outcome for our region and itsinhabitants.

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CONFERENCE INFORMATION

Conference InformationThe reception will be held outside the exhibition hall B

Coffee and soft drinks will be served outside hall B onMonday all day, and Tuesday morning.

Lunch will be served in the foyer of the conference centre

Precicast staff will be present on the information desks tohelp answer questions on Lugano and excursions.

OrganisersThe 28th International Conference of the EICF is organisedby the European Investment Casters’ Federation with thehelp and support of the host company PRECICAST SA.

The EICF mission is to promote the European InvestmentFoundry Industry and its suppliers through technicalworkshops and conferences. It also facilitates thecollaboration of R&D to help ensure the industry has theadvantage of the latest technology for the manufacture ofpremium quality products.

The EICF website www.eicf.org lists the current membershipwith links to members contact details and websites.

RegistrationThe registration desk will be situated outside hall B at thetop of the stairs adjacent to the entrance doors. Two furtherinformation desks will be situated outside hall B to give helpregarding the exhibition, Lugano and the social andindustrial visits.

Sunday 15th June 14:00 – 18:00 hrMonday 16th June 07:30 – 17:00 hrTuesday 17th June 08:30 – 13:00 hr

Delegates wishing to visit the Perseo art foundry shouldregister at the information / visit desk as soon as possible.Delegates not pre registered for the industrial and socialvisits can register at this desk. Please note that paymentshould be in cash.

Name BadgesDelegates will be issued with a name badge together withtheir conference documents following registration.Delegates are requested to wear their badges during theconference to ensure access to the lecture halls andexhibition. Please note that only registered delegates mayattend the conference seminars.

Mobile PhonesPlease switch off your mobile phone during the seminarsessions

Conference ProceedingsThe conference proceedings will be issued on a usbmemory stick to delegates after the conference. These willinclude the seminar lectures with the author’s agreement.

Post ConferenceProceedings

CDs with the proceedings of EICF conference since 1955are available from the EICF secretariat.

David FordEICF

Julie BoyceEICF

Natassja MartinelliPrecicast SA

Precicast staffinformation and excursions

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CONFERENCE INFORMATION

AcknowledgementsThe EICF Board of Directors would like to offer their gratefulthanks to 3M and the co- sponsors of this event. Withouttheir generosity it would not have been possible to keep thedelegate costs affordable.

The EICF would also like to sincerely thank the followingpeople and organisations for their help and support:

Mr Giuseppe Facchini and the Board of Directors ofPrecicast SA for facilitating the event.

Ms Natassja Martinelli of Precicast for her kind and efficientassistance with all the preparations for the conference andexcursions.

The staff of Precicast for their kind assistance with theinformation and visit desks.

Mrs Gabriela Zuber of the Palazzo Dei Congressi for herhelp with and advice for the conference facilities andidentification of suitable hotels.

Dr Ian Heavisides for his assistance with coordinating theseminar sessions.

The Directors of Perseo for permission to visit their artfoundry.

The Directors of Georg Fischer for permission to visit theirmanufacturing facilities.

The EICF would also like to thank their companion foundryassociations for their support and publicity:

The Cast Metals Federation (UK)The Bundesverband der DeutschenGießereie-Industrie (Germany)The Investment Casting Institute (USA)

Anti-Competitive Codeof Conduct

The European Investment Casters’ Federation (EICF) iscommitted to maintaining a fair and competitive environmentwithin the European investment casting industry. It is thepolicy of the EICF to comply with applicable EU and nationalcompetition rules.

Compliance with competition/anti-trust law is a matter of selfprotection for member companies and individuals attendingthis conference.

Prohibited topics for discussion between delegates thatcould be considered anti-competitive include:

• Price related topics concerning products or services,including prices, adjustments, discounts, mark ups etc.

• Division of the market such as allocating specificcustomers to individual suppliers

• Restriction of production or sales• Pre-consultations between competitors when responding

to invitations to tender.

Session Chairmen

Steve Leyland Steve Irwin

John Parker Danilo Frulli

John Machielse

Ian HeavisidesSeminar Co-ordinator

Michael Rünz

Stephen Pilbury

• Exchanging market information by individuals aboutproduction, turnover, sales, investments, divestments, andother information related to specific products that could beregarded as commercially sensitive information

• Action that could lead to the boycotting of specificsuppliers or customers

• Any topic that could lead to coordination of marketbehaviour restricting competition

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LUGANO

“Switzerland”Schweiz – Suisse – Svizzera – Svizra

Switzerland has an exciting and unique past...a history marked by conflict and upheaval, as well as bycooperation and collaboration. This is a country of ancient myths and exciting legends.

Most of the territory of present-day Switzerland was inhabited during the Iron Age by the Celts. In the firstcentury BC, the Helvetii were considered to be the most important Celtic tribe in the area. Later, in the17th century, the Swiss Confederation named its personification of Switzerland, “Helvetia”, after thisproud and courageous people. By the 19th century, the Helvetii had become an important element ofSwiss identity.

During the first century BC, Rome’s conquest of what is now present-day Switzerland, and of the Helvetiiliving there, resulted in the establishment of flourishing cities (Augst, Avenches are, amongst others,evidence of this to the present day). After the fall of the Roman Empire at the end of the 5th century, theSwiss territory was gradually settled by Germanic tribes who brought with them their own language. Thetribes that settled in the northern and central parts of Switzerland retained their language, and theseareas are now German speaking. In western and southern Switzerland and in the Romansh-speakingareas, the immigrant Germanic people adopted the language of the indigenous population.

These include the story of William Tell, the liberationstruggles

against the Hapsburgs, and the Rütlischwur oath.The legend of the Rütlischwur set the date for thefounding of the Confederation as 1291.

In fact, the Confederation was not founded on aspecific date, but developed gradually from a seriesof alliances. The Confederation has endured forcenturies despite internal strife and splits(Reformation, Counter-Reformation).

Conquest by Napoleon in 1798 put an end to the OldConfederation. A new era had began – in 1848 thepolitical arguments about the type of state lead to apioneering, revolutionary constitution for Europe – ademocratic federal state with 26 sovereign cantons,democratically elected authorities, a two-chambersystem, a direct political say and equality of the fournational languages and cultures.

The Swiss are a friendly and hospitable people. Theyare noted for their reliability, and for the way in whichthey foster their political culture and respect theirtraditions. They value security and stability. They cansometimes come across as being a bit reserved –but if you attend any of the many festivals andpageants that take place here every year, you maywell be surprised at the party mood of the Swiss!

Guglie lmo Tell (Wilhelm Tell)

The Federal Charter of Letter of Allia nce of 1291

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LUGANO

Cervino

Switzerland on a glance

“Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno”“One for all, all for one”

St. Mor itz Jungfr au Lausanne

Basel

Geneve

Luzern

Bern

Zür ich

Capital Bern

4 offical languages French-German-Italian-Romansh

Cantons 26

Government Federal directorial republic with elements of directdemocracy

Legislature Federal Assembly

Upper House Council of States

Lower House Na!onal Council

Total Area 41’285Km2 – 15’940sq mi

Popula!on (es!mate2012)

8’014’000

From which foreign 22,6%

Density 188/Km2 – 477.4/sq mi

GDP (es!mate 2013) Total: $370’277 bilion – per capita: $45’999

Currency Swiss Fran (CHF)

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LUGANO

A li tt le bit of historyFor centuries, beginning in the Middle Ages, the land that constitutes today’s Ticino was contended by themunicipalities of Como and Milano and many battles took place on the very same ground that nowadays is Swissterritory. Only on January 28th, 1513 the Swiss were able to fight back and expel the French, ending the centurylong domination of Milano and giving birth to a new independent state that ruled from 1521 to 1798. During thoseyears Lugano was blessed with peace and prosperity: thanks to its famous Autumn Fair it became an importantcommerce hub between Italy and Central Europe. Those were also the years when beautiful palaces and churcheswere built and a new state of the art typography made Lugano famous in both Germany and Italy. Following theFrench Revolution and the French invasion of nearby Lombardy, February 15th 1798 marked a day of riots andbattles at the end of which the partisans from Lugano expelled the foreign soldiers from the city and declaredindependence through their new motto: “Free and Swiss”. The Swiss government approved the proclamation ofindependence and on February 16th the inhabitants of Lugano erected a “freedom tree” to celebrate their victory.Even Napoleon, who was ruling Lombardy at the time, had to accept their newfound independence and with theMediation Act of 1803 Canton Ticino was officially born as a free, independent republic part of the SwissConfederation. During the 19th century Lugano proved to be a very liberal and modern town both politically andculturally: many important members of the Italian Risorgimento such as Carlo Cattaneo and Giuseppe Mazzinichose it as their temporary residence while they fought to free and unify their home country. The opening of the St.Gothard train route and highway pushed Lugano even further, transforming it in the easy to reach and beautifuldestination that it is today.

The Alp transi tWith construction of the flat route under the Alps, Switzerland is againcreating travel history. The first vision of a Gotthard base tunnel wasalready conceived in 1947. More than 150 km of tunnels, galleries, crosspassages and shafts had to be excavated for the future flat route throughSwitzerland to become reality. Much work remains to be done, and manyobstacles to be overcome, before scheduled train services can begin.The New Rail Link through the Alps (NRLA) is creating a fast and efficientrailway link Passenger trains can traverse its almost 60 kilometres lengthat maximum speeds of up to 250 kilometres per hour. The Gotthard BaseTunnel is scheduled to become operational at the end of 2016, theCeneri Base Tunnel at the end of 2019

TicinoThe Italian flair of Switzerland. The Mediterranean region seems to begin on the

southern side of the Alps.

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LUGANO

Ticino Highlights

BELLINZONAThe capil of the CantonBellinzona still today reveals to itsvisitors a rich historical andgeographical heritage dating from themiddle Ages. The alleys, squares,courtyards and old houses compose agreat scenario, but above all it is thethree majestic medieval castles(UNESCO World Heritage)

VALLE VERZASCAVerzarsca Valley is the most picturesquevalley of Ticino, with crystal clear waterflowing from the mountains through largedeep gorges. Along its route is the VorgonoDam (at 220 meters, the highest in Europe)and characteristic villages nestled into theside of the mountain. The valley boats thetypical villages of Lavertezzo, shich isfamous for its double-arcaded stone bridge.

LOCARNO2,300 hours of sunshine per year and a churchestablished after an appearance of the Virgin Marythis is Locarno, the town with the warmest climate inSwitzerland. It is located on the northern shore ofLago Maggiore. The Piazza Grande is Locarno’sheart, an enchanting backdrop for the InternationalFilm Festival and the “Moon and Stars” festival.Splendid upper-town palazzi house fine art collectionsand the lake promenade offers relaxed strolling.

ASCONAAscona is Switzerland’s lowest lying town. It islocated at 196 meters above sea level on thenorthern shore of Lago Maggiore, also calledLake Langen. Ascona is famous for its mildclimate, its Old Town and a lake promenadewhich is dotted with street cafés and boasts aLatin ambience. Borgo Old Town – beautifulOld Town of Ascona around the church of SanPietro e Paolo, an art museum with paintingsby artists who spent time living here(Jawlensky, Werefkin, Klee).

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LUGANO

VALLE MAGGIAvalley full of surprisesThe whole of Vallemaggia can be explored on foot via an extensive networkof trails covering seven hundred kilometres. A large hand with strange andcontorted fingers, criss-crossed by blue veins of water emanating from belowthe Alpine passes. During most of the year, the river looks like a slendersilver thread but it is completely transformed whenever there are heavydownpours: with its ratio of 1 to 7,000 between minimum and maximumdownflow, the Maggia river is the most torrential in Europe.

BOSCO GURIN Ticino’s highest community but it’s also the only Walservillage in the canton. Here, in the streets among the typical wood and stonehouses of this quaint little place, founded in 1253, they still speak“Ggurijnartitsch”, an old Germanic dialect which has managed to survive thecenturies almost unaltered.

THE NEW CHURCH OF SAN GIOVANNI BATTISTA AT MOGNOThe beautiful original Church of St John The Baptist build in 1636 wasdestroyed by an avalanche in April 1986.From 1986 to 1998 the church was reconstructed – designed by the SwissItalian Arch. Mario Botta.

THE ALPSThrough the St. Gottard Pass the Alps seem morethan passable going over only one pass. They reachhigh altitudes with glaciers and perpetual snows fromwhich the rivers are born. The Prealps, ofcontemporaneous origin with the Alps, are borderedby the Alps to the north and the south. They differ fromthe Alps in height, the absence of perpetual snow, anda mostly calcareous soil. The territory of the Alps andPrealps has undergone glacial and water erosion.This is evidenced, for example, by the continuouschanges to their current appearance visible on thesides, terraces, and valleys with a “U” or “V” shape,and morainal and fluvial deposits. Throughout thevalley territories with waterways, depending on theclimate, plants and animals have settled,characterizing the landscape.

MONTE SAN GIORGIO – UNESCOSurrounded by Lake Lugano Monte San Giorgio rises like amajestic green pyramid in the southernmost part ofSwitzerland. The view from its rocky peak at 1097m asranges from Monte Rosa to Monte Generoso, from theLepontine Alps to the Apennines, from Lugano and Morcoteto Varese and Milan. Below the chestnut woods the MonteSan Giorgio conceals geological and palaeontologicalfeatures which are unique in the word with regarding to theexceptionality, uniqueness and perfect preservation of fossilsof marine reptiles and fish, but also of rare earth species 230million years old: this enable it to become part of theUNESCO Word Heritage List in 2003. Today fossils makethe mountain a world reference point for future Triassicdiscoveries. The new Museum of Monte San Giorgio hasbeen presented to the public in 2012.

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LUGANO

Come to Lugano and experience “La Gioia Di Vivere”!

GENERAL INFOTicino’s largest town, Lugano is remarkably international, standing at the crossroads between Mediterranean andContinental Europe. Open and friendly, it balances tradition and innovation, and it always turns out to be interestingto explore. Lugano is the third most important financial pole in Switzerland and an important center for congressesand fairs, but is also an extremely approachable town, filled with parks and blooming gardens, characterized bygorgeous villas and churches. Modern and cosmopolitan, it offers all the advantages of city living, but keeps at thesame time that down-to-earth charm of a small town by the lake.Built on the bay on the north shore of Lake Lugano, the town is surrounded by beautiful mountains and greenwoods. The historical pedestrian-only downtown district is filled with museums, boutiques and restaurants, whilethe town’s showcase calendar is rich of events throughout the entire year.Architecture is also an important part of the city: many buildings in Lugano have been designed by famous localarchitects like Luigi Snozzi and Mario Botta, including the Banca della Svizzera Italiana headquarters and PalazzoRansila.Wonderful hiking trails are easily reachable from downtown. These paths are perfect to discover the mountainsaround the lake: from Mount San Salvatore and Mount Brè the panoramic views are simply stunning and thevillages in the area, like Carona, Gandria and Morcote, are so picturesque they can be described as picture-perfect.

HISTORIAL DOWNTOWNThe historical downtown area, almost entirely pedestrian-only, is a real gem. The narrow cobblestone streets andthe arcades are ideal for a leisurely stroll and to discover the gorgeous wide piazzas around town like PiazzaRifroma, Piazza Dante and Piazza Manzoni, filled with elegant cafés and restaurants. Worth a stop is the PalazzoCivico, built in 1844.The Santa Maria degli Angioli church is one of the most important buildings in Lugano. The church hosts importantfrescos painted by Bernardino Luini who was a disciple of Leonardo da Vinci, he worked in the church andmonastery from 1527 – 1530.

CITY OF HUMAN MEASURESurrounded by mountains and a splendidlake, Lugano brings together all thecharacteristics of a metropolis of greatstyle, despite maintaining the traits of asmall city.57’000 inhabitants; 30.2 km2 in surface;273 m/asl, maximum height 2116m (MonteGazzirola).Lake: 48.9 Km2 in surface, 35 Km in length,maximum width 3 Km, maximum depth 279m; average temperature of the water insummer is 23°C.

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LUGANO

PIAZZA RIFORNAPiazza della Riforma, Lugano‘s mainsquare, is the meeting point between thepromenade along the lakeside and thebeating heart of the town. As a backdropto the vivacity of the stalls you can admirethe balconies of the buildings full offlowers, not least of which is the CivicBuilding (1845), a prominent element ofLombard neoclassic style. The building ischaracterized by a wide internal yard,surrounded by a four-sided portico with avestibule near Piazza della Riforma, whereyou can admire two statues by VincenzoVela, the most famous sculptor from Ticinoof the 1800‘s.

MOUNT SAN SALVATORELugano’s home mountain and pinnacleof enjoyment -that’s San Salvatore! Thestriking mountain south of the townboasts 360° views over the lake andenvirons, far south and to the high Alpsin the west.Way back in the year 1200 pilgrims madetheir way up to the mountain summit onfoot in order to pay their respects to theSon of God, who according to ancientlegend took rest here afore his heavenlyascent. Since 1890 funicular rail has lent ahand with the 600 meter climb in altitudeto the summit from Paradiso.

Lugano Highlights

ENJOYING THE LAKE“Ceresio”, Lake Lugano’s lesser knownname, is the Italian translation of the Latinword “Ceresium”. Some think it comes from“ceresa”, which means cherry, others thinkit comes from “ceresium”, which means“bluer than the sky”. A third version links itto the Celtic word “keresius”, which means“having many branches”.

MOUNT BRÈTHE FUNICULAR. The funicular thatconnects Cassarate to the peak of MountBrè (933 meters) has been running since1912, transporting passengers to one ofthe most beloved locations around Lugano.Close to the funicular station there is agrassy area ideal for grilling and picnicsand the views over the lake, Monte Rosaand the Alps are stunning.

SUPSI / UNISUPSI, the University of Applied Sciencesand Arts of Southern Switzerland (Scuolauniversitaria professionale della Svizzeraitaliana) is one of the of the . SUPSI offersmore than 30 bachelor and mastercourses, complementing theoreticalscientific knowledge and practicaltechnological advances applied to realprojects. Various departments of SUPSIare based in Southern Switzerland, mainlynear Lugano .

PARCO CIANI AND VILLA CIANIThis city park, commonly calledCiani Park, is the green oasis ofmore than 60‘000m2 sloping downto the lake, full of flower-beds,centuries old and rare trees. It isthe locals‘ an tourists‘ favoriteplace for having a walk enjoyingthe alternating views of the openspace of the lake and the greencover overhead. Villa Ciani issurrounded by the City Park andrepresents, with its astoundingbeauty, one of the mostenchanting corners of the gulf ofLugano. The name of the Villa andof the Park is connected to thebrothers Ciani that rebuilt the villabetween 1840 and 1843 as it istoday. Now the Villa is used forinstitutional events and as anexhibition center.

VIA NASSA AND CHIESASANTA MARIA DEGLI ANGIOLIVia Nassa starts from Piazza dellaRiforma and is characterized by along row of porticos, with manyimportant shops. At the end of ViaNassa there is the church of SantaMaria degli Angioli, very well-known at international level sincethe inside houses the mostfamous frescos of Switzerland‘sRenaissance period: „Christ‘sPassion and Crucifixion“ and „Last Supper“ executed in 1529 byBernardino Luini, famous NorthItalian painter from Leonardo DaVinci‘s Circle.

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PRECICAST SA

History of a Field ThatBecome a SuccessfulWorld Wide Company

I know it may seem banal for the specialists in this field, toremember what radical change of technology underwentone of the oldest metal forming processes which is theINVESTMENT CASTING, during the World War II. If I dothat, it is only because Precicast history somewhat findssome of its roots from those times.

In fact between the 50’s and 60’s and in the frame of theMarshall Plan, the United States offered to a very strictrange of European engineers the possibility to acquire animportant know-how on this particular production field.

One of those engineers from Trieste on his return to Italycould not find the conditions to continue his work in hiscountry with the experience learnt in the States.In the second half of the sixties the socio-political situation inItaly was in fact particularly critical. Think about, forexample, of the “Hot Autumn” of 1969 and of the dramaticspreading terrorism of that period.

Canton Ticino was able to offer interesting frameworkconditions for entrepreneurs with innovative ideas: Swisssecurity, social and political stability, reasonable levels ofbureaucracy and tax, best geographical position andcommunication; in that period one US dollar was worth4.30 Swiss Francs!!!

It was in those circumstances thatsome people, including thementioned engineer from Trieste,met in Lugano in 1970 anddecided to build a new investmentcasting foundry in the Swissvillage of Novazzano close to theItalian borderline.

Precicast started its activity with a limited capital, with“caution and simplicity” and began producing mainlycomponents for textile machines. For melting them,Precicast designed and used small indirect arc furnaceswith a capacity of max. 12 kg. Good results were achievedrapidly with high customer satisfaction thanks also to thedevelopment of specific alloys able to fulfil the operatingconditions of the finished product.

After a few years Precicast decided however to strategicallyfocus on more demanding markets related to high qualityand certified products, such as permanent medical implantsand components for aeronautical and gas turbine industries.

New important investments onmachinery, equipment andhuman resources were made inorder to gather a very efficientteam of managers, engineers andco-workers from different culturesand nationalities.

From 1975 to 1985 theproduction site was enlarged in 3steps, from 1,200 to 12,000 sqm.Air-melting andvacuum-inductionfurnaces with acapacity of max 250 kgwere installed. ACertified QualitySystem wasimplemented to meetthe high requirementsof more and moreimportant internationalcustomers.

!!!

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PRECICAST SA

Our first development on Directional Solidification andSingle Crystal components started in 1982 by using vacuumfurnaces without “susceptors” and based on an originalprocess called SMCT, presented at the Lugano EICFConvention of 1992 as well. And indeed in those years wewere able to produce a remarkable quantity of single-crystalblades of up to 100 mm length.

In the nineties at Precicast the implant production fororthopaedic use (hip and knee) was gradually andconstantly reduced and replaced with components for gasturbine engines which has now exceeded the 90% of thetotal production. Nowadays at Novazzano are working about450 people who achieve an annual turnover of about 100Million CHF, whose 60 Million is dedicated to export.

In 2000 Precicast SA, Novazzano, starteda Joint Venture with ITP in Spain(Precicast Bilbao) supplying its owntechnology. In 2005 Precicast supportedthe foundation of Engimics company forthe production of complex ceramic core,particularly necessary for manufacturingthe hollow gas turbine airfoils.

In a very few words: a history of hard work and successto go on!

Left: Mr. F. Bernasconi – President of the Board, EICF pastPresidentRight: Mr. G. Facchini – CEO – EICF past President

!!!

17

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

Conference Programme

Sunday June 1514:00 – 18:00 Speakers meeting with conference technicians – room D

16:00 – 18:00 Registration

18:00 – 20:00 Reception and Exhibition preview

Monday June 1608:00 – 09:00 Late registrations

14:00 – 17:00 Exhibition open

Plenary Session 1 Chairman Steve Leyland, President of the EICF

09:00 Welcome and Official Opening of Conference Sig.ra Laura SadisTicino Minister of Finance & economicaffairs

09:15 Is better good enough? Prof. Stephane GarelliA competitive outlook for 2014 and beyond IMD Business School

University of Lausanne

10:20 – 10:40 International Market Report Ron Williams (Blayson Olefines)

10:40- 11:15 Market perspectives from industry sectors

(I) Aerospace Steve Irwin (Rolls-Royce)

(II) Power Generation Birendra Nath (GDF Suez Energy)

(III) Automotive / Medical Steve Leyland

11:15 – 11:40 Break

11:40 – 12:00 “From Innovation to Value” Felix Thun-Hohenstein (3M)

12:00 – 12:30 Mineral and metal resources for the Robert Baylis (Roskill)Investment Casting industry

12:30 – 13:00 Net Shape Manufacture – a threat or an opportunity Prof. Nick GreenIndustry Key Note Lecture (Doncaster Group Technical Centre)

13:00 – 14:30 Lun ch

14:00 – 17:00 Exhibition Open

Session 2 AEROSPACE AND GAS TURBINE TECHNOLOGY – Seminar room BChairman: Steve Irwin(Rolls-Royce)

14:30 – 15:30 Gas Turbine Design Requirements and Material Solutions

(i) Design engineering requirements Harry J K Bhanguof the casting process

(ii) Recent advances in cast superalloys Ken Harris (Cannon- Muskegon)

(iii) Reactive element additions to superalloys Steve Leyland(Cambridge University)

15:30 – 16:00 Investment Casting in R&D aerospace laboratory Paweł Rokicki (RzeszówUniversity of technology)

18

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

16:00 – 16:30 Titanium Aluminide Turbine Toolbox – Rüdiger Tiefers (ACCESS)for γ-TiAl low pressure turbine components

16:30 – 17:00 Equiax and Directional Solidification furnace Andrew Elliottdesign for improved productivity and yield (Consarc Engineering)

17:00 – 17:30 Improvements in IN718 cleanliness for advanced Ińaki Vicario (PCB/ITP)aeroengine applications

Session 3 DEVELOPMENTS IN PATTERN MAKING – Seminar room CChairman: Stephen Pilbury(Remet UK)

14:30 – 15:00 Wax pattern making – from art to science Doug Neece(Cleveland Tool & Machine Co)

15:00 – 15:15 The influence of wax properties on Phil Hancock (Blayson Olefines)thermal hysteresis

15:15 – 15:30 The influence of wax properties on the Kevin Lee (Birmingham university)dewaxing process

15:30 – 16:00 Overview of organic pattern materials in the John Machielse (Paramelt)investment casting processes

16:00 – 16:45 Wax and Core Removal Howard Pickard(i) Best practice de-waxing of moulds (LBBC Technologies)(ii) Understanding the physics and chemistry

of the core removal process

16:45- 17:00 Testing of ceramic cores under high temperature Boris Lánik (Lánik s.r.o.)

17:00 – 17:30 The use and application of ceramic core fill materials Mark Bijvoet (Ransom & Randolph)

Drinks will be served thr oughout the day to enable delegates to visit the exhibition hall at their convenie nce

CONFERENCE GALA DINNER IN THE DE LA PAIX HOTEL 19:30 – 23:00

Tuesday June 1709:00 – 13:00 Exhibition open

Session 4 COMPETITIVE INDUSTRIES & PRODUCTION IMPROVEMENT – Seminar room BChairman: John parker(Cast Metals Federation)

09:00 – 09:30 Additive manufacture and investment casting – Juan Isaza (Fraunhofer Institute)chances and possibilities

09:30 – 10:00 Using today’s technology to improve your bottom lime Stephan Hoppe (Guardian solftware)

10:00 – 10:30 “Automation” – The Why and How Bruce Phipps (MPI Inc)

10:30 – 11:00 Automated quality control with optical 3D metrology Stephanie Adolf (GOM mbH)

Chairman: Michael Rünz(Kennametal Stellite Inc)

11:00 – 11:30 Intelligent die with multi point core positioning tool Luca Diviani (SUPSI)Franco Puffi (Preciast)

11:30 – 11:45 Production processes under control Angelo Columbo (Tesar Suisse SA)

11:45 – 12:00 Vacuum Continuously Cast Superalloys: a World’s First Richard George (Ross & Catherall)

12:00 – 12:30 Continuous Process Improvement – Jim Byrne (VA Technology Ltd)Precision Cutting & Grinding

12:30 – 13:00 Investment casting research at Prof. Milan HoráčekBrno University of Technology

19

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

CLOSE OF CONFERENCE SEMINAR SESSIONS.

Session 5 DEVELOPMENTS IN SHELL MOULDING &RESEARCH AND PROCESS SIMULATION – Seminar room C

Chairman: Danilo Frulli (IFME)

09:00 – 09:30 Shell systems with high dimensional stability Thomas Krumrei, CARRD GmbH

09:30 – 10:00 The three faces of slurry Grant Bradley (Remet UK)

10:00 – 10:30 Binder systems for investment casting - Mark Bijvoet (Ransom & Randolph)the present and new developments

10:30 – 11:00 Advanced technology – ceramic shell Jim Byrne (VA Technology Ltd)Manufacturing systems

(Chairman: John MachielseParamelt)

11:00 – 11:30 Estimation of heat transfer phenomenon Yuriko Saitoby casting simulation (IHI corporation, Japan)

11:30 – 12:00 How a proper material characterisation can support Andrea Carosi (Precicast SA)both better understanding of own casting processand mathematical modelling of the casting process

12:00 – 12:30 Power from foundry waste heat Mikel Merchán (Tecnalia, Spain)European Union ‘FOUNDENERGY ’project

Drinks wil l be served throu ghout the mornin g to enable delegates to visit the exhib ition hall at their convenien ce

13:00 CONFERENCE SEMINAR ROUND UP IN ROOM B

13:30 Lun ch

SPECIALIST MEETING FOR TURBOCHARGER MANUFACTURERS – Seminar room E14:30 – 15:30 Future demand, casting capacity and global readiness (attendance by invitation)

15:30 - Turbocharger presentations by industry specialist (open forum)

– Future trends in turbocharger design– Material developments for turbocharger turbine wheels

17:00 CONFERENCE ENDS

20

EXHIBITORS AND BOOTH NUMBERS

Booth Number Exhibitor

1 Fracht SA2 Dupré Minerals Ltd3 Blayson Group Ltd4 AMA Services5 Consarc Engineering6 Inductotherm Group Europe Ltd7 IFME8 LANIK s.r.o.9 Mayo Engineering Ltd - Modtech PVT

10 Mayo Engineering Ltd - Modtech PVT11 Calcom ESI SA12 FTJ13 MORSA Wachswarenfabrik14 Zircoa15 Blasch Precision Ceramics16 GOM MbH17 GOM MbH18 IMC

Booth Number Exhibitor

19 IMC20 IMC21 Paramelt BV22 MK Technology GmbH23 Ransom & Randolph24 Longwear Alloys Limited25 Tesar Suisse SA26 Ross and Catherall27 Arcos Srl28 3M29 3M30. ALD Vacuum Technologies GmbH31. Guardian Software Systems32. Firth Rixson Metals33. Foundenergy Project - Tecnalia34. Solar Impianti SRL35. HT Solutions S.r.l.36. Remet UK Ltd

Exhibition Hall

Exhibitors

1 2 3 4 5 67

89

1011

7

1819

2021

1615

14

27

2829

3031

2625

24

3635

34

3332 23 22 13 12

Entrance

21

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

Keeping you safe, your world secure, and enhancing visualcommunication and interactivity

• Providing personal and worker safety

• Protecting people, privacy and property

• Improving performance and productivity of building operations and infrastructure

• Creating transportation safety and vehicle registration solutions

• Enhancing viewing and interactive experiences

• Inspiring light and surface capabilities

Safety & Graphics

Electronics & Energy

Enabling the global power and telecommunications networks and the world’s electronic devices

• Connecting the world’s power grid

• Enabling global telecommunications

• Supporting high-tech electronic devices

• Integrating with customers to create innovative solutions

• Powering projection to share information

• Enabling opportunities for energy conservation and generation

Promoting health and improving quality care

• Preventing infections

• Caring for skin, healing wounds

• Improving treatment coding, health care reimbursement and hospital ef�ciency

• Enabling delivery of medicine

• Protecting the food supply

• Making smiles brighter with advanced dental and orthodontic solutions

Health Care

Simplifying life and work

• Simplifying organization and communication

• Cleaning and protecting the home environment

• Helping you feel better faster

• Making home improvement easy with professional results

• Inspiring creativity, crafts and hobbies

Consumer

InnovativeTechnology for

a changingworld

3M capabilities and corecompetenciesEnabling customer success through our �ve

business groups. We turn our ideas into ingenious

products and solutions that make life better for

our customers and end-users every day.

3M is one of 30 companies in the Dow Jones Industrial Average and also is a component of

the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index

Sales in 2013Worldwide $ 30.9 billion

% of which outside the USA 64

EMEA $ 7.1 billion

R&D in 2013Worldwide $ 1.7 billion

Researchers worldwide 8,200

West Europe 1,300

EmployeesWorldwide 89,000

West Europe 16,000

ManufacturingWorldwide in 35 countries

West Europe in 8 countries

Technology Platforms47 technology platforms, including:

- Adhesives - Microreplication

- Abrasives - Nanotechnology

- Electronics & Software - Nonwoven Materials

- Light Management - Surface Modi�cation

From purification to aerospace - changing how industry works

• Improving surfaces from orthopedic implants to �ne furniture

• Purifying air and water, from residential to bio-pharma and industrial

• Modifying, bonding and protecting surfaces in construction and manufacturing

• Improving the design, manufacture and maintenance of land, air and water transportation

• From cargo boxes to baby bottoms – securing the things that need to stay put

Industrial

3M (Schweiz) AG, Eggstrasse 93, 8803 Rüschlikon, Tel. +41 44 724 90 90, Fax +41 44 724 94 50, www.3M.com/ch

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22

CO-SPONSORS

Booth 1

Fracht SAContact: Fabrizio Pettenuzzo,Jan-Reto Poltera, Laerte Terzi

FRACHT SAVia Pestariso 56982 AgnoSwitzerland

f.pettenuzzo@frachtsa-ti.chTel: +41 91 6055650Fax: +41 91 6055732Web: www.fracht.com

ProfileOur goal is the delivery of innovative, tailor-made logisticssolutions that give our customers quantifiable added value. Weachieve this with our dedicated personnel, our long-standingexperience and the latest information technology.Furthermore, our relationships with customers, subcontractors,and employees are guided by an attitude of partnership. This isour philosophy from the beginning of Fracht AG in Switzerlandback in 1955.

Services:- trucking - worldwide airfreight - worldwide seafreight- logistics & distribution - customs service- project transport and heavy weight

Fracht Ltd. has presently 67 offices around the world with closeto 1000 employees.Headoffice: FRACHT AG – Birsigstrasse 79 – 4001 Basel /Switzerland

Booth 3

Blayson Olefines LtdContact : Keith Batchelor, Dave Bond

Blayson Olefines LtdDenny Industrial CentrePembroke AvenueCambridge CB25 9QP (UK)

enquiries@blayson.comTel: +44 (0) 1223 861 491Fax: +44 (0) 1223 441 500Web: www.blayson.com

ProfileBlayson is a leading specialist manufacturer and supplier ofquality investment casting wax, ancillary materials and servicesto the global investment casting industry. A comprehensiverange of virgin and recycled wax materials includes Pattern,Runner, Soluble, Adhesive and Repair wax. In addition Trisol 60Plus pattern wash and silicone and non-silicone mould releaseagents are supplied. Product forms include pellets, slabs,injected runner bars and injected soluble cores. Blayson'scomprehensive product range is backed by proactive technicalsupport provided by a team of wax and process experts.Blayson is the UK representative of MPI Systems wax injection,conditioning and assembly equipment.

Booth 4

AMA ServicesContact: Jean-François Donchery

46 Avenue KléberBâtiment B25F – 92700 ColombesFrance

jfdcannonmusk@aol.comTel: +33 (0)1 41 19 60 00Fax: +33 (0)1 47 69 14 29Web: www.c-mgroup.com

ProfileAMA Services is a french company based in Paris, as anexclusive Sales Agent & Distributor with Cannon Muskegon.For more than 50 years Cannon-Muskegon's metallurgicalspecialists have been pioneers in the development of premiumgrade alloys for commercial, medical and aerospace investmentcasting.Cannon Muskegon became the preeminent producer andsupplier of Equiaxe, Directionally Solidified and Single CristalNickel and Cobalt base Superalloys, in bar form fully groundbetween 73 & 254 mm Diameter.

Cannon Muskegon Production Capacity:5 VACUUM Furnaces:

- V4, 15 000 LBS (6800 KG)- V7, 15 000 LBS (6800 KG)- V3, 8 000 LBS (3600 KG)- V6, 5 000 LBS (2200 KG)- V5, 500 LBS (200 KG)

1 AIM / AOD Furnace, 20 000 LBS (9000 KG)

Booth 5

Consarc EngineeringContact: Allan Kay

9 Woodside, EurocentralHolytown, Scotland ML1 4XL, UK

AKay@consarceng.comTel: +44 1698 730430Fax: +44 1698 730431Web: www.consarceng.com

ProfileAs part of the Inductotherm Group of companies, with a globalnetwork of manufacturing sites and more than 50 yearsspecialist experience in advanced furnace technology, Consarcdesign and manufacture vacuum and controlled atmospherefurnace equipment for the following processes:• Vacuum Induction Melting and Casting• Vacuum Precision Investment Casting – Equiax, Directional

Solidification and Single Crystal• Vacuum Heat Treatment and Brazing• Vacuum Arc Remelting• Electroslag Remelting• Induction Skull Melting and casting of reactive alloys

Consarc are a world leading supplier of vacuum precisioninvestment casting furnaces. At this exhibition Consarc will bedisplaying the latest equipment and developments in this fieldincluding:-• Latest design configurations for high productivity Equiax

Vacuum Precision Investment Casting Furnaces.• State of the art technology for Directional Solidification and

Single Crystal Casting furnaces.• Induction skull melting furnaces for casting reactive and high

purity metals

23

CO-SPONSORS

Booth 6

Inductotherm GroupEuropeContact David Heavey.

The Furlong.Droitwich Spa.Worcestershire.United Kingdom

Dheavey@inductotherm.co.ukTel. +44 1905 79112.Mobile +44 7770 598948Web www.Inductotherm.co.uk

ProfileA part of the worldwide Inductotherm Group with it’s global network ofmanufacturing sites and 60 years of specialist induction melting furnacetechnology. Inductotherm Group Europe, design and build induction meltingfurnaces for all melting processes.

Melting Power Supplies from 15 kW to 25000 kW include:Power-Trak; Dual-Trak; Tri-Trak; Vacuum Power Supplies;Multi-Swich, for multi zone heating and melting.

Furnace designs from 1kG to 85000 kG Include:Heavy Steel Shell Furnaces; Small Steel Shell Furnaces; Rollover Furnaces;Special multi-geometry tilting furnaces;Rollover Casting Furnaces; Special Furnaces for Vacuum melting applications

Automated pouring.Tundish unheated automated pouring furnaces.Induction heated automated pressure pouring furnaces 2500 kG to 25000 kG.Inductotherm Group, has become the dominant Induction furnace makerWorldwide.Inductotherm Group Europe, representatives will be available to discuss allaspects of Induction Melting.

Booth 7

IFME Imerys FoundryMaterials EuropeContact : Danilo Frulli

Imerys Foundry Minerals Europe154, Rue de l’Université75007 Paris (France)

info@ifme.euTel: +33 (0)1 49 55 65 63Fax: +33 (0)1 49 55 65 55Web: www.ifme.eu

ProfileImerys Foundry Minerals Europe (IFME) is the Imerys branchdedicated to the foundry and Investment Casting Industry.

IFME supplies the Investment Casting industry with FusedAlumina, Fused Mullite, Fused Silica and MolochiteTM, theworld famous calcined kaolin produced in Cornwall, offeringunparalleled performance for Ceramic shell back-up due to itslow and linear thermal expansion and its slurry stability.

Furthermore, in close relationship with EVONIK and with theImerys Research Center for Refractories and Abrasives(C.A.R.R.D), IFME has developed new solutions based onWhite Fused Alumina, specifically designed for the casting ofhighly reactive alloys.

The sale and technical team of IFME will be pleased towelcome you at the EICF conference and discuss the mostappropriate mineral solution for your investment castingprocess.

Booth 11

Calcom ESI SAContact: Badarinath Kalkunte

EPFL Innovation Park Bâtiment A1015 LausanneSwitzerland

Tel: +41 (21) 693 2918Fax: +41 (21) 693 4740Web: www.esi-group.com

ProfileESI is a pioneer and world-leading provider in VirtualPrototyping that takes into account the physics of materials. ESIboasts a unique know-how in Virtual Product Engineering,based on an integrated suite of coherent, industry-orientedapplications. Addressing manufacturing industries, VirtualProduct Engineering aims to replace physical prototypes byrealistically simulating a product’s behavior during testing, tofine-tune fabrication and assembly processes in accordancewith desired product performance, and to evaluate the impacton product use under normal or accidental conditions.ESI has also developed a set of applications for the foundryindustry to improve casting yield and quality: QuikCAST -- a fastand efficient solution for process evaluation -- and ProCAST --an advanced tool which is the result of more than 20 years ofcollaboration with major industrial partners and academicinstitutions around the world.

Booth 16-17

GOM mbHContact: Stephanie Adolf

GOM mbHMittelweg 7-838106 BraunschweigGermany

info@gom.comTel: +49 531 390 29 0Fax: +49 531 390 29 15Web: www.gom.com

ProfileGOM is a global partner for industrial 3D metrology systems with over 20years of experience in 3D coordinate measuring techniques, materialtesting, component tests and quality control. 3D measuring systems fromGOM are well established in the automotive, aerospace and consumergoods industries, and guarantee shorter time to market as well as highproduct quality. GOM offers complete solutions including hardware,inspection software, technical support and training – all from a singlesource provider.In casting and forging industries, 3D metrology supports and speeds upall phases in sand, pressure die and investment casting processes: frompattern and die construction to mold and core making, right through tofirst article inspection reports and optimization of CNC machining. Withthe ATOS optical 3D coordinate measuring system, the completesurfaces of patterns, tools, gravity dies, sand cores, sand molds, andcast and forged parts can be measured – non-contact and regardless ofthe object size. Full-field surface measurements guarantee fastersampling inspection and targeted tool correction, thereby reducingproduction lead times. For production accompanying quality control boththe measurements and the entire evaluation process can be automated.

24

CO-SPONSORS

Booths 18 - 20

Industrial MarketingCorporation S.A.Contact : Jean-Claude Ackerman

Avenue d’Italie 32B-1050 BruxellesBelgium

imc@imcbelgium.beTel. : +32 / 2 / 675 34 60Fax : +32 / 2 / 675 32 42

ProfileIMC is a technically oriented sales and distribution organization; we have a lotof experience and expert knowledge in the field of investment casting. We arevery active all over Europe (incl. Eastern Europe and Turkey), in Russia and inthe Middle East.We specialize in technical assistance to investment casting foundries. If youwish us to do so, we can work with you and advise you in questions that mayarise concerning the process, particularly in the wax and ceramic departments.We are also major suppliers of raw material and equipment used in theprecision foundry (lost wax process) industry.Our sales programme covers areas such as:• Wax room equipment : wax and ceramic injectors, wax preparation units,

automation• Dipping robot systems,• Dewaxing equipment,• Abrasive belt grinders, abrasive cut off machines• Waxes,• Refractories (calcined zircon flour and sand, fused silica, alumino silicate,

mullite),• Binders (colloidal silica, ethyl silicate),• Cobalt Aluminate• Pouring cups, vent plugs and ceramic rods• Liners and crucibles• Air and vacuum melted alloys• etc.

Booth 20 with IMC

IHI Master MetalContact: Jean Claude AckermanIMC S.A.Avenue d’Italie 321050 BruxellesBelgium

Tel: +32 2 675 34 60Fax: +32 2 675 32 42E-mail: imc@imcbelgium.be

ProfileIMM supplies premium quality vacuum melt alloys worldwide,including nickel base and cobalt base alloys for the aerospace,automotive and IGT markets.

IMM has 30 years experience in the production of vacuum meltalloys in Japan.

IMM has many vacuum melt alloy approvals from OEMs.

IMM produces vacuum melt alloys for equiax, directionallysolidified and single crystal castings.

IMM has a staff of engineers experienced in vacuum melt alloyand investment casting who can provide technical assistance tocustomers.

IMM has NADCAP approval with state of the art analyticallaboratory facilities including GDMS.

IMM produces ingots of various sizes, and finishing includes anoption for notch and break.

Please contact IMC S.A. which is the agent of IMM in Europe.

Booth 25

Tesar S.p.A. -Tesar Suisse S.A.Information Technology &Electronics for BusinessesContact: Angelo Columbo

Via Moggio Udinese, 11 Via Motta, 1821013 Gallarate (VA) CH - 6830 Chiasso (TI)Italy Switzerland

Tel. +39 0331 775662 Tel. +41 (0)91 6829249Fax +39 0331 775672 Fax +41 (0)91 6829250info@tesar.it info@tesarsuisse.chwww.tesar.it www.tesarsuisse.ch

ProfileTesar is a leading developer and supplier of IT systems forplanning, control and management of industrial quality andproduction, as well as for automatic data collection fromproduction departments. It also provides advanced solutions forwarehouse and maintenance management, personnelattendance and access control.With over twenty years of experience on the market and fortyemployees and collaborators, Tesar is one of the largest, mostexperienced and most solid companies in the industry.Its exclusive ownership of all software modules and datacollection terminals allows the creation of fully integratedelectronic and computerized solutions, guaranteed by a singleand highly qualified technological partner

Booth 26

Ross & CatherallContact: Mathew Marsh

Ross & Catherall,Forge Lane, Killamarsh, Sheffied S21 1BA, UK

MMarsh@doncasters.comTel: +44 114 248 6404Fax: +49 531 390 29 15Web: www.doncasters.com

ProfileRoss & Catherall is a supplier of high performance vacuum and airmelted, nickel, cobalt and iron based superalloys and has beenproducing barstock for the investment casting industry since the early1960’s. Through a sustained investment programme it has established anenviable reputation for product quality and delivery reliability.Ross & Catherall’s superalloys are used in aerospace and industrial gasturbine engines, including single crystal and directionally solidifiedcomponents, automotive turbo chargers, medical prosthetics and otherhigh integrity applications.Operating a wide range of vacuum furnaces enables Ross & Catherall tooffer customers a comprehensive, cost-effective choice of yield weightsranging from trial R&D quantities right through to production quantities ofup to 8000kgs. Product can be supplied in diameters ranging from 32mmto 175mm, with surface finishes provided to individual customers’requirements.Ross & Catherall is also the world leader in the development andproduction of vacuum melted, continuously cast superalloy barstock.

With a sister company called Certified Alloy Products based in California,we have the capability and flexibility to support our customers’ needsglobally.

25

CO-SPONSORS

Booth 30

ALD VacuumTechnologies GmbHContact: Pavel Seserko

ALD Vacuum Technologies GmbHWilhelm-Rohn-Strasse 3563450 Hanau, Germany

info@ald-vt.deTel: +49 6181 307 0Fax: +49 6181 307 3290Web: www.ald-vt.com

ProfileALD – Synonym for Advanced Investment Casting TechnologyALD Vacuum Technologies GmbH, located in Hanau, Germany, producesa broad range of vacuum processing systems for the world's investmentcasters, spanning the whole area of equiaxed, directionally solidified andsingle crystal applications for aeronautical and IGT turbine components.ALD’s casting furnaces melts Ni-and Co-based alloys as well as titaniumalloys including titanium aluminides by vacuum induction melting,including the liquid metal cooled process, VAR skull melting andLEICOMELT cold wall crucible systems.ALD is a strong partner of important and growing branches of theaerospace, power generation, medical and automotive industries with ourmature technological specialties in vacuum metallurgy and vacuum heattreatment. ALD has decades of experience in the field of investmentcasting and is well positioned in these markets, offering the followingattributes:• Robust of furnaces• Technology leadership for new development• Reliable partnership for the industryALD is a member of the AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N. V.,Netherlands. ALD’s outstanding position in the market and, above all, thepotential of our product, process and service portfolios, make ALD yourlong-term solution.

Booth 32

Firth Rixson Metals Ltd.Contact: Graham Read

Firth Rixson Metals LtdShepley StreetGlossopSK13 7SA

gread@firthrixson.comTel: +44 114 219 3492Fax: +44 7917796343Web: www.firthrixson.com

ProfileFirth Rixson Metals is a class leading manufacturer of highly complex, high purity,Nickel, Cobalt and Rhenium bearing Superalloys. Supplying to the aerospace,industrial gas turbine and automotive markets. The business is part of privatelyowned group – Firth Rixson turning over $1 billion annually, with 12 worldwidemanufacturing facilities and a customer base in over 40 countries.Utilizing class leading techniques to ensure material is of the highest quality.• Premium Raw Material Selection• Vacuum Refining• Composition Control• Cleanliness Control• On site state-of-the-art chemical analysisWith the capability to produce heats between 3000kg and 9000kg with bar sizesbetween 2” and 7” diameter.Firth Rixson Metals is renowned for its quality service and holds numerous approvals.• ISO9001• AS9100• ISOTS16949• ISO17025 (chemistry and hardness assessment)• SAFRAN (chemistry)• S-400 (chemistry and grain size assessment)• NADCAP AS7003 (Ultrasonic Facility)• SABRe• Rolls Royce, Snecma, Honeywell, PW

Booth 35

HTS HT Solutions SrlContact: Mr. Luca Battini

HT SOLUTIONS SrlVia S. Pertini 17/19, 26019 Vailate, Italy

sales@htsfurnaces.comTel: +39 0363 1925125Fax: +39 0363 341622Web: www.htsfurnaces.com

ProfileOur company manufactures vacuum and high vacuum furnaces for heattreatment and surface treatment of metals.The work carried out together with experts in the field of heat treatment,metallurgy and steel and our constant commitment to research anddevelopment of new solutions allows us to offer an excellent product anda service at the highest levels.Over many years we have gained experiences and deepened ourtechnical and specialist knowledge which have enabled us to achievethese excellent results.Our technical staff is well structured, made up of people who can offerregularly updated support and solutions to provide an adequate responseto the needs of each production.This philosophy has one goal: to offer our customers an excellentproduct and reliable service so they can overcome the challenges of theglobal market.HTS furnaces are suitable for:• quenching• tempering• annealing• steel/steel brazing, steel/copper brazing, diamond powders brazing,

aluminum brazing• sintering• aluminum coating• special treatmentsWe are best partner in industries of: aerospace/aeronautic, energy gasturbine, automotive, dies and tools, medical, watches and jewels.We work to grow and to help you grow.

Booth 36

Remet UK LtdContact: Stephen Pilbury

44 Riverside IISir Thomas Longley RoadRochesterKentME2 4DP

customerservice@remetuk.comTel: +44 (0) 1634 226 240Fax: +44 (0) 1634 226 241Web: www.remet.com

ProfileREMET design and supply full consumable solutions to theinvestment casting industry. Specialists in the advanced materialsused in the modern foundry, our technical services provide ourcustomers innovation, technical support and quality assurance.Drawing on over 150 years of innovation, REMET’s technologistscontinue to push the boundaries of our understanding of foundrymaterials and their application. Offering robust solutions to meetyour requirements across the key consumable product groups:• Casting Wax• Binder• RefractoryUniquely placed as the process orientated supplier, our expertisetakes us beyond materials technology and enables applicationbased technical insights. We aim to enhance our customer’sprocess, offer insight and ultimately push the boundary of what it ispossible to create using the investment casting process.Our team will be looking forward to discussing the challenges youface, and how we can help at the EICF conference

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EXHIBITOR PROFILES

Booth 2

Dupré Minerals LtdContact: David Stonier

Spencroft roadNewcastle-under-Lyme,Staffordshire, ST5 9JE,UK

dstonier@goodwingroup.comTel: +44 (0) 1782 383 124Fax: +44 (0) 1782 383 101Web: www.dupreminerals.com

ProfileDupré Minerals Ltd is a well established manufacturer and supplier ofrefractory materials for all forms of Precision Casting from Aerospace andMedical to Automotive applications.Dupré specialise in the supply of innovative material solutions for themost demanding precision casters worldwide. We offer our technical andtesting expertise to help you to improve your manufacturing processesand to meet the most exacting quality standards.We select the highest purity raw materials to enable us to manufactureour range of products at our facilities both in the United Kingdom andChina. We offer extensive laboratory and test facilities which includeXRF, XRD, ICP, DSC* and Malvern Particle size analysis.Our complete range of shell casting products includes High PurityZirconium Silicate Sand and Flour, Mullite 55, Fused Silica and a varietyof repair products that are already used by some of the most prestigiousmanufacturers in the world.Our aim is to help you to drive your ideas forward and to help yourbusiness to excel in this technologically demanding environment.You are welcome to visit our stand and meet our team during the EICFconference in Switzerland on 15th-17th June, 2014 to discover furtherinformation on what Dupré can offer.*XRF = X-ray Fluorescent.XRD = X-ray DiffractionICP = inductively coupled PlasmaDSC = Differential scanning calorimetry

MEMBER

Booth 8

LANIK s.r.o.Contact: Ladislav Tomek

Chrudichromská 2376/17680 01 BoskoviceCzech Republic

ladislav.tomek@lanik.euTel: +420 516 428 460Fax: +420 516 428 499Web: www.lanik.eu

ProfileOur company, developing business since 1991, is the purely Czech private company.The core activity is represented by manufacture and sale of ceramic foam filters, usedunder the trade name VUKOPOR® in the foundry industry in the sector of primaryaluminium production, in petrochemical and food industry as well as formiscellaneous decorative applications.Products for the investment casting technology represent a complete product line. Weare speaking about:• ceramic cores• ceramic foam filters• ceramic pouring cups• support crosses• ceramic bars• other auxiliary materialsManufacture of high-quality products in the corresponding environment, increase ofuse value of the products in practice, a high share of created profit allocated torefurbishment and development of production technologies and productionenvironment, investment into R + D focused on development of the existing productlines and creation of the new ones – these are the core priorities of the company. Inthe HR sector a great attention is paid to maintaining and development of a stableteam of employees, to their education and acquiring new skills. Improvement ofimage of the VUKOPOR® and LANIK® brands belongs to the priorities as well.Nearly 85% of company production is exported. Europe is the dominant market forour company, in particular Germany, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Poland, France,Russia and Slovakia. India is for us the most important non-European market. It isquite natural that the company grants technical service for all its products – from thepoint of application technology of the product and its further development. In additionto it, we cooperate actively with specialized universities and research institutes on thetopical problems of the foundry sector.

MEMBER

Booths 9 - 10

Mayo Engineering LtdContact: Peter R. Mayo

Sherwood HouseKingsmill WayMansfieldNottinghamshireNG18 5ERUnited Kingdom

Email: sales@mayoengineering.comTel: Office +44 (0) 1623 414491Tel: Works +44 (0) 1623 651102Fax: Office +44 (0) 1623 414495Web: www.mayoengineering.com

ProfileMayo Engineering Ltd design, supply, install and maintain an extensiverange of equipment to the investment casting industry, which includes…• Modtech Wax Injection Machines from 6 tons to 450 tons clamp force• Modtech Ceramic Core Injection Machines from 6 tons to 150 tons

clamp force• Modtech Automated Shell Room Systems and Shell Room Equipment• Energy Pack De-Waxing Autoclaves• Magnalenz Induction Furnaces from 10kw to 6000kw• Modtech Knockout Machines• Indabrator Shot Blasting Machines and Systems• Modtech Automated Gate Cutting, Grinding and Linishing Systems

We also Buy and Sell Used Investment Casting EquipmentOur dedicated team of engineers, from all our fields of specialisation, willbe on hand at the EICF conference to discuss your equipment needs

MEMBER

Booth 12

Foundry Trade JournalContact: Pam Murrell

ICME, NMC 47, Birmingham RoadWest BromwichWest MidlandsB70 6PY

E: publications@icme.org.ukTel: +44 (0) 121 601 6979Fax: +44 (0) 121 601 6981Web: www.foundrytradejournal.com

www.icme.org.uk

ProfileFoundry Trade Journal is the leading magazine for the globalcastings industry.With a highly targeted readership and the largest paid subscriptionbase of any other similar publication Foundry Trade Journal ispublished ten times a year and mailed to individuals employed in thecastings industry and to leading companies in the UK, Europe, Asia,the Americas and the rest of the world.The magazine includes industry and product news, companyprofiles, the latest trends in metal prices, specific practical features,technical reports and papers, details on the latest recruitment andcareer development options and news on all the major internationalindustry exhibitions and conferences. FTJ is the official journal forthe European Investment Casters Federation, EICF and The WorldFoundry Organisation, WFO, and is published by the Institute ofCast Metals Engineers, ICME.ICME is the professional body for individuals in the castings industryand offers professional membership grades, technical information,networking opportunities and training programmes for its members.We look forward to meeting you at the EICF conference.

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Booth 13

Morsa Wachswarenfabrik GmbHContact: Raphael Sallinger, Johan Gruber

MORSA Wachswarenfabrik GmbHNordstrase 386381 KrumbachGermany

e-mail info@morsa.deTel. +49 (0) 8282 / 800 440Web www.morsa-wax.de

ProfileWith more than 100 years of experience in producing technical waxes formany different industries, MORSA has also gained extensive specialknowledge when it comes to the development of innovative castingwaxes. It is our experience in wax processing combined with our waxindustry specific knowledge that gives us the expert know-how andcreates unique selling points when it comes to the development ofcasting waxes.

MORSA provides different lines of products:

• Filled pattern casting waxes• Unfilled pattern casting waxes• Runner waxes• Stick and Dip Seal waxes• Reconstituted waxes• Extruded shape waxes & Jewelry waxes

All of them are designed with reclamation in mind to provide ourcustomers a cost effective way of utilizing the system waxes. We have afull line of blends that can be custom tailored to fit your needs andrequirements in terms of technological parameters. We can manufactureyour special MOR-CAST wax.

MEMBER

Booth 14

Zircoa Inc. / Zircoa GmbHSpecialty CeramicsContact: Klaus Steuer

United States (Production/Sales)31501 Solon RoadSolon, OH 44139

Germany (Sales EMEA):Hagenauer Straße 47DE 65203 Wiesbaden

specialtyceramics@zircoa.comTel: +49 (0) 611 335 497 0Fax: +49 (0) 611 335 497 55Web: www.zircoa.com

ProfileZIRCOA - The Zirconium Oxide ExpertZircoa engineers and manufactures a range of ceramics and refractories,based upon zirconium oxide and other advanced ceramic materials for nearlyall industries. Our materials and products perform in the harshest and mostdemanding environments imaginable.For Increased Productivity & Cleaner MeltsOur product range for the investment casting industry includes:• Crucibles, Zirconia + Alumina• Back-up materialsConsistency is what makes our crucibles the performance leader. Whenmelting super alloys, you can depend on Zircoa crucibles and granularproducts (for back-up, shell flour and stucco) to deliver consistent enduringperformance.Over 60 years of experience with our materials enables ZIRCOA to provideuse-oriented information and assistance to our customers in a lot ofapplications like investment casting. Our sales and technical staff members arealways available to offer support either on phone and e-mail or personal visit.Please feel free to contact us to discuss your needs at the EICF conference.

MEMBER

Booth 15

Blasch Precision CeramicsContact: Phil Geers

Molten Metal Market ManagerBlasch Precision Ceramics, Inc.580 BroadwayAlbany, NY 12204

Telephone: (317) 679-8856Facsimile: (518) 436-0098pgeers@blaschceramics.comwww.blasch.com

ProfileFounded in 1979, Blasch Precision Ceramics, Inc. is an EmployeeOwned Company that offers technically advanced industrial ceramics andrefractory components to a wide variety of industrial markets worldwide.Since its inception, Blasch has provided solutions to the metallurgicalindustry, including High performance refractory systems for master meltalloy production, casting, investment casting and powder production.

Products include:• Procaster™ melt crucibles in sizes from 3kg to 2,000kg• Segmented Tongue & Groove Crucible systems from 450kg to 7,000kg• Stopper rods, Nozzles, tundish, and other custom refractory shapes.Ceramic materials include Mullite Bonded Alumina / Zirconia, HighAlumina, Fused Silica, Silicon Carbide and Zirconia.

Blasch engineers provide expertise and solutions that help metal castersachieve financial performance objectives by optimizing metal purity,maximizing campaign life and eliminating non-metallic casting inclusionsand other quality related downstream costs. We look forward to theopportunity to partner with you on your next project.

Booth 21

Paramelt B.V. –Netherlands/US/ChinaContact: John Machielse

Costerstraat 181704 RJ HeerhugowaardThe Netherlands

jmachielse@paramelt.comTel: +31 (0) 725750600Fax: +31 (0) 725750699Web: www.paramelt.comProfileParamelt is the global market leader in investment casting waxes andnow offers wax manufacturing operations in Europe (1), Asia (1) and theUSA (3) to serve the growing global investment casting market.We offer a wide range of casting waxes that suit your individual foundryneeds, from excellent surface finish to superior flow properties andextremely low ash contents suitable for the blades and vane segments.Our patented Tech-Clean process, combined with our technical approachto in-process testing, balance economic value and product performancefor all of our system waxes, pattern waxes and runner waxes. Ourprecision investment casting waxes are sold in the market today underthe brand names Cerita, KC, Paracast, Solu-Glo and Rigidax.We supply the full range of wax consumables for the investment castingindustry:• Pattern waxes: virgin and reconstituted• Runner waxes: virgin and reconstituted or reclaimed• Soluble waxes• Sticky waxes• Dipseal waxes• Patching waxes• Extruded wax barsOur goal is to cooperate with our customers extensively as every foundryhas its unique setup and requirements. Our team will be looking forwardto discuss your challenges and how we can support you at the EICFconference.

MEMBER

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EXHIBITOR PROFILES

Booth 22

MK Technology GmbHContact: Michael Kügelgen

Robert-Koch-Str. 1153501 GrafschaftGermany

Tel. +49 2225 8887-0Fax +49 2225 8887-10quote@mk-technology.comwww.mk-technology.com

ProfileMK Technology GmbH was founded in 1997 by graduateengineer Michael Kügelgen. The company is situated inGrafschaft, close to Bonn and deals with the development,production and sales of specialist machines for vacuum andinvestment casting in the field of rapid prototyping and rapidproduction. 70 – 90 % of the MK machinery is exported all overthe world.

Some years ago MK Technology created an innovative high-speed drying technology for investment casting reducing theshell production time from seven days to 4 – 6 hours only. Apartfrom the Cyclone machine - a compact shell building factory forrapid prototyping, MK Technology offers the High Speed DryingTunnel and complete investment casting lines for massproduction including robots, slurry tanks and sanders for shellsup to one ton. Most recent product innovations are autoclaveswith new energy reclaiming system in different sizes for thedewaxing of investment casting shells. And there is also acomplete new slurry technology for the economic production ofYttrium shell, called Cascote.

MEMBER

Booth 23

Ransom & Randolph DENTSPLYContact: Giampaolo Bertuletti

Ransom & Randolph Europe4, rue Faraday78180 Montigny le BretonneauxFrance

Giampaolo.Bertuletti@dentsply.comTel: +44 (0) 1634 226 240Fax: +44 (0) 1634 226 241Web: www.ransom-randolph.com

ProfileRansom & Randolph is an international manufacturer andsupplier of ceramic shell and solid mold investment castingmaterials with production facilities in Europe, Adia and theUnited States. R&R employs a full technical application staff inthe EU and US to serve customers. This team is available forprocess audits, general problems solving and new materialimplementation. R&R’s US headquarters houses a full researchand development staff as well as a mini-foundry used to providecustomers with products that fit their specific needs and toassist in improving customer production processes. The R&Rproduct line includes high performance ceramic shell binders(Matrixcote® concentrate, Deluxcote® concentrate,Customcote® binder, Fascote® binder Primcote® binder),refractories (alumina silica, fused silica and zircon), colloidalsilica, specialty core materials and block mould investments.

MEMBER

Booth 24

Longwear Alloys LtdContact : Jan Lyne

Longwear Alloys LimitedPleasant StreetWest BromwichWest MidlandsB70 7DP

sales@longwearwearalloys.comTel : 00 44 121 500 4590Fax : 00 44 121 500 4599

www.longwearalloys.com

Profile• Longwear Alloys Limited manufacture, on site, Air Induction

Melted Ingots• Size : 50mm x 60mm x 285mm weighing 5kg nominal• Alloy range : Basic Steels

Stainless SteelsDuplex SteelNickel AlloysCobalt Alloys+ Specials

• Melting facility : 2 x 1000 kg 750 KWInductotherm VIP Furnaces

• Laboratory : OES + Oxygen + Nitrogen Determinator• Quality – Currently ISO 9001: 2008 working towards AS9100

in 2014• A proactive supplier with good references across Europe, Asia

and America.

MEMBER

Booth 27

ARCOS SRL a Socio UnicoContact: Piergiorgio Bettinzoli

Via Leonardo da Vinci, 15/C25064 Gussago (BS)Italy

info@arcossrl.comTel: +39 030 3739091Fax: +39 030 2411158

Web: www.arcossrl.com

ProfileARCOS S.r.l. was established in 1965 and has always beenoperating in the field of surface finishing (polishing, grinding,cutting..)ARCOS started designing and realizing polishing and grindingmanual machines, but always tried to improve himself by thedevelopment of high technologic machines and plants for thefinishing of metal, wooden, glass surfaces.Particularly, ARCOS is a leader producer of ROBOT CELLS fordeburring, polishing, grinding and cutting of turbine blades andmicrofounded pieces. There are two different methods ofcutting:- Using cutting discs- Plasma cuttingNowadays ARCOS successfully works in Europe, America,Asia...ARCOS employs a professional team expert in mechanical andelectronic design, robotics programming, assembly andassistance which is able to take charge of finishing problems ofevery specific customer and solve them as quick as possible

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Booth 31

Guardian Software SystemsContact: Jenny Gladczak

640 Armour RdOconomowoc, WI 53066United States

sales@guardiansoft.comTel: +1 (262) 567-0341 ext 121Fax: +1 (262) 567-8552Web: www.guardiansoft.com

ProfileImplementing an enterprise resource planning (ERP).systemcan be a major undertaking. The need for foundry specificinformation complicates the ERP system when trying toimplement a system into a foundry. It is these uniquerequirements that suggest the need for a foundry–specific ERPsolution and using a business supplier who understands today’scomplex business requirements of foundries. GuardianSoftware Systems has an intimate understanding of the foundryindustry. The company’s foundry solution is a true ERPsolution, written specifically for the metal casting industry andtailored to meet its needs. Every module within the GuardianFoundry System is aimed at helping foundries to improveproductivity and workflow. Key areas where the Guardianfoundry System will impact foundries are in Scheduling,Production, Costing, and Customer Relations. Visit booth #27so that we may get a better understanding of how Guardian canhelp your foundry. Let us help you go from being a successfulfoundry to a successful business.

Booth 34

SOLAR IMPIANTIContact: GOLDONI Roberto

Via Romagna 35, 41053 MaranelloModena,Italy

info@solarimpianti.comTel. + 39 (0)536 94 30 14www.solarimpianti.com

ProfileFiring & Preheat FurnacesSolar Impianti has 30 years of experience in the design andmanufacture of Burnout, Firing and Preheat Furnaces for theinvestment casting industry.

Solar Impianti develop gas & electric heating:- Pushing tunnel furnaces;- Batch furnaces: bogie hearth & fixed-hearth;- Rotary furnaces;- Ceramic core kiln;- Recuperative furnaces;- Afterburners systems.

Our customers include leading international companies in thefields of industry, aeronautics and energy, even orthopaedicsand art.

Solar Impianti develop solutions for small and big production,tailored to the customer’s specific needs,We wait you at EICF expo booth 34.

MEMBER

Booth 33

Fundación Tecnalia R&I -FOUNDENERGYContact: Mikel Merchán, Ane Irazustabarrena

Paseo Mikeletegi 220009 Donostia-San Sebastián (Gipuzkoa)Spain

mikel.merchan@tecnalia.comTel: +34 (0) 946 430 850Web: www.tecnalia.com

ProfileFundación TECNALIA Research & Innovation (Tecnalia) is theleading private and independent research and technology entity inSpain and the fifth largest in Europe, employing more than 1400people and with a turnover of 125 million euros. It was born out of themerger of eight private research centres in the Basque country in2011.Tecnalia operates in all the fields of today and tomorrow’s industry:Industry and Transport, Information and CommunicationTechnologies, Building, Energy and Environment, InnovationSystems and Health and Quality of Life.Tecnalia is very active in all the European Research Programs,participating in more than 295 projects in FP7 and coordinating 68 ofthem. The FOUNDENERGY project is devoted to developing asolution for reducing the energy loss in foundries through therecovery and transformation of the heat of the flue gases in thefurnaces into useful electrical energy. This solution could beespecially useful for the European Investment Casting Industry withis a very energy intensive industry. The EICF is a partner to thisproject and has part responsibility for the dissemination of the results.The FOUNDENERGY project will be presented 12:00 on Tuesday,June 17, seminar room C

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�Notes

31

PLENARY SESSIONS

Plenary SessionsIS BETTER GOOD ENOUGH?

A competitiveness outlook for 2014, and beyond.

Stéphane GarelliProfessor at IMD, and Professor at the University of Lausanne, Founder of IMD World Competitiveness Center, Switzerland

For companies, the reform of taxation - FinancialTransaction Tax in Europe, Offshore money, Taxation ofglobal companies, etc. – is high on national andinternational agendas.

The over-regulation of the national and international systemincreases the cost of compliance, reduces the speed ofdoing business, and increases the risk of liabilities.Complexity is everywhere and blurs the relationship withstakeholders and employees. Meanwhile, SMEs still do notget the full benefits of cheap and accessible money, andthus cannot play their full role in the recovery.Consumer’s behavior evolves as prosperity increases,from a first buy economy in emerging markets to areplacement economy in advanced markets. An attitude of“I want it” is quickly replacing one of “I need it”. As aconsequence, consumer demand becomes more subjectiveand less intense, especially in periods of economicuncertainty.

Three mega trends shape the world in the background.First, Energy demand will continue to grow (+38% in 2030)but 75% will still be “classical” energy and only 25%renewable. With its energy “renaissance”, the US shouldproduce as much gas as Russia in 2015 and as much oil asSaudi Arabia in 2020. As a consequence, the price ofenergy for enterprises in the US will be half that of Europeancompanies. Secondly, Urbanization will imply that 60% ofthe world population will live in cities in 2030. 40 mega-regions (agglomeration of cities) already account for 2/3 ofworld GDP. Finally, Age and Wellness opens new businessopportunities. As life expectancy increases by 5 hours perday, people want not only a longer but also a better andhealthier life.

World Competitiveness is also a question of mindset. Themanagement of efficiency, of change and of complexityremains top priorities. But to ensure long-term success, amindset of imagination (why not?), of energy (why not now?)and of commitment (why not me?) will also be decisive.

The world economy is getting better, but theconsequences of the recent crisis are still unclear. Althoughstill global, the economy is more desynchronized andincreasingly fragmented. After 6 years of crisis, what definesthe so-called “new normal”? And what will it mean forcountries, companies, business models and people?

In advanced economies, the economy is improving but forhow long? Could the “new normal” be one of slow economicgrowth, interrupted by short bursts of intense activity(instead of rapid growth interrupted by recessions)?Government debt ($36’000bn in the OECD region) will notdisappear overnight: 11 governments in Europe spend morethan 50% of their GDP. Sub-sovereign debt – that is,liabilities at the regional or local level – exists almosteverywhere and presents a serious threat to fiscal disciplineand stability. Deflation is a growing concern and inducescentral banks to support the economy through quantitativeeasing and low interest rates. Surfing on cheap capital,global companies continue to accumulate vast amount ofcash ($4’500bn in the US and Europe).

In emerging economies, diversity prevails. The BRIC(Brazil, Russia, India, China) and MINT (Mexico, Indonesia,Nigeria, Turkey) zones have little in common except size.Countries with large foreign currency reserves continue todiversify their assets by buying foreign companies andfinancing the globalization of their own local champions. Theappearance of new global brands will thus accelerate. Some1’000 companies from the emerging economies withrevenues in excess $1bn can now be considered global.Inflation and a possible exchange rate rise in the dollar or anincrease in interest rates could potentially destabilize theweaker ones. Shadow banking – a $67’000bn market – is atime bomb everywhere.

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PLENARY SESSIONS

10:20 – 10:40International Market ReportRon Williams – Managing Director – The Blayson Group Ltd

Abstract: Knowledge of our markets and the performanceof the investment casting industry is essential for allassociated with the industry. The review of internationalmarkets gives an understanding of the changes and trendswithin the industry and assists with forming a view of howinvestment casting will perform in the future. In the changingglobal economic climate understanding the current positionand future opportunities available to the industry is moreimportant than ever.

Ron graduated in Chemistry, is a member of the RoyalSociety of Chemistry and as Managing Director of TheBlayson Group Ltd is responsible for the Company’s globaloperations and activities. He has over 30 years’ experiencewithin the investment casting industry and has had theprivilege of working closely with numerous investmentcasting associations, institutes and companies Worldwide.He is currently a Board Director of the EICF. Combiningthese connections with his industry experience, he has beenable to present numerous studies and reviews of the Worldinvestment casting market to a global audience.

10:40 – 10:50Market review - aerospaceSteve Irwin – Rolls-Royce plc

Abstract: The aerospace industry faces an unprecedentedincrease in demand for new, more fuel-efficient, eco-friendlyaircraft. This is particularly true within the civil aerospacesector, where forecasts point to a doubling of air traffic overthe next two decades, combined with increasing fuel costsand changes in legislation which will inevitably lead to olderaircraft being retired in favour of newer, more fuel-efficientderivatives.

This significant ramp-up in civil aero engine demand andassociated increase in technological complexity, in turn,presents numerous challenges for the investment castingsupply chain. Growth predictions and emerging markettrends are reviewed and the required response of theinvestment casting industry briefly explored.

Steve Irwin is a Rolls-Royce Associate Fellow & Fellow ofthe Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining. He has beenextensively involved in the investment casting of both SXand conventionally cast gas turbine components for the past25 years. In his current role as Rolls-Royce CastingSpecialist, Steve is responsible for the acquisition of anumber of process & material technologies across Rolls-Royce's global network of domestic & JV foundries.

e-mail: steve.irwin@rolls-royce.com

10:50 – 11:05Market review – global outlook for power generationBirendra Nath – GDF Suez Energy, UK

Abstr act : The power generation industry is evolving inresponse to the increasing population, urbanisation,environmental concerns, availability of primary fuel and theglobal economy. Estimates suggest that 20% of thehumanity currently does not have access to electricity. Itfollows that the power sector must grow to meet thedemands of the growing population that aspires to western-style urban living standards. However, it is equally certainthat the industry will need to adapt to the available primaryfuel, and effects of climate changes. Self-evidently, theaspirations of the humanity can only be met if the economycontinues to grow to fund the necessary investments in theinfrastructure incl. power plants. The global downturn in2008 had an adverse effect on the development of newpower projects. Environmental concerns will continue todrive the growth of the renewable energy sources.Distributive generation is also being examined as onepossible means of improving security of supply in the wakeof extreme events e.g. loss of power in New York and NewJersey due to Hurricane Sandy in 2012. This could lead tothe deployment of high-efficiency micro-turbines.

Availability of the cheap shale oil/gas in USA has been onecontributory factor in replacing high efficiency CCGTs inEurope. However, use of gas turbines for power generationis likely to increase above current projections if significantamounts of shale oil/gas becomes available in other parts ofthe world.

Consumers’ sensitivity to the retail price of energy is likely tocontinue to pushing down unit cost of power generation.Advances in manufacturing methods e.g. 3-D printing canbe expected meet this challenge. It is equally important touse the inherent life of parts with minimum interventions.

This presentation touches upon some of the issues raisedabove

Birendra Nath graduated in Metallurgical Engineering fromBanaras Hindu University (India) and obtained his doctoratefrom the University of Manchester (UK). He has beenworking in the research and engineering functions of thepower generation industry in Britain for 38 years. Currentlyhe provides run/repair/replace advice to the global fleetowned and operated by GDF Suez Energy International

e-mail: Birendra.Nath@gdfsuez.com

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PLENARY SESSIONS

11:05 – 11:15Market review - automotiveSteve Leyland

Abstrac t: Automotive Market Review

The global automotive market increases year on year withsome regions such as china and India expanding at higherrates than developed regions. Changes to car manufacturingtechniques, materials and government legislation will affectthe existing supplier of cast components. Development ofturbochargers for gasoline engines that have improvedemissions and fuel economy is set to increase turbo adoptionthat will result in significant increases in the production ofinvestment cast turbocharger wheels, waste gate componentsetc. A review of the market trends in automobile productionand the effect on investment casting will be reviewed.

Steve Leyland is the Current President of the EICF andConducting Research on Rare Earth Metal additions toSuperalloy at Cambridge University in the UK. Prior to enteringacademia, Steve was global supply base developmentmanager of cast turbine and aluminium turbocharger wheelsfor Honeywell Turbocharger Technologies based in CheadleManchester for 12 years. In former years Steve has beenTechnical Director of Trucast Limited and a Research engineerat Rolls-Royce Plc. where he was instrumental in thedevelopment of the conversion from alcohol to water basedshell moulding, upon which over 20 papers were published.

e-mail: spl44@cam.ac.uk

11:20 – 11:40From Innovation to ValueFelix Thun-Hohenstein - 3M

Abstrac t: 3M is a global innovation company that neverstops inventing. This is demonstrated by the impressivecurrent 20.000 patents in fields ranging from medicine andcommunication-solutions to safety products and adhesives.The company has today annual worldwide sales of aboutUSD 30 billion and 90.000 employees.

The Abrasives Systems Division is the oldest business at3M – the success story began more than 100 years ago withthe development of the first water-resistant sandpaper.Today the Division offers a wide reange of bonded andflexible abrasives and grinding systems.

In 2009 3M invented a new grain – enabling perfect grindingresults in half the time and a tool life up to four times longer.3M leveraged 3 core Technology Platforms in its TechnologyPortfolio – Ceramics, Sole Grain Fracturing and Micro-replication. The result has been the first grains which areprecisely shaped and uniform. Each grain is pyramidal inshape and thus functions like a cutting tool. The result is notonly a significantly improved removal rate, but alsooptimized surface quality.

The new technology has many potential applications in theInvestment Casting Industry and offers significantopportunities to reduce production costs and improvesurface quality (f.i. gate-removal from Castings, TurbineBlade Grinding, Form- and Surface-Grinding)

Felix Thun-Hohenstein is Global Business Director3M ASD, Precision Grinding & Finishing, WinterthurTechnology Group

e-mail: fthun@mmm.com

12:00 – 12:30Mineral and metal resources for the investment castingindustryRobert Baylis - Roskill Information Services Ltd., UK

Abstr act: Investment casting is a raw material intensiveindustry. More than 25 metals from aluminium to zirconiumare used in the alloys, and several refractory minerals formthe investments (as well as coatings for both). While forsome metals and minerals investment casting is the majorend-use, and drives their production, others are used only insmall volumes and have other influences affecting theirsupply. In most metal markets, and also some minerals, theconvergence of surging demand and laggingcapacity/supply growth from the mid to late 2000s created aperfect storm in pricing. Although stability has returned tomany metal and mineral markets, technologicaladvancement can throw a curveball to GDP-tied cyclicalindustries consuming investment castings. These rangefrom short-term substitution based on price/performance tolong-term advancement in material science. Producing andconsuming companies are linked by their dependence onone another, but such is the complexity of an industryconsuming many raw materials in its supply chain that anoverview of the market is necessary to ensure stabilitycontinues and future shocks are reduced.

Robert Baylis is Managing Director of Roskill InformationServices Ltd. Roskill is based in London, UK, and providesreports and consultancy services on the supply, demand,end-use applications, trade and prices of industrial minerals,minor metals and steel alloys. Robert joined Roskill in 2006focusing initially on the cobalt market, giving him a goodunderstanding of the investment casting industry. He hassince worked on other alloy metals and refractory minerals,such as rhenium, tungsten and zircon. Robert haspresented widely on various topics concerning mineral andmetal supply, end-use developments and trends.

12:30 – 13:00Industry Key Note LectureNear Net Shape Manufacturing Technologies –Opportunities and ThreatsProf. Nick Green – Doncaster Group

Abstr act: Investment casting has long been regarded asthe most cost effective method for the net shapemanufacturing of complex geometry components made fromdifficult to process alloys. A number of Near Net Shape(NNS) manufacturing technologies present bothopportunities and threats to the ongoing competitiveness ofinvestment casting. State of the art NNS processes will besummarised and opportunities for integration of NNSmethods into investment casting also presented.

Prof. Nick Green is Head of Technical Centre at DoncastersGroup Ltd. Previously he was Professor of CastingTechnology at the University of Birmingham and he retainsan Honarary Professorship with this University.

e-mail : ngreen@doncasters.com

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Technical Sessions

Monday 16th June – Seminar Room B14:30 – 14:50Design Engineering Requirements of the CastingProcessHarry J K Bhangu PhD

Abstract: Design of gas washed combustor and turbinecomponents, destined for industrial and aero machines, iscomplex. There are many considerations to be taken intoaccount but the major drivers include:

- Thermal efficiency- Emissions (UHC, CO, Smoke and NOX)- Life (No unexpected failures)- Cost (recurring and non-recurring) and timescales

This presentation illustrates how the casting process caninfluence each of these items during the design phase. Ithighlights the need for process modelling as a design tool toreduce costs and casting defects. Additionally, it shows howemerging technologies may help improve thermal efficiencyand life.

Harry Bhangu graduated from University of Manchester withBSc and PhD and then joined Rolls Royce in Derby. At Rollshe held various positions, the main one being Head ofCombustion and Turbine Design. The design of Trent 700,800 and 500 of turbine components was carried out underhis stewardship. Latterly, he was also Chief of CastingTechnology. Both of these positions carried corporateresponsibilities for mapping out and implementing thetechnology acquisition programmes. He has 12 technicalpublications and six patents to his name.

e-mail: hjkbhangu@yahoo.co.uk

14:50 – 15:10Recent Advances in Cast SuperalloysKen Harris, Jacqui Wahl:Cannon – Muskegon Corporation, USA

Abstract: Low sulfur single crystal (SX) superalloys are nowrequired by the OEM turbine engine companies to improveturbine blade temperature capability and component enginelife, through improvements in bare oxidation/sulfidation,coating and thermal barrier coating spallation performance.The attendant criticality for clean, very low [N](carbonitrides) and [O] – stable oxide/slag inclusion/drosslevels, in the SX master alloy in relation to SX casting yieldand resultant cost is discussed.

Work to optimize an investment cast version of 718 Plus®alloy – with approximately a 100°F (56°C) temperaturecapability improvement over cast IN 718 is also reviewed.

CM has recently developed a version of CMSX®-8 alloy(1.5% Re) designated CMSX®-8 [B/C], low angle boundarystrengthened with boron and carbon for large IGT turbineairfoil applications. SX castability, mechanical properties andphase stability and the absence of internal Rx issues areencouraging to date.

CM is developing a new SX superalloy designated CMSX-4® Plus, which has twice the creep-rupture life of CMSX-4®alloy, resulting in flight turbine engine performance benefitssuch as lower fuel burn and CO2 emissions. SX castingyield is improved over CMSX-4® and the alloy is moreeconomically practical then CMSX-10K® and CMSX-10N®with 6-7% Re and Rene’ N-6 with 5-6% Re. A competitivealloy is under active development by GE.

In relation to cast superalloys, to quote Mark Twain –“Rumors of my death are greatly exaggerated.”

Ken Harris received his B.Sc (Hons) & ARSM from theRoyal School of Mines – Imperial College of Science &Technology – in 1965. He has been Technical Director ofCannon-Muskegon Corporation since 1981, developing VIMmelting practices & raw materials technology for cast & PMdisc superalloys. In addition, he is the inventor or co-inventor of 14 SX, DS & equiaxed cast Ni-base superalloys,many of which are successfully used in aero, marine &industrial gas turbines worldwide – CMSX-4® being the bestknown example.

e-mail: kharris:canmkg.com

15:10 – 15:30Reactive Element Additions to SuperalloysS Leyland, CMF Rae, A Bhowmik – Department of MaterialsScience and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge, UKIM Edmonds, S Irwin – Rolls-Royce Plc. Derby, UK

Abstr act : In order for engine designers to maximisesuperalloy high temperature oxidation properties,development of alloy composition and casting processes arerequired. Since the realisation that tramp elements andimpurities, notably sulphur, directly affects oxidationresistance and scale spallation it has been necessary toreduce sulphur concentrations or alternatively to preventsulphur diffusion to the scale/metal interface by getteringthem into discrete phases. Rare Earth Metals (REM)additions have been added to many types of alloys withmixed results. Yttrium and lanthanum dopants added tosingle crystal superalloys used in high temperature gasturbine applications that require optimisation of the castingprocess in order to prevent high REM losses. Single crystalcasting process parameters discussed will include the casttemperature, withdrawal time, vacuum levels, sectionthickness and reactivity of refractories all of which determinethe reactive element losses in the cast alloy. Determinationof REM addition levels that provide sufficient distribution ofthe REM elements in the superalloy bulk matrix ensuringenough REM is available to getter sulphur and phosphorousimpurities has become crucial. Optimisation of single crystalcasting parameters, REM phase characterisation and theirdistribution in the bulk alloy will be presented.

Steve Leyland is the Current President of the EICF andConducting Research on Rare Earth Metal additions toSuperalloy at Cambridge University in the UK. Prior toentering academia, Steve was global supply basedevelopment manager of cast turbine and aluminiumturbocharger wheels for Honeywell TurbochargerTechnologies based in Cheadle Manchester for 12 years. Informer years Steve has been Technical Director of Trucast

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Limited and a Research engineer at Rolls-Royce Plc. wherehe was instrumental in the development of the conversionfrom alcohol to water based shell moulding, upon whichover 20 papers were published.

e-mail: spl44@cam.ac.uk

15:30 - 16:00Investment casting in Research and DevelopmentLaboratory for Aerospace MaterialsPaweł Rokicki – Research and Development Laboratory forAerospace Materials, Rzeszow University of Technology,Poland

Abstrac t: Research and Development Laboratory forAerospace Materials leads interdisciplinary researches andtrainings in field of material science, especially cobalt,titanium, aluminum and nickel based superalloys, protectivecoatings and single crystals manufacturing methods. It is ahigh-tech equipped facility for manufacturing andinvestigation of aerospace technologies and materials. Thescope of the Laboratory is aiming in full material proceduresstarting from investment casting and finishing on heat-treatment and machining. Thanks to highly educated staff ofDepartment of Material Science the Laboratory runs manydifferent projects in domestic and international meaning andperforms researches on the highest scientific level. Amongother the facility is equipped with EQ/SX/DS casting furnacethat allows manufacturing of different geometries withEQ/SX/DS structures. Nowadays, the research is mainlyfocused on development of CMSX-4 alloy castingtechnology for cored blades, investment casting of TECelements from Haynes 282 alloy, and investment casting ofInconel 713C and 718. The paper presents scope of theresearches, developed methodologies and results obtainedthrough the realization of the projects.

Paweł Rokicki received his MSc in Materials Science andEngineering in 2008 at AGH University of Science andTechnology in Kraków, Poland and his PhD in MaterialScience and Metallurgy in 2011 at Technical University ofKošice, Slovakia. Since 2012 he is an employee ofDepartment of Materials Science, Rzeszow University ofTechnology, working also for Research and DevelopmentLaboratory for Aerospace Materials. His main field ofscientific interest is DS/SC casting, titanium and nickelbased superalloys, and thermo-chemical treatment of steels,in meaning of close cooperation with industrial partnersassociated within “Aviation Valley” - industrial cluster ofaircraft components producers.

e-mail: prokicki@prz.edu.pl

16:00 – 16:30Titanium Aluminide Turbine Toolbox –A new tool to optimize the design process for γ-TiAl lowpressure turbine componentsRüdiger Tiefers1, Dr. Julio Aguilar1, Dr. Christian Dresbach2,Clemens Buske3, Thomas Schmidt4, Sascha Zur5

1 ACCESS Technology, 2 DLR-Institute of MaterialsResearch, 3 DLR-Institute of Propulsion Technology,4 DLR-Instiute of Structures and Design, 5 DLR-Simulationand Software Technology

Abstr act: Due to the increasing usage of γ-TitaniumAluminide low pressure turbine blades in the nextgeneration of aircraft engines an optimized design processfor these components will lead to a large potential of costsavings.

However, the networking between turbine and componentmanufacturers is still insufficient/ unsatisfactory today. Inparticular, the aero-thermodynamic and structural dynamicengineering of turbine blades, specifically in γ-TiAl, is notintegrated within the production processes.

Objective of the development of the Titanium AluminideTurbine Toolbox is, thus, to provide a network design toolfor the production of low pressure components in the high-performance material γ-TiAl.

The tool will enable to generate and optimize a bladegeometry with regards to efficient aerodynamics, cost-effective production, material-adapted engineering and longservice life.

The approach to integrate the different engineering toolsinto one application aims to maximize the outcome of theentire process cycle and to reduce the time-to-production.

The involved partners pool their core expertise in the fieldsof aerodynamic performance, mechanics and engineering,quality and reliability, manufacture and cost, as well assoftware integration and data management. Gaps will beclosed via interactive meshing of numerical andexperimental methods, including component manufactureand validation. Iterative exchange will result in an optimumdesign matrix for component engineering.

Via this comprehensive design tool, the partners aim toachieve faster and more efficient component optimization.Early application will enable a sharp reduction in the numberof iterations between engineering and production.Eventually, this autonomous tool will be available to allturbine blade manufacturers.

Rüdiger Tiefers received his diploma in mechanicalengineering, subject area aeronautics and space, at theRWTH Aachen in 1998. Since then he has been a scientificemployee at Access e.V. in Aachen. He worked as a projectleader in several R&D projects in the field of solar siliconand process optimization of casting processes. Since 2008he is mainly active in the field of process optimization of thecasting process of Titanium Aluminide.

e-mail: R.Tiefers@access.rwth-aachen.de

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16:30 – 17:00Equiax and Directional Solidification InvestmentCasting Furnace Design for Improved Productivity andYieldDr Andrew J. Elliott – Consarc, US/UK

Abstract: Equiax and directional solidification investmentcasting furnace designs are discussed in the context ofimproved productivity and yield for the investment caster.Current design features, configurations, and options toaddress process needs, facility constraints, and productivityare reviewed. This manuscript further highlights how thesefurnace features and design choices can reduce castingdefects and improve product yield. Finally, emergingtechnologies that may provide further enhancements forinvestment casting productivity and yield are considered.

Dr. Elliott is currently Manager of Product Development forConsarc. He has over 15 years of experience in casting,solidification, and alloy development including research,working at a primary metal producer, and as a castingengineer for an original equipment manufacturer in theindustrial gas turbine market. He earned M.S and Ph.D.from The University of Michigan in USA investigating high-thermal-gradient directional-solidification investment castingvia the liquid-metal cooling (LMC) technique and is acertified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.

e-mail: aelliott@consarc.com

17:00 – 17:30Improvement in the INCO718 cleanliness for advancedaeroengine applications.Iñaki Vicario – Precicast Bilbao (PCB), Spain.

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to investigate how toimprove the cleanliness of INCO 718 superalloy ininvestment casting, by analyzing the mechanism of drossformation during melting process. SEM and X-raydiffractometry were carried out to reveal the origin of thefindings. The whole casting process is studied, identifyingbest practices that assure the absence of surface defects incast parts.

Iñaki Vicario is the engineering process leader of PrecicastBilbao (PCB).

PCB is based on Spain and it is an investment castingfoundry of advanced components made of superalloys.Iñaki joined PCB in 2007 focusing initially on foundryprocess. He has since worked as heat treatment andfoundry process engineer, and for the last year asengineering process team leader.

e-mail: inaki.vicario@pcb.es

Monday 16th June – Seminar Room C

12:00 – 12:30Testing of ceramic cores under high temperatureIng. Boris Láník, Ing. Ladislav Tomek – LANIK s.r.o., CzechRepublic

Abstr act : Measuring ceramic cores properties under hightemperature is the integral part of their development andproduction. Measurements can show us how the cores willperform during shell manufacturing process and duringsubsequent pouring and cooling. The presented paperdescribes the used measuring methods and is focused oncomparison of several ceramic core mixtures and ceramicshell samples.The properties measured under elevated temperature (up to1700 °C) are particularly MOR, sag test, temperature shockresistance (from cool to hot and also vice versa), sampledilatation and phase analysis. Samples are usuallyunderstood casting process performance.

Ing. Boris Láník received his Masters in FoundryEngineering from the Brno University of Technology in 2005.He has 10 years’ experience in technical support of ceramicproducts for various foundry applications. He is technicaland R&D manager for foundry ceramic products withinLANIK s.r.o. since 2007.

Ing. Ladislav Tomek received his Masters in FoundryEngineering from the Brno University of Technology in 2008.He has 6 years’ experience in technical and sales support ofceramic products for investment casting applications. He issales manager for foundry ceramic products within LANIKs.r.o. since 2008.

e-mail: ladislav.tomek@lanik.eu

14:30 – 15:00Wax Pattern Making – From Art to ScienceF. Douglas Neece – Cleveland Tool & Machine Co. Ohio,USA

Abstr act : The investment casting process is a journeywhich started millennia ago where-in wax patterns wereproduced for producing works of art such as jewelry ,statues and such. We could very well describe the processas an art form. As the journey continued into modern timesthe process has found it’s way into industrial, aero andmedical applications. This has resulted in a change ofthinking and discipline, in essence we have moved awayfrom the art of wax pattern making to the science of waxpattern making. This paper will discuss the evolution andwhy it is important to continue to push the science for thisimportant feature of the investment casting process

Douglas (Doug) Neece – Doug has over 35 years of serviceto the investment casting industry. He is the Vice Presidentand Co-owner of Cleveland Tool & Machine, Inc. ClevelandTool is a supplier of injection machinery for wax patterns andceramic cores to investment casters in 16 countries. Hespent 29 years in various positions at Tempcraft Tool & Moldwhich was later purchased by Howmet and Alcoa. Duringhis career he was involved in many of the injection controlenhancements for wax injection processes that led to U.S.

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and worldwide patents in which he is co-inventor. Hasauthored and presented technical papers for ICI , JFS, CFS,and other trade organzations.

e-mail: dneece@clevtool.com

17:00 – 17:30The use and application of ceramic core fill materialsMark Bijvoet – Ransom & Randolph

Abstrac t: Holes, slots and narrow passageways are aninherent feature in investment cast parts. However, theseintricate details occasionally make construction of theceramic shell challenging. Ceramic or soluble cores may beplaced in wax patterns in order to create internal geometriesin the shell that will be present in the final part. While theuse of ceramic and soluble cores is widely used, it is notalways feasible or cost effective for many parts with internalgeometries.

When cores are not used, shell-building internal geometriescan be tricky. Shell bridging may occur in areas with narrowpassageways or small holes. This can create issues withbuilding sufficient shell thickness in these areas. It can alsoaffect drying. Both can lead to metal penetration duringpouring, creating rework or scrap in the process.

This paper will discuss methods available to investmentcasters utilizing pourable core materials. Proper applicationtechniques and common issues will be addressed, alongwith case studies analyzing the process and economicbenefits obtained utilizing available core materials.’

Mark Bijvoet has worked with Ransom & Randolph since1997 and currently holds the position of European TechnicalManager, Ceramic Shell. Mr. Bijvoet works closely withfoundries all over Europe to assist them running shell roomtrials, address process and quality issues. He has presentedpapers at BICTA then CMF, VDG and EICF meetings. Inthe past Mark Bijvoet studied metallurgy and foundrytechnology at Seraing Technical Institute. He also holds adegree in Philosophy and English from Liege University. Inaddition to his native Dutch, he speaks English, German,French, Spanish and Italian fluently.

e-mail: Mark.Bijvoet@dentsply.com

15:15 – 15:30The Influence of wax thermal expansion on de-waxingprocessKevin Lee1, Stuart Blackburn1, Stewart Welch2, – 1. Schoolof Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham,Birmingham, UK, 2. Rolls-Royce plc, Derby, UK.

Abstrac t: Shell cracking during de-waxing process is amajor issue that increases the scrap rate of shells and castmetal. Modelling advances offer the potential to allowprediction of shell failure and this is important for newshapes and changes to shell and wax combinations. Shellcracking occurs during the de-waxing process in autoclavein an environment which rapidly changes from close toatmosphere to typically 170°C and 8 bars. Some waxes docause shell cracking and some don’t as failure depends on

the wax properties and the shell composition. It is believedthat two most important properties that differentiate betweenwaxes in terms of failure rate are rheological behaviour andthermal expansion. Due to the melting of wax duringheating, it complicates the process of measuring the thermalexpansion of wax from room temperature to 180°C.Commercially, thermal expansion is measured using PVTmethod. Wax samples are pressurized in a chamber filledwith mercury as the displacement medium. However, due tothe equipment’s limitation, the minimum working pressure is20 bars which is significantly higher than the actual situationin the autoclave. A simple apparatus designed to measurethe thermal expansion at room pressure has been used andthe results is compared to dilatometer measurements usinga sealed capsule.

Kevin Lee is currently pursuing a Ph.D in University ofBirmingham, UK. He read for his Masters at University ofBirmingham in Chemical Engineering. Kevin is studying theshell cracking phenomena during the de-waxing processand modelling it using commercial packages.

e-mail: SSL985@bham.ac.uk

15:15- 15:30The influence of wax properties on thermal hysteresisPhil Hancock (MSc) – Technical and Quality Manager –Blayson Olefines Ltd

Abstr act: The concept of wax thermal hysteresis or waxmemory becomes an increasing challenge to wax engineersas ever more complex wax patterns are required. Significantresearch has been undertaken to establish techniques thatreduce, not just the amount, but also the variability of thewax pattern distortion that is attributed to this phenomenon.The aim is to relate the results to the wax physicalproperties with a view to understanding if a particularcharacteristic of a material could have an influence on thewax thermal hysteresis. The study compares three patternwaxes with a view to establishing how intelligent wax designcan provide the most consistent wax pattern performance.

Phil has an MSc in Process Based Development, BSc(Hons) in Materials Technology, Lean Sigma Green Belt andCertificates in Management and Quality Control. Phil hasworked in the steel and superalloy industry in the UK formany years, notably as Process Manager at DoncastersMedical Technologies. Phil has extensive experience in theEuropean investment casting industry with knowledgeextending to other casting processes. Phil joined BlaysonOlefines Ltd in 2004, initially as Project Engineer and iscurrently Quality and Technical Manager. In this role hetravels extensively visiting investment casting companiesproviding technical support and solutions to foundriesWorldwide.

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15:30 – 16:00Overview of organic pattern materials in the Investmentcasting processesIr. Drs. John Machielse – Paramelt, The Netherlands/US

Abstract: In the Investment Casting process the usage oforganic pattern key to produce high quality casted parts.Besides the well known wax technology there a widenumber of Rapid Prototype (RP) & foam technologiesavailable. Especially the Rapid Prototyping techniques havedeveloped at great pace, changing the world of investmentcasting. This paper gives an overview of which technologiesare preferred and their specific advantages and drawbacks.Finally the alternative technologies are compared tostandard wax technology. The several wax qualities anddemands are discussed and give an overview how to cuttotal manufacturing costs. The paper will finalize with thecurrent status of the wax technology, challenges and futuredevelopments.

Ir. Drs. John Machielse received his Masters in Chemistryfrom the University of Amsterdam in 1992 and his chemicalengineering degree in 1994 at the University of Twente. Hehas 17 years experience in formulating & sales of waxproducts for various companies & applications. He isbusiness development manager EU for casting waxes withinParamelt Netherlands since 2009.

e-mail: JMachielse@paramelt.com

16:00 – 16:45The Technology of Wax and Core RemovalHoward Pickard – LBBC Technologies

(1) Mould Dewaxing

Abstract: The removal of wax from moulds is performedusing a steam Boilerclave® by many foundries. The natureof the systems in use and the process knowledge of thoseresponsible for their operation can vary considerably. Thispaper will explain the fundamental aspects of dewaxing andillustrate best practice to ensure optimum output by eitherreducing cost or increasing throughput. It will encouragefoundries to consider the dewaxing stage as a key part ofthe overall process.

The paper will explain some of the latest developmentswhich enable foundries to improve the performance of theirequipment.

(2) Understanding the Physics and Chemistry of theCore Removal Process

Abstr act : In 2011, a joint core removal research programmewas instigated between Rolls-Royce, LBBC Technologiesand the University of Birmingham to study the fundamentalPhysics and Chemistry of the Core Removal Process.

Having now been undertaking this study for 1 year it isrequested to present a paper with some of this research andthe practical trials/case studies that have also beenperformed.

By way of background, during operation gas turbine enginecomponents are often exposed to extreme temperaturesand pressures. Internal passageways through which coolingair is passed helps the components to survive in theseharsh conditions. The cooling channels are formed via theplacement of a ceramic core within a mould during theinvestment casting process. Once cast the core must thenbe removed. This has been achieved using a utilising apressure swing system/autoclave. The current projectfocuses on understanding the physics and chemistry of thecore removal process to enhance its industrial application.The paper will describe:

• The equipment used to facilitate the removal of cores.• The chemistry of the reagents used.• The physics behind the process.

Howard Pickard is Managing Director of LBBCTechnologies. He started is career at LBBC in 1989 and hasheld this position since 1995 having taken over from hisFather.

He was educated at Loughborough University where heobtained an honours degree in Manufacturing Engineeringand, whilst developing his career at LBBC, took an MBA atLeeds University.

LBBC have been involved in the Investment Castingindustry for many years with the dewaxing Quicklock®Boilerclave® and the Quicklock® Core Leaching Autoclaveboth being supplied throughout the world.

He has been involved in CMF for a number of years, beingChairman of the IC forum and currently holds a position onCouncil. He was also on the Steering Committee for theFOCAST project (2000-2002) at the University ofBirmingham, UK holding the Chairman’s position for year 2of the 3 year project.

e-mail: H.Pickard@lbbc.co.uk

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Tuesday 17th June – Seminar Room B

09:00 – 09:30Additive Manufacturing and Investment Casting –Chances and possibilitiesJuan Isaza - Fraunhofer Institute for ManufacturingTechnology and Advanced Materials – IFAM

Abstrac t: According to Wohlers , Additive Manufacturing(AM) is presently used ‘‘to build physical models, prototypes,patterns, tooling components and production parts in plastic,metal, ceramic, and composite materials.’’ Talking about realmanufacturing in terms of large-scale production of largenumbers of products, only a few niche products havereached this state.

First AM approaches began in the mid-1980s. In 1987 theinitial commercialization of the plastic processing techniquestereolithography (SLA) started. Metal-based processesimmerged in the late 1990s and became mature during2000–2003, when several companies launched systems forpowder bed laser melting, which were able to producedense metal parts directly from the machines. During thecontinuous improvement of the processes and machines,these systems have become more reliable, more efficient,and the palette of available materials has grownsignificantly.

This paper will present some mature AM processesaddressing their impact on the competitive position ofinvestment casting. Some examples will show the bigpotential of combining processes to effectively achieveoutstanding results during the development of new productsand for the manufacture of complex parts.

Juan Isaza holds a B.Eng in aeronautics and M.Eng incomputer based mechanical engineering from the Universityof Applied Sciences, Bremen, Germany. His current positionis with the Fraunhofer Institute for ManufacturingTechnology and Advanced Materials – IFAM where hisinterest is with metal based additive manufacturing.

e-mail: juan.isaza.paz@ifam.fraunhofer.de

09:30 - 10:00Using today’s technology to help improve your bottomlineStephan J. Hoppe – Guardian Software Systems, UnitedStates

Abstrac t: No longer are foundries just being required tosimply ship castings. Certifications Advance ShipNotifications, Serial Numbers and Quality Information arejust some of the demands now being required to provide.With the ability to communicate to devices, ERP systems,the web, email and the advent of industrialized hardwaretechnology, foundry specific applications are beingdeveloped to help foundries meet the needs being placedon them. Discussed will be some of the ways today’s newtechnological advances can help your foundry.

Topics will include:

1. Thinking outside of the box – paper is no longer arestriction.

2. Providing operators with all the necessary tools andinformation at their fingertips to perform their daily jobswithout leaving their workstation.

3. Using tablets, monitors, thin clients, and televisions outon the foundry floor to help gather and display productionand scrap data real-time.

4. Samples of how other foundries are using technology intheir day to day operations.

Stephan J. Hoppe, (Steve) the founder and CEO ofGuardian Software Systems, has dedicated the last 26years to the development of industry specific softwareproducts. For the past ten years, Steve and his softwareteam have designed a fully integrated ERP systemestablished for the metal casting industry. Steve is afrequent presenter at the regional and national levels of boththe American Foundry Society and the Investment CastingInstitute in the United States. Guardian Software Systemsis looking forward to expanding their reach to the EuropeanInvestment Caster’s Federation. In addition, Steve hasearned certification by the American Production andInventory Control Society (APICS). Based upon his industryexperience, in both software development and the foundryarena, Steve has been sought after to provide consultingservices for the implementation and integration of datasystems.

e-mail: steveh@guardiansoft.com

10:00 – 10:30“Automation” The Why and HowBruce Phipps – MPI Incorporated, US

Abstr act: Can automation be used in the InvestmentCasting Foundry Wax Room? It is easy to answer thisquestion with a firm yes, but the actual implementation ofautomation in a commercial wax room is much moreproblematic than may be apparent. There are manyaspects of foundry operations that must be considered tosuccessfully automate the wax room and achieve anacceptable ROI. With appropriate care and preparation, theautomation of your wax room will exceed most expectations.The wax room is where many of the issues causing scrapbegin. Incorrect die lubrication, manual pattern handling,poor assembly techniques and inadequate wax welds allcontribute to metal scrap rates, yet often they are notaddressed when attempting to improve casting yields. Thispaper will serve as a primer to better understand the itemsthat must be considered when developing an automationplan. Key considerations to be addressed include; whatshould be automated, can a phased approach to automationbe taken and what is required to automate either injection orassembly processes. An overview of some of thesuccessful automation projects will be covered.

Bruce Phipps is President and Owner of MPI Incorporated,a manufacturer of wax injection, wax preparation andpattern assembly equipment. He holds several patents onautomated pattern assembly and process control for thewax room. Bruce has spent over 40 years working in the

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industry in both the United States and overseas and hasparticipated regularly by giving technical papers at the ICI,CMF, EICF and JFS seminars for many years. Bruce wason the ICI Board of Directors from 2007 to 2009. Hecurrently serves on the Education committee of the ICI andis active in the new Process Control Course. Since 2006 hehas volunteered at the ICI Certification Course in Pittsburgh,Kansas as a teacher. His particular interests lie instrengthening the investment casting industry throughautomation, quality control and education. His degree inMechanical Engineering and his strong businessbackground combine to fuel his desire to continuallyimprove wax room operations and to support the mission ofthe Investment Casting Industry worldwide.

e-mail: bphipps@mpi-systems.com

10:30 – 11:00Automated quality control with optical 3D metrologyStephanie Adolf – GOM - Optical Measuring Techniques,Germany

Abstract: Optical 3D measuring systems such as fringeprojection systems and laser scanners have become firmlyestablished alongside tactile measuring machines asindustrial production measuring technology for complete,full-surface measurement of component geometry. Optical3D coordinate measuring acquires the entire componentgeometry in a dense point cloud instead of measuringindividual points only. The measured data obtained can beused in areas as inspection, reverse engineering, in pattern,tool and mold making, in engineering and machining(CAD/CAM), during first article inspection, in productionrelated quality assurance (CAQ) and in process control(PCS). Worldwide, optical 3D measurement technology isused as a precise, fast and robust measuring solution inpressure die, gravity die and sand casting as well as in lostfoam and investment casting processes. Due to its highquality measurement data and flexibility, optical measuringtechnology is implemented in measuring rooms as well as inproduction related quality control. The presentationdescribes the functions and practical applications for full-field optical 3D metrology: geometrical 3D measurementsfor shape & dimension measurement and inspection on waxpatterns, pattern plates, ceramic cores, sand cores, molds,dies and cast parts. A special focus is set on automatedquality control on airfoils, blisks and turbines in powergeneration and aerospace industry.

Between 2001 and 2004 Stephanie Adolf was responsiblefor sales of 3D-laser scanner in Germany, Austria andSwitzerland within Konica Minolta Europe GmbH,Langenhagen. Following this, from 2005 to 2007, she tookover setup of the 3D measurement technology segmentalong with system sales as well as optical and tactilemeasurement services at Forte+Wegmann OHG, Iserlohn, aspecialist in CAD/CAM and CNC machining for the aviationsector. Since 2006, Stephanie Adolf is working for GOMmbH in Braunschweig. As head of the Sales OperationsDepartment she is today responsible for establishingindustrial optical 3D metrology, with its focuses on materialtesting, 3D shape and dimension analysis and dynamiccomponent testing within the automotive, aviation,aerospace and consumer goods industries

11:30 – 11:45Production processes under controlAngelo Colombo – Tesar Suisse SA, Switzerland

Abstr act : Collection, control and management of productiondata through an integrated system for production planning,control and management allows a full command onproduction processes, providing 100% reliable data directlyfrom industrial plants. This approach gives the possibility toknow and understand precisely where and how to intervenewith the aim of increasing overall efficiency and reducingwaste. The quality management system permits to manageall aspects and sectors of the industrial processes quality inorder to offer better products and services.

Tesar addressed many specific needs in the investmentcasting industry, such as• Real time production process monitoring, alarms and

dashboards• Industry-specific data analysis• moulds management• part tracking for both products and components• process and parts quality control• strong real time integration with the production machinery• information sharing with• ERP integration.

Tesar solutions for the investment casting industry serve thepurpose of providing precise and efficient responses to themost frequent business queries, such as:• How can I optimize the production department and

increase the productivity, performance and efficiency ofthe human, machine and material resources?

• Where, when and how should I process a specific lot?• What are the most common causes of production

downtime, machine downtime and non-productivity?

Angelo Colombo is Sales & Marketing Manager for TesarSuisse SA. Tesar, based in Gallarate (IT) and Chiasso (CH),is one of the leading suppliers of ICT and electronic systemsfor production and quality control in a wide range ofindustries.

Angelo joined Tesar in 2013, having more than 20 years’experience in ICT consulting and sales for themanufacturing industry. He has experience in businessmanagement, sales and customer account management,project management, BPR and IT Strategy, ERP systemsimplementation and evolution, marketing and sales.

He has been reader in different university courses about ICTtopics.

e-mail: angelo.colombo@tesar.it

11:00 – 11:30Intelligent die with multi point core positioning tool

Abstr act : The scrap of parts is a big cost issue forfoundries. In particular castings with internal cavities madefrom ceramic cores are subject to an increased criticalitydue to the fact that cores can be damaged easily during thecasting process. In some cases cores break because thestress during the injection of the wax into the die is too high

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and generates cracks. Due to the higher demand ofsophisticated cores having wide and thin surfaces, Precicastdeveloped a device and a methodology to position the corein an unstressed/best fit condition into the die and secondlyto prevent cracks during the injection process understandingand optimizing the fluid dynamic behavior of the wax.

Luca Div ian i (SUPSI)Luca Diviani is Head of the Mechanics engineering unit atthe University of Applied Sciences of Southern Switzerland(SUPSI) where he works as lecturer and senior researcher.He has over 20 years’ experience in virtual engineeringdesign process oriented to the optimization of industrialproducts and processes.His main research field are the structural finite elements(FE) simulations, the dynamic simulations (metal forming,shock, crash, etc.) and the rheological simulation forthermoplastics , thermosets and wax.

e-mail: luca.diviani@supsi.ch

Franco Puffi (Prec icast )Franco Puffi is mechanical engineer with a strongbackground in the EDM and textile machinery business. Heworks since many years in the field of investment Castingfor Industrial Gas Turbine and Aerospace Industry as C.T.O.and C.E.O. deputy at Precicast SA.

e-mail: Franco.Puffi@precicast.com

11:45 – 12:00Vacuum Continuously Cast Superalloys: a Worlds FirstRichard George – Ross & Catherall, UK

Abstrac t: Ross and Catherall have a long history in themanufacture of alloys for the automotive, IGT andaerospace sectors. A project was initiated to develop a fullyvacuum sealed continuous casting method for theproduction of superalloys. The process has now beendeveloped to realise the benefits to the investment caster ofimproved cleanliness, minimal surface defect rectification,significantly reduced contamination through central pipeelimination and increased ingot use weight/length capability.With many alloys now in commercial production,developments are progressing to continuously castaerospace alloys, including single crystal alloys.

Richard George is Technical Director for Ross andCatherall, a pre-eminent manufacturer of nickel and cobaltbased superalloy bar stock for the investment castingindustries, serving the automotive, industrial gas turbine,bio-medical and aerospace sectors. He received hisbachelors degree in metallurgy from the University ofManchester in 1993 and subsequently an M.Sc from theUniversity of Sheffield in 2000. With 27 years experience ofthe metals industry, he has held several positions withleading companies associated with the melting and supplyof metals for demanding applications.

e-mail: RGeorge@doncasters.com

12:00 – 12:30Continuous Process Improvement – Precision Cutting &GrindingJim Byrne – VA Technology Ltd

Abstr act: The Investment Casting Process continues toadvance thro’ the application of advanced technologies atevery stage of the process

After metal pouring, the requirement to efficiently andaccurately remove the casting from the runner system, cut itto precise tolerances, with minimum metal loss, and finishgate grind it to accurate repeatable finish tolerances,provides the ‘worth winning’ challenge to further enhancethe investment casting process

New, totally robotised cutting machines have beendeveloped over the last 3 years. Applying these machineshas required re-evaluation of the metal cutting processusing abrasive cut off wheels and the development ofcontrol technologies to optimise the cutting phase from theinitial cut commencement, thro to part separation. Afterprecise cut-off, the parts are better prepared for further gategrinding to higher precision levels and in quicker processtimes using robotised advanced gate grinding systems

The paper will provide technical details of the mostadvanced and productive systems in operation throughoutthe international world of Investment Casting, with specificdetails and data from actual applied systems

Jim Byrne is a director and founder member VA TechnologyLtd , responsible for the implementation of advancedtechnology Ceramic Shell Manufacturing Systems androbotic Cutting and Grinding system throughout the world ofInvestment Casting. Prior to being with VA Technology,Mr.Byrne held senior Technical Management positions withWestinghouse, Unimation, Black & Decker, and Chrysler .

e-mail: Jim.Byrne@vatech.co.uk

12:30 – 13:00Investment casting research at Brno University ofTechnologyMilan Horacek, Ladislav Zemcik, Vojtech Kosour, IvoStachovec, Lucie Soukupova- Brno University of Technology, Institute of ManufacturingTechnology, Czech RepublicPatrik Vastak, Jiri Horensky, Jan Jedovnicky- Fimes,a.s. Foundry, Uherske Hradiste, Czech Republic

Abstr act: The latest I/C research activities at the BUT arebasically connected with the three years research jointproject with the Fimes,a.s.- aluminium investment castingfoundry in Czech Republic. The main goal of this researchwas implementation of the achieved results into daily Fimesfoundry practice and thus increasing the foundry chances togain new customers from aircraft, aerospace, defence andsimilar hi-tech industries. The whole project and was dividedinto several parts following the main phases of investmentcasting technology.

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“Mother” dieDeveloped and tested the new software for simulation ofwax filling into “mother” dies.This unique software should help the designers of dies todesign the correct gating systems for wax injection toachieve high quality wax patterns “right in the first time”.

Wax patternDetail laboratory analysis of several types of waxes suitablefor thin wall wax patterns have been done at Blayson (UK)laboratory. The basic physical, rheological and technologicalproperties of different waxes have been tested and the bestversions recommended for its use at Fimes foundry.

Ceramic shell mouldDetail laboratory analysis of several types of so far at Fimesused ceramic shell compositions have been done at theCARRD laboratory of IMERYS (Austria). Based on theseresults the optimal ceramic shell composition has beensuggested (i.e. compositions of slurries and also stuccos forboth primary and back up coats).

Filling the ceramic mould cavity by molten metalDuring these experiments especially designed test formeasuring of metal fluidity (i.e. ability of the molten metal tofulfil the mould cavity – called “BUT fluidity test”) has beenused.Following to the first achieved results special “cage gatingsystems” for larger thin wall aluminium castings (up to 700mm length) have been tested.

SummaryIn the presentation itself the main focus will be given to thelatest results achieved in the area of simulation of wax fillinginto dies and also simulation of aluminium metal filling intoceramic shell, which both should enable to design thecorrect gating systems for both above mentioned phases.

Prof Dr Milan Horáček is Senior Lecturer at the Dept. ofFoundry Engineering, Brno University of Technology (BUT)and over the past 30 years has been working in the field ofmetallurgy and foundry technologies with special orientationto the lost wax process.His lecturing activities are focused mostly to the courses infoundry technology at the BUT for bachelor, master andPhD levels. He is author of 8 student texts and every year isleading 2-4 diploma students (total about 90 since 1976).His research activities have been oriented tothermal properties of sand mixtures, solidification of hotspots in castings, ceramic shells for directional solidificationtechnology, study of metal solidification in ceramic shells,filtration of melts in ceramic shells, accuracy of investmentcastings, RP methods in combination with investmentcasting technology. Prof Horacek published in total about120 articles in journals and conference proceedings. Hewas/stil is very active in foudrymen societies:Czech Foundrymen Society- vice- president till 2010, WorldFoundry Organization – president in 2009 and since 2010past-president, Czech Investment Casting Association –vice-president till now

e-mail: milan.horacek@iol.cz

Tuesday 17th June – Seminar Room C

09:00 – 09:30Shelling systems with high dimensional stabilityThomas Krumrei, CARRD GmbH & Danilo Frulli, IFME

Abstract: Casting techniques like single crystal casting ordirectional solidification require shelling systems that areresistant against deformation during the long time at hightemperatures. Also in case of large equiax parts, the shellmust keep its dimensions during firing and casting despite theweight of the ceramic itself and the metallostatic pressure.

Fused minerals provide not only the necessaryrefractoriness and resistance against attack by the moltenalloy but can also be used to build shells with exceptionalhot dimensional stability. In particular White Fused Mullite,White Fused Alumina and combinations of both can be usedfor that purpose. This paper discusses hot dimensionalstability, thermal expansion and shell removal properties ofthese shelling systems.

Thomas Krumrei received his PhD in Geosciences fromUniversity of Tübingen, Germany, in 2007. In the same year hewas appointed as head of the analytical lab of CARRD GmbH,which is a Austrian based R&D facility within the IMERYSgroup dedicated to refractories, abrasives and advancedceramics. Since 2008, Thomas Krumrei works as researchengineer on ceramic raw materials for investment casting.

e-mail: thomas.krumrei@carrd.at

Danilo Frulli holds a master degree in Industrial Chemistrywith more than 12 years of experience of industrial mineral inthe refractories, metallurgy, glass, abrasives and foundryindustries.In 2005 he has obtained the certificate of“Investment Casting Specialist” issued by the InvestmentCasting Institute / University of Pittsburgh (USA). He ismember of the board of the European Investment Casters’Federation. He is the author of a large number of papers andpresentations on the properties and use of refractorymaterials for the moulding process in the Investment CastingIndustry. Since 2008 he is general manager of ImerysFoundry Minerals Europe (IFME), member of the Imerysgroup, world leader in the production of highly engineeredmineral products for a large number of industrial applications.

e-mail: d.frulli@damrec.com

09:30 – 10:00The Three Faces of SlurryDr. Grant Bradley – Remet UK

Abstr act : The paper comprises a review of andcommentary on the use of surface active agents inpreparing a slurry. Interaction of various surfactants with theslurry-air, slurry-wax, and internal slurry interfaces isdiscussed. Suggested guidelines for surfactant selectionand usage are given, along with the background theoryincluding Hydrophilic-Lipophilic balance (HLB), CriticalMicelle Concentration (CMC), adsorption and foaming. Thecompatibility of surfactant systems with the emulsionpolymers used in enhanced binders and the stabilisationsystems for silica sol are also discussed.

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Dr. Bradley joined Remet UK in 2012 as laboratorymanager with responsibilities ranging from R&D toproduction control within the UK business. Prior to this Dr.Bradley worked for Electra Polymers where he spent 14years researching polymer coatings for electronics, in themeantime editing a major text on photoinitiator chemistryand co-authoring a book on (meth)acrylate monomers andpolymers. Dr. Bradley holds a PhD in photopolymerisationchemistry from The University of Kent at Canterbury (UK),where he also carried out three years of post-doctoralresearch in polymer chemistry. During his university time heauthored papers on photochemistry, free-radicalpolymerisation, FTIR analysis, and microscopy.

e-mail: GBradley@remetuk.com

10:00 – 10:30Binder systems for investment casting the present andnew developmentsMark Bijvoet – Ransom & Randolph

Abstrac t: This paper deals with the technical factors behindnew binder development at Ransom & Randolph in the firstdecade of this century. This originates in the awareness thatthe traditional MOR testing of ceramic materials, eventhough it has its pertinence, is a very imperfect way toassess the performance of a ceramic shell – especiallygreen. A number of concerns are presented that relativizethe meaning of traditional MOR testing and a new way oftesting is proposed that correlates better to the actualperformance of molds in the autoclave . This is the SCRAPtest, the procedure of which is explained in detail.Between this new way of testing and product developmentthere has been a strong interaction for several years . Thisdevelopment lead to the MATRIXPOTE ® System family ofproducts. Case studies are included that document thesuccessful implementation of various MATRIXCOTEformulas in three European foundries.

Mark Bijvoet has worked with Ransom & Randolph since1997 and currently holds the position of EuropeanTechnicalManager, Ceramic Shell. Mr. Bijvoet works closely withfoundries all over Europe to assist them running shell roomtrials, address process and quality issues. He has presentedpapers at BICTA then CMF, VDG and EICF meetings inthe past.Mark Bijvoet studied metallurgy and foundrytechnology at Seraing Technical Institute. He also holds adegree in Philosophy and English from Liege University. Inaddition tohis native Dutch, he speaks English, German,French,Spanish and Italian fluently.

e-mail: Mark.Bijvoet@dentsply.com

10:30 – 11:00Advanced Technology - Ceramic Shell ManufacturingSystemsJim Byrne – VA Technology Ltd

Abstrac t: Shell quality directly translates to casting qualitywhich in turn translates to business profitability andsuccess.Today, advanced technologies are available toprovide zero defect shells …. 100% of the time.

Shell Manufacturing Systems have been engineered tomeet the required characteristics for Aerospace, Medical,and Commercial casting companies. InnovativeTechnologies have been developed to achieve maximumcapacity output, and maximum dimensional integrity.

Differing foundry requirements demand tailored solutions tosatisfy quality and productivity goals. These ‘more waysthan one’ solutions can all succeed providing they areunderpinned with robust control to maintain Key ProcessVariables and ensure the highest degree of processvariability avoidance.

The paper will provide technical details of the mostadvanced and productive Shell Manufacturing Systems forKPV control in operation throughout the international worldof Investment Casting.

Jim Byrne is a director and founder member VA TechnologyLtd , responsible for the implementation of advancedtechnology Ceramic Shell Manufacturing Systems androbotic Cutting and Grinding system throughout the world ofInvestment Casting. Prior to being with VA Technology,Mr.Byrne held senior Technical Management positions withWestinghouse, Unimation, Black & Decker, and Chrysler .

e-mail: Jim.Byrne@vatech.co.uk

11:00 – 11:30Estimate of the heat transfer phenomenon by thecasting simulationYuriko Saito – IHI corporation, Japan

Abstract: The heat transfer coefficient between castings andmold (IHTC) is one of the important parameters in a castingsimulation because it has the considerable effect on theaccuracy both of casting temperature and casting defectsprediction. Usually, the IHTC is obtained by the simplified testor inverse analysis with temperature measurement.

On the other hand, mold temperature prediction itself isdifficult because the furnace structure is complicated andradiation coming from the furnace gives the considerableeffect in directional solidification (DS) process. As for that,IHI has the original way of analysis that can predict moldtemperature with high accuracy.

In case of the investment castings, higher processtemperature, that means high casting and furnacetemperature, makes it difficult to measure the accuratecasting temperature. That means the inverse analysis forIHTC is not applicable. So, in most cases, a certain value ofIHTC is used in DS process, and it makes predictionaccuracy lower even if the mold temperature is in accuracy.

In the DS process, it is a feature that the liquid phase is keptabove the product part during the solidification process for along time. From the calculation, it is found that the pressurefrom the liquid is much higher than expected. Soconsidering the relationship between pressure and IHTC,we found that the IHTC is 5 times higher than the previousvalue. It is suggested that the sticking force between castingand mold is higher by the liquid pressure. New IHTC valuemakes the shrinkage prediction more accurate. This

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suggests that pressure consideration is necessary for thecasting simulation as well in the DS process.

Ms. Yuriko Saito has been working for the improvement ofcasting simulation accuracy and the application to actualprocess evaluation for 7 years at IHI. She deals with notonly investment castings but also sand casting. She has theexperience of the calculation for every size of casting partssuch as turbine blades, turbine housings, and engineblocks.

e-mail: yuriko_saitou@ihi.co.jp

11:30 – 12:00How a proper material characterisation can supportboth better understanding of own casting process andmathematical modelling of the casting processAndrea Carosi – Precicast SA, Switzerland

Abstract: The Investment Casting process route consists ofmany different steps where many different materials areused; the most important are::- Patterns manufacturing process consists of injection into a

die where a ceramic core is positioned of a (semi-) liquidwax;

- Mould manufacturing process consists of some coatingsof different refractory materials in form of both slurries andsands;

- Some heat treatments of the moulds (with cores inside)are made for different reasons;

- Insulation wrapping is applied to the moulds beforepouring;

- Different alloys are poured at different temperatures ofboth alloy and mould.

Therefore the role of the materials involved (waxes,refractories and metals) is very important: their chemical,thermal and mechanical behaviour is so strongly affectingthe process that it should be considered as a real processparameter.

Consequently the measurement of all process affectingcharacteristics became a strategic issue for any foundry; thealternative to predict them by calculation using thermo-physical models presents some important limitations.

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate that themeasurement itself in most case is not enough or can givewrong information if it is not carried out properly, that is tosay not taking on account real working conditions of thematerials during the investment casting process.

Proper laboratory conditions and procedures can give veryuseful and, sometimes, unexpected information, allowing tobetter manage any process improvements and also giving agreat support to the use of Mathematical Modelling tosimulate the process.

Some examples are discussed in this paper.

Andrea Carosi is Technical Manager at Precicast (joined 3years ago) for airfoil products, both EQ and DS/SC; he isalso managing Innovation Activities and Simulation of castingprocess. During the whole previous job in a Research Center

he worked on metallurgy and processing of superalloysconcerning both primary melting and Investment Casting,providing technical support to foundries too.

e-mail: Andrea.Carosi@precicast.com

12:00 – 12:30Power from foundry waste heatMikel Merchán - Tecnalia

Abstr act : Only half of the energy input to gas fired meltingfurnaces in foundries is absorbed by the material in itsmelting process, while the rest is lost through differentpaths. Among these, flue gases constitute the mostimportant path of waste heat with more than 75% of the totalenergy loss. Due to the growing price of energy and themore restrictive legislation around greenhouse gasesemissions, foundries are making big efforts in recovering thewaste heat from these flue gases.

Some foundries have already installed recuperators torecover part of the heat carried by the exhaust gases. Thisheat is currently either used to preheat the raw materials orto preheat the incoming air of the combustion process.Foundenergy project wants to go one step ahead andintroduce a solution that has been already used in otherenergy intensive industries such as cement manufacturingindustry. This solution consists in the use of a lowtemperature cogeneration system based on the OrganicRankine Cycle (ORC) process to transform the recoveredthermal energy into electrical energy.

The heat recovered from the flue gases of the furnace mustbe transferred to a fluid that can activate the evaporator ofthe ORC turbogenerator. For this transfer a heat exchangeris needed. The aggressive environment encountered infoundries flue gases, with heavy dust contents, makes thepipes to need a high wear and corrosion resistance.Foundenergy project has worked in the development of aprotective coating for steel plain pipes that increases the lifeof these parts and reduces their maintenance.

The solution developed in this project could be especiallyuseful for the European investment casting industry which isa very energy intensive industry. An average of 55% of thetotal energy consumed is used in the melting process andmore than half of this is lost through the flue gases so itcould be recovered and transformed into useful electricalenergy by the developed system, contributing to increasethe competitiveness of a sector that is facing the threat ofUSA and China in the last years.

Mikel Merchán is a Materials Engineer by the EngineeringSchool of the University of Navarra since 2006. This sameyear, he joined the metallic materials department ofTecnalia. He has focused his work on the metallic matrixcomposites (MMCs). He has specialized in the developmentof materials based on aluminum and magnesium alloys. Hiswork has consisted in the fabrication of these materials byliquid state methods and their following characterization. Hehas participated in various R&D national and internationalprojects.

e-mail: mikel.merchan@tecnalia.com

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Delegate Visit to GFMachining Solutions – itshistory and achievements

June 17-18, 2014

A success-enabl ing par tner

GF Machining Solutions is the world’s leading provider ofmachines, Automation solutions and services to the tool andmold making industry and to manufacturers of precisioncomponents. Products range from Electrical DischargeMachines (EDM) and high-speed and high-performanceMilling machines - including clamping and palletizationsystems - to 3D Laser surface texturing machines, services,spare and expendable parts, consumables, and Automationsolutions.

Based in Geneva, Switzerland and maintaining a presenceon 50 sites worldwide, GF Machining Solutions is globallyactive and a source of strength to its customers. A Divisionof the Georg Fischer Corporation (Switzerland),GF Machining Solutions has 2,873 employees andgenerated sales of CHF 867 million (USD 935 million) in2013.

With production centers in Switzerland, Sweden and China,sales companies worldwide, and a global network ofCenters of Competence and TechPoints, GF MachiningSolutions is committed to resolving customers’ challengesand keeping them soaring high above their competitors.

In Losone, GF Machining Solutions maintains administrativeand R&D offices, with production of EDM machines innearby Zandone.

A pioneering spirit

For a century and a half, GF Machining Solutions has beenan innovator and a source of strength to customers. Itshistory of technology leadership includes expansion intotechnologies that have spurred customers’ growth. With aneye to the future, GF Machining Solutions continues toinnovate in order to advance the success of its customers inparticular and the machine tool industry as a whole.

GF Machining Solutions began with the founding of Staib &Cie in Geneva, the birthplace of Charmilles. In 1906,Piccard & Pictet SA, later to become Ateliers desCharmilles, was founded and manufactured cars. By 1952,GF Machining Solutions had begun research anddevelopment of EDM for industrial applications.

Agie (AG for Industrial Electronics) was established in BaselSwitzerland in 1954, and the same year, both Agie andCharmilles presented the first die-sinking EDM machines.

In 1983, Georg Fischer acquired 51 percent of the shares ofthe EDM division of Ateliers des Charmilles in Geneva. Theoperation was renamed Charmilles Technologies SA, andthe remaining shares were acquired by Georg Fischer in1988. In 1987, Charmilles moved from central Geneva tonew production facilities in the industrial area of Meyrin.

Joint ventures set up in China by Agie in 1991 andCharmilles in 1996 resulted in the establishment of theBeijing-based Agie Charmilles Industrial Electrics Ltd., whichin 1999 began producing low-cost, entry-level EDMmachinery.

In 1996, Georg Fischer acquired a majority share in AgieHolding Ltd. The two market leaders Charmilles and Agiemerged to become the Agie Charmilles Group, the worldleader in EDM. In 2000, the Group acquired the high-speedMilling division of Mikron Technology Group of Nidau(Switzerland), reinforcing its leading position in the tool andmold-making sector. The next year, the Group took overSystem 3R (Stockholm, Sweden), a leading global providerof Tooling and Automation systems. In 2002, the grouppurchased Step-Tec AG in Luterbach (Switzerland), whichdevelops and manufactures motor spindles for machinetools.

In 2004, Agie Charmilles - ever a pioneer - presented thefirst die-sinking EDM based on the new platform forelectrical discharge machines. In 2007, a company wasestablished for the worldwide replacement, parts andservice business, centralizing the installed-base business atthe logistics hub in Geneva. The same year, GFAgieCharmilles, a Division of Georg Fischer Corporation,Schaffhausen (Switzerland) was founded.

In 2009, GF AgieCharmilles integrated Laser texturing intoits technology portfolio, giving customers a clean,economical and infinitely repeatable means of texturing,microstructuring, marking and labeling 2D and complex 3Dgeometries.

Shaping the future - today

On January 1, 2014, GF AgieCharmilles became GFMachining Solutions. The name change underscores GeorgFischer’s position as unified company with three divisionsand the Division’s commitment to bring customers worldwidethe solutions they need to accelerate their success.

Today, GF Machining Solutions is a partner of choice toleading manufacturers across a wide range of industries,including aerospace, automotive, medtech, information andcommunications technology (ICT), and electroniccomponents.

To learn more about GF Machining Solutions, please visitwww.gfms.com or look for GF Machining Solutions on AppleiPad App Store.

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GF Machining Solutions’ HQ in Geneva

GF Machining Solutions’ EDM production is concentrated inZandone.

The third-generation automatic wire changer gives theAgieCharmilles CUT 2000 S versatility, ease of use, andunequaled productivity. Its new Direct Power Supply moduleadapted to the Intelligent Power Generator (IPG) reducesmachining times by more than 30 percent.

The Mikron HSM 200U LP Milling center delivers highestprecision and surface quality, making it indispensible in bothtool and mold making and in the production of high-qualityparts.

GF Machining Solutions’ ecological and economical Lasertexturing technology enables the texturing, engraving,microstructuring, marking and labeling of 2D and complex3D geometries.

The System 3R TransformerAutomation system forworkpiece and/or electrodehandling brings a new level offlexibility to manufacturing. Plus,a wide range of in-processaccessories can be integrated tomeet customers’ changingneeds.

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DELEGATE VISIT

Delegate Visit toPerseo SA Art Foundry

June 17-18, 2014

Perseo SA was established in 1952 in Mendrisio,Switzerland, located between Lugano and Como. It hasalways maintained and demonstrated strong ties with the artworld and its sculptors. With Italian craftsmanship and Swissprecision it offers the best of both countries expertise.Factors such as always using top quality materials, strongtechnical support and the expertise of its suppliers, makes itthe leading foundry in Switzerland.

The foundry uses three processes based on transferring themodel to be reproduced to a mould and then to a casting.Models and sculptures are reproduced as patterns and thenmoulds using several techniques depending on the size andcomplexity of the final casting. Casting is mainly in bronzeusing either air for large or vacuum for fine intricate castings.

Casting sizes range from several grams and a fewcentimetres to monumental statues weighing many kilos andup to 7 metres high.

Visitors will see examples of typical models and sculptures,replication techniques, mould making, casting and finishingincluding the methods of applying artificial patina on bronzecastings.

Full details of Perseo’s process and examples of their workcan be found on their website www.perseoartfoundry.com

Patterns ready for moulding

Pattern preparation

Bronze casting

Finishing

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DELEGATE VISIT

Delegate visit to Modena“The automotive world”

18th June, 2014

A.M. Visit to Maserati

Officine Alfieri Maserati was founded on 1 December 1914in Bologna, Italy. Since then, Maserati has played aconsistently important role in the history of sports car cultureand its development. However, Maserati’s history involvesmore than its glorious sporting achievements and the launchof great road cars. The company has also developedindustrially over the years. Its relocation from Bologna to thecurrent site in Viale Ciro Menotti, Modena, in 1940 and itsacquisition by Ferrari, completed in 1997, are just twoexamples of the many major events in the development ofMaserati’s expansion strategies and the launch of its newcars.� Maserati is a brand that began life in a local contextbut then went on to become a major international player,with representation in 61 countries.

The Marque’s history is one of continuous engineeringinnovations. Maserati has always focused on thedevelopment of innovative engineering solutions, but onefundamental factor behind its race victories has been itsresearch into ultralight alloys. Since its foundation, theMarque has constantly been on the lookout for stiffer, lightermaterials to enable it to improve its cars’ dynamicperformance, first on the track and then on the road, givingcustomers unique driving sensations, unrivalled sportshandling and sheer enjoyment.

Maserati’s history has continued down to the present daywith continuous developments in the materials used to buildits cars’ chassis, bodies and mechanical components. Thefirst cars used a variety of materials, including aluminium,which was then replaced by various light alloys, through tothe plastics and carbon fibre now adopted for manycomponents of standard production Maserati cars. Forexample, the superstructure of the new MaseratiQuattroporte consists of no less than 60% ultralight alloysincluding magnesium and aluminium.

The Trident has always been a badge of prestige, atraditional logo that has appeared on all cars in Maserati’shistory. It underlines the exclusive status od the firm’s carsand their identity as masterpieces of elegance, luxury andsports car performance.

The ultimate Maserati’s car is the Ghibli model: it is a carthat places no limits on its driver’s desires and preferences,revolutionising the concept of customisation in the sportssedan segment.

The Ghibli’s 3 litre Twin Turbo V6 is an engine designed toachieve even lower fuel consumption and emissions whilestill guaranteeing stunning sporty performance. The result isoutstanding versatility in terms of use, combined withextremely impressive torque and power values: 330 HP(243 kW) at 5,000 rpm and, when the Sport button ispressed, 500 Nm available at engine speeds from 1,750 to4,500 rpm.

Visit schedule

18th June, A.M.

7.00 Meeting point at Palazzo dei Congressi inLugano

7.30 - 10.00 Bus transfer

10.30 - 12.30 Industrial visit in Maserati’s facilityThe visit will start with the introduction of aperson from the marketing department on allmost important facts in Maserati’s historyand then the group will move to theproduction and R&D sector of the firm wherea technical explanation of the mainprocedures will be presented by a Maseratiengineer.

13.00 - 14.15 Lunch in a typical restaurant of the EmilaRomagna region

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Visit schedule

18th June, P.M.

14.30 - 16.00 Guided visit at Enzo Ferrari House-Museum

The museum complex extends on about6.000 m2 and includes Enzo Ferrari’sBirthplace and a futuristic automotive designgallery, painted in the yellow that EnzoFerrari chose as the background for thePrancing horse on his famous logo.Emotion. This is what visitors entering thehouse where the great Modeneseconstructor was born feel.

The interior features a multimedia display ofpictures, unpublished films and preciousmementoes of Enzo Ferrari’s life as a man,driver and car-maker throughout the 20thcentury.

The new Exhibition Gallery houses a flexiblemounting representing story, figures, placesand races of the Modenese sport motorracing.

Cars, protagonist of the mounting andexhibited like works of art on designplatforms, are periodically changedaccording to the temporary exhibitionorganised, with a renewable exhibitionmethod. The museum complex has beenbuilt on a high energy conservation and highenvironmental sustainability, designedaccording to bioclimatic principles and madewith innovative materials.

16.30 - 19.00 Bus transfer back to Lugano

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DELEGATE VISIT

Delegate visit to Milano“The helicopter world”

18th June, 2014

A.M. Vis it to Agusta Westland

AgustaWestland was created by the merging of twohelicopter companies with long and rich histories datingback to the formative days of aviation manufacturing in theearly 20th Century. Agusta’s and Westland’s pedigree ashelicopter manufacturers dates back to the 1950s whenboth Companies took strategic decisions to move into rotarywing aircraft production.

Agusta and Westland first collaborated in the 1960s, whenWestland started licence production of the Agusta AB47G,better known as the “Sioux”. Starting in 1964, Westland built250 of these small helicopters at Yeovil.

AgustaWestland, the Anglo-Italian helicopter companyowned by Italy’s Finmeccanica, is a total capability providerin the vertical lift market.

Through its rotorcraft systems design, development,production and integration capabilities, its experience in thetraining business and its customer focused IntegratedOperational Support solutions, the Company deliversunrivalled mission capability to military and commercialoperators around the world.

This expertise, backed by technological excellence andinnovation, makes the Company a leader in a number of theworld’s most important helicopter markets offering thewidest range of advanced rotorcraft available for bothcommercial and military applications.

AgustaWestland operates globally in the vertical lift marketthrough a number of joint ventures and collaborativeprogrammes with major European and American helicopterprimes where the company has leading or primary roles.There are also partnerships with a number of other leadingaerospace and defence companies to deliver mutuallybeneficial programmes. This network of alliancesstrengthens the Company’s product range, increases itsglobal reach, and enhances business opportunities.

AgustaWestland is more than just a helicoptermanufacturer: it is a total rotorcraft capability provider

Volandia – Park and Museum of Flight

Take a look around you - the walls are steeped in history,dreams and the future. You are at Volandia, where awonderful exhibition itinerary takes you deep into the historyof international aeronautics, with focus on the companiesthat have written the story of the province of Varese, theprovince with wings, and all of Lombardy and Italianindustry.

The exhibition is divided into five areas: forms of flight, fixedwing, rotary wing, model aircraft and the convertiplane. Ittells the great history of flight in all its forms, from pioneerflights in hot-air balloons to the first aircraft in the early1900s right through to the convertiplane, the perfect fusionof vertical and horizontal flight.

The Park and Museum of Flight has plenty of indoor andoutdoor areas for children, with space dedicated to thedifferent age brackets. For older visitors there is thesimulation area, library, historical archives (consultableonline), convention room and film showings.

The Volandia Store stocks a wealth of park and museumgifts and mascots and many other wonderful articles.

As you walk around the park and museum you can listen toexciting adventures involving the aircraft on show told byvolunteers of the “Friends of Volandia” association, whosemembers include fanatics and former workers at the aircraftcompanies. If you would like to join the association, justask.. Members are easy to recognise in their red uniform.

The Flight Café is the perfect place to take a break andhave something to eat and drink.

Volandia makes flight dreams and fun happen.

51

DELEGATE VISIT

Programme

Meeting Point – 07.00Lugano – Palazzo dei Congressi

Transfer to Malpensa – from 07.30 – 09.00With the bus

Arrival at Agusta production factory – 09.00Welcoming with badge distribution and coffee break

Visit at Agusta – from 09.00 to 11.00Two hours guided visit with an initial introduction of a personfrom the management board and a technical explanation ofR&D news and production facilities

Opti onal – from 11.00 to 12.00Transfer to malpensa airport for people who have the flightin the afternoon

Transfer to the restaurant and lunch – until 13.30Transfer with the bus to the restaurant and relaxing lunch

Visit at the museum – from 13.30 to 15.00One hour guided visit at Volandia, with possibility of buyingsouvenirs at the shop

Departure for return trip – 15.00Transfer to malpensa airport for people who have the flightin late afternoon / evening

Return trip – from 15.00 to 16.30Arrival at Palazzo dei Congressi

52

EICF INFORMATION

GermanyACCESS e.VALD Vacuum Technologies GmbHAdvanced Aerofoil Technologies AGBuderus Feinguss GmbHKennametal Stellite GmbHFeinguss Blank GmbHFLC Flowcastings GmbHGiesserei - InstitutMK Technology GmbHMorsa Wachswarenfabrik GmbHRomonta Bergwerks Holding AGVoxeljet Technology GmbHTital GmbHTubinger Stahl-Feinguss Franz Stadtler GmbH & Co KGVacucast Feinguss GmbH & Co. Metall KGZircoa GmbHZollern Foundry Technology

HungaryMagyarmet, Szegedi Finomontode Kft

IrelandDepuy (Ireland) LtdHoneywell Turbo Technologies

ItalyEMA SpaMetrocast Italiana SpaMicrocast SRLKennametal Stellite S.p.A.Microfond BrescianaSolar Impianti

NetherlandsCirex BVParamelt B.V.

PolandFoundry Research InstituteP.I.O. SpecodlewSeco/Warwick Europe Sp.zo.oWSK “PZL- Rzeszow” SA

PortugalZollern & Commandita

SerbiaLivnica Preciznih Odlivaka AD

SpainAlfa Precision Castings SAEcrimesaEndeka Ceramic HoldingsPCBTecnalia

SwedenTPC Components

SwitzerlandPrecicast SAEngimics SA

TunisiaEurocast

TurkeyGür Metal Investment CastingGEDIK Döküm ve Vana Sanayi ve Ticaret A.ŞMakim A.S.Nev Hassas DökümUnimetal Hassas Döküm Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.S.

UKABS Alloys and MetalsBlayson Olefines LtdConsarc Engineering LtdDovetail PolymersDupre Minerals LtdDoncasters Precision Castings - Deritend LtdFirth Rixson Metals LtdInductotherm Europe LtdInternational Precision Casting SuppliesLBBC TechnologiesLongwear ProductsMagma Ceramics and Catalysts LtdMayo Engineering LtdMechel Ferro Chem PVt LtdMineral & Chemical Services LtdMorgan Technical Ceramics CertechRemet UKRolls-RoyceRoss & Catherall LtdRoss Ceramics LtdSelex Galileo LtdTritech Precision Products LtdUni-Pol GroupUniversity of BirminghamV A Technology Ltd

EuropeanInvestment Casters’

Federation

Membership BenefitsThe EICF is the Federation of European InvestmentFoundries and Suppliers to the Industry. The Federation’sobjectives are to publicise the advantages of InvestmentCasting as a precision manufacturing process and toimprove the process capability through the sponsorship ofresearch and development.

The EICF organises technical and commercial conferencesfor senior management.For the practising engineer it arranges technical workshopsfor both training purposes and for the dissemination of thetechnical advances in the industry.

Members have the opportunity to participate in collaborativeresearch with the Federation’s university and researchorganisation members

If you are a European Investment Foundry, Supplier to theIndustry or a user of investment castings here are just a fewof the reasons for joining the EICF.

� Low cost of membership (€ 575 or £400 for 2014)� Reduced fees for conferences and workshops organised

by the EICF and companion organisations.� Opportunities to collaborate in sponsored research

projects� The opportunity to publicise your company’s news free

of charge through the EICF news letter published in theFoundry Trade Journal

� Company details through EICF web site hyperlinks andnews bulletins.

www.eicf.org gives worldwide coverage of members andfederation news

� Members details� Direct links to members e-mail and web sites� Links between Cast Metals Federation and Foundry

Trade Journal web sites� Members news� Federation news� Past and future events� Publications

MembersAustria

O.ST Feinguss GmbHBelgium

Bodycote HIPIndustrial Marketing Corporation SAPrecimetal Fonderie de PrecisionConsolidated Precision Products

Czech RepublicLANIK s.r.o.

FinlandSaco Tech Components OY

FranceAMA ServicesCTIFESI GroupIFMEPrecicast FrancePCC FrancePorcelaines Avignon S.A.Ransom & Randolph DentsplyMicrosteel

1. Name of Company _________________________________________________

Parent Company (If applicable) __________________________________________

Address_____________________________________________________________

Telephone_____________________________

Fax__________________________________

VAT No.______________________________

2. Chairman or Managing Director_________________________________

3. Contact Name_______________________________________________

E-mail________________________________________________________

Web Site______________________________________________________

Membership subscriptions are invoiced annually. Please indicate your preferred method of payment:

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Please return a duplicate copy, together with company brochures to the secretary:Julie Boyce, Holly Cottage, Gorcott Hill, Beoley, Redditch, B98 9EW, UK. Tel. +44 (0) 1564 742603, Fax +44 (0) 1564 742080.

European Investment Casters’ Federation

Membership Application

The EICF is a company limited by guarantee, registration number 4694940

54

NOTES

�Notes

55

NOTES

�Notes

European Investment Casters’ Federation

Holly Cottage, Goprcott Hill, Beoley, Redditch, B98 9EW, UKTel:+44 (0) 1564 742603

Fax: +44 (0) 1564 742080Web: www.eicf.org