Newsletter – 27 September

The SAIF and the Valve and Actuators Manufacturing Cluster of South Africa (VAMCOSA) recently held a meeting at the Reading Country Club and was attended by 60 members. Henk Langenhoven, the corporate specialist for supplier development and localisation at Eskom, delivered a presentation on the valve supply plans for Eskom and the opportunities and challenges facing both the foundry and valve manufacturing industries. The NFTN provided additional support in-kind as well as sponsoring the refreshments for the evening.

The questions and debate following the presentation was a positive measure of the interest shown in the product “designation” process as well as the procurement framework in which Eskom operates. Foundries producing valve castings and interested in joining the soon to be established group deriving assistance under the NFTN’s Competitiveness Improvement Initiative (CII), should contact the SAIF or NFTN. Link to John’s email address and Adrie’s email address

For the presentation click here

The SAIF and NFTN will have a stand at the AFRIMOLD EXHIBITION at Gallagher Estate from 10 – 12 October 2012 and will welcome industry members to see the latest video on exciting training prospects in the industry, as well as the successes of the recent interventions. The exhibition runs concurrent with the Afrimold conference. Register for Afrimold

The SAIF welcomes as a corporate member, DUVHA FOUNDRY, which has started operations in Chamdor in Gauteng, producing castings in all ferrous alloys. As a new venture, we wish them every success in the future. For further information contact Stanley Tshivhase on duvhafoundry@mail.com or 082 452 7119.

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CAREER PATH FRAMEWORK – The two patternmaking learners, undergoing training at Arcelor Mittal have successfully completed their NQF level 2 qualification. Well done to both of them. The melters are well on the way to completion of this level.

DIPLOMA MODULES – Courses are currently running at the University of Johannesburg (Supervisory Management) at the Premier Hotel in Kwa-Zulu Natal (Melting and Metallurgy) and at Autocast in Brits (Cores and Core Making). The Western Cape Institute of Foundrymen (WCIF), are also currently presenting the Melting and Metallurgy and the Quality Control Modules. In total 132 learners are currently attending these skills accredited courses.

CASTING SERVICES – The SAIF supported CASTING SERVICES in presenting an in-house training programme at PDC in KZN last month, with 46 learners receiving instruction and practical guidance. The successful heat treatment course, presented by Graham Knight, was completed at the VUT earlier this month, where 16 learners attended.

Diploma in Foundry Technology Courses – Results: Learners who have successfully completed the courses in Aluminium Casting and Quality Control, may collect their certificates from the SAIF Offices.

The University of Johannesburg and the SAIF are hosting two, two–day seminars, in Johannesburg and Durban, with presentations by Dr Gotthard Wolf and Dr Claudia Damaschk from Germany, both of whom are most knowledgeable and proficient in foundry technology, on the subject of the interaction of the metal with the core and mold. If you would like to attend please click here

The Practical Sand Testing Course will start on 6 October 2012. Also starting on the 6th is the Productivity and Production Planning Module at UJ. A Course on Casting Design and Methods will be presented in October.

The next technical presentation will be held on 2 October 2102, with a presentation on the GREEN ENERGY EFFICIENCY FUND and how it can assist foundries with their power requirements.

On 4 October 2012, the SAIF and VOLCLAY will be hosting a works visit and technical presentation at the chrome sand mine for a limited number of members and guests.

Date: 15th November 2012 Venue: Reading Country Club, Fore Street Albertante – Alberton Cost: R 2,400.00 per four ball – Maximum 3 four balls per company Sponsor Opportunities – R 1000.00 for a green & R 500.00 for a tee off. Prize Sponsorship must be a minimum of 4 prizes. Closing date for bookings is 15th October 2012. More information

The Metal Casting Conference 2013 is well under way and the four international keynote speakers for the conference have been confirmed.

Dr Robert Dungan (Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research Laboratory, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service) will speak on Solutions for waste in the foundry sector.

Alfred Spada, Editor/Publisher of Modern Casting and Metal Casting Design & Purchasing magazines and AFS Director of Marketing, Communications and Public Relations, presentation is titled Global Metalcasting: A Strengths and Weaknesses Assessment.

Brad Harris Director of Quality (Bremen Castings) will do a presentation on the importance of continuous improvement in the metal casting industry while Dr Horst Wolff of the Institute for Foundry Technology in Duesseldorf/Germany will focus on energy efficiency in foundries.

There has been strong interest from international presenters submitting abstracts, however local interest presentations and research papers are still needed. Metal casting practitioners and researchers wishing to participate are requested to submit just the title of a presentation via the website http://metalcastingconference.co.za/call-for-papers/

• The World Conference on non-destructive testing transactions
• The World Foundry Organisation Technical Forum held at GIFA – Inorganic Sand Binder Systems