Resources & Associations for Metal Casters
MnTAP provides the following resources to help you learn more about making process improvements and taking advantage of energy efficiency opportunities in your casting facility. More information can be found on the other metal casting Web pages.
- MnTAP Grant Report: Consolidating Energy Efficiency (E2) with Pollution Prevention (P2) for Minnesota’s Industrial Facilities (2007). Under this 18-month grant supported by U.S. EPA Region V, MnTAP used the Accelerated Diffusion of Pollution Prevention Technologies (ADOP2T) model to assist metal casters. [PDF 110KB]
- MnTAP Intern Summary: QX Inc. (2006). The intern evaluated how to reduce energy use in the melt furnace operation and recover heat from the evaporator system.
- U.S.EPA: An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a set of processes and practices that enable an organization to reduce its environmental impacts and increase its operating efficiency. This link has tools to identify opportunities to pursue through an EMS.
- Energy Star: Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings for Metal Casting Guide (2016)
- Department of Energy Industrial Technologies Program: Advanced Melting Technologies: Energy Saving Concepts and Opportunities for the Metal Casting Industry (2005)
- U.S. DOE Report: Implementation of Best Metal Casting Practices (2007 [PDF 1MB]. The report identifies the benefits or barriers to implementation of best practices by focusing upon inexpensive technology.
- Focus on Energy Guidebook: Metal Casting Industry Energy Best Practice Guidebook (2006) [PDF 463KB].
- DOE Summary: Ford Cleveland: Inside-Out Analysis Identifies Energy and Cost Savings Opportunities at Metalcasting Plant (2003) [PDF 265KB]. Sixteen projects were identified at this facility and have a combined potential annual savings of $3.3 million, along with two longer-term projects that would save an additional $9.5 million.
- DOE Summary: Metlab Plant-Wide Assessment (2002) [PDF 639KB]. As a result of the plant-wide assessment, Metlab has prepared a plan that will produce an annual savings of approximately $528,400.
Associations
American Foundry Society (AFS) helps members manage production operations, market their products and services, and manage their employees. AFS promotes the interests of the foundry industry before the legislative and executive branches of the federal government. It offers technical documents and other information and an on-line question and answer forum.
The AFS Institute, formerly Cast Metals Institute, hosts more than 30 practical courses, seminars and workshops annually on all metal casting processes, materials and disciplines, both in-person and online at AFS headquarters, in-plant seminars and other venues throughout North America.
- The Twins Cities Chapter of the AFS holds monthly dinner/presentation meetings during the fall, winter, and spring on technical topics. One facility tour is typically scheduled during the meeting calendar.
American Metalcasting Consortium (AMC) The American Metalcasting Consortium is providing the Defense Logistics Agency with direct support in procurement of critical cast parts for both new and legacy weapon systems.
American Society of Materials (ASM) International fosters the understanding and application of metals and engineered materials and their research, design, reliable manufacture, use, and economic and social benefits via a global information-sharing network of interaction among members in forums and meetings, education programs, and through publications and digital media.
North American Die Casting Association promotes growth and enhancing its members’ ability to compete domestically in the global marketplace. The NADCA Web site has an archive of on-line references and documents for members.
Metal Casters of Minnesota (MCM) promotes the importance of metal casting in Minnesota and is a strong advocate for the metal casting industry through effective lobbying on a local, state, and federal level. The MCM holds spring and fall meetings with prominent speakers of industry interest.