Chemical moulding process implementation study

Abstract

It can be stated that the foundry industry in Malta is about to enter into a totally new phase by the establishment of a central foundry at Hal-Far industrial estate. This contrasts with the traditional foundry practice which was run on a relatively small scale. However, skilled foundry workers are never lacking because the local major ship repair enterprise, Malta Drydocks, was always backed with the facilities of a foundry complex. This foundry facility, and the others which are in use, were however not set up for the scale of production and manufacture organisation policies as set out in the established central foundry. Moreover, they are not geared up with the latest technologically available foundry equipment as installed in the new foundry complex. They were set up more for a one-off type of production. On the other hand, the new foundry is to run on a much higher production capacity because it is to operate on batch production for a certain range of size of castings, However, the new foundry is to restrict itself to the production of ferrous castings, technically grey iron in ordinary or special grades. Non ferrous castings would entail a total redesign of the complex. The new foundry should open a much wider horizon and promising scope for the metal industry in Malta. Still, such a venture is considered to be fraught with certain possible dangers and these have to be tackled right from the beginning. As far as technology is concerned, the optimal choice should be selected such that it would be possible to produce the right type of casting, of the right quality, at the right quantity and time, and at right right price to the satisfaction of both the foundry itself and the customer. A foundry project is a very capital intensive project, and therefore, the right choice of production processes, equipment, and facilities layout are very much tied to the economic viability of the venture [...].