AMETEK Partners With Comanche Technologies to Market Cerra-Flex Refractory Cloth Filters
Innovative Filtering Material Reduces Costs While Improving Casting Efficiency
NEWARK, DE - AMETEK Foundry Products has partnered with Comanche Technologies, a leader in metal filtration casting applications, in developing Cerra-Flex®, an innovative new line of refractory cloth filters.
"Cerra-Flex® refractory cloth filters combine the strengths and experience of two foundry industry leaders. AMETEK has marketed Flexsil® silica mesh filter cloth for more than 10 years, while Comanche Technologies has more than 30 years experience in metal casting filtration applications," notes Jim Visnic, Vice President and General Manager of AMETEK Chemical Products.
"We are very pleased with the early performance of Cerra-Flex® refractory cloths. They greatly increase the range of metal casting applications for Flexsil® filter cloths, while simultaneously reducing operating costs and improving casting quality," comments Jason Hitchings, General Manager of Comanche Technologies.
"Flexsil® and Cerra-Flex® refractory cloth filters serve dual roles by filtering impurities from the molten metal while providing a cost-effective method for both de-risering and runner segmentation," he adds.
Cerra-Flex® is a refractory-coated silica mesh cloth developed specifically for increased thermal properties and rigidity. It can be used in metal casting applications where metal pour temperatures approach the maximum allowed for silica mesh fabric, such as steel casting or when pouring large amounts of ferrous metals.
"The excellent rigidity of Cerra-Flex®, even at high temperatures, helps limit any deflection of the fabric from the pressure of metal flow and thus can be placed closer to the casting at the riser contact. Thus after knock-off, there is a very small contact nub to grind. Additionally, larger quantities of metal can be poured due to the increased strength of the cloth," notes Mr. Hitchings.
Casting quality improvement comes from the ability of Flexsil® and Cerra-Flex® to filter out the slag and dross impurities that form in molten metal during the casting process, increasing end-casting machinability while simultaneously reducing the casting line scrap rate. Lower operating costs are achieved through a dramatic reduction in time and effort required for riser removal and runner segmentation.
Cost savings can be achieved by eliminating the need for production line personnel to manually cut away risers and runners after the casting has cooled by placing small pieces of Cerra-Flex® cloth at both the riser casting contact and in various locations along lengthy runner systems. Residual components can then be quickly and easily knocked off during the shakeout process, resulting in significant operational cost savings.
AMETEK Foundry Products is a unit of AMETEK, Inc. a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices with annualized sales of more than $2.4 billion. For additional information, contact AMETEK Foundry Products, 455 Corporate Blvd., Newark, DE 19702 USA. Phone: 800-441-7777. Fax: 302-456-4444. Web site: www.ametekfpp.com.
