EPIQ introduces smart casthouse solution

GCC

EPIQ introduces smart casthouse solution

Jun 26, 2024 12:51 PM

EPIQ Machinery, a leading Canadian equipment designer that has expanded its presence to Bahrain, has introduced the MECFOR Smart Casthouse Solution; a comprehensive system designed to address the multifaceted challenges faced by foundries worldwide.

The company is renowned for offering innovative and efficient solutions for the global heavy equipment, vehicle and material handling systems sectors.

The aluminium foundry industry, in particular, grapples with a range of issues, from safety concerns and energy efficiency to personnel shortages and supply chain disruptions.

“Anyone working in or around casthouses is aware of the dangers,” said EPIQ Machinery product manager René Laliberté. “EPIQ Machinery’s solution aims to alleviate these challenges by providing a versatile and adaptable system that prioritises safety and efficiency.”

Foundries – factories that produce metal castings by melting and pouring metal into moulds – are integral to numerous industries, such as those in automotive, aerospace, construction and manufacturing.

The MECFOR Smart Casthouse Solution encompasses a specialised foundry vehicle equipped with a diverse array of tools, numbering more than 525, developed and manufactured by EPIQ Machinery.

This ‘extensive toolkit’ enables the solution to ‘efficiently perform a task’ encountered in casthouse operations.

Safety is a key consideration, with features integrated into both the tool design and vehicle operation. Mr Laliberté added: “Safety must be built into casthouse operations as strategically as the smelting processes are.”

A notable component of the solution is the MECFOR Furnace Vehicle (MFV), engineered to enhance material handling efficiency. It boasts embedded technologies for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance scheduling, and optional features such as the furnace protection system and MECFORlink further augment its capabilities to increase overall profitability, improve safety procedures and maximise equipment use.

“Real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance scheduling contribute to overall efficiency and productivity,” he said.

As the aluminium industry experiences ongoing growth, fuelled by demand from numerous sectors, the need for innovative solutions remains significant.

The MECFOR Smart Casthouse Solution positions itself to contribute to this growth by offering a comprehensive approach to the industry’s challenges, with a focus on safety, efficiency and adaptability. “This is a paradigm change that provides a comprehensive strategy for resolving industry issues and promoting sustainable growth,” explained Mr Laliberté.

While the long-term impact and effectiveness of the MECFOR Smart Casthouse Solution are yet to be fully realised, it represents a notable development in the aluminium foundry industry, experts suggest.