ASIMCO signs up to make CGI engine parts

Another Chinese foundry has turned to SinterCast to install process control technology enabling it to supply CGI cylinder heads and blocks for commercial vehicle diesel engines

More and more Asian foundries are turning their attention to compacted graphite iron (CGI) as their automotive clients are recognising it as the material of choice for powertrain components.

ASIMCO International Casting Co. Ltd., a leading independent automotive components group in China, has entered into a technology supply agreement with the Swedish process control specialist SinterCast for Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI) product development and series production. 

Planned commissioning is due to take place during 2015 so in theory the line could be in production early in 2016.

The System 3000 Plus will control the CGI process including the patented SinterCast thermal analysis, automatic feedback control of the base treatment process by cored wire, and feedforward optimisation of magnesium and inoculant prior to casting. 

Under the terms of the agreement, SinterCast will install the System 3000 Plus process control system at ASIMCO’s foundry in Shanxi, China and provide engineering support for setting up a robust CGI series production process. 

"The installation of the SinterCast technology in our cylinder block and head foundry in Shanxi marks another important step for ASIMCO as a leading provider of passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle components" said Tian, Guozhu, general manager of ASIMCO International Casting Co., Ltd. (Shanxi). "The global recognition of the SinterCast brand provides instant credibility for ASIMCO's CGI capability and, together with the reliability of the SinterCast technology and its engineering experience, provides a robust platform for ASIMCO to supply the growing Asian demand for CGI."

"The ASIMCO installation becomes our tenth installation in China and our 18th in Asia, broadening our local presence and brand awareness, and increasing our opportunity to support the series production needs of the important Asian CGI market" said Dr Steve Dawson, SinterCast’s president and chief executive officer. 

"Since the launch of our System 3000 Plus technology in 2011, more than two-thirds of our series production installations have opted for the increased process efficiency provided by the automation of the base treatment process together with the security of our patented measure-and-correct process control strategy.  We are pleased to support ASIMCO with this class-leading technology," he added.