Teksid set for high volume output of CGI?

Could the Teksid group be on the point of starting high volume production of compacted graphite iron (CGI) components?
The implication could certainly be drawn following the announcement that Teksid has ordered a third SinterCast process control system. That a foundry in Brazil has been selected suggests the potential for high output. The Cursor 16 diesel engine used by Iveco already uses CGI components.

This makes SinterCast establishing the first foundry group with CGI production capability on three continents.

Under the terms of the agreement, a SinterCast System 3000 Plus process control system will be installed at the Teksid do Brasil foundry located in Belo Horizonte, Brasil.  This system of the largest of the SinterCast systems - Teksid has the System 3000 installed in its foundry in Mexico and the Mini-System 3000 installed in its foundry in Portugal. That Teksid has opted for the 3000 Plus suggests it reckons the time has come to try and recoup its investment in CGI systems technology by launching into series production of some products. At present, Teksid does not produce CGI components.

The installation is planned to be commissioned in the first quarter of 2016 and will be used initially to support product development of passenger vehicle, commercial vehicle and industrial power components.

To support future plans for high volume series production, Teksid do Brasil has opted for the System 3000 Plus technology, which provides automatic base treatment by cored wire, SinterCast’s thermal analysis, and automatic feedforward optimisation of magnesium and inoculant prior to casting.

"The installation of the SinterCast technology at our Belo Horizonte foundry reinforces the global standing of Teksid as a leading provider of technology, components and solutions to the passenger vehicle, commercial vehicle and industrial power industries" said Dr Riccardo Tarantini, president and chief executive officer of Teksid S.p.A. "With SinterCast-CGI capability in our foundries in Brasil, Mexico and Portugal, Teksid is uniquely positioned with the ability to offer regional support for the CGI series production needs of our worldwide customer base."

"The Teksid do Brasil installation marks the sixth commitment for our System 3000 Plus technology. Introduced in 2012, the System 3000 Plus provides the highest level of automation, productivity and process security for high volume series production" said Dr Steve Dawson, president and chief executive officer of SinterCast.

"The Teksid commitment also marks our sixth installation commitment of 2015, tying the record for new installations set in 2011 and 2013. The recent increase in installation activity is a clear indication of the increased demand for CGI and we appreciate Teksid's initiative to grow the global footprint for the supply of high quality CGI components,” added Dr. Dawson.

Teksid SpA, a member of the FCA Group and one of the largest foundry companies in the world, operates iron foundries in Brasil, China, Mexico, Poland and Portugal and two aluminium foundries in Brasil and Italy. The production of iron components such as cylinder blocks and heads, exhaust manifolds, crankshafts, camshafts and suspension components is primarily destined for Chrysler, Cummins, Deutz, Fiat, Iveco, Opel and Renault. Teksid has annual sales of approximately US$ 900 million and employs approximately 7,000 people.