Methodology supporting production control in a foundry applying modern DISAMATIC molding line

Abstract

The paper presents methodology of production control using statistical methods in foundry conditions, using the automatic DISAMATIC molding line. The authors were inspired by many years of experience in implementing IT tools for foundries. The authors noticed that there is a lack of basic IT tools dedicated to specific casting processes, that would greatly facilitate their oversight and thus improve the quality of manufactured products. More and more systems are installed in the ERP or CAx area, but they integrate processes only partially, mainly in the area of technology design and business management from finance and control. Monitoring of foundry processes can generate a large amount of process-related data. This is particularly noticeable in automated processes. An example is the modern DISAMATIC molding line, which integrates several casting processes, such as mold preparation, assembly, pouring or shake out. The authors proposed a methodology that supports the control of the above-mentioned foundry processes using statistical methods. Such an approach can be successfully used, for example, during periodic external audits. The mentioned methodology in the innovative DISAM-ProdC computer tool was implemented.