The design of a casting is not only about form and functionality, but about all the design choices that make the casting process possible, stable and qualitative.
In addition to the functional design, the casting design is important. If required, our method engineers advise and support in making the right choices in the design process (co-engineering).
Among other things, we take into account:
Years of experience with high-end 3D CAD packages comes in handy when reading and processing 3D models. For this we use the advanced CAD package Siemens NX.
Developing the appropriate casting method with challenging materials such as steel or white cast iron is a crucial step before production can begin.
Of course, a good casting design is only the beginning. A good compromise between form, casting method and desired material provides the basis of a durable result with minimal chance of casting errors. Before a piece can be cast, it must be provided with a casting system to get the metal from the ladle into the mold. Slink, due to volume change during cooling and solidification, must also be accommodated by providing additional material such as cooling blocks and risers. Proper application of these casting components is essential to the quality of the casting.
MAGMASOFT® is used to simulate the complex interactions of these casting components. This allows simulation and visualization from casting to cooling. This provides a wealth of information. Years of experience with this software enables our method engineers to address possible casting problems in a targeted manner. Thus the casting method can be optimized to meet the strictest quality requirements.
Here you see a first sample of pure craftsmanship. In the pattern shop, the casting patterns are made and finished. These serve to form the mold in the sand. Here the foundations are laid for casting a perfectly sized casting.
Allard-Europe makes castings from steel or white cast iron to your specifications. Tell us what mechanical properties, standards or environmental factors you require and we will work with you to find the right type of material.
Allard-Europe is equipped with 4 medium-frequency induction furnaces. This allows us to melt 37 tons at one time, but also gives us the necessary flexibility for customization in function of material selection and molds.
The Fettling Shop is where castings are cleaned, finished and prepared for inspection or further machining after being removed from the mold.
Allard-Europe is well equipped to perform the heat treatments. During heat treatment, each casting is given the right balance between hardness and toughness. Through precise temperature control, we optimize the structure and mechanical properties of the material.
In the Machine Shop, castings are finished into end products with high precision. The mechanical post‑processing (machining) removes material to obtain accurate shapes, tolerances, and surfaces that cannot be achieved through casting alone.
Allard-Europe has large and modern CNC machines and employs qualified welders for cast steel who can, when required, add additional components to a casting.
Thorough risk management and advanced quality controls are an absolute necessity because the casting process is complex and small deviations can have major implications for safety, performance and cost.
