Three German foundries that produce automotive castings are installing new channel-type induction furnaces, all three under contracts with ABP Induction Systems. Channel furnaces are used to hold molten iron prior to pouring, and the three orders are for ABP’s “almost spherical” IRT furnace design, which is offered in capacities of 60 to 155 metric tons with inductor power of 700-3,000 kW.
The first installation is already complete at Fritz Winter Eisengiesserei GmbH & Co. KG in Stadtallendorf, Germany. The IRT 135 channel-type furnace installed there in November 2011 has a capacity of 135 metric tons of molten iron. Its channel-type inductor brings 1,200 kW of power.
Fritz Winter produces gray iron, ductile iron, and compacted graphite iron for automotive, commercial vehicles, and hydraulics manufacturers. The foundry is using the new furnace for ductile iron and CGI, for casting engine blocks, brake discs, and other automotive components. It is the fifth ABP channel-type furnace in place at Stadtallendorf.
This month an ABP IRT 110 furnace with a capacity of 75 metric tons will be installed at the Daimler AG Mercedes-Benz plant in Mannheim. The inductor will have a rating of 1,200 kW. It will be the fourth ABP channel furnace there, ensuring a continuous supply of molten iron to the molding lines.
Lastly, an IRT 115 channel-type furnace is being supplied to the Georg Fischer iron foundry in Mettmann, Germany. It will have a 90-metric ton capacity and a power supply of 1,200 kW. It will be the fourth ABP Induction channel-type furnace at that operation.