Configurable Core Shooter Suits Users Production Plans

IMF developed the Power Core as a scalable installation, adaptable to different foundry layouts and capable of producing cores in various sizes and volumes.

Foundry machinery developer IMF, which is recognized worldwide for its molding machines, has designed and introduced a new coremaking system it says will suit any foundry’s requirements. In addition to molding and core machines IMF also designs high-speed continuous mixers, sand-reclamation plants, sand transport systems shakeout systems, and various installations for other stages of the metalcasting process chain. It says this diversity gives it insights into technical and economic trends in the global industrial market.

IMF North America Inc. represents the group in the U.S. and Canada, supplying new equipment and spare parts through its Indianapolis offfice.

The IMF Power Core machine is offered in five different capacities (20, 30, 50, 75, and 120 liters), so it’s capable of various configurations according to different foundries’ manufacturing needs. “This represents an indispensable asset to our customers, both present and future,” to quote the developers.

The basic machine is outfitted with a touch-screen PLC control panel, and the operating system is based on an easy-to-learn program that allows operators to interact easily (and “instinctively,” according to IMF) with the machine, and the sand mixer and gassing unit that are connected to it.

The Power Core machine operates in automatic or manual mode, so the operators have the ability to store 100 recipes. This will simplify the operator’s task of incorporating the new equipment and adapting to new production processes. All of the machine’s movements are managed by hydraulic actuators controlled by proportional valves, which “guarantee constant smooth movements,” according to IMF. The hydraulic power pack can be sized according to the cycle times.

The main structure was designed to conform to different foundries different processes and layouts. The configurations include:

• A one-station machine with a front exit, without clamps, for horizontally-parted core boxes;

• A one-station machine with a front exit and fixed clamps inside the machine, for horizontally and vertically-parted core boxes;

• A one-station machine with a front exit and clamps on board, for horizontally and vertically-parted core boxes;

• A two-station machine with side discharge, with or without clamps assembled on board, for alternating production of two core boxes. • A machine with two stations rotating inside, with or without clamps assembled on board. This version is called Dual Rotation, and is available in the 20- and 30-liter versions.

The lifting system of the core box cope can be mechanical, assembled on the gassing plate structure; or hydraulic, assembled outside able to suit all core box sizes.

IMF states that the performance of the Power Core machine’s shooting head has been well appreciated by the various foundries that have installed the system.