Dotson Co.'s Alternator/AC Bracket Wins Annual AFS Casting of theYear Award
This aternator/air conditioning bracket for John Deere skid loaders was this year’s AFS Casting of the Year.
Twelve cast-component designs have been recognized by the American Foundry Society and Metal Casting Design and Purchasing’s 2010 Casting Competition.
Dotson Iron Castings of Mankato, MN (center) was the top honoree, earning the Casting of the Year awad for the altenator/air conditioning bracket it designed for John Deere skid loader engines. The component supports and attaches a 12-lb. alternator and 14-lb. air conditioning compressor, replaces a previous design involving an 11-piece weldment. The conversion to the cast part resulted in a cost savings of 48% from the former design, and reduced scrap rejections by 10%.
As the winner, Dotson Iron Castings will receive a oneyear license of MAGMASOFT software, including training and implementation assistance from MAGMA Foundry Technologies.
In addition to the winning casting from Dotson, the Competition recognized five castings as best-in-class and six were given an honorable mentions.
Meridian Magnesium Products
Eaton Rapids, MI
Sioux City Foundry Co.
Sioux City, IA
Aristo-Cast Inc.
Almont, MI
Eagle Aluminum
Cast Products
Muskegon, MI
BRP Powertrain GmbH & Co. KG
Spruce Pine, NC
Pier Foundry & Pattern Shop Inc.
St. Paul, MN
Denison Industries
Denison, TX
Signicast Investment Castings
Hartford, WI
Nemak Dillingen GmbH
Monterrey, Mexico
P&H Mining Equipment (OEM)
Milwaukee, WI
Citation Columbiana
Columbiana, AL