SinterCast AB, the Swedish company that licenses process and control technology for production of compacted graphite iron, confirms in its quarterly report that its clients have reached a production rate of 55,000 metric tons/year. While it is not the only provider of CGI process technology, SinterCast is the global market leader, with several customers among high-profile foundries supplying the diesel engine and automotive sectors.
CGI is a lightweight alternative to gray iron and aluminum for automotive engine production.
SinterCast reported that the annualized series production reached 55,000 metric tons/year in September, a total it measures as 1.1 million “engine equivalents.”
“The series production for September 2010 represents a 120% increase relative to the production pace of 500,000 engine equivalents in September 2009,” according to the company’s earnings statement, “and a 47% increase compared to the pre-economic downturn high of 750,000 engine equivalents established in September 2008.”
SinterCast attributed the growth in series production to the continued ramp-up of the Ford 6.7-liter V8 engine and from increased production of exhaust components in China. It added that the launch of production for Navistar’s 6.4-liter V8 in CGI, as well as Land Rover’s 4.4-liter V8 and VM Motori’s 3.0-liter V6 diesel engines during 2010 has also contributed to the growth, providing the basis for a positive cash flow outlook for 2010.”