SinterCast AB posted a new record for annualized series production during the second quarter, 82,500 metric tons of compacted graphite iron produced by metalcasters employing its process technology. The company cited rising levels of CGI produced by automotive engine foundries, and indicated the latest total previous quarterly record of 80,000 metric tons, set during the first quarter of 2012. It also represents an increase of 35% in CGI produced under SinterCast’s license during the first half of 2013.
CGI is a lightweight alternative to gray iron and aluminum for automotive component manufacturing. Sintercast reports its production totals as “engine equivalents,” measuring each 50 Kg of CGI produced under its license.
"Second-quarter production was strong and stable, with each of April, May and June finishing above the previous record of 1.6 million engine equivalents, reinforcing the ability of the current series production programs to exceed 2 million engine equivalents at mature volume," the company’s president and CEO Dr. Steve Dawson offered.
SinterCast is the largest supplier of process control technology for producing the material. Its technology, now in its third generation, is under license to numerous automotive foundries worldwide and used to cast more than 50 different components in series production. A laboratory-scale version of the technology is used by several research centers around the world, too.
SinterCast detailed that second quarter production was marked by continued strong performance of Audi and Ford V-diesels in Europe, and by the start of production at VM Motori for V-diesels destined for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV and Dodge Ram 1500 light duty pick-up.
Commercial vehicles contributed to the increase too, SinterCast reported, noting the resumption of Navistar’s 13L Big Bore block production, and the start of series production for two new heavy-duty cylinder blocks by two undisclosed European commercial vehicle manufacturers.
“Pre-production” of the first CGI petrol engine also contributed to the record volume, SinterCast announced. Production is due to start in the second half of this year for an unnamed automaker.
"After a difficult period for commercial vehicles in the second half of 2012, it is particularly rewarding to see recovery in the established truck programs and the start of production of two new heavy duty cylinder blocks during the second quarter,” Dr. Dawson continued. “The improvement on the commercial vehicle side, together with recent increases in field trials, installation negotiations and consumable shipments, provides a positive foundation for the second half of the year."