Hunter Foundry Machinery Corporation is the new name for the company that introduced automated matchplate molding machinery. “Ever since my father founded our company nearly 50 years ago, our reputation has been built on the successful development of new products and technologies for the global foundry industry. It has been our privilege to serve this industry with the latest innovations, as was my father’s vision, ever since,” explained company president and CEO William G. (Bill) Hunter.
The news was announced by the Schaumburg, IL, company simultaneously with its introduction of a new molding machine, the HLM-10. Bill Hunter said the HLM-10 represents a proprietary concept in automated matchplate molding technology. “For the first time in our industry, our new HLM Series combines and integrates magnetically coupled rodless cylinders and linear bearings for movements of the squeeze platen, cope flask, sand measuring hopper and other components on the machine.”
Formerly, the movement of automated matchplate machines involved cam followers, wheels, tracks, rails, and other mechanical components. These elements are subject to wear and require maintenance or replacement. But, Bill Hunter noted, “the HLM’s sealed linear motion slides and magnetic rodless cylinders replace these older components, to provide smoother, quieter and more energy-efficient operation with less maintenance and greater machine stability.”
He said the new design would improve productivity for the automated matchplate molding process.
The Hunter Automated Machinery Corp. was established in 1964 on the basis of the innovation by William Allan (Al) Hunter, and has built and installed 1,800 molding machines and mold handling systems over subsequent decades. In addition to automated matchplate molding machinery, the company supplies sand handling, preparation, and testing equipment, too.
Al Hunter's inventions resulted in nearly 150 patents for the company, from authorities around the world.
“As an inventor, his primary focus was pioneering the automation of matchplate molding and mold-handling processes to facilitate our industry’s most backbreaking tasks,” Bill Hunter recalled. “As an entrepreneur, he named our company Hunter Automated Machinery Corporation to reflect a potential for creating forward-thinking solutions for other industries, as well.
“Today we’re looking both at our history and ahead, to our legacy of innovation within the foundry industry,” Hunter stated.