Almex Sets World Record with Its 52 inch Billet Mold Technology

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Buena Park, California – August, 2013 – Affirming its position as the industry leader in advanced aluminum direct chill (DC) casting technologies, Almex has announced the successful commissioning of the world’s latest billet mold measuring 52” (1320 mm) diameter. The casting, which was conducted at an undisclosed customer’s location, weighs over 210 lbs per linear inch. The commissioning of the mold was conducted over the course of one week and included both commercial aluminum alloys as well as specialty aerospace grade alloy chemistries in the 2xxx series family. Prior to Almex’s recent casting of this super-large diameter, the record was previously held at 48.5” (1230 mm) by a Russian plant.

Almex Sets World Record in Large Diameter Billet Casting with 52 inch Mold Technology

The commissioning was conducted on a casting line composed entirely of Almex’s products including the LARS® degassing and purification system, FILTREX™ ceramic foam filtration, MEGA™ DC casting machine, and CASTRIGHT II™ automated control system.

Billets in such super-large diameters present interesting challenges throughout the casting process. Almex metallurgists and seasoned casting operators carefully developed the process recipe and procedures to account for those parameters which are most critical in the safety and performance of super-large diameter billet casting. The finished product of this work allows for Almex’s customers to utilize casting recipes which are custom tailored for their plant while ensuring casting safety, simplicity, and performance.

The applications for such large diameter castings are even more unique. Primarily used in the rolling of large forged rings, super-large diameter billets provide the raw material for airframe and space system components. The benefits of monolithic structures, versus multi-part assemblies, are well known in the aerospace communities. Accordingly, aerospace material requirements have become more demanding with increased payloads and aircraft size. More than ever, Almex’s EXCEL™ billet tooling systems are responding to such industry needs and can even be retrofitted to modernize existing casting installations.

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About Almex USA

Almex USA is the leading supplier of commercial and aerospace aluminum billet and slab casting technology and equipment.  The company’s products include LARS® degassing systems, MEGA™ DC casting machines, billet/ingot casting systems, and CASTRIGHT II™ automated process control.  Almex is also engaged in equipment and process research involving new capabilities and green technology for efficient recycling of aluminum alloys and has supported the aluminum industry since 1995, earning itself the “Excellence in Exports” Award from the United States Department of Commerce. Trade and Service Marks of Almex USA Inc. are property of the company registered and protected in the United States and other countries.

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