A rebirth of spirit

Modern Casting, Dec, 2006 by Alfred T. Spada

While I write editorials for both of our magazines--MODERN CASTING and Engineered Casting Solutions--rarely does the same message apply to both audiences. MODERN CASTING focuses on helping metalcasters improve their operations while Engineered Casting Solutions educates casting buyers about metal castings and improving their supplier relationships.

But every once in a while, while trying to educate casting buyers about the importance of the metalcasting industry, I realize that many of today's metalcasters don't understand the large role our industry plays in building and re-building society. They don't realize that we are at the foundation of all manufacturing and that we must be proud enough of this fact to shout it out to every level of government, to regulatory agencies, to our schools and educators, and to our friends and family. We need our constituents to know that without metalcasting, much of what we take for granted today wouldn't exist.

No, metalcasting is not a glamorous business. So, our job of selling it isn't easy. But, every once in a while, we do become involved in something that gains national attention. Granted, we tend not to be the headline stealer in these events, but we support those making the headlines to ensure the results are achieved. The key is that we must publicize our involvement.

On p. 22 of this issue, our cover stow, "Building New York," details an event like the few I just described. The remembrance of the events of 9/11 and the World Trade Center (WTC) is important for our country on many levels. And, as this article details, Amite Foundry & Machine became an important part of this memory by helping to reclaim the strength once exhibited by the WTC. By remelting the steel that once reinforced the WTC and turning it into a bow stem for the USS New York--an amphibious transport dock warship--the metalcasting industry has helped give the WTC a new life defending its country.

The reality is that today's metalcasting industry is constantly providing a rebirth for "junk" destined for the dump. What is the basis for much of our molten metal that is poured to make engineered cast components? Scrap metal. Whether it is shredded remnants of automobiles, stamping operations or aluminum soda cans, we take that scrap, remelt it and give. it new life, perhaps as an engine block or a cast iron pan.

We perform similar operations with some of the raw materials used in manufacturing castings, such as the sand used to make molds. Historically, we would truck this spent sand to dumps. However, some plants have developed agreements with local recycling organizations to have this spent sand reused in asphalt, concrete, cement and topsoil application.

We must be proud of our ability to bring engineered life to what is thought to be dead. We must be proud that our industry is the backbone for 90% of the manufacturing performed in this country. As a member of this industry, it is your responsibility to sing its praises and sell its importance to society so we can continue to prosper in the future.

Alfred T. Spada, Editor-in-chief