Learn More About the General Kinematics VIBRA-DRUM® at GIFA 2023

GK foundry equipment increases casting throughput, diminishes casting damage, and reduces maintenance costs. If you want to improve your foundry systems, connect with a General Kinematics foundry expert today, and they will help you find the perfect equipment for your foundry process.

General Kinematics’ VIBRA-DRUM® for Sand and Casting Conditioner will be displayed at their GIFA booth in hall 17, booth D41. GK will also display a V2 Variable Vector Shakeout alongside a Cyrus Mobile Charging Machine. In the following case study, the VDC foundry outlines their experience with the GK VIBRA-DRUM®.

VDC Foundry Reduces Waste and Increases Production With General Kinematics’ VIBRA-DRUMⓇ

The VPD Group, one of Europe’s primary gray cast iron production companies, found their newly purchased used foundry, VDC, inefficient in fulfilling their process requirements due to high sand carryover and damaged castings. As a result, they were in the market for new sand and casting equipment that could guarantee their process goals, durability, and availability.

The VDP Group has had a long-standing business relationship with General Kinematics. Having previously bought General Kinematics’ foundry equipment, they found GK’s foundry equipment long-lasting and high quality. 

One of VDP’s managing partners, Mr. Paolo Zardo, stated: “We have been working with General Kinematics in different areas of our foundries, from furnace charging to shaking out of large castings and sand reclamation, for about 25 years now, and not only do we appreciate GK’s solid technology but also the outstanding service offered and the relationship we built with them: a sure recommendation from us!”

The Problem

When they needed new equipment for the newly purchased VDC foundry, they contacted a GKE representative to discuss their needs. VDC wanted to improve worker safety in their new foundry by eliminating silica dust, containing heat released from materials, and enhancing casting quality, all while saving energy and reducing scrap.

The Solution

Because VDP is familiar with General Kinematics equipment, they quickly decided that the VIBRA-DRUMⓇ Sand Casting Equipment was what they needed to get the job done. The VDC team had previously operated a VIBRA-DRUMⓇ at a VDP foundry, so they knew precisely what to expect.

After designing and building the new shakeout system, General Kinematic’s field service team will be on-site in August 2023 to assist with the installation and start-up, ensuring everything goes smoothly.

Previously, after installing the VIBRA-DRUMⓇ at their existing sites, VDP reported improved working conditions compared to their previous equipment. Silica dust was dramatically reduced, and heat from the sand and castings was contained within the VIBRA-DRUMⓇ while cooling castings to acceptable temperatures for future handling. 

In a statement, one of VDP’s managing partners, Mr. Franco Vicentini, said: “Our choice of technology for the casting, cooling, and handling in our foundry, VDC, is based on our previous positive experience using the same type of solution at our VDP foundry; the General Kinematics Vibra-Drum allows us to perform a gentle shake-out of our most delicate and complicated castings avoiding damages and at the same time it provides a fully enclosed system, helping us to keep our foundries clean.”

In addition, the VIBRA-DRUMⓇ will save VDC energy because of the reduced scrap and improved casting cleaning due to the gentle tumbling action of the VIBRA-DRUMⓇ. Sand carryover will also be drastically reduced from the previous process, enhancing their sand return system.

About General Kinematics

General Kinematics is the premier manufacturer of vibrating equipment for foundries, recycling facilities, bulk processors, and more. For over six decades, we’ve maintained a solid reputation for design leadership – with cutting-edge Two-Mass technology, simplified spring reactor systems, and the most rugged and reliable equipment construction available. 

You can learn more about General Kinematics on their website: https://www.generalkinematics.com/