Challenge
A Southern US foundry currently pours heavy cast parts for the construction equipment industry, with individual casting weights up to 1200 lbs. Their existing shakeout process included a non-GK variable-angle brute force shakeout that was costing them up to $25,000 per month in bearing replacement and maintenance costs. The unit had also started to develop serious stress fracturing, requiring extensive welding to keep the structure together.
Approach
The customer contacted GK looking for a solution that would be heavy-duty enough for their application. They also wanted the flexibility of changing the casting feed rate.
Solution
General Kinematics designed and supplied the customer with a GK Two-Mass vibratory shakeout. The two-mass design eliminates many of the stresses that brute force machines experience, eliminates expensive shafts, bearings, and controls, and allows for heavier machine construction and more vibratory action all while using less horsepower and energy.
In addition to the two-mass drive, GK applied an air assist lifting system to modify the angle of the trough. This allows the customer to change the retention time depending on the particular casting and mold package they were going to be running.
Results
For the price of a few months of maintenance dollars being spent on their old technology, the foundry now has a more energy efficient, cost effective, and robust GK machine installed. The operation of the machine exceeds the previous technology, and the customer is pleased with its performance.
Shown is the new Two-Mass shakeout prior to being shipped from GK’s Crystal Lake, IL manufacturing facility and delivered to the customer.
About General Kinematics
General Kinematics Corporation, incorporated in 1960, was established to market, design, and custom fabricate innovative vibratory materials handling and processing equipment. Today the company is one of the world’s largest suppliers of vibratory processing equipment, holding more than 200 worldwide patents, and is acknowledged as a major contributor to the technical advancement of vibrating equipment design and application. Today, over 50,000 General Kinematics units have been installed in virtually all of the world’s industrialized countries. For more information about General Kinematics products and services, visit the company’s website at www.generalkinematics.com.