Handout for Workshop Participants
Reducing Casting Defects: Improving Quality and Collaboration
Key Takeaways
- Gain practical skills to identify and address common casting defects effectively.
- Learn strategies for fostering collaborative relationships with foundries to enhance casting performance.
- Discover how AFS resources can support casting buyers in improving quality outcomes.
Five Secrets to Enhance Casting Quality
- Focus on Describing Defects: Use detailed descriptions for effective identification (e.g., "Irregular cavity in top boss area" vs. "shrinkage defect").
- Collect Process Data: Compare good and bad batches to identify key variables across melting, molding and pouring processes.
- Avoid Single Variable Assumptions: Defect one result from multiple factors - be open-minded during root cause analysis.
- Use Experimental Design: Leverage quality teams to run statistically significant trials for corrective actions.
- Document Everything: Maintain detailed records to track changes in processes, materials, and team dynamics over time.
AFS Resources for Casting Buyers
1. Casting Source Magazine
Stay informed with the latest trends, case studies, and best practices in casting design and sourcing.
- Access: Casting Source Magazine
2. AFS Library
Explore the most comprehensive library of metalcasting technology, featuring technical literature, reports, and studies.
- Access: AFS Library
3. E-Learning Modules for Casting Buyers
Learn about creating, growing, and maintaining buyer-supplier relationships through targeted online modules.
- Access: Purchasing Castings E-Learning
4. International Atlas of Casting Defects
A globally recognized resource for identifying and classifying casting defects based on physical descriptions (shape, appearance, location).
- Purchase or Learn More: International Atlas of Casting Defects
5. Workshops & Training Programs
Attend workshops tailored to casting buyers, including defect analysis and quality improvement techniques.
- Details: AFS Education
6. Casting Connection Forum
Network with peers and discuss defect challenges or sourcing strategies through AFS's online forum.
Contact Information
Dr. Sudesh Kannan ("Dr K") – Cybersecurity & Foundry Consultant
Chicago-Based | Phone: +1-847-497-0380 | Email: DrSudeshK@yahoo.com
LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/sudeshkannan
Key articles available in Modern Casting / Casting Source Magazines
5 Steps to Identify Casting Defects Dr Sudesh Kannan, Abhishek Pathak, Tom Cobett, July, 2018
https://www.qgdigitalpublishing.com/publication/?i=512841&p=36
The Value of Scrap, Rework, and Yield at Steel Foundries R. Stevenson, D. Coyle and G. Richard, September 7, 2021
https://www.qgdigitalpublishing.com/publication/?i=719169&p=28&view=issueViewer
I Have Inclusions: Identifying the Source, R. Gallo, September 10, 2017
Testing 1-2-3: Eliminating Veining Defects, July 1, 2014
Simulation software and lab testing methods were used to pinpoint why the defect occurs and how to avoid it.
https://www.qgdigitalpublishing.com/publication/?i=627882&p=32&view=issueViewer
Sudesh Kannan, CISSP, PhD
Cyber Security Professional | Metal Casting Consultant
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sudeshkannan/
+1-630-267-0678
Text: 847-497-0380
