Foundry equipment applies to metal casting that forms industrial and consumer products into shapes. Certain processes, such as melting, casting and molding, require the use of foundry equipment and supplies. Manufacturers use a foundry furnace for melting alloys or metals, while casting and molding requires the use of mixers, sands and filters.

A gas-heated foundry furnace works with steel and brass, while a blast furnace produces iron. The furnaces melt the metals, then foundry casting materials such as sands and chemical compounds are applied to make molds or to bind alloys. During casting, the liquid alloys are poured into casting sand molds so they can form. When it comes to modern equipment, foundry buyers also look for investment casting, sometimes known as lost-wax technique, which creates molds from wax forms. Injection molding, die-casting and other processes and tools are used to insert molten metals into the newly formed mold. Before you stock foundry equipment for business:

1. Start with basic foundry equipment and supplies.

2. Stock used foundry equipment to save money.

3. Add efficiency with automated foundry equipment.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Supply your factory with basic foundry equipment and supplies

Heavy-duty machinery, tools, foundry molding and foundry furnace equipment should be housed in your work area.

I recommend: Palmer Manufacturing & Supply advertises foundry equipment for sale, including electric sand heaters, magnetic separators, foundry molding and air classifiers. Airmatic includes abrasives, precision tools and foundry safety equipment, such as hearing protection devices, among its inventory of foundry equipment and supplies.

Buy used foundry equipment for equal efficiency at lower cost

Some manufacturers refurbish or recondition used foundry equipment to prolong the life of the machinery. Used foundry equipment for sale also provides savings for your company. Check product warranties and the availability of parts and services when buying used foundry equipment, to make sure you are getting a true bargain.

I recommend: Buflovak services foundry equipment for the chemical, food, pharmaceutical and waste treatment industries. C&D Crushing, Screening & Recycling Equipment stocks used foundry equipment such as hammermills, feeders and jaw crushers.

Keep automated foundry equipment on hand for faster materials processing

Buy foundry equipment such as conveyors, shakeouts and mill and barrel equipment that aids in transferring or dispensing your products.

I recommend: Carrier Vibrating Equipment supplies foundry equipment such as lump breakers, flash dryers and screeners. Automated Solutions sells automated foundry equipment and supplies such as conveyors, loading and unloading devices and roll and parts handling systems.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consult with certified foundry equipment suppliers to see if research and testing services are available. Sometimes, foundry testing equipment and other laboratory facilities are available that allow you to test products before you buy them.