CGI For Chinese Foundry

Shanxi Sanlian Casting Co., Ltd, a specialist supplier of cylinder blocks and heads, has acquired a SinterCast license in preparation for the start of series production of compacted graphite iron (CGI). Under the terms of the agreement, a SinterCast Mini-System 3000 and wirefeeder will be installed at the Sanlian Casting foundry located in Hejin, China.

The Mini-System 3000 will be shipped during the first quarter of 2018, with the start of series production planned for mid-2018. The SinterCast technology will be used for a CGI upgrade to ensure the durability of a current-production 12.7 liter cylinder head, in advance of the nationwide rollout of the China VI emissions standard. SinterCast will also provide training and technical support, including 30 man-days on-site, for the establishment of the CGI series production process.

“With our series production experience from the grey cast iron version of this cylinder head since 2014, we made the strategic decision to partner with SinterCast to meet the aggressive launch targets for this CGI upgrade. As our first CGI series production program, we will benefit from the broad SinterCast CGI experience and their local support” said Wei Fangzhi, Sanlian, chairman of the board, Sanlian Group. “As a specialist producer of commercial vehicle cylinder blocks and heads, CGI represents a clear growth opportunity for Sanlian. We look forward to working with SinterCast to establish our first series production reference and to develop our CGI market opportunity.”

“The Sanlian order reaffirms the need for CGI as modern heavy-duty engines evolve to meet the demands for increased performance and emissions compliance. With the China VI emissions standards incorporating the most demanding aspects of the current American and European emissions legislation, the use of CGI in Chinese heavy-duty engines will continue to increase. We continue to regard commercial vehicles as our largest growth opportunity” said Dr. Steve Dawson, president & CEO of SinterCast. “The Sanlian installation marks our eleventh installation in China and our nineteenth installation in Asia. We are pleased that our longstanding support of CGI development in Asia, combined with our commitment to local commercial and technical support, has led to Sanlian’s decision to adopt our technology.”