In September Kovis Livarna participated on the EMO Hannover 2017 fair, where the latest technological solutions on CNC machine tools, measuring systems and measuring devices were presented. Technological solutions were examined, which would contribute to a faster, more precise and quality work for Kovis Livarna.
In September Kovis foundry was presented at the 57th International Foundry conference in Portorož. The company prepared a presentation entitled « How To Eliminate Gas Defects in Gray Casting«. Learn more about it in a short summary.
Abstract:
Grey Iron gas defect must be defined properly, in order to have a correct investigation. The most important phases during investigation are first the detection of the defect, followed by the definition and finally finding the possible cause of the defect. Based on an accurate, quick diagnoses we can build a solid foundation to analyse and review all related factors and parameters in order to help us in taking the appropriate corrective action. Putting the casting on a trial test will confirm to us if the action we have taken is the correct one. It is not necessary for the selected action to eliminate the defect, but it is important to see a noticeable improvement. (Pinholes) is Spherical shape cavity (sometimes elongated or pear shaped) The internal surface in most cases is smooth and shiny. The cavities are small in size(1-2mm), separated in form leaving a trace always oriented perpendicular to the surface. (Fissures) the elongated cavities are usually irregularly rounded with a tail similar to a comma ((,)). The internal cavity surface is usually dark, lined with a shiny graphite film which contains slag or manganese sulfide inclusion or combination of these. The dendrites penetrat into the cavity. It is bigger in size (2-9mm), stretching a few millimetres perpendicularly into the casting and along the surface. Both could be visible on surface or after machining tolerance. Tending to occur in heavy castings where first solidification happened. Several actions had been taken to reduce the percent of local scrap due to gas defects:
(a) Reduce the Manganese content, when we have the sulphur content on minimum level, because the amount of manganese required to neutralize sulphur is (1.7 x S wt%), In this case we could have extra residual Manganese in melt which can increase the risk of dispersed type of defects:
(b) Avoid high aluminium wt% as it increases the H-related defects.
(c) Work on adding elements who has the positive impact on graphite nucleation and on tying up nitrogen, like Sr,Ba & Zr.
(d) Improve feeding system and pouring time which helps us to reduce too high pouring temperatures.
(e) Improve venting technology using simulation and create there prints on mold.
(f) Reduce the difference in temperature between mold and core sand.
(g) Reduce using rusty raw materials to supply the cupola furnace.
(h) Use clean type of inoculation with minimum Ca content wt% as the last react with oxygen and create CaO solid films.
Following the right procedure helps us to understand the complexity of cast iron production, and allow us to find some better solutions in order to reduce the risk of gas related defects.
KOVIS LIVARNA had a successful presentation at the international fair MECSPE in Italy.
For the 4th time Kovis livarna promoted and exhibited its products at the MECSPE fair in Parma, which is one of the major fairs of the manufacturing industry in Europe (automation, robotics, various types of processing, etc.). At the fair, we represented a range of our castings in various material qualities. In particular, castings made of nodular cast iron for low temperatures following the EN GJS-400-18LT quality. In addition to castings, at the fair we also presented a machining service, and thus offered our customers a complete solution for their products.
We successfully acquired new contacts of potential buyers, and accordingly, also new demands. In addition, we also met with existing buyers on the Italian market, where we talked about new projects and business cooperation in the future.
On 5th and 6th April, at the educational centre Štore the second interactive youth workshop was held, gathering young people thirsty for knowledge, and we presented them practical work in the foundry.
We are aware that every creative contribution of the individual is at the same time a contribution to the success of the society and the company. Creativity and innovation are processes that largely represent a competitive advantage for the company. Material, social and spiritual capital is now closely linked to innovation processes.
An interactive creative workshop contributed to increasing the interaction of young people within the group and gave them an extra inspiration for successful further education in a fun way. The main purpose of the workshop is to achieve the culture of innovation and creativity. Through practical tasks, the group met with thinking outside the box and developed creative ideas. At the same time, the workshop enabled them to recognise the connection between communication, innovation and the team, and to anchor positive action for the completion of projects.
Through solving practical tasks, they have learned:
On the first day, we presented the workshop to the young people, we visited the museum of industrial heritage, and we presented them Kovis-Livarna d.o.o. along with the workshop content (product selection or design, drawing the casting, designing the core, production of the mould, casting simulation and 3D scanning). We also had a tour of the production facility. On the second day we solved the practical tasks and presented the results of the workshop to the representatives of the school and the factory.
The workshop was free for the participants, as the contribution of Kovis – Livarna d.o.o. to the development of innovation and creativity of young people.
In 2011, the workshop was awarded the Bronze award of GZS and RGZ Celje for innovation.
We open the door of innovation and inspiration for future success of young people!
Due to the intensive development of the company and the increase in sales on international markets, KOVIS decided to invest in a new production and storage facility at an already existing location in Štore. In addition to providing increased production capacities, one of the purposes of building the facility was also to improve the entire infrastructure, which would positively impact the reduction of logistics costs, better productivity of employees, and the offer in one place.
Construction of the facility in Štore began in August 2015 and ended in April 2016; the relocation of the production facility took place in several stages
The facility is designed in terms of high-tech equipment – automated and regulated energy-saving LED lighting, automated cooling and heating of the process, improved working conditions for employees, mainly introducing the development of machining to the international space.
