Clemson University Foundry (CUF)
Update - August 2006
It’s been a busy time for the CUF this past
spring and summer and thanks to some major donations from friends,
progress has been fantastic. The CUF got a major shot in the arm
when the CAT foundation donated $15,000 to help purchase a power
supply to go along with the induction melter that CAT-Toccoa donated
the previous fall. A couple of months later, Matthews International
in Pittsburgh offered to donate a lift-swing induction melter that
they were taking out of service. We received the unit from Matthews
the end of July and will use CAT’s funds to get it wired in and
operational. This addition will give the CUF the ability to melt
125 pounds of aluminum per batch, and should easily allow us to pour
1,000 pounds or more a day, if needed. Plans also include modifying
the power supply so that the CAT furnace can be powered, as well,
which will give us dedicated ferrous and non-ferrous melting
capability. We intend to have the new systems in operation in
September.
The CETL (home of the CUF) added another 3D
printer recently. The Spectrum 510 prints parts in plaster, the
same as the Z310, but has a larger build box (10x14x8”). The
Spectrum has the ability to print beautiful, full color models, but
has seen most of its service to date making high quality, consumable
patterns for precision sand casting.
Now that school is about to begin, efforts to
integrate more students into the CUF are going into full swing. A
key component of student integration is to provide real-world work
opportunities in a foundry environment. The CUF’s approach is to
function as a prototype casting supplier and short-run manufacturer
of cast parts, and involve students in business, technical and
operational aspects of CUF operation. We have a couple of irons in
the fire, but are looking for a consistent, sustainable demand for
our services.
If you’re interested in helping us continue the
growth we’ve enjoyed so far and would like to join CAT and Matthews
as major supporters of the CUF, please contact any Piedmont Chapter
board member, or Don Erich (CETL Director) at
derich@clemson.edu, or 678-469-2385. Some things high on our
wish list include the following:
- Cash
- Work
- Hardness tester
- Metallographic equipment
- Carbon analyzer
