Thin-walled cast steel with wall thicknesses from two millimeters

Wolfensberger is pressing ahead with the development of a molding and casting process for the manufacture of thin-walled cast steel parts. This could set the course for securing future competitive strength in sand casting. The aim of the new process is to manufacture cast steel parts using the sand casting process with wall thicknesses from 2 mm, which offer new and interesting market opportunities.

For example, under certain conditions, sheet metal components that meet process and performance limits in the currently established process can be replaced by design-free, thin steel castings that can be constructed in accordance with load requirements. Combined with the possible integration of functions, thin-walled cast steel can be used for lightweight construction, which in turn makes the automotive industry more efficient in its efforts to improve its efficiency.

Thin-walled cast steel components can find application not only in a sheet metal-embossed environment such as a vehicle body, but also in engine manufacturing, where highly efficient components with reduced weight and manufactured in an economical manufacturing process are equally in demand.

The company has already been able to develop initial prototypes with potential customers, with the results and experience so far seen as positive. Until the start of a possible series production, the part-specific reproducibility must be fully guaranteed and parameters regarding dimensional accuracy and quality requirements can be demonstrably adhered to. At the same time, the company relies on certain quantities in order to be able to ensure the profitability of part-specific production processes.