Foundry Products Division of Ashland Specialty Chemical Introduces ExactCalc^TM Foundry Methoding Software

Dublin, Ohio (USA) - ExactCalc^TM software, an advanced, user-friendly tool that helps foundries design gating and risering systems, thereby producing greater consistency and maximum yield, has been created and introduced by the Foundry Products Division of Ashland Specialty Chemical.

Offering benefits over other programs, ExactCalc software includes a "learn" function that enables methods engineers to incorporate their individual foundry best practices, experiences and quality systems when designing complete gating and risering systems.  This feature enables the software to build and maintain an invaluable database of knowledge and procedures that is customized to each foundry.  

Ashland's Foundry Products Division, a technological leader in the metal casting industry, worked with Novacast AB of Sweden to develop the software, now available worldwide through Ashland and its affiliates.  Further information can be obtained be contacting a local Ashland representative.

Ron Aufderheide, global marketing manager for Ashland's EXACTCAST^® riser sleeve, said:  "ExactCalc software is a comprehensive tool that helps foundry operators optimize the design of their gating and risering systems by incorporating their previous successes and applying those parameters to other jobs where they have traditionally been less successful.  This can lead to greater consistency, improved yields, and a better understanding of the variables that exist within the foundry.  The ExactCalc software offers a systematic and scientific approach to methoding in accordance with ISO 9000 standards and provides a custom solution for improving productivity, quality and profitability standards at foundries around the world."

ExactCalc software operates under the standards of WINDOWS* software and is compatible with WINDOWS 95 or later operating systems.  It includes sub-programs for:  Weight, Modulus, Feeding Distance, Feeding Rate, Filter Calculation, Horizontal- and Velocity-Based Running Systems, and an online help file.  Selection of the correct EXACTCAST riser sleeve and filter is simplified and automatic using the ExactCalc software databases.  All methoding data can be stored as a computer file and/or printed to produce a permanent record for future reference.

In addition to its benefits for the methods engineer, Ashland's ExactCalc software also can be used as a valuable educational tool for training foundry engineers in the basic principles of gating and risering.  Its interactive, user-friendly design allows the user to determine the effects of parameter changes such as alloy type, pouring temperature, pouring time, adding chills or cooling fins.

"We're convinced that foundries using ExactCalc software will be able to reduce casting problems and defects, improve their efficiencies and productivity, and accumulate an invaluable electronic library of their knowledge," Aufderheide said.