Investment in a new 5-tonne crane system for the foundry

We have already taken significant steps in the past – including the purchase of larger forklift trucks, heavy-duty lorries and ladles. With the installation of the new casting crane, we are now addressing the very start of the production process.

The fully refurbished double-girder crane is specifically designed for the transport and precise pouring of molten metal under extreme conditions. Incidentally, the abbreviation ‘ff’ on the crane stands for ‘molten’ and indicates its intended use.

It took just five months from the planning stage to the final implementation – a timeframe that highlights the efficient collaboration between all those involved.

Transporting the crane girder, which was a good nine metres long, presented a particular challenge. The aim was to avoid a complex transfer operation using a heavy-duty crane through the factory hall roof. Consequently, the crane girder had to be manoeuvred safely from the lorry through the relatively narrow gates and aisles of the hall to the crane runway in the foundry using two Lütgert forklifts. Once it had reached its destination, installation took place and the old crane could be dismantled.

A direct comparison illustrates the increase in performance: the previous gantry crane was built in 1952 (the hoisting mechanism was replaced in 2000) and has a lifting capacity of 3.2 tonnes. The new crane bridge and hoisting system now enable the lifting of up to 5 tonnes of molten cast iron. This allows for faster and more efficient filling of the casting moulds.

With this investment, we are sustainably strengthening our production capacities and laying the foundations for future growth.