The Lost foam
casting process, which General Motors first used more than a decade
ago, is playing an increasingly important role in the production of
a full range of aluminum parts. In addition, the process promises
unique - and important - product, process, and cost advantages for
other product lines when applied to a variety of appropriate metals.
The lost foam
casting process was introduced in the late 1970's to produce limited
quantities of cylinder heads for the Oldsmobile transverse 4.3 liter
V-6 diesel engine. The first high-volume application was the 1987
Chevrolet 2.0 liter 4-cylinder head. Currently the L-61 Ecotech Head
and Block, along with the I-4 Head are being produced at the GM Powertrain
plant in Massena, NY, using the lost foam process.
The
lost foam process lends itself to use with aluminum, iron, and a variety
of other metals. As the potential demand for better performing, cost-effective
systems increases over the next decade, lost foam casting has proven
to be a viable alternative for complex casting applications.
