Collaboration leads to innovation. That's been the belief and practice for more than 50 years at Waupaca Foundry. The most recent example was a design collaboration to tackle a customer's challenge. The result was an award-winning casting redesign that is lighter, stronger and more cost-effective.

Waupaca Foundry's industry recognized casting is made from ductile iron to support exhaust and mufflers on farming combines and tractors. But it also supports much more--with cost-saving benefits and implementation efficiencies. Beginning with the conversion from a multi-piece steel weldment to a ductile iron casting, this innovation enabled designers to decrease the number of support ribs required, driving down the weight and overall cost. The casting weighs nearly 23 lbs. less than its weldment predecessor and costs less.

Reducing the material in the casting also decreased solidification time and porosity. Imagine gaining efficiency and strength, while reducing cost and weight. We enjoy collaborating with our customers and tackling the tough stuff. Being recognized as one of 2012's best castings is icing on the cake.

STATS:
Material: Ductile iron
Process: Vertically parted green sand molding
Weight: 43.1 lbs
Dimensions: 19.06 x 12.6 x 16.7 inches
Application: Combine and tractor
Converted From: Weldment