First AUMUND Flat Plate Conveyor in UK foundry

2. May 2024

AUMUND Fördertechnik

Reliable and safety solution

The AUMUND Flat Plate Conveyor has made its debut in the UK, at a foundry in Sheffield, marking a momentous occasion for the foundry market in the UK.

The Flat Plate Conveyor introduces a range of innovative features set to revolutionize material handling in the Sheffield foundry. Its flat surface provides an ergonomic working height for sorting and cleaning castings without obstruction, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

In July 2023, Krissy Lee, Aftersales Manager at SAMSON Materials Handling in Ely, UK, played a pivotal role in securing this ground-breaking order through her close collaboration with the key customer William Lee. This installation signifies a milestone, being the first of its kind in the UK. Particularly in the foundry market, the Flat Plate Conveyor has the potential to redefine and optimise operations.

Established for over a century, William Lee is deeply rooted in the history of Sheffield’s iron foundry industry. With a heritage that spans generations, William Lee has remained resilient amidst the challenges faced by the UK foundry sector. Situated in Sheffield, William Lee has upheld its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction throughout its storied history.

The optimized flat surface design of the conveyor ensures crack-free edges on the conveyor plates and facilitating the seamless sideways ejection of castings. The stability of the system has a positive influence on the system service life – and thus offers the client added value in the long term. On site, Mat Roper, Engineering Director at W M Lee shares his insights: “…based on a particularly tried and tested machine design, we expect long-term reliable operation.”

One of the standout features of the AUMUND Flat Plate Conveyor is its internal housing of key structural components, eliminating the need for vibratory technology and hydraulic components, offers a simpler and more reliable mechanical conveying solution. The client already noted “maintenance time required is minimal with the main outcome on the installation being less labour requirements, with an overall estimated saving of up to 50%”

Delivered and installed in March, the conveyor has many advantages for foundry operations: The high levels of noise and vibration are almost completely reduced. This significantly improves working conditions and reduces energy consumption.