Advancing Aluminium Casting Excellence: a Collaborative Initiative between C-TEC and Aluminium Dunkerque

C-TEC, our Constellium Technology Center, recently had the pleasure of welcoming Aluminium Dunkerque to our state-of-the-art casting pilot facility in Voreppe. This collaboration was a rewarding opportunity to combine expertise and resources, advancing direct chill (DC) casting capabilities through innovative trials and knowledge sharing. 

A team of casthouse process supervisors from Aluminium Dunkerque utilized C-TEC's industrial-scale casting line to investigate how various casting process parameters influence aluminium castability. The aim of the trials was to develop and validate a robust and reproducible start-up recipe tailored to their specific needs. With the flexibility to accommodate different mold technologies, alloy compositions, and mold sizes, C-TEC enabled a highly customized exploration of start-up conditions. 

The advanced automation of the casting line ensured that each recipe could be tested under precisely controlled conditions, allowing up to four safe and efficient casting starts per day. Additionally, C-TEC's bespoke cooling water station was pivotal in the trials. By replicating Aluminium Dunkerque’s exact cooling water chemistry and temperature, the trials closely mirrored all relevant casting conditions, ensuring the developed parameters could be seamlessly implemented at Aluminium Dunkerque’s facility. 

The initiative not only strengthened the technical capabilities of Aluminium Dunkerque but also reaffirmed the role of C-TEC as a leader in aluminium casting proficiency. The success of this partnership sets a strong foundation for future collaborations aimed at advancing the aluminium industry.