A Day in the Life of a Foundry Worker
When you consider the work being done in a foundry, you probably imagine people in heatsuits pouring molten steel into casts. While this is true, it does not fully represent a day in the life of a foundry worker. There is the technology used that enables the precise and nimble execution of orders as well as timely delivery. There is the collaboration within an iron foundry that fosters successful relationships with their strategic partners. Lastly, there is the proud tradition of cast iron foundries that each team member feels a responsibility to carry forward each day. Here we will take a look at each of these aspects to paint a picture of the day in the life of a foundry worker.
Technology At Work
A cast iron foundry has a strange relationship with the foundries of the past. There are some unmistakable signs of the industry’s history on the foundry floor. The basic principles are very much the same. However, technology has driven some important changes in how cast iron foundries operate. There are new processes in place that not only protect the floor workers but also improve the execution and delivery of castings. In fact the very composition of the metal used for casting has seen updates, such as the proliferation of High-Silicon Moly’s use in ductile work. Precision is nearly guaranteed with these new capabilities brought on by technology.
With supply chain management becoming a central focus for companies over the last few years, every second counts in an iron foundry. Being able to nimbly move from step to step to ensure orders are fulfilled with quality parts and shipped on-time is the only way for a foundry to survive. Technology has become a crucial part of life on the foundry floor.
Collaboration and Partnership
A foundry worker is not an island. Along with the technology that enables them to accurately complete orders, foundry workers must also collaborate. Communication is key for any team and in any scenario, but it is especially important in such intense work.
Ensuring that every detail of an order has been communicated to the team and tested through prototyping is what allows the team to work quickly and efficiently on the floor.
This internal collaboration is what makes successful partnerships possible for an iron foundry. When a foundry is able to consistently deliver as promised, their partners become more inclined to turn over more of their business to the foundry. It just goes to show that great teamwork internally can lead to greater external success.
Tradition Never Dies
Cast iron foundry work is a proud tradition. Metal casting has existed in some form for centuries and that tradition is carried forward every day the foundry fires up in the morning. It is difficult work where accuracy and craftsmanship are paramount, even in intense working conditions. This dedication to quality despite the difficulties is what binds foundry workers together. It is a tight knit community with few comparisons in other industries. Carrying on the tradition, even as the industry evolves, matters to foundry workers and that is evident each time they step out onto the floor.
Your Foundry Today and Tomorrow
Prospect Foundry is proud of our own tradition as an iron foundry in Minneapolis. Since 1936, we have supplied gray iron and ductile castings to our strategic partners. Known for our industry-best lead time, we can partner with you from prototype to finished product. If you are in need of a cast iron foundry that will deliver time and time again, reach out to us today!