The paper presents the preliminary results of research on determining the possibilities of using available on the market commercial gypsum kinds as a binder for foundry moulding and core sandmixes. Construction gypsum and plaster gypsum, finishing coat and jewelry casting gypsum were tested. Elemental composition of gypsum kinds were carried out using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with EDS/EDX probe, their crystal structure and phase composition was determined by analyzing the results of X-ray diffraction measurements (XRD) and thermogravimetric studies (TG-DTA). Evaluation of the mechanical properties of selected materials was carried out at the tensile strength test of the dog-bone samples after initial hardening of gypsum mortar at 25 °C for 5 h and drying at 110 °C for 24 hours. The impact of the properties of the used commercial gypsum kinds on the possibility of their use as a valuable binders in the manufacture of the foundry sandmixes for moulds and cores was evaluated. Construction gypsum and finishing coat have the highest tensile strength. Plaster gypsum and finishing coat have the longest setting time. In all tested types of gypsum, the initial water loss during heating occurs at a temperature of about 200 °C. The lowest valuable properties as a binder for sand moulding mixtures has jewelry casting gypsum mass.
The paper presents the theory of constraints (TOC) as a method used to improve results in a complex, multiplants organization. In the article the assumptions of this method has been presented as well as iterative approach concerning how to launch it in practice. Main indicators for organizational effectiveness assessment have also been presented. The maximization of production assets utilization is a key issue for competitive organization in the changing market conditions. An appropriate usage of the theory of constraints enables efficient allocation of financial assets among particular plants within a capital group. An application of a method has been presented based on throughput analyses and its influence to improve financial results of one plant organization and synergy effect in multiplants organization. The theory of constraints can be used in almost every kind of business sectors, among them are metal and foundry industries. It allows to be implemented in production organizations as well as in any other company’s profiles. Everywhere the constraint has been defined there is a chance to achieve an improvement following the presented method. The examples have been taken from the casting plants which use continuous and mold casting technologies. The examples show that TOC approach can be successfully employed as the improvement tool of foundries’ performances.
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