Bremer Manufacturing performs in-process x-ray inspection on castings using a Mark Industries “Mark 2000” digital imaging X-ray system. This system accommodates part sizes up to approximately 12” x 12”. The system has motorized axis controls to position and move the part to enable X-ray casting inspection of all areas. For critical parts, or parts too large for the x-ray cabinet, Bremer works with local inspection houses to provide x-ray inspection, which have certified x-ray technicians and common certified inspection standards.
Spectrometer
Bremer Manufacturing performs chemical analysis of all our aluminum alloys in-house on a SpectroMaxx spectrometer. Chemical composition is verified on each of Bremer’s furnaces on a daily basis and is also used to verify incoming ingot from suppliers. Certified Reference Materials are available to compare results and ensure the results are as precise as possible. The Spectrometer is calibrated and PM’ed on an annual basis for maximum performance.
Sand Monitoring System
The production of quality sand castings requires the production of quality sand molds, and quality sand molds begin with properly prepared sand. Bremer Manufacturing utilizes a sand monitoring system made by Hartley Controls to ensure our green sand is maintained within strict operating limits. Our sand monitoring system not only monitors key characteristics of our green sand, but automatically adjusts certain properties of the sand in response to current conditions. This important quality control function is performed every 90 seconds when sand is being delivered to our automatic molding machines.
In addition to the automatic in-line monitoring, several sand tests are performed daily or weekly, including sieve analysis, methylene blue testing, moisture testing, compactability, and permeability. Sand samples are also sent to our vendor for analysis so we can have a second party comparison of our sand.