Homer City Automation wanted to improve the lead times and quality of a trough mounting bracket component used in material handling equipment. Originally a weldment, the 3-lb. bracket was redesigned as a casting and produced by Franklin Bronze Precision Components (Franklin, Pennsylvania).  

BEFORE

The original bracket was fabricated from carbon steel or stainless steel barstock and machined. The carbon steel version was also painted. The welded parts suffered from problematic dimensional repeatability.

AFTER

After briefly considering aluminum extrusion, the customer opted for a stainless steel investment casting, which reduced the nine-piece weldment to a single part. The new design eliminated the painting operation, vastly reduced secondary machining, cut weight by 32%, and reduced cost by 26%.