Since China’s entry into WTO, China foundry industry has faced opportunities and challenges. Its future development will focus on the following aspects.
First, encourage enterprises to restructure and develop specialized production, including large-scale and lightweight production of castings. At present, this work is under way. Many super large castings have been able to be produced independently, such as 120t roll, 450t Three Gorges turbine blade and 743t plate mill stand. In addition, the production of lightweight castings in China has developed rapidly, such as light vehicles with aluminum and magnesium alloy parts, magnesium alloy notebooks and mobile phone shells.
Second, increase investment in science and technology, effectively promote independent innovation, and realize accurate production and digital casting of castings. At present, the investment in casting R & D in China is still very low, and some advanced casting production technologies need to be developed urgently. For example, the new generation of engine aluminum alloy cylinder block casting method and aeroengine blade casting method, which requires a lot of investment of human and material resources. Digital casting is the trend of casting development in the world. Multi-scale, multi-disciplinary, multi-functional, high-precision and high-efficiency casting simulation urgently needs to be carried out in China.
Third, train professionals and strengthen technical training for employees. With the rapid development of foundry technology in China, the professional and technical training of foundry workers needs to be strengthened urgently. Especially in China’s foundry industry, the skills of most workers are relatively single.
Fourth, vigorously reduce energy consumption, pay attention to environmental protection and realize clean casting. For example, the 3R strategy of reduction, reuse and recycling in Japan and the “waste free processing” in the United States are the mainstream models of modern casting. Some foundry industries in China, such as Shanghai Baosteel, have noticed this problem.