Practical foundry digitalisation starts with a measurable production problem, such as unstable moulding conditions, repeated defects, unplanned downtime or high energy use.
Main applications
1. Casting level traceability links material, furnace, moulding, process and inspection records.
2. Real time monitoring records temperature, pressure, vibration, energy use and equipment status.
3. Quality analysis helps teams compare defects with process conditions. AI findings still require validation by engineers and laboratory staff.
4. Predictive maintenance supports planned service for furnaces, moulding, dust collection and testing equipment.
5. Energy dashboards should compare energy use with accepted output and scrap.
A practical pilot should define one baseline, verify sensor accuracy, assign responsibility for alerts, compare results, and expand only after the method is repeatable.
For EN 877 and SML drainage products, digital tools support but do not replace dimensional checks, material verification, coating evaluation and mechanical testing. Final inspection and documentation requirements are confirmed for each inquiry.
Sources: AFS 2026 Foundry Industry 4.0 Conference, AFS Engineering and Smart Manufacturing Division, and the GIFA digitalisation topic page. Official sites: https://www.afsinc.org and https://www.gifa.com. This is original KELI analysis. No source text or third party images are reproduced.
