Articles
History of the foundry tradeHistory · 8Casting metal is one of humanity's oldest techniques. Get an overview of how the foundry trade has developed and where the foundry technician stands today.Foundry technician's daily routine and methodsMethod · 9How does liquid metal become a precise part? Get insight into the casting process steps and the methods a foundry technician works with.Materials equipment and processes at the foundryMaterials · 8A foundry is filled with specialised equipment. Learn about the metals moulds and machines a foundry technician works with daily.Safety and quality at the foundrySafety · 8Work with molten metal is among the most demanding when it comes to safety. Get a grip on the key considerations and how quality is ensured in a foundry.Specialties and career as a foundry technicianCareer · 8The foundry technician training contains several levels and directions. See where you can specialize and what opportunities the trade opens.How you don't forget the patient as a personThe education's structure. · 7 minFoundry technician is an alternating training where you alternate between schoolbench and company. Here you get the whole journey from basic course to journeyman's exam, so you know exactly what's waiting, and what requirements you must meet to get started.PLACEHOLDER_50PLACEHOLDER_2 · 6 minAs an apprentice you get paid from day one in the company — and it increases the further you go. Here we cover the principles behind apprentice wages agreements and the conditions that await you when you are fully trained.Rules, certificates and legal requirements in foundryRules and certificates · 6 minA foundry is a workplace with heat smoke and heavy machinery — and therefore a workplace with clear rules. Here you get an overview of the certificates and legal requirements that typically come with the trade.Work environment safety and ergonomics — in depthWork environment · 8 minMolten metal, hot surfaces, smoke and heavy items make foundry work a demanding work environment. Here we dive into the risks you need to know, and the habits that keep you healthy and whole throughout a working life.The industry today — jobs, workplaces and futureThe industry · 7 minFoundries supply components for everything from wind turbines and ships to cars and machines. The trade is small, but the demand for skilled hands is real. Here you get a picture of the industry and your job opportunities.Further and continuing education — what do you build on?Further education · 6 minYour journeyman certificate is not the final station, but a platform. As a qualified foundry technician, you have several paths ahead — technical, technical and managerial. Here's an overview of your options after.Casting methods in depth: from sand mould to investment castingTechnique · 8 minSand moulding and pressure casting are not the only methods in foundry work. This article dives into investment casting (lost wax) and permanent mould casting and explains when each method makes sense.Alloys and materials science: iron, steel and other cast metalsMaterials · 8 minTwo pieces can look alike yet behave completely differently under load. Get a grip on difference between gray cast iron (GJL) and ductile/nodular iron (GJS) and why alloy choice is one of most important technical decisions in foundryCores and core techniques: how holes and channels are created in castingsTechnique · 7 minIf an item needs a cavity a channel or an internal thread the mold alone cannot handle it. This is where the core comes in. Get an overview of core technology core boxes and the two major binder families.Quality control and material testing: from visual inspection to X-rayQuality · 8 minA cast item can look perfect and still hide a flaw inside. This article gives you an overview of the main methods of non-destructive testing (NDT) in the foundry and why certification of testing personnel is part of the trade.Casting defects: how they arise and how to avoid themQuality · 7 minEven an experienced foundry technician encounters casting defects. Get an overview of the main defect types — gas porosity cold joints and inclusions — and why being able to recognise and explain a defect is just as important as avoiding it.Environment and sustainability in the modern foundryEnvironment · 7 minMetal casting is one of the most obvious circular trades around: scrap metal is remelted and gets new life as finished components. Gain insight into why Denmark's foundries play a special role in scrap recycling and what it requires in terms of environmental responsibility.Digitalization in the foundry: 3D printing of sand molds and simulationTechnology · 6 minCasting is an old craft but the technology in the modern foundry is moving fast. See how 3D printing of sand moulds (binder jetting) shortens the path from drawing to mould — and what it means for you as the future foundry technician.