LABORATORIES

Fonderia Quaglia & Colombo

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Internal laboratories for the control of foundry materials

The chemical and physical analysis laboratories are a key element in the Fonderia Quaglia & Colombo quality control system. Throughout the production cycle, constant monitoring of the characteristics of the cast iron and molding sand allows for stable, repeatable parameters that comply with the required technical specifications.

 The presence of two specially equipped laboratories allows us to closely monitor each stage of the process, from the melting of the metal materials to the preparation and management of the sand used on the green casting plant, ensuring continuous and structured control.


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The role of laboratories in the production process

The laboratory's work is directly integrated into the foundry's production flow and plays a key technical support role. Through systematic checks and targeted analyses, it is possible to monitor the chemical and physical properties of materials, identify any deviations from reference values, and promptly implement process adjustments.



Chemical and physical analysis laboratories thus contribute to production stability, material traceability, and compliance with the quality standards defined during the casting design phase.

  • Laboratory for chemical and physical analysis of cast iron

  • The first laboratory is dedicated to the analysis of the metallic materials produced and is equipped to provide comprehensive and reliable data on the characteristics of cast iron. The activities performed allow for the precise definition of the mechanical and structural behavior of the material, offering ongoing technical support for processing. The main tests and analyses performed include:
  • chemical analysis to determine the composition of the elements present in the cast iron;
  • hardness tests to evaluate surface resistance;
  • tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation tests, useful for defining mechanical performance;
  • impact tests, to verify the material's ability to absorb energy under stress. When required by technical specifications or applicable standards, any non-destructive testing such as ultrasound (US), magnetic particle (MT), or radiography (X-ray) is entrusted to qualified external laboratories, ensuring continuity and consistency of results.

  • Laboratory dedicated to the control of the moulding sand

  • The second laboratory is specifically dedicated to monitoring the characteristics of the molding sand used on the green casting plant. Controlling this material is essential to ensure the correct creation of molds and the surface quality of the castings. Through frequent and timely analyses, the laboratory verifies the key parameters that influence the stability and workability of the sand. The main characteristics monitored include:
  • permeability, to allow proper gas release during casting;
  • compactability, to ensure the mechanical strength of the mold;
  • humidity, a key factor in the balance between cohesion and workability. Constant monitoring of these values allows for stable operating conditions and the prevention of mold-related defects.

Advantages of a structured internal control

The presence of in-house chemical and physical analysis laboratories allows Fonderia Quaglia & Colombo to directly and continuously manage material quality. This approach allows for faster testing, better integration between production and control, and consistent technical documentation of process parameters.


The laboratory's activity also supports compliance with industry regulations and represents a reliable technical reference for all stages of cast iron processing, from raw material to finished product.

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FAQ

  • What is the function of chemical and physical analysis laboratories in foundries?

    The laboratories serve to monitor the characteristics of the metallic materials and the molding sand, ensuring compliance with the technical parameters during production.

  • What kind of analyses are performed on cast iron?

    Chemical analyses and mechanical tests such as hardness, tensile strength, resilience, and elongation are performed to evaluate the material's properties.

  • Are non-destructive testing carried out internally?

    Non-destructive testing such as US, MT or RX is entrusted to qualified external laboratories, maintaining internal technical coordination.

  • Why is it important to control the molding sand?

    Control of the moulding sand is essential to ensure the stability of the shapes and prevent defects in the castings during pouring.

  • Do the laboratories also support material traceability?

    Yes, the analyses performed allow us to document and track the characteristics of the materials throughout the entire production process.