Rochester Site

Specialists in Aluminium Investment Castings.

Video Clip

Solidification Modelling

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History

Founded in Rochester in 1974 as Industrial Precision Castings.
Acquired by the Cookson Group of Companies in 1988.
Acquired by Charles Baynes plc in 1993.
Acquired by Pacific Aerospace in 1998.

Floor space: 3486 square metres.
Number of employees - 91

Product Range

Specialists in the production of high strength, low tolerance Investment Castings to Aluminium specifications, including the A201, A356, A357, L169 alloys.

Rochester produce a comprehensive range of products including: Bulkhead connectors for Airbus UK A300, 310, 320, 330, 340 and new A380 programs, which are supplied fully machined, surface treated in kit form direct to the Airbus production line. This approach saves time and money. Other products include structural parts for military aircraft, missile projects, Aero-engine components and parts for Formula 1 Grand Prix racing cars.

Scope

Aluminium castings - 1250 mm x 500 mm x 300 mm.

In-house facilities include Heat Treatment, Chemical / Mechanical testing, PFD and an extensive turning capability for the machining of castings produced. The foundry uses in-house solidification modelling in order to assist with our right first time ethos.

The Rochester facility is specialised in the production of cast components to ABM5-5049 and several other specialist alloys. Aeromet have developed a more castable derivative of the A201 alloy and has achieved a patent as A20X. This material has the mechanical properties of A201 with the pouring and solidification characteristics of silicone based alloys. With this new material it is now possible to cast walls of unequal thickness, almost impossibile with the original alloy without the risks associated with shrinkage and porosity. The opportunities for eliminating the necessity for machined from solid fabrications and forgings result in associated cost reduction benefits.

The facility is equipped with Wax injection presses, automated ceramic shelling line, steam autoclave, preheat furnaces, resistance stabilised bail out furnaces, heat treatment furnaces, PFD plant & additional production and testing facilities.

The site is Quality approved to BVQI - BS EN ISO 9001:2000,
AS EN 9100, TS 157 CAA AI/8481/75.

Independent Approvals have also been granted by Aerospace companies inlcuding BAE Systems BAE/AG/10253/MAA, Raytheon RCJ/SUB/PART 1/0488, Rolls Royce 05117, Goodrich, Airbus UK AUK/SA/10140 categories 1a,1c,1k,1l,3c,8u,9b, 11a,17c,17d, 17e, 17f.