CAST-IT Success Stories
The 81mm Mortar Cleaning Mesh Holder is used for cleaning the tube of an 81mm mortar. The current design is being made from a four piece multi-metal fabrication that is difficult to manufacture; thus carrying a high price tag. Benét Laboratories was interested in developing a single piece casting design to replace the fabrication.
Benét contacted the AMC to provide technical input on casting the part and to identify sources. Benét used their SLA machine to produce patterns that were investment cast into several prototypes for demonstration and testing. AMC contacted Wisconsin Investcast, who agreed to produce the parts at no cost. The 316 stainless steel castings were made and ready for shipment in two weeks. Wisconsin Investcast effectively communicated the process with updates and digital pictures.
The consortium is now working with Wisconsin Investcast and Benét Laboratories to develop a production Technical Data Package so that future procurements of this component can be procured as a casting. This activity directly impacts our warfighters as mortar systems are used extensively in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“Wisconsin Investcast quickly and effectively produced three steel casting prototypes and graciously provided pictures during the process. These prototypes will directly impact the warfighter with their ongoing battle in Iraq.“
Jennifer Schuttig,
Materials Engineer U.S. Army, Benét Labs