Public Funding for Furniss and White (Foundries) Limited

To produce high quality nickel base and steel alloy casting components through the development of new melting and refining processes and improved casting techniques to reduce and eliminate defects.

Furniss & White is a well-established foundry and supplier of value-adding services (e.g. casting upgrading, machining) with a reputation for product and process innovation. Potential clients have approached the Company to make sophisticated precision castings for demanding applications where there are major gains to be made in pump performance, if the key castings can be improved in terms of dimensional accuracy, surface finish and lead-times. Previously the Company has declined, based on recognised limitations in existing casting and mould-making processes; even those which represent 'state-of-the-art'. However, the Company had devised a highly innovative solution that combines and develops these 'technology platforms'. Whilst no single solution would meet the requirements of all the potential clients, this strategy is designed to shift the casting 'performance envelope' and allow clients to choose a new 'balance' of properties, costs and lead times. The project involves substantial technical challenges, as some of the technology platforms are barely out of the laboratory themselves, and will require substantial technical support from their developers. Further, each was developed in isolation, with no concept of being used (or combined) in the proposed fashion. Finally, there is only a benefit to the end clients (and hence the Company) if a new balance of all the properties is achieved consistently and efficiently. (see appendices for images of impellers)