Daniel García, Product Engineer at Silca México, detailed that one of their new products is the ceramic fiber cone. “We have been doing very well; in fact, March and April have been particularly successful. Our new product, the ceramic fiber cone, which was in development, is now ready, and we are about to start producing it,” he explained.
García pointed out that the ceramic fiber parts are cones used to seal furnace drains; another promising product for 2024 is the ceramic fiber ladle for robotic arms, which Silca offers in two versions. “One is fused silica and the other is ceramic fiber, which we call hybrid because it combines ceramic fiber with an internal steel core and a steel bracket,” he elaborated.
He added that another in-demand product is the aluminum dosing tube with fused silica, known as the “nozzle.” “The parts we manufacture are tailored to the customer's needs; for example, we make molds for all our pieces, as well as channels and troughs for transporting molten aluminum,” he said.
The engineer indicated that the troughs for transporting molten aluminum are exported to the United States. “Yes, they are exported. For example, this channel could not be made in the U.S., so we made it here in Mexico, as well as the ladles. About 80% stays in Mexico and 20% is exported,” he highlighted.
Serving the foundry market
Silca México serves the foundry market, using highly machinable materials for temperature insulation, such as couplings used in plastic injection.
In conclusion, the engineer reiterated that growth expectations are strong with the launch of new developments like hybrid ladles, troughs, and ceramic fiber cones. “With these new developments, we expect growth of about 25%, a bit more than what we have today, so these new developments are very significant for us,” he concluded.