Federal Debuts New Foundry-Friendly Ingot

Federal Metal Co., Bedford, Ohio, has introduced a shinier and oxide-free brass and bronze alloy product known as “Fingot.”

According to Federal Metal vice president of sales Rik Kohn, the Fingot is a bright, safe ingot product for red metals foundries. “We’ve taken all the oxides off the surface, so when it goes into the molten bath, there is no popping,” says Kohn.

Ingot-consuming customers have responded with positive feedback on the Fingot, says Kohn. “Some believe they are getting a better melting yield, while others say they are getting better, cleaner castings with less porosity,” he remarks. “And others say that even their work gloves are lasting longer.”

In Federal Metal’s former process, ingots came into contact with charcoal dust used for de-gassing during the production process. That step has been eliminated, allowing ingots to shine more brightly, and also eliminating a dirty material from the Federal Metal work place.

While the Fingot is not priced as a premium product, Kohn says the company has seen clear sales growth because of its added features compared to standard ingots.

Kohn and Federal Metal have had some fun introducing the product, urging customers to “just give us a call, and we’ll give you the Fingot.”

“From my perspective, selling it is a lot of fun going into a customer’s office with something new to offer,” Kohn remarks. “In an industry with very little new over the past 25 years, it makes us stand out to be able to leave Fingots as calling cards.”

Ten years ago, the company introduced “Federalloy,” a lead-free ingot. That product has enabled many foundries to conform to a variety of government standards.