Join hosts Perry Merritt and Nate McLain on the Foundry Talk podcast for a lively conversation with Jim Gauldin, President of Palmer Manufacturing.

Jim traces Palmer’s roots back to a small evening foundry run by Jack Palmer and his father, where building their own sand mixer for speed led to an unexpected sale that sparked a full equipment-manufacturing business.

The discussion highlights Palmer’s innovative Flip Mold Machine (FMM), a compact all-in-one rollover/carousel design that boosts production cadence, saves floor space, and reduces operator fatigue—with growing installations and strong customer feedback.

They explore Palmer’s diversification into rail traction sand systems, golf course sand reclamation, and more. The conversation dives into Foundry 4.0—predictive sensors, data connectivity, AI possibilities, cybersecurity concerns, and the real challenges of adoption in small-to-large foundries.

Heartfelt stories celebrate the larger-than-life Jack Palmer—his creativity (including casting his own face in aluminum), boundless energy, and enduring legacy.

A great listen for anyone in metal casting interested in practical innovation, equipment evolution, and the future of the industry.

Listen now and visit https://palmermfg.com/ for videos, equipment details, and Simple Solutions That Work magazine.

#podcast #foundry #manufacturing #smallbusiness

In this episode of Foundry Talk, hosts Nate McLain and Perry Merritt chat with Dave Schmidt, VP of Finite Solutions Incorporated, about metal casting simulation software. Dave shares the company's history since 1985, debunking misconceptions (yes, it works!), and demos flow/solidification analysis to predict defects, optimize rigging, and improve yields.

They explore real-world examples like turbulent fills, bottom gating issues, and how simulation aids robust processes—essential for modern foundries. Tips on using tools like SOLIDCast, plus contract services for those without in-house expertise.

Contact: dave@finitesolutions.com or (262) 644-0785. Visit finitesolutions.com for more.#podcast #foundry #manufacturing #smallbusiness