Meet Rob Porter, Technical Manager

Published - 25th Nov 2024

Your partner in problem-solving and new product development

As Technical Manager at Investacast, Rob Porter plays a key role in the design and manufacture of precision investment castings.

With extensive industry experience, Rob collaborates closely with customers to refine and optimise component designs helping them achieve cost-effective and innovative solutions.

His expertise in both technical and practical aspects drives continual process improvements, benefitting businesses seeking efficient manufacturing solutions.

Design for Manufacture (DfM) in investment casting

While modern CAD/CAM technology has transformed manufacturing, nothing can replace the combined technical and practical experience of investment casting when it comes to finding the best way to manufacture a component. Rob frequently works with engineers and designers, providing specialised advice to enhance designs.

Some of the ways Rob supports our customers include:

• Optimising initial designs: offering insights to adjust and improve Design for Manufacture strategies.
• Simulation and analysis: running detailed simulations to suggest improvements upon receiving an order.
• Alternative manufacturing suggestions: recommending alternatives, such as converting fabricated, machined or forged parts to investment casting, without compromising quality.

Rob’s expertise: over 35 years of industry experience

Rob’s journey in mechanical and production engineering began shortly after leaving school, with five years of intensive training as an apprentice toolmaker in the Midlands which included 3 years’ day release at Technical College and 2 years at North Staffordshire Polytechnic. He started Toolmaking at Investacast when the mould designs were created by the individual Toolmaker, prior to the introduction of digital design aids.

As Investacast continued to embrace digital technology, Rob was among the first to adopt design software and program CNC machines. His combined skills in toolmaking, design and technical problem-solving became invaluable to our customers, leading to his appointment as Technical Manager.

For over 35 years, Rob has continuously improved design and production processes, always focusing on delivering maximum value to our clients.

Delivering practical, cost-effective solutions

“I’m often contacted by customers who need advice on the best way to manufacture a new or existing component,” Rob explains. “My goal is to find cost-efficient, practical solutions that meet their needs, whether they’ve created a new complex part or want to enhance an existing design. At Investacast, we believe in building strong, long-term relationships with our clients, supporting them throughout their entire journey with us.”

Real-world examples of Rob’s technical support

Many customers have seen significant benefits from Rob’s technical support and advice. Here are a few success stories:

• Converting fabricated parts: an early customer needed to convert high-demand fabricated parts to investment castings. Rob’s team achieved this, saving materials and reducing costs. Today, this customer regularly consults with Rob for advice on new products.
• Reducing tooling costs: a client asked Rob to review the tooling for a casting with a complex collapsible core. Rob suggested simple adjustments that led to significant cost reductions, a critical factor given the substantial tooling expenses in new product development.
• Design optimisation: Rob assisted the inventor of a new oil drill component, improving its efficiency. Machining internal angles was a challenge, but Rob’s design improvements made the part more cost-effective to produce.
• Complete design solutions: trusting Rob’s expertise, some clients even ask him to design parts from scratch, working closely with their design engineers. He recently designed a mission-critical component for a customer where the prototype worked perfectly on the first try, saving time and resources.

Continuous process improvement

Rob’s role extends beyond design support. He also ensures that Investacast’s manufacturing processes run efficiently. Every day, Rob reviews operations in the wax room, shell room and foundry, identifying areas for improvement and working closely with our quoting and customer service teams to ensure smooth operations.

Building strong customer relationships

At Investacast, we pride ourselves on our long-term partnerships with customers. “We work hard to find the best solutions for our clients,” says Rob. “It’s rare that we encounter a challenge we can’t solve. By collaborating with engineers and tapping into the casting and machining expertise of our sister companies within Expromet Technologies Group, we deliver value beyond expectations.”

If you’re looking for expert investment casting and technical support, contact Investacast today to see how we can help.