Fonderia di Torbole and Pilenga Baldassarre Foundry at the forefront of innovation in the metallurgical sector

The first training session dedicated to Artificial Intelligence within the ALCHIMIA Project took place recently, with Fonderia di Torbole and Pilenga Baldassarre Foundry among the pilot companies leading the development of digital and sustainable solutions for the metallurgical industry.

The session, led by Dr. Stefano Dettori from the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna of Pisa, offered an important opportunity to introduce company teams to the fundamental concepts of Artificial Intelligence and its practical applications in industrial processes.

During the training, participants explored key topics such as:

• principles of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning;
• real-world examples of AI applications in manufacturing;
• decision trees and neural networks;
• strengths and limitations of predictive technologies;
• a practical focus on the ALCHIMIA system applied to casting lines.

A project that merges data and sustainability

ALCHIMIA is more than a research initiative – it is a strategic vision of industrial transformation, where technology, data, and sustainability converge to improve quality and process efficiency.

In an industrial context increasingly challenged by efficiency, quality, and environmental impact, Artificial Intelligence becomes a key tool for anticipating problems and guiding decisions.

At Fonderia di Torbole and Pilenga Baldassarre Foundry, innovation is deeply embedded in our DNA. With this mindset, we actively contribute to the development of a system capable of predicting the final casting quality from the earliest stages of production, through an integrated analysis of data collected during melting and quality control phases.

ALCHIMIA: the software that anticipates quality

At the heart of the project lies the ALCHIMIA software, an advanced decision-support system designed to assist operators in monitoring the casting lines.

By analyzing chemical and thermal data collected from the furnaces, ALCHIMIA can predict the quality of the finished casting during the early melting stages, allowing operators to take timely corrective actions when needed.

Among its most innovative capabilities:

• predicting casting quality before solidification;
• detecting potential production defects, such as abnormal natural frequencies, presence of cementite, or micro-filters in the castings;
• using predictive analytics to optimize process variables, reduce scrap, and stabilize production.

This approach represents a true revolution for modern foundries: anticipating issues means reducing time, costs, and environmental impact – while improving overall product quality.

Conclusions: a revolution in product quality

The ALCHIMIA Project is a clear demonstration of how collaboration between academic research and industry can generate real, measurable value.

Applying Artificial Intelligence to the casting process allows for enhanced quality control, lower production costs, and more sustainable resource management.

At Fonderia di Torbole, the integration of the ALCHIMIA system will ensure even higher standards in brake disc production, opening new opportunities for the future and positioning the company at the forefront of global metallurgical innovation.

A foundry that learns from data is a foundry that evolves –  becoming smarter, greener, and more competitive. ALCHIMIA stands as the proof that when innovation meets metallurgical tradition, it can truly reshape the way we built the future.