"The positive experience from this initial trial confirms the CGI series production capability of the DCM Engineering foundry and provides confidence to our OEM customers, both in India and abroad, as they develop CGI solutions for their passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle engines," said Mr. J K Menon, Managing Director of DCM Engineering.

The TS 16949 certified foundry has an annual capacity of 72,000 tonnes of grey iron castings. It's main products are cylinder blocks and heads, delivered to many of India's leading automotive companies including Ashok Leyland, Eicher Motors, Mahindra, TATA and others.

DCM commissioned the trial in support of customer demand for CGI engine components, as new road infrastructure and more stringent emissions regulations increase the demand for improved engine performance. The SinterCast-CGI cylinder blocks weigh 40 to 175 kg.

According to the company CGI has at least 75% higher tensile strength and more than double the fatigue strength of conventional grey cast iron and aluminium.

"Following our market introduction in India in 2006, and the establishment of a permanent SinterCast representation in 2008, we are delighted to have now completed our first casting trial with DCM Engineering. The foundry clearly demonstrated the ability to provide a high quality base iron and moulding medium for the successful production of CGI cylinder blocks" said Dr. Steve Dawson, President & CEO of SinterCast.

"Together with SinterCast, we have succeeded to produce high quality and defect-free CGI castings conforming to the international ISO 16112 Standard for Compacted (Vermicular) Graphite Iron from the very first days of the trial" added J K Menon.