TRACEABLE METAL CASTING

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for the production of traceable metal castings, such as components of compressors or dryers. The invention also relates to a method for tracing these castings.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

Identification of individual castings is necessary to obtain transparency in the production chain. The prior art shows the possibility of applying markings to produced castings. To identifying castings individually in series production, a unique identifier is required that can be read at a later date, allowing traceability throughout the production chain. Conventional methods apply a mark to the outside of the casting using an additional machining step. To this end, the prior art discloses devices configured to automatically individualise these markings. For example, US 2002/0059874 discloses a device that imprints the date of production on a casting. On the other hand, EP 3 736063 discloses a device which imprints a complicated pattern on a casting, which can be read afterwards by a reading device provided with a camera.

However, cast parts have too high a temperature after the casting process, such that this processing step can only be carried out after sufficient cooling. However, if too long a cooling phase is maintained, it will make it difficult to assign unique markings when a large amount of castings are to be marked simultaneously.

Applied markings are also prone to wear from surface treatments. A casting typically undergoes a succession of treatments, such as grinding, sandblasting, etc., which can damage or render illegible complex markings. Also, the available surface of the castings is often too limited to allow extensive marking. This limits the amount of information that can be provided on each casting.

Hence, there is a need to develop a new method to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art. In particular, there is a need for a solution to optimize the tracing of castings throughout the production chain such that each casting can be accurately monitored at any time throughout the production chain. SUMMARY

In order to meet the above-described needs and shortcomings of the prior art, a method was developed by the inventors for the production of traceable metal castings. These castings can be used as parts for, for example, compressors and dryers, such as cooler vessels, gearboxes, pressure vessels, pipes, and the like.

One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a traceable casting, the method comprising the steps of:

(a), providing a mould having a mould volume of the casting to be cast;

(b). arranging an insert in the mould;

- wherein the insert is manufactured of a material having a melting point mp;

- wherein the insert contains a passageway having a closed and an open end, which is configured for applying a data carrier through the open end; wherein the insert is arranged in the mould such that the closed end is located inside the mould volume and the open end is located outside the mould volume;

(c). pouring molten metal into the mould at a temperature lower than the melting point mp of the insert;

(d). solidifying the poured metal to form the casting; and,

(e). applying a data carrier containing a unique identifier to the insert, for example through the open end, to form the traceable casting.

In this way, a solution is provided to optimize the tracing of castings throughout the production chain such that each casting can be accurately monitored at any time throughout the production chain. In this way, the data carrier can already be applied immediately after casting in the foundry, such that the casting can be traced from this initial step. This avoids the risk that the traceability of the casting can only be traced after making subsequent operations, such as, for example, machining operations, marking operations, etc. such that there is a risk that the casting cannot be traced during logistic operations that occur with the casting after the initial casting in the foundry.

According to a preferred embodiment, the insert and/or the data carrier is resistant and/or configured to be made resistant to: a temperature of 300°C, preferably 400°, for example 450°C; corrosion; paint; and/or abrasive blasting media. An aspect of the present invention relates to a kit of parts for manufacturing a traceable casting, the kit of parts comprising:

- a mould for pouring molten metal having a mould volume of the casting to be cast;

- an insert containing a passageway having a closed and open end, which is configured for applying a data carrier through the open end, and wherein the insert is configured, before casting, to be arranged with the closed end inside the mould volume and with the open end outside the mould volume;

- a data carrier containing a unique identifier and configured to be applied to the insert through the open end after casting. An aspect of the present invention relates to a traceable casting, the casting comprising:

- a main body formed by solidifying molten metal;

- a preformed insert which is irremovably cast into the main body; wherein the insert contains a passageway having a closed and open end, which is configured for applying a data carrier through the open end, and wherein the insert is arranged in the main body such that the open end provides access to the passageway; and,

- a data carrier containing a unique identifier and configured to be applied to the insert. In a preferred embodiment the insert contains an abutment projecting from the insert, which prevents removal of the insert from the casting; wherein this abutment is located inside the mould volume when arranging the insert in the mould.

In a preferred embodiment the insert contains a flange projecting from the insert, which prevents removal of the insert from the casting; wherein this flange is located inside the mould volume when arranging the insert in the mould.

In a preferred embodiment the flange has a diameter which is at least 10%, preferably 15%, more preferably 20% larger than the diameter of the insert.

In a preferred embodiment, the insert contains a notch provided on the abutment and/or the flange, which notch prevents rotation of the insert during the pouring of molten material.

In a preferred embodiment the insert is provided with a flat end part at the closed end. In a preferred embodiment the passageway of the insert tapers from the open end towards the closed end.

In a preferred embodiment the data carrier contains an elongated attachment part, which is arranged in the passageway of the insert through the open end. In a preferred embodiment the data carrier contains an elongated attachment part, which is provided with an outer thread, and the passageway of the insert is provided with a complementary inner thread, such that the data carrier can be at least partially screwed into the insert. In a preferred embodiment, the data carrier contains a head part, which is provided with a recess, such as a slot, for the placement of tools, such as a screwdriver or Allen key.

In an alternative, preferred embodiment, the data carrier contains a head part, which is provided with one or more contact surfaces, preferably two or more contact surfaces, for example six contact surfaces forming a hexagon, configured for placement of tools such as, for example, a spanner, a ring wrench or pliers.

In a preferred embodiment, the insert is manufactured of stainless steel or an alloy containing a type of stainless steel having a melting point of 1500°C or higher.

In a preferred embodiment, the passageway of the insert through the open end is at least partially filled with a filler material, such as sand, when arranging the insert in the mould, which prevents the insert from sliding during pouring.

In a preferred embodiment, the open end of the insert is at least partially covered with an adhesive, such as glue, upon arranging the insert in the mould, which prevents the insert from floating during pouring.

In a preferred embodiment the kit of parts contains an adhesive, such as glue, which is configured to adhere the insert to the mould along the open end.

It is clear that further variants and/or combinations of embodiments are possible, especially with regard to the various aspects of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES In order to better demonstrate the features of the invention, some preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in the accompanying figures without any limitation.

The following numbering is used throughout the figures, claims and description: mould (10); adhesive (11); mould volume (15); casting (20); insert (30); passageway (31); abutment (35); notch (36); data carrier (40); fastening part (41); head part (45).

Figure 1 (FIG. 1) is an embodiment of a mould (10) for manufacturing a casting (20) wherein an insert (30) is arranged in the mould volume (15). Figure 2 (FIG. 2) is an embodiment of traceable casting (20) wherein an insert (30) is immovably cast into the casting (20) and a data carrier (40) is applied to this insert (30). Figure 3 (FIG. 3) is a preferred embodiment of an insert (30) and a data carrier (40). Figure 4 (FIG. 3) is a preferred embodiment of an insert (30) and a data carrier (40). Figure 5 (FIG. 4) is a preferred embodiment of arranging an insert (30) in the mould volume (15) of the mould (10).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before describing the aspects and embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that this invention is not limited to specific systems and methods or combinations described, as such systems and methods and combinations may, of course, vary. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims. All documents cited in the present specification are fully incorporated herein by reference.

As used further in this text, the singular forms "a", "an", "the" include both the singular and the plural unless the context is clearly otherwise.

The terms "to comprise", "comprises" as used further, are synonymous with "inclusive", "to include" or "to contain, "contains" and are inclusive or open and do not exclude additional members, elements or method steps not mentioned. The terms "to comprise", "comprises" include the term "to contain".

The enumeration of numerical values by a range of numbers comprises all values and fractions in these ranges, as well as the quoted endpoints.

The term "approximately", as used when referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a duration, and so on, is intended to encompass variations of +/- 10% or less, preferably +/-S% or less, more preferably +/-!% or less, and more preferably +/-0.1% or less, of and from the specified value, in as far as the variations apply to function in the invention described herein. It should be understood that the value to which the term "approximately" refers has also been disclosed. In the following passages, various aspects of the invention are further defined. Each aspect so defined may be combined with any other aspect or aspects, unless clearly stated to the contrary. In particular, a feature referred to as the "preferred" or "advantageous" may be combined with other features or attributes designated as "preferred" and/or "advantageous". Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular function, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is applicable in at least one embodiment of the present invention. When the wording "in one embodiment" or "an embodiment" is mentioned in different places in this specification, they do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although this is not excluded.

Furthermore, the disclosed features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as will be apparent to the skilled person based on this disclosure. The embodiments described and claimed in the claims can be used in any combination. In the present description of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof and which illustrate specific embodiments of the invention. Numbers in parentheses or in bold linked to certain elements illustrate the relevant elements by way of example, without limiting the elements by this. It should be understood that other embodiments may be used and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is not to be construed as limiting, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms disclosed in the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by the skilled person. For further guidance, definitions are included for further explanation of terms used in the description of the invention.

In order to meet the needs and shortcomings of the prior art described above, methods and means for tracing metal castings have been developed by the inventors. These castings can, for example, be produced as parts for use in compressors or dryers, such as cooler vessels, gearboxes, pressure vessels, pipes, and the like. The skilled person understand that the above-mentioned technical applications are merely illustrative and the present invention may equally well be applied to the production of castings for use in other fields.

The prior art teaches that a metal casting can be manufactured by pouring molten metal into a mould containing a three-dimensional imprint of the final product in the form of a cavity. Typically, a material is used for the mould that is easier to machine than the metal. Sand casting is an example of metal casting wherein a sandbox is used as a mould. Once the metal has solidified, the mould can be removed such that the metal casting of the product, i.e. the casting, remains.

Traceability of a metal casting according to the present invention can be accomplished by providing the casting with additional components at different times in the casting process, in particular an insert and data carrier, the former being arranged in the mould before the casting process (i.e. before pouring molten metal into the mould) and the latter is arranged in the casting after the casting process (i.e. after solidification of the metal poured into a casting).

Figure 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a mould (10) for manufacturing a casting (20). The mould (10) contains a mould volume (15) of the casting to be cast, illustratively shown herein as a circle, and a runner for pouring molten metal. As shown, an insert is arranged on the inside of the mould (10) i.e. in the mould volume (15) an insert (30) has been arranged. This insert (30) contains a passageway having a closed and open end. As further illustrated, said insert (30) is arranged with the closed end inside the mould volume and with the open end outside the mould volume. This arrangement of the insert (30) will prevent the molten metal from flowing into the passageway of the insert (100) during pouring.

Next, Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a casting (20) formed by pouring and solidifying molten metal in the above-described mould. The insert (30) is irremovably cast into the casting (20). As shown, a data carrier (40) is applied to the insert (30) through the open end. This allows the data carrier (40) to be attached to the moulded casting (20) in a reliable manner. As will be further described below, this data carrier (40) contains a unique identifier assigned to the casting (20).

It is clear that the above-described combination of an insert and data carrier allows to assign a unique identifier to each produced casting in a simple and reliable manner. This identifier can then be used to accurately trace each casting throughout the production chain. The present invention therefore provides a solution that does not require additional processing steps, which usually slow down the casting process, make it unnecessarily complex and potentially damage the casting. Furthermore, the present invention also does not have the typical limitations of a marking applied to the outside, such as providing complex devices for imprinting the marking, providing a limited amount of information or space on the outside of the casting, slow or erroneous reading of the marking, and/or a susceptibility to wear from post-treatments, such as grinding, sandblasting, machining, polishing, etc., or quality testing, such as hydrotesting.

The present invention will be explained below in various aspects thereof. However, the skilled person understands that the aspects described below are also mutually combinable such that an embodiment of a particular aspect also forms an embodiment of another aspect without its explicit mention. In particular, an embodiment of the method described herein for the production of the traceable casting also constitutes an embodiment of the kit of parts for the production of the traceable casting, as well as the traceable casting itself. These embodiments also relate to the parts that make up the traceable casting and the use of these parts for the production and/or tracing of the traceable casting.

An aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a casting, the method comprising the steps of:

(a), providing a mould having a mould volume of the casting to be cast; (b). arranging an insert in the mould;

- wherein the insert is manufactured of a material having a melting point mp higher than the melting point of the molten metal to be poured;

- wherein the insert contains a passageway having a closed and an open end, which is configured for applying a data carrier through the open end; wherein the insert is arranged in the mould such that the closed end is located inside the mould volume and the open end is located outside the mould volume.

An aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a casting, the method comprising the steps of:

(a), providing a mould having a mould volume of the casting to be cast; (b). arranging an insert in the mould;

- wherein the insert is manufactured of a material having a melting point mp higher than the melting point of the molten metal to be poured;

- wherein the insert has a first and a second end, which is configured for applying a data carrier through the second end; wherein the insert is arranged in the mould such that the first end is located inside the mould volume and the second end is located outside the mould volume.

An aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a traceable casting, the method comprising the steps of: (a), providing a mould having a mould volume of the casting to be cast;

(b). arranging an insert in the mould;

- wherein the insert is manufactured of a material with a melting point mp;

- wherein the insert comprises a passageway having a closed and an open end, which is configured for applying a data carrier through the open end; wherein the insert is arranged in the mould such that the closed end is located inside the mould volume and the open end is located outside the mould volume;

(c). pouring molten metal into the mould at a temperature lower than the melting point mp of the insert;

(d). solidifying the poured metal to form the casting; and,

(e). applying a data carrier containing a unique identifier to the insert to form the traceable casting.

An aspect of the present invention relates to a kit of parts for manufacturing a casting, the kit of parts comprising:

- a mould for pouring molten metal with a mould volume of the casting to be cast;

- an insert containing a passageway having a closed and open end, which is configured for application of a data carrier through the open end, and wherein the insert is configured to be arranged with the closed end inside the mould volume and with the open end outside the mould volume.

An aspect of the present invention relates to a kit of parts for manufacturing a traceable casting, the kit of parts comprising:

- a mould for pouring molten metal with a mould volume of the casting to be cast;

- an insert containing a passageway having a closed and open end, which is configured for application of a data carrier through the open end, and wherein the insert is configured to be arranged with the closed end inside the mould volume and with the open end outside the mould volume.

- a data carrier containing a unique identifier and configured to be applied to the insert after casting.

An aspect of the present invention relates to a casting comprising:

- a main body formed by solidifying molten metal;

- a preformed insert which is irremovably cast into the main body; wherein the insert contains a passageway having a closed and open end configured for insertion of a data carrier through the open end, and wherein the insert is arranged in the main body such that the open end allows access to the passageway.

An aspect of the present invention relates to a traceable casting, the casting comprising: - a main body formed by solidifying molten metal;

- a preformed insert which is irremovably cast into the main body; the insert containing a passageway having a closed and open end, which is configured for applying a data carrier through the open end, and wherein the insert is arranged in the main body such that the open end allows access to the passageway; and, - a data carrier containing a unique identifier and configured to be applied to the insert.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of an insert (30) and a data carrier (40). As explained above, the insert (30) contains a passageway (31) having a closed and open end. This passageway (31) forms an elongated space inside the body of the insert (30) suitable for full or partial reception of said data carrier (40) such that it can be fully or partly positioned therein along the open end. For example, the data carrier (40) may contain a fastening part (41) configured to attach the data carrier (40) to the insert (30) and thereby also to the casting (20).

As set forth above, the insert may be manufactured of a material having a higher melting point (mp, "melting point") than the temperature of the molten metal to be poured into the mould such that the insert can substantially or essentially retain its shape during the casting process.

In a preferred embodiment, the insert can be manufactured of stainless steel or an alloy containing a type of stainless steel. Stainless steel has a melting point of about 1510°C, hence this makes this embodiment suitable for the pouring of, for example, molten aluminium which has a melting point of about 660°C. The skilled person understands that the melting point of the insert can be adjusted accordingto the temperature of the molten metal. The use of stainless steel also has the advantage of protecting the insert from corrosion. It is also advantageous when the material used for the insert does not undergo intolerable deformations, or in other words, does not "soften" or remains insufficiently rigid, when it comes into contact with the liquid metal for the casting. It is further apparent that the liquid metal for the casting begins to cool as it is poured into the mould. This is especially the case for the liquid metal that comes into contact with the stainless steel. It is therefore clear that in this situation stainless steel, which has a higher melting point than the liquid metal, will not or hardly melt and certainly will not fuse completely with the liquid metal.

As shown in Figure 3, the insert (30) can have a abutment (35) projecting from the insert (30). The abutment forms a projection or abutment projecting from the insert and completely contained inside the casting. This allows the insert to prevent its removal from the casting i.e. without moving the insert. The skilled person understands that the abutment is provided inside the mould volume before the casting process such that, when pouring, the molten metal can flow completely around the abutment.

In an embodiment, the abutment can be arranged at or near the closed end of the insert. This has the advantage that the abutment is positioned at a sufficient distance from the outside of the casting to ensure a secure connection of the insert. This may also simplify the insertion of the insert in the mould because it forms a clear grip point and therefore reduces the chance of an incorrect application.

In an embodiment the abutment may be a flange, i.e. a flat ring, preferably provided at the closed end of the insert. The inventors have found that a flange forms a very robust embodiment of the abutment. This flange preferably has a diameter which is at least 10%, preferably 15%, more preferably 20%, larger than the diameter of the insert. The inventors have found that such diameters of the flange can sufficiently improve the mechanical tightening of the insert without unnecessarily increasing the size of the insert. As shown in Figure 4, the insert (30) can be provided in one embodiment with a notch (36) which prevents rotation of the insert during the casting process, i.e. due to the flow of molten material into the mould. The skilled person understands that this notch is provided inside the mould volume before the casting process to allow the molten metal to flow past the notch during pouring. Preferably, the notch (36) is provided on the above- described abutment (35), more preferably on a side of the above-described flange, as this is easier to machine than a notch on, for example, a side of the insert.

In an embodiment, the insert may be provided with a flattened end part at the closed end. This shortens the length of the insert in a simple manner, such that the thickness of the casting can be limited. Alternatively, the insert may have a rounded end part at the closed end.

In an embodiment, the passageway of the insert through the open end may be at least partially filled with a filling material when the insert is arranged in the mould. Preferably, the filling material can be sand, for example in an embodiment wherein the mould is a sandbox, i.e. in sand casting. This can allow the insert to be tightened more securely such that it does not loosen or shift during the casting process. An example thereof is shown in Figure 5, showing an embodiment where approximately 3/4 of the length of the elongated passageway (31) of the insert (30) is filled with sand from the sandbox (10). In an embodiment, the open end of the insert can be at least partially covered with an adhesive, such as glue or other adhesive product, upon arranging the insert in the mould. Providing an adhesive between the insert and the mould can prevent the insert from being undesirably displaced by the molten metal during the casting process. For example, it is prevented that the insert will slide along the longitudinal direction of the insert. Furthermore, the risk is also reduced that an air gap is created at the open end of the passageway of the insert, along which liquid metal could flow through this open end into the passageway of the insert and damage the screw thread. A suitable adhesive is, for example, a product manufactured under the brand name LOCTITE 401 by the company Flenkel, as specified, for example, in the "technical data sheet" dated February 2012. Flowever, it is clear that many alternative embodiments are possible for a suitable adhesive that is preferably suitable to allow at least a temporary connection between the insert and the mould. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, this adhesive is, for example, suitable for adhering an insert to a mould formed by means of a sand box and/or a sand core, in particular in sand casting. An example of this is shown in Figure 5, showing an embodiment in which the edges of the open end, in particular the inner and outer edges, of the insert (30) are covered with adhesive (11) which adheres the insert (30) to sand of the sandbox (10).

As explained above, the data carrier contains a unique identifier for the casting. This identifier can be arbitrarily assigned to a casting in the production chain. Optionally, this identifier can also be purposefully assigned to a specific casting based on one or more production parameters of this casting, such as the production number, the casting date, the material code, the supplier number, the destination, the after treatment, and so on. In an embodiment, the identifier may contain a readable inscription, such as a readable inscription, an alphanumeric representation, a barcode, a QR code, and the like. In another embodiment, the identifier may contain an electronically readable tag, such as a tag, an RFID chip and antenna, Wi-Fi or infrared RTLS tag, and the like. Optionally, this electronically readable label can be read, preferably automatically, with the aid of a readout device comprising, for example, a camera, RFID reader and/or an RTLS sensor. In a further embodiment, the identifier may comprise a readable inscription and an electronically readable label. The skilled person will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to any particular identifier type and the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative. As further shown in Figure 3, the data carrier (40) may contain an elongated attachment (45), which is configured to be arranged in the elongated passageway (35) of the insert (30) and thereby attach the data carrier (40) to the insert (30). As further shown, at the end of this elongated body (45) a head part (45) can be provided which can simplify the mounting of the data carrier (40) on the insert (30). Optionally, the head part (45) can be provided with an identifier according to an embodiment as described above, for instance a readable inscription and/or an electronically readable label.

In an embodiment, the passageway of the insert may be threaded (i.e. outer thread) and the data carrier, preferably on the fastening part described above, is provided with a complementary thread (i.e. inner thread) such that the data carrier can be screwed into the insert. In a preferred embodiment, the passageway, preferably threaded, of the insert may taper from the open end towards the closed end. In this way a reliable embodiment is provided which realizes a robust attachment of the data carrier.

In an embodiment, a recess may be provided at an end of the data carrier, preferably on the head part described above, such as a slot configured for placement of tools, such as a screwdriver or Allen key. This can facilitate the application of the data carrier to the insert. In an alternative embodiment, at an end of the data carrier, preferably the head part described above, abutment surfaces for a hexagon are provided which are configured for placement of tools such as for instance a spanner, a ring spanner or pliers. It is clear that further variant embodiments are possible in which one or more contact surfaces are provided, preferably two or more contact surfaces, configured for placement of tools such as for instance a spanner, a ring spanner or pliers.

In a preferred embodiment, the insert may be or contain a bushing or long nut. A bushing or long nut as used herein refers to a fastening part characterized by a body having an elongated opening provided with an inner screw thread, i.e. inner thread. The inner thread of the bushing or long nut can be parallel, i.e. maintain the same diameter from end to end. Preferably, the inner thread of the bushing or long nut may be tapered, i.e. become smaller in diameter towards the end of the inner thread. An example of this is shown in Figure 3, which shows a preferred embodiment wherein the insert (30) contains a bushing containing a flange (35) and a passageway (31) provided with an internal thread. In a preferred embodiment, the data carrier can be or contain a bolt or screw, which can be screwed into the insert. A bolt or screw as used herein refers to a fastening part characterized by a helical cam provided with an outer screw thread, i.e. outer thread, which is complementary to the inner thread of the insert, in particular when this insert is or contains a bushing or long nut. A bolt or screw also typically contains a head part which may be provided with a slot for the placement of a tool such as a screwdriver or Allen key. An example of this is shown in Figure 3, which shows a preferred embodiment in which the data carrier (40) contains a bolt containing a head part (45) and a fastening part (41) provided with an external thread.

It is clear that variant embodiments are possible wherein, for example, the insert, instead of a passageway provided with internal fastening means, contains fastening means for fastening a data carrier, said fastenings being arranged on the outside of the insert, in particular on the part and/or the end which is outside the casting in the attached condition to the casting. Thus, for example, the insert can be manufactured as an element provided with a threaded rod or an elongated element provided with external screw thread, or an element having at its end a clamping element, which is suitable for attaching a corresponding data carrier, which is, for example, provided with a passageway having corresponding internal screw thread and/or a corresponding clamping element. It is clear that further variant embodiments of the invention are possible wherein a method for manufacturing a casting provides a mould having a mould volume of the casting to be cast, wherein subsequently the insert is arranged in the mould. It is understood that similarly as described above, the insert is manufactured of a material having a melting point mp higher than the melting point of the molten metal to be poured. According to such embodiments, the insert contains a first and a second end configured for application of a data carrier through the second end; wherein the insert is arranged in the mould such that the first end is located inside the mould volume and the second end is located outside the mould volume. A further aspect of the present invention is a use of the insert and data carrier described herein for tracing castings as described above. In particular, the present invention relates to a use of an insert and data carrier configured for the production of traceable castings by performing the method as described herein. It is understood that the preferred embodiments of the traceable casting as described herein also constitute preferred embodiments of the use of the insert and data carrier for the production of said traceable casting.