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a Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry Division in Minnesota

Formally known as Dee Manufacturing.

Close-up batch of small cast aluminum parts.

Minnesota aluminum castings supplier that puts it all together

Today’s OEMs don’t need suppliers who see problems. They need a foundry that excels at finding solutions. At WAF – Crookston (formerly Dee Manufacturing), our 80+ team of experts has led the way in downstream work since 1971 by seeing opportunities where others see challenges. As your partner, when we find an idea that is faster, better or less expensive, we pass that value on to you. That means you can do more in less time.

WAF – Crookston serves a variety of industries, including:

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Agriculture

Our highly automated molding lines allow us to support high-volume programs and meet the exact specifications of our automotive customers.

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Construction

WAF – Crookston’s aluminum castings are lightweight but durable to help reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency in construction vehicles and off-highway trucks.

An oil plant at sunset.

Power Generation

We supply precise, corrosion-resistant castings with high thermal conductivity and strength that’s critical in power general applications, so that manufacturers can continue to meet the unending demands for power supply. 

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Recreation

Our customers rely on WAF – Crookston for quality recreational vehicle castings that are lightweight, without sacrificing strength.

Industrial robot used in machining cast aluminum parts.

More efficient aluminum casting solutions

Why expend resources shipping parts from the foundry to the machine shop to the sub-assembly manufacturer? WAF – Crookston can cast, machine and assemble all under one roof, ensuring products meet our uncompromising standards of quality. Our experienced team meets every challenge, minimizing the need for additional vendors.

Green sand mold coming down production line, operated by a molder wearing protective clothing.

Performance aluminum casting services

  • Engineering
  • Tooling design
  • Green sand and permanent mold methods of casting—including core making
  • Heat treatment
  • Machining
  • Quality assurance

Aluminum sand casting and permanent mold alloys

Choosing the right alloy is one of the most important factors in the success of an aluminum sand casting project. Material selection impacts strength, corrosion resistance, machinability, weight, thermal performance and long-term durability.

At WAF – Crookston, we offer a variety of aluminum alloys and copper-based alloys to meet the demands of industrial, transportation, agricultural, marine and other high-performance applications. Whether you’re evaluating options for a new component or looking to improve the performance of an existing design, our team can help identify the best alloy for your casting requirements.

WAF – Crookston alloy options

Alloy Series Sand or Permanent Mold Alloy Options Positive Characteristics Common Industries and Applications
200 Series 201
204
206
A206
242		 High mechanical properties at elevated operating temperatures (400-600 degrees) Aerospace components, engine housings, cylinder heads, structural castings
300 Series 319 Pressure tightness, moderate strength, age hardening Internal combustion crank cases, cylinder heads, oil pans
332
333
336		 Good strength at high temperatures, wear resistance Automotive pistons, cylinder heads, gear box housings
354
(C)355		 Highest mechanical properties of 300 series Aerospace structures, air compressor pistons
(A)(B)356 Good mechanical properties, corrosion resistance Automotive, aerospace, marine, structural, industrial
357 Greater yield and UTS than 356 Aircraft missile structures
400 Series (B)443 Moderate mechanical properties, excellent pressure tightness Carburetor bodies, kitchen utensils, pipe fittings
A444 High impact resistance, high elongation Outboard motor propellers, bumper guards
700 Series 713
771		 High strength, room temperature aging, ideal for castings too complex for heat treat, high dimensional stability Automotive components, industrial pumps, mining equipment
800 Series 850
851
852		 Excellent wear resistance, excellent machinability Bearing surfaces

Certified casting quality

ISO 9001: 2015 CERTIFICATION
IATF 16949: 2016 certification

Modern capabilities and equipment

At WAF – Crookston, we put 96,000 square-feet of aluminum casting muscle to work, using high-quality machining and sub-assembly equipment to manufacture small-to-large castings at varying complexity:

Two Hunter automatic molding machines 

Three Hall 3H and one 6H permanent mold machines

12 shell core machines

Saws, grinders, robotic finishing cell and shot-blasting equipment

Drop-bottom heat treat furnace and aging ovens

Fully equipped quality lab

  • Horizonal CNC milling machines
  • Vertical CNC milling machines 
  • CNC lathes 
  • Various inspection and tooling/fixture production equipment and software 

Supplier Partner Resources

At WAF – Crookston, our supplier quality program is designed to secure world-class quality in purchased materials and services. Access the Supplier Quality Manual to review our supplier selection process, quality system requirements, product and process control, supplier development commitments, an acknowledgement form and more.

WAF – Crookston for custom parts

OEMs and suppliers, contact our Casting Sales team to find out how we can get you the industrial cast aluminum components you need, when you need them.

Contact Us

For industrial casting questions or quotes:
1302 Foskett St.
Crookston, MN 56716
(218) 281-5811
castingsales@wafco.com

Careers

Join a team that excels at finding solutions to benefit our customers.

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