Blog Archives
When considering the production of complex metal components, it is important to evaluate the costs associated with different metal casting methods. There are several factors that go into “all-in” costs. These factors include tooling and tooling maintenance, material costs and machining. Below is a comparison of the all-in costs of three popular metal casting processes:…
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Are you experiencing supply chain issues with your current metal manufacturing vendors? In today’s marketplace, long lead times, poor customer service, and material shortages are becoming the new normal for many companies. Feel free to pick your reason for why this is happening, but does it matter? You, as a customer, simply care about a…
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Investment casting (also known as lost-wax casting) is a common manufacturing process used to create metal parts with fine detail and tight tolerances. The investment casting method involves the creation of a tool, typically made from a high-grade aluminum alloy, that serves as a mold for wax. Hot wax or plastic is poured into the…
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What are the properties of metal and what are the key differences between them? Physical and mechanical properties are important considerations when choosing a material for a specific application. Below are the definitions of the physical properties of metals and mechanical properties of metals, along with a few examples. A material’s chemical composition and internal…
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What Is Low Alloy Steel? In general, there are two categories of steel: Low alloy steel has low percentages of alloying elements such as chromium and nickel compared to stainless steel. As a result, low alloy steel does not have the heat, wear, or corrosion resistance provided by stainless steel. However, low alloy steel provides…
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Casting is a manufacturing process of pouring molten metal into a mold to create a desired shape. Once the metal solidifies, the mold is removed, and the part is produced. Three similar casting processes are: die casting, investment casting, and sand casting. Selecting the appropriate casting method for your project is as important as selecting…
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Copper vs. Brass vs. Bronze At MetalTek, one of the elements we work with is copper. The two primary copper alloys are brass and bronze. Brass is made of copper combined with zinc and bronze is an alloy made of copper combined with other elements, historically tin. MetalTek specializes in bronze alloys and does not…
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Metal casting is precise and process orientated. With countless variables potentially affecting the result, casting inspection procedures must be rigorous. Inspection methods can vary between casting type, and different inspection methods are often used for a single casting. More than anything else, metal casting inspections provide customers with confidence that they received a quality casting. …
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From skyscrapers to naval propulsion systems, from automotive parts to petrochemical furnace tubes, there is no shortage of real-world applications for metal. Metals come in a wide range of structures, properties, and applications but are commonly organized into two categories: ferrous metals and non-ferrous metals. Below we explain the definitions, common types, differences, and popular…
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Selecting the best metal alloy for your components can be challenging. Two popular choices are aluminum and steel, more specifically stainless steel. Every component and its application are different so there is not a “one size fits all” alloy. However, this article will provide tips for determining which alloy, aluminum or steel, is a better…
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