Countless industries would not be able to function without castings. Formed by pouring a liquid metal into a mold and then allowing it to cool and solidify, these metal components create complex shapes that would be close to impossible to emulate using other methods. While you can create castings using just one metal, such as iron, alloys are an extremely popular casting material as well. Keep reading to find out what you need to know about alloy castings!
What Are Alloys?
Most metals used in castings and other metalworking processes are not metals at all. Rather, they are alloys. Alloys are metals combined with other substances to make them stronger, lighter, or better in some other way. The substances that are paired with the main metal are called alloying agents. The alloying agents can be another type of metal or a completely different chemical element. They are present in much smaller quantities (sometimes less than 1 percent of the total) than the main metal, but have a significant impact on the quality of the castings.
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Casting Alloy?
There are numerous different types of alloys that are used to create castings, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. As a result, there are a variety of factors to consider when choosing a casting alloy. Some specific considerations include strength, durability, production volume, corrosion resistance, cost, stability, and so on. For example, if your project requires components that are corrosion resistant with high strength, an aluminum or copper-based alloy could be an effective choice. Which alloy you utilize for your castings depends on which factors are required for your project.
How Can I Get Alloy Castings?
If you’re interested in using alloy castings for your next project, Ferralloy, Inc. can help! We are a leading supplier of quality alloy castings to major companies throughout the world. Contact our metalworking experts for more information or a quote today!