Metal castings are a 2-millennia metalworking technique initially applied to manufacturing in 3200 BCE. New metal casting techniques were created over time and are now frequently utilized to make various items, including jewelry and weaponry.It is one of the most outstanding manufacturing processes for intricate structures that would otherwise require a lot of time and resources to produce.
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Metal Casting 101
What Is Metal Casting?
Making items by pouring molten metal into blank, shaped space is known as metal casting. The metal then hardens and cools into the shape that this mold has provided for it.Casting is frequently a less expensive option if a product needs to be machined out of a solid piece of metal. There are numerous metal casting techniques available. The use of metals, the length of the run, and the complexity of the casting all influence what kind of casting is most effective.
Common Types of Metal Castings
- Copper Casting
One of its significant advantages is that copper offers exceptional electrical conductivity above other casting materials. This is why casting electrical components typically uses copper. Similarly, copper has outstanding ductility, impressive malleability, and excellent heat conduction.However, using copper also has a few drawbacks. Castings made of copper, for example, may be susceptible to permeability, cracking, and the formation of internal cavities. Copper is frequently mixed with other metals like silver, tin, zinc, silicon, nickel, and chromium to alleviate these problems.
- Zinc Casting
Due to its low melting point, zinc is perfect for die-casting applications. It is one of the simplest alloys to cast because it fills without delay and cools down quickly. Casting small, numerous items at a low cost is another advantage of zinc.
- Aluminum Casting
Aluminum casting is one of the most often utilized methods because of its exceptional adaptability. Likewise, aluminum is also a remarkably malleable material. It has exceptionally high thermal and electrical conductivity and can withstand corrosion.This type of material is perfect for sand casting, die casting, investment casting, squeeze casting, permanent mold casting, and lost foam casting because it has excellent mechanical qualities and can tolerate high temperatures.
Applications for Metal Castings
A lot of manufacturing industries make use of metal castings. They are also beneficial in the building sector. Railroads, pipelines and fittings, farm equipment, automobiles, mining, valves, combustion engines, and many more industries rely heavily on metal castings. If you’re in one of these industries, give us a call!