What are the differences? Find out and learn how are they used People often assume that cast iron and wrought iron are interchangeable terms for early iron work, but there is a world of difference. Wrought Iron is iron that has been heated and then worked with tools. Cast Iron is iron that has be

Learn how different chemical compositions affect steel Steel is found in all kinds of products, from aerospace to kitchenware. Such diverse applications require a versatile material—and steel fits the bill. ‘Steel’ actually describes an entire family of metal alloys, with hundreds of application-s

Learn the benefits of each type of steel, and which to pick for your project Steel comes in many grades, specifications, shapes, and finishes—the World Steel Association lists over 3,500 different grades of steel, each with unique properties. The various types mean that steel can by widely used

Corrosion resistance of stainless steel varies by grade Judging by the name, you might assume that stainless steel never stains—but you’d be wrong. Stainless steel stains less easily than other iron-based metals, but it’s not literally “stainless”. Just like standard steel, stainless can get mar

Best practices in rust prevention from design to maintenance Will stainless steel rust? Stainless steel is armed with built-in corrosion resistance but it can and will rust in certain conditions—although not as quickly or severely as conventional steels. Stainless steels corrode when exposed to dam

Extraction, processing, and casting in foundries The growing popularity of aluminum Aluminum is the third most abundant element in the world, and the most abundant metal in the earth’s crust. Aluminum contributes to more than 8% of the earth’s core mass. However, it is difficult to refine compared

Protect stainless steel from rust using proven cleaning methods and passivating treatments Stainless steels are highly corrosion resistant—however, stainless steel applications can still remain at risk to surface damage. Oxidation, corrosion, rusting, or staining can occur over the long-term in har

How do modern forging facilities manipulate metal into forged parts? What is forging? Forging is a manufacturing process involving the shaping of a metal through hammering, pressing, or rolling. These compressive forces are delivered with a hammer or die. Forging is often categorized according to t

Metal characteristics and composition for casting design Any solid metal that can be melted can be cast. Foundries are the factories that do this casting work, developing expertise with a handful of metals and methods, and designing standard products to maximize value and efficiency in productio

Testing and inspection at the foundry Cast steel is a ferrous alloy with a maximum carbon content of approximately 0.75%. Steel castings are solid metal objects produced by filling the void within a mold with liquid steel. They are available in many of the same carbon and alloy steels that can be p

Quality products are progressing—from design, to production, to market—faster than ever before Introducing a new product to market involves a complex process of design, market research, and manufacturing. Rapid prototyping is one part of this process where component parts are made in order to dev

A metal wheels composition can greatly affect its performance—learn the pros and cons of each The right heavy-duty wheels are crucial to the smooth operation of any industrial application. Material is a key consideration in wheel selection. As with any equipment, correct material selection depends

Why sorted scrap metal wont end up tossed in the landfill Scrap metal has been salvaged and reused since the early ages of metal working. From both an environmental and economical standpoint, recycling metal is extremely effective. Metals such as steel, iron, aluminum, and copper can be recycled an

Welding cast iron in house is possible—under certain conditions Effective in-house welding of cast iron parts can save time and money—but there are challenges. Welding failure can often result in cracking or other damage. If critical parts are involved, it may be wise to seek the workmanship of a w

Transforming an environmental hazard into a sustainable resource The concept of sustainability has been garnering much-needed public attention and interest in recent years. The increase of waste has serious environmental implications, and waste management must be carefully considered. There is now

Learn the terms and processes involved in pulling treasure from the furnace fire What is metal casting? Metal casting is the process of making objects by pouring molten metal into an empty shaped space. The metal then cools and hardens into the form given to it by this shaped mold. Casting is oft

Product life cycle of the world’s most widely used material Concrete is a fixture in urban infrastructure, from interstate highways to towering city skyscrapers. Concrete can be spotted anywhere to no surprise as it is the most commonly used manmade material in the world. In the United States alone

From the casting furnace into the mold Foundries are dramatic. Huge furnaces, glowing with heat, transform chunks of metal into flowing fiery liquids. When ready, their contents are poured into waiting ladles amid a shower of sparks. Workers guide the flow of metal from furnace to mold behind heat

Quenching, tempering, normalizing, and annealing steel Heat treatment is an important step toward guaranteeing the mechanical properties of steel castings. Through molding, pouring, shakeout, and cleaning, castings take their final shape—but may not be strong enough or elastic enough for their fin

Whether Béton brut, smooth and polished, or glossy aggregate, concrete can be beautiful Concrete is the supportive material scaffolding most modern construction, providing solid foundations on which to build. In most situations, it is utilitarian and unremarkable, and will be clad or decorated rat