Metal Casting Zone Info Blog

Archive for October, 2010

Asphalt Manhole Repair & Maintenance Issues And Products

Since the days of ancient Rome there have been covered access chambers for utilities. In ancient Rome there were sewer grates that  covered sewers while still allowing access to those that needed it.  Modern asphalt manholes (also known as a maintenance holes, utility holes, inspection chambers or access chambers) is the top opening to an underground utility vault that serves as an access point for connecting or performing maintenance on underground utilities  and other services such as sewers, telephone, electricity, storm drains and gas lines.

The top of the manhole is protected by a manhole cover (sometimes known as a biscuit or casting), a plug designed to prevent unauthorized access to the manhole. Manhole covers usually weigh more than 100 pounds (roughly 50 kg), partly because the weight keeps them in place when traffic passes over them, and partly because they are often made out of cast iron, sometimes with infills of concrete. This makes them inexpensive and strong but heavy. A manhole cover sits on metal base, with a smaller inset rim which fits the cover.

Manhole covers usually feature “pick holes,” in which a hook handle is inserted to lift them. Pick holes can be concealed for a more watertight lid, or can allow light to shine through. A manhole pick or hook is typically used to lift them, though other tools can be used as well.

Because of the variety of materials involved in manhole  construction, asphalt manhole repair works best using polyurethane asphalt repair material . Cold mix or hot mix can be used but will not last because manholes often have asphalt and concrete and the asphalt repair materials will not bind to the metal.
Because of the uneven surfaces, water tends to collect around a manhole cover, so in order to promote adhesion, use a butane torch on the surface to dry it completely. Surround manhole with polyethylene to prevent anything from entering the hole or from sticking to the cover. If there is no plastic available, use masking tape.

Using polyurethane asphalt repair product, simply mix your materials and trowel it on. When repair is sufficiently smooth, toss topping sand by hand over repaired area to create a uniform look and feel. Your asphalt manhole can be ready for traffic in about an hour.

If there are any surrounding cracks or alligatored area, those should be filled in at the same time to prevent further breakdown. To fill the cracks, polyurethane crack repair material can be used to fill the cracks quickly and efficiently.

Concrete Welder and FloMix are available for purchase through the Roklin web site at www.roklinsystems.com or call 1-888-FlexSet. Other concrete and asphalt repair materials are also available.

A manhole cover is a removable plate forming the lid over the opening of a manhole, to prevent anyone from falling in and to keep unauthorized persons out. Manhole covers usually weigh more than 100 pounds (roughly 50 kg), partly because the weight keeps them in place when traffic passes over them, and partly because they are often made out of cast iron, sometimes with infills of concrete. This makes them inexpensive and strong but heavy. A manhole cover sits on metal base, with a smaller inset rim which fits the cover. The base and cover are sometimes called “castings,” because they are made by a casting process . They usually feature “pick holes”, in which a hook handle is inserted to lift them. Pick holes can be concealed for a more watertight lid, or can allow light to shine through. A manhole pick or hook is typically used to lift them, though other tools can be used as well. Manhole covers are generally made using sand casting techniques. The United states is widely recognized as the world leader in the manufacture of manhole covers and construction castings. In recent years, India has become a major player in the industry because of cheaper, lower-grade iron and lax labor and safety laws. These practices have driven many manufacturers in other countries out of business. Due to extremely low wages and relative lack of regulations, Indian castings have overcome even the high cost of shipping such heavy objects. Although the covers are too large to be collectible …
Video Rating: 1 / 5

Find More Cast Iron Manhole Covers Articles

Details of the equipment I use in my home foundry.Please watch Metal Casting at Home Parts 1 to 8 & 10, 12and 13 for details of how a sand casting is made.

Metal casting.

Making quality casting since 1960!!

Demolding my an address sign for the house, which I cast from aluminum using a simple investment casting technique. See my other video for the pour. The pattern is foam, which is vaporized by molten aluminum, which then fills the cavity. I design plastic housings for a living and so constantly think about the part as it exists in a mold. A lot of effort goes into designing parts that are manufacturable and then chosing gating and mold constructoins that work. Some of that experience has been proving useful in my DIY casting efforts, even though plastic injection tooling is a totally different world. If there’s interest, I’ll keep posting videos of my metal casting experiments.

• QUANTITY: 1
• MATERIAL(S): Plastic
• SHAPE/STYLE:
• COLOR:
• MEASUREMENTS/SIZE:

Product Description

• Resin Jewelry Mold
  Assorted Flowers
  12 On 1 Tray
  • Reusable mold for casting resin.
  • Create your own unique resin jewelry and crafts.
  • Made from durable yet flexible plastic.
  • This plastic tray features four styles of flowers, three of each style. 12 total flower shaped impressions, perfect for creating components to incorporate in your jewelry or craft projects.
  • Approximate Measurements: Flowers range between 1 inch to 1 5/8 inches long.
  • Quantity: 1 Resin Mold Tray

Resin Epoxy Mold For Jewelry Casting – Assorted Flowers

Product Description
HELL’S FOUNDRY INC. SOFTDASH FLH 96-07 BK HFSD-58497-96MB

HELL’S FOUNDRY INC. SOFTDASH FLH 96-07 BK HFSD-58497-96MB

• QUANTITY: 1
• MATERIAL(S): Plastic
• SHAPE/STYLE:
• COLOR:
• MEASUREMENTS/SIZE:

Product Description

• Reusable mold for casting resin.
• Create your own unique resin jewelry.
• Made from durable yet flexible plastic.
• This plastic tray features impressions of teardrops and circles, perfect for creating cabochons to incorporate in your jewelry projects.
• Approximate Measurements: Circles measure 14mm (2), 16mm (2), 23mm (2), and 36mm (1). Teardrops measure 12.5mm x 21mm (2), 17.5mm x 30mm (1).
• Quantity: 1 Resin Mold Tray

Resin Epoxy Mold For Jewelry Casting – Round And Teardrop Shapes

• SCH 40 PVC 45 DEG ELBOW
• S x S
• 2″
• Meets ASTM D-2466
• White

Product Description
“CHARLOTTE” PVC 45 DEGREE
ELBOW
*2″
*Slip socket x slip socket
*Schedule 40
*140 degree F. (60 degree C.)
maximum operating temperature
*Meets ASTM D-2466
*Conforms to NSF Standard 61
*White
*Discovery CON, NBR, SUP, COR

Charlotte Pipe & Foundry Pvc 02309 1600 Pvc 45 Degree Elbow 2″ White

Product Description
Here is a beautiful silver tone metal casting bracelet with black diamond accents. This rhodium plated piece has a textured surface and a gorgeous center that has a unique design with black crystals. A piece of fashion to set you apart from the rest! Will fit up to an 8″ wrist comfortably. A great item for gift giving or for yourself. Bracelet comes to you in a foil gift box though may be a different box color than the one shown.

Silver Tone Metal Casting with Black Diamond Bangle Bracelet