Metal Casting Zone Info Blog

Archive for December, 2010

Traditional Cast Iron Radiators Are Perfect For Both Contemporary And Period Homes

Combined with the revival in popularity of the cast iron radiator and the advent of TV programs introducing the public to adventurous design ideas for the home, cast iron radiators have shown themselves to be versatile and a well suited choice for both the contemporary and period setting.

For the contemporary home the elegant and simple lines of the Victoriana column radiator and the plain old hospital style radiator have complimented well. The ornate larger cast iron radiators are not suited for the contemporary setting as they tend to take up too much space and overpower the more minimalistic setting of the contemporary home. The recent revival of wooden flooring, ornate colourful wall papers and adventurous choices in paint colour have all contributed to the cast iron radiator looking well within the contemporary home. Reputable dealers of the traditional cast iron radiator offer a wide range of quality custom painted finishes and a hand polishing service. There is a wide range of finishes available that compliment well with any contemporary home setting making the cast iron radiator a real feature within the décor scheme of a room.

For the period home the cast iron radiator is the natural choice. Within this setting both the elegant simplicity of the Victoriana and old hospital radiator will suit as well as the larger more ornate styles. Depending upon the age and size of the period home there are certain choices of cast iron radiator that suit well. The older smaller cottage will benefit from the slimmer plainer styles to save space and ensure the smaller character room spaces are not overpowered. However the larger period property will benefit from all styles of cast iron radiator depending upon individual taste. The large lofty ceiling spaces of the larger period properties will require the larger style of radiator to maximise heat output and there is a wide choice on the market today of plain or ornate large style cast iron radiators.

Again reputable dealers will offer a wide choice of paint effects and hand polishing to compliment well the period home. Antiqued paint effects, giving the cast iron radiator a distressed antique look, works well within the period home as well as the highlighting effect which highlights all of the beautiful detail of the larger ornate radiators. Cherubs, scrolling, flowers and intertwining vine leaves suddenly come alive with either the antiqued paint effect or the highlighting effect transforming the cast iron radiator into a real piece of functional art for any period property.

Today there is a huge choice of cast iron radiator styles for both the contemporary and the period home and it is always best to talk it over with a reputable dealer before you purchase as they will advise you regarding suitable styles available and the size and weight of these radiators for your wall space.

Choosing a cast iron radiator and then its finish is an adventurous journey and an enjoyable one as you are creating an individual look for your home that is completely customised to suit your particular home design scheme whether that be modern or historic in origin.

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Tips To Beautify Your Garden!

Any garden can be made beautiful with decorative accessories and furnitures. You can create a lounge like atmosphere in your lawn. Isn’t it amazing to sip hot coffee in the midst of greenery. It creates a chilled atmosphere despite the hot weather. Make use of the right accessories and you can see the difference.

Careful selection of your items is vital to beautify your lawn. A huge number of lawn accessories comprise of planters, trays troughs, hammock, lighting, lanterns, stepping stones in varied colours and shape, ornamental fountains, statues, feeders, fencing, gates etc. Bamboo fountain, musical fountain and sculpture is another good tip for garden accessory. Brass pots, earthen pots and decorative flower pots can adorn your yards. outdoor lighting and lanterns make it perfect for a dinner in your lawn. Make use of the bark and create swings out of the branches available. This gives you a very homely atmosphere and helps you create fairy swings and furnitures with no investment at all.

You can add your own personal style to your garden by selecting tools and accessories reflecting your own personality and style.  It creates a conducive environment and offers soothing retreat for everyone who wants to experience nature and its benefits. Pick up an  accessory which is both decorative and practical. Apart from the accessories, potting mix , fertilizer, plant care products, lawn seed, mulch etc are required to make your lawn beautiful. In order to adorn your lawn make use of items like wooden mushroom seats, cast iron white rabbit, coloured mallard duck, hand carved fish on a rope, carved tiles, iron door stop and hammocks create a pleasing look. You can choose from a variety of hammocks such as family ones, kids hammock which may or may not be weather proof etc.

If you don’t like hammocks, you can choose hanging chair which is quite different from the usual hammock. You can use your imagination to come up with a variety of combination of trimmings and items such as alfresco dining, canopies, outside furniture and many other decorative items and furniture.

More and more people are showing a lot of interest towards garden designing or landscape architecture. They are getting into such courses due to the popularity of lawn landscaping. Some of them get a barbecue, lawns and outdoor kitchens and patios included. You can make your house look beautiful with extended lawns. Choose your accessories with utmost care and enhance the way your house looks.

designed by arik levy, this doorstop shows complete carelessness with money. show them you are just above it all. leave what’s left to your dog. aluminum/cast iron base. 6.1″ x 2.5″ x 1.6″h note: this is not made of real gold China supplier: Email : fangzhengcn@hotmail.com Skype ID : chanceller819 chinagift.en.ecplaza.net

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Another exciting adventure in my backyard metalcasting foundry. Today we make a few more foamy skulls saved from Halloween, we made a Screwed Skull and a Spiked Skull plus some more parts of the Trex skull we’re working on. We hope you enjoy them and Stay Safe with Hot STuff. Come visit our website and click on the Furnace link!!!

A short video showing several pours of molten aluminum in my backyard furnace. We made some aluminum skulls and a artsy Trex skull…check it out, click on the furnace and enjoy our stories!!

Introduction to Steel Castings

Steel casting is a kind of process which involves casting of various types of steel. Steel castings are mainly used when cast irons can’t provide enough strength and stun resistance. Hydroelectric turbine wheels, forging presses, gears, railroad truck frames, valve bodies, pump castings, mining machinery, marine equipment and engine castings are some of the example of high level steel castings.

Steel Castings are mainly categorized into two groups as Carbon Steels and Alloy Steels:

Carbon steel is one with main alloying constituent is Carbon. The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) defines carbon steel as: “Steel is considered to be carbon steel when no minimum content is specified or required for chromium, cobalt, columbium, molybdenum, nickel, titanium, tungsten, vanadium or zirconium, or any other element to be added to obtain a desired alloying effect; when the specified minimum for copper does not exceed 0.40 percent; or when the maximum content specified for any of the following elements does not exceed the percentages noted: manganese 1.65, silicon 0.60, copper 0.60.”

The term “carbon steel” may also be used in reference to steel which is not stainless steel; in this use carbon steel may include alloy steels. Steel with a low carbon content has properties similar to iron. As the carbon content rises, the metal becomes harder and stronger but less ductile and more difficult to weld. In general, higher carbon content lowers the melting point and its temperature resistance. Carbon content influences the yield strength of steel because carbon atoms fit into the interstitial crystalline lattice sites of the body-centered cubic (BCC) arrangement of the iron atoms. The interstitial carbon reduces the mobility of dislocations, which in turn has a hardening effect on the iron. To get dislocations to move, a high enough stress level must be applied in order for the dislocations to “break away”. This is because the interstitial carbon atoms cause some of the iron BCC lattice cells to distort.

1st of 5 in a video series featuring a simple evaluation comparing wheel impact absorption between an 8×2 polyurethane on cast iron core and Durastar’s 8×2 polyurethane on glass-filled nylon (fiberglass) core. This video features 26 of 87 hits to destroy this wheel. www.durastarcasters.com

The Myths and Mystery of The Cast Iron Radiator

If you have a cast iron radiator at home that isn’t housed in a radiator cabinet, you’re doing yourself a great disservice on multiple fronts” John Schied The Radiator Resource. It is claimed that radiator cabinets provide added functionality and appearance. As most cast iron radiators are beautifully ornate and are a feature in themselves, often quoted as “a work of art in iron” Paladin Radiators, it hardly seems right that to cover them would add to their appearance. Also the efficiency of cast iron is well documented as opposed to its modern counterpart, the steel radiator, so therefore coving the cast iron radiator detracts from its functionality and certainly does not add to it.

Radiator covers or cabinets were certainly an item to consider for safety reasons regarding excessive heat output before the days of thermostatic valves with their adjustable heat control and gone are the days when a radiator cabinet “serves as a barrier between fragile people and items you care about and the hot iron coils of the cast iron radiator”. Cast iron radiators have emerged from the dark ages and have found their place safely servicing the modern world.

“Radiator covers also have the benefit of directing heated air in particular directions. This could increase the efficiency of your radiator and lower your heating bills” The Radiator Resource. As the efficiency and heat output of a cast iron radiator is governed by its surface area and cast iron heats air far more efficiently that the modern equivalents i.e. aluminium and steel, one can hardly see the benefits of covering and stifling this gentle well known heating method with wood coverings and it certainly would not increase the efficiency nor lower the heating bills. Since when has a radiator cabinet maker been a heating engineer?

“Getting a central vacuum may take care of the mess, reducing the fire hazard that cast iron radiators pose.” Cast Iron Radiator Safety Tips May 2009. There is a myth that cast iron radiators are very dusty therefore creating mess and a fire hazard, however quite the opposite is true when compared to modern radiators. Modern radiators work by convection and as they circulate air around the room they will also circulate dust. Cast iron radiators work by gently radiating heat causing less air and dust movement and in turn causing less dust allergies to occur.

Also the nature of cast iron provides us with a more constant consistent heat source without the rapid hot then cold properties of steel. A cast iron radiator once switched off will lose its heat gradually which is far more comforting and healthy. Many people who enjoy cast iron radiators within their homes have noticed the gentler ambient healthier heat which radiates from these radiators. Heating your home space with cast iron is also more effective when combating damp or condensation and so therefore a positive advantage for asthma sufferers. The old cast iron hospital and school radiators certainly had their hidden benefits.

Cast iron is certainly a more health friendly option for the home and one should not be concerned at all about safety issues if the radiator is safely installed with proper wall brackets and thermostatic valves incorporated. Cast iron radiators should be enjoyed and not feared as a safety hazard in the home.

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Canon FL

I want to introduct something about Manhole Covers. main material : Cast iron , cast steel ,mainly HT200 / QT 600-3 specification : more than 1000 kinds of grey iron and ductile iron manhole covers / well lids ,gully gratings ,grills ,tree grills . category :square ,round / circle , recessed , pickproof manhole covers ,light / heavy duty manhole covers . unloading compression : EN124 (A15 , B125 , C250 , D400 , E600 ) . standard : EN , ASTM , ISO ,JIN etc. accessories : locking system ,grating ,gully ,grills export district : They are mainly exported to Italy , Germany and any other European countries ,USA
Canon FL refers to a lens mount standard for 35mm single-lens reflex cameras from Canon. It was introduced in April 1964 with the Canon FX camera, replacing the previous Canon R mount. It was in turn replaced in 1971 by the Canon FD lens mount. FL lenses can also be used on FD-mount cameras.
FL cameras
Canon FX (1964)
Canon FP (1964)
Canon Pellix (1965)
Canon FT QL (1966)
Canon Pellix QL (1966)
Canon TL (1968)
FL lenses
This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.
Zoom
Focal length(s)
Aperture range
Macro
Article
55-135mm
3.5
No
Article
85-300mm
5
No
Article
100-200mm
5.6
No
Wide-angle
Focal length(s)
Aperture range
Macro
Article
19mm
3.5
No
Article
19mm R
3.5
No
Article
28mm
3.5
No
Article
35mm
2.5
No
Article
35mm
3.5
No
Article
P 38mm
2.8
No
Normal
Focal length(s)
Aperture range
Macro
Article
50mm
1.4
No
Article
50mm
1.4 I
No
Article
50mm
1.4 II
No
Article
50mm
1.8 I
No
Article
50mm
1.8 II
No
Article
50mm
3.5
Yes
Article
55mm
1.2
No
Article
58mm I
1.2
No
Article
58mm II
1.2
No
Telephoto
Focal length(s)
Aperture range
Macro
Super Spectra Coating (SSC)
Article
85mm
1.8
No
No
Article
100mm
3.5
No
No
Article
M 100mm
4
Yes
No
Article
135mm
2.5
No
No
Article
135mm
3.5
No
No
Article
200mm
3.5 I
No
No
Article
200mm
3.5 II
No
No
Article
200mm
4.5
No
No
Article
300mm
2.8
No
Yes
Article
300mm
5.6
No
No
Article
400mm
5.6
No
No
Article
500mm
5.6
No
No
Article
600mm
5.6
No
No
Article
800mm
8
No
No
Article
1200mm
11
No
No
Notes
The FL 19mm F3.5 (not the 19mm F3.5 R) was a true wide angle (short focus) lens. Its rear projected far into the mirror box on an SLR, and because of this, it could only be used on a camera with mirror lock-up (FP, FX, FT, F-1 (old), FTb, EF). It could not be used on either Pellix model.
The FL P 38mm F2.8 also projected into the mirror box. It was specially designed for the Pellix and could not be used on any other camera because the moving mirror would hit the rear of the lens. This lens could probably be used on the Canon High Speed Motor Drive special versions of both F-1 camera models (both of them having fixed pellicle mirrors).
the FL M 100mm F4 was a special purpose bellows lens. It could only be used when mounted on a bellows, such as the Bellows FL, because it lacked a focusing ring.
The list now looks complete.
See also
Canon
List of Canon products
Canon (company)
Canon EOS
Canon FD lens mount
Single lens reflex
Single-lens reflex camera
Digital single-lens reflex camera
135 film
Canon SLR cameras and lens mounts (film)
Lens Mount
Series
Model
R
Flex (1959), R2000 (1960), RP (1961), RM (1962)
FL
FX (1964), FP (1964), Pellix (1965), FT QL (1966), Pellix QL (1966), TL (1968)
FD
F
Amateur: FTb (1971), FTbn (1973), EF (1973), TLb (1974), TX (1975)
Professional: F-1(1971), F-1n (1976), New F-1 (1981)
A
AE-1 (1976), AT-1 (1976), A-1 (1978), AV-1 (1979), AE-1 Program (1981), AL-1 (1982)
T
T50 (1983), T70 (1984), T80 (1985), T90 (1986), T60 (1990)
EF
1
EOS-1 (1989), EOS-1N (1994), EOS-1N RS (1995), EOS-1v (2001)
EOS 650 (1987), EOS 620 (1987), EOS 750QD (1988), EOS 850QD (1988), EOS 630QD (1989), EOS RT (1989), EOS 700QD (1989), EOS 10sQD (1990), EOS 1000F (1990), EOS 100 (1991), EOS EF-M (1991), EOS 5/5QD/A2/A2e (1992), EOS 1000FN (1992), EOS 500 (1993), EOS 888 (1993), EOS 50 (1995), EOS 500N (1996), EOS-3 (1998), EOS 88 (1999), EOS 300 (1999), EOS 30 (2000), EOS 3000N (2002), EOS 300V (2002), EOS 3000V (2003), EOS 30V (2004), EOS 300X (2004)
IX
EOS IX, EOS IX Lite
Canon DSLR…(and so on) To get More information , you can visit some products about Auto Racing Seat, car cup holder, . The Manhole Covers products should be show more here!

What You Should Know About Purchasing a Rod Iron Railing?

If you have a limited budget, then purchasing a rod iron railing for your stairways and/or balconies can be an affordable option.  A rod railing is one as decorative as most other models but can still be good looking and compliment your home’s decor if you choose the right one.  Prices vary depending on where you purchase the railing and how many linear feet you need the railing to be.  

You can purchase an iron railing custom made or buy it ready made; there are advantages and disadvantages to both.  By purchasing a custom-made railing, you ensure that you are getting exactly what you want.  You can choose exactly how you want the railing to look and what kind of finish you want it to have.  However, purchasing a custom-made iron railing can be quite expensive.  Purchasing a ready-made one is a lot cheaper, and since there are a good number of companies that make iron railings, it should not be hard to find one that suits your needs.

One company that offers a wide selection of custom-made iron railings is Karel’s Wrought Iron.  If you want to get an idea of what styles they offer, then have a look at their photo gallery at www.karelswroughtiron.com.  If you were not sure what exact style of rod iron railing would be the best option for your home, then seeing photos of the different styles available can help you to get a better idea of what the options are?  Nearly all the rod iron railings on this site are made entirely from iron, although some do have a wooden handrail at the top of the railing.

You can purchase ready-made rod iron railings at a good price at various stores or internet retailers.  Do It Best’s online retail sites offer a 4′ Plus Iron Railing for ; the railing is the highest quality and heaviest railing in their selection.  While this railing can also be found at their regular stores, it may cost a bit more than it does online.  Other options selling on this site include a 6′ Windsor Plus Railing selling for and a 4′ Windsor Railing selling for .  Unlike many other online retail sites, Do It Best offers free shipping on all its railings.

If you are looking for a rod iron railing that is antique and traditional in style, then you may want to consider purchasing a used iron railing.  One option is the Cast Iron Railing selling at Bonanzle.com for 0.   Another good site to check for used antique style rod iron railings is www.oldegoodthings.com.  Many of their railings are salvaged and may need a bit of work before they can be used, but if you have experience and aptitude in carpentry work, you may find one of these railings to be just what will enhance the beauty and decor of your home.

Please visit www.panggiap88.com.sg Or Call us (65) 6281 2485. We are Pang Giap Enterprise (88) Pte Ltd. We are an established company in Singapore, with more than 10 years of rich experience in the metal fabricating and home renovation industry. We are also a licensed HDB contractor and a registered member of BCA & the Singapore Contractors Association. Our company manufactures & installs a wide range of metal and glass products such as door gates, windows and window grilles, fencing gates, fences, staircase railings, bi-fold & sliding doors, BRC & PVC chain-link fencings, & awnings etc. We also provide services such as window retrofitting (replacement of window rivets) and various repair jobs on windows, doors and gates etc. We do various projects ranging from HDB to private home sectors, commercial & industrial properties and so on. Should you or any of your clients/ residents need any of the products and services above, please do not hesitate to contact us at (65) 6281 2485 for immediate appointment. You can also obtain more information about our product and services from our website at www.panggiap88.com.sg. With our vast experience, you can rely on us with full confidence that we will give our best attention and care to your project from the start till its completion. We are looking forward to be at your service.
Video Rating: 5 / 5

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What Fireplace Accessories Do You Need?

Did you just buy your dream home with a beautiful, wood-burning fireplace? Before you light your first fire, make sure you have all of the fireplace accessories you need to make your fireplace unique and keep you and your family safe. Here are a few accessories to get you started:

Fireplace Screens for Style and Safety

While many fireplace accessories are now merely decorative and add to the ambience of a central fireplace, there are some that also provide a certain amount of safety. One such accessory is the fireplace screen. Screens can be found in any number of designs and materials, and can add a sense of style to any room. But they also help prevent sparks and too much heat from escaping into your room and possibly harming people and/or things that may be nearby. You can choose a single panel screen or one that has multiple folding panels.

Essential Fireplace Accessories: Tools

Every working fireplace needs a good set of tools so you can maintain the fireplace and keep it looking cozy. Traditionally, these tools are made out of wrought iron, but they now come in everything from brass to pewter to graphite. The following are the essential tools that should always be within arm’s reach of the fire.

The Fireplace Poker

If you want to stoke the fire, you’re going to need a fireplace poker. A poker prevents you from having to get too close to the fire to move the wood around and get the fire burning stronger. You want to stay warm, but you don’t want to get burned.

What are Fireplace Tongs For?
Similar to the poker, those tongs help you reach into the fire and move the wood around without putting yourself at risk of getting burned. But they also help you pick up the larger pieces of wood left in the fireplace after the fire has gone out.

Scoop Up Those Fireplace Ashes

Usually, a fire leaves behind a ton of ashes, and not large chunks of wood. To get those out ashes out of your fireplace, you’re going to need a scoop.

A Fireplace Broom or Brush

Of course, you don’t want to try to pick up those ashes with your hands. Make sure you have a broom or brush on hand to conveniently get those ashes into the scoop. Some brooms come with the typical long handle, and others are short for added convenience.

Stands or Hooks for Fireplace Accessories

The last component of your fireplace tool set is the stand. You can usually buy complete sets that include stands in the same material and style as the tools. You can also buy hooks that can be attached to a nearby wall and hang the tools on the hooks.

Andirons for Your Fireplace

No fireplace is complete without andirons. Andirons typically come in pairs and they are the cast iron pieces that hold up the wood or hold the grill that holds the wood. They are usually decorative and can add a specific ambience to your fireplace, depending on the design.

Even More Fireplace Accessories

Believe it or not, there are even more accessories that you might need for your home’s fireplace. Log racks are a great accessory for holding your extra wood. They come for indoor or outdoor use while log carriers help you carry wood from outside to inside. A more traditional accessory is the fireback. Like andirons, firebacks are made of cast iron and are placed at the back of the fireplace to protect it, and they radiate more heat back into the room. You can also add your own sense of style or just make your fireplace homier with a hearth rug.

Using a fireplace requires a certain amount of maintenance, but with the right accessories and tools, you can keep your fireplace burning for many years to come.

Spring Iron Pour 2009 at The University of Montana (Sculpture Division). Our pour for advanced sculpture students 2 weeks following large pour event for all sculpture courses. Running Shane Morgan’s (student) cupola Frumious Bandersnatch or “Frume”, which taps at around 200, 350, and ?500? pounds of metal. The University of Montana has a nationally competitive sculpture facility and a philosophy that embraces experimentation in both process and content. Brad Allen, Assistant Professor in Sculpture, has been at UM for 4 years and brings extensive knowledge of metal casting and fabrication from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL where he obtained his MFA in 2005. See Montanasculpture.wetpaint.com for more information.