Metal Casting Zone Info Blog

Archive for February, 2011

Cast Aluminum Patio Furniture Elegant BUT?

Boy it’s time to make a change; you’ve had friends over for the last time where they have to sit on that old, dirty plastic patio furniture.  I know you tried to paint them and it just didn’t work nearly as well as they made it look on the commercials.  You have changed the table cloth some many times you should have bought stock in the company, or at least purchased it in bulk.

What to do, what to do?  You have always desired those elegant styles you’ve seen on the home shows.  But, the last time you looked at some pieces in the neighborhood big box store like, teak or wrought iron, you almost fell on the floor from sticker shock.  That’s not to mention telling your husband, he’d have a cow.  But still that furniture has to go.

Shazam, that’s why this sight is here, what about cast aluminum patio furniture?  What is it you ask?  This is a very well kept secret that you’re going to love and you’ll think you know something that none of your snooty neighbors know about.

Cast Aluminum Patio Furniture

Aluminum first came out in the early 1960′s and was primarily black.  It was painted and the paint would chip and scratch and really start to look bad in just a few short years.  It was light weight and would last but if you tried to paint it, it just wouldn’t look very good.
Today, we have what’s called “powder coating” and this stuff is so tuff and extremely durable.  It resists chipping and scratching.
Cast aluminum patio furniture can be found in any color and can be molded into any design pattern the mind can conceive.
It is a very classic look like teak or wrought iron and it’s less than half the price.  It is light weight, so it can be moved easily, clean up is a snap with just some soapy warm water
And you talk about durable; cast aluminum patio furniture can stand the hottest dessert sun, to tropical downpours of the southeast.

What are you waiting for?  If you are looking for that, you know what I mean, that classic and elegant look that you can be proud of for your next summer get together, cast aluminum patio furniture is the perfect choice for you.   This could be the best decision you have ever made.

Cast Aluminum Patio Furniture

Frank Malone

THIS IS THE FIRST PART IN A SERIES ON WHITE METAL SPIN CASTING.

HOW TO MAKE A SPIN CASTING MOLD.

PART B3 ON MOLD MAKING FOR SPIN CASTING

13 Minute Video featuring the TEKCAST Spin-casting process – PART 1.

Spin-casting is a quick, low-cost solution for producing a wide variety of metal and plastic items. It is suitable for industrial, novelty, decorative and prototype applications.

Spin-casting is also popular with the fishing lure, gaming miniature, costume jewelry and replacement part industries.

13 Minute Video featuring the TEKCAST Spin-casting process – PART 2.

Spin-casting is a quick, low-cost solution for producing a wide variety of metal and plastic items. It is suitable for industrial, novelty, decorative and prototype applications.

Spin-casting is also popular with the fishing lure, gaming miniature, costume jewelry and replacement part industries.

the process to produce a sand casting

Have you seen a large metal made of iron, bronze, brass of aluminum with some featured patterns in the middle? Have you noticed a cavity of wood or metal? If you say yes, I think you have already got the idea of casting. The sand is a cast part produced by forming a mold from a sand mixture and pouring molten liquid metal into the cavity in the mold. After the process of cooling, the melted metal has been solidified. At the last, a sand casting would be gotten just separated from the mold. Generally speaking, the sand casting is produced as follows.

The basic step is to place a pattern in sand to create a mold. It should be mentioned that the mould has two parts divided by the parting line. The cope is the upper half and the drag is the lower half. And as you know, there are 2 main types of sand. One is called the “green sand”, and the other is the “air set”. The previous one is a mixture of silica sand, and the latter one is dry sand with other material through curing adhesive.

Then, remove the pattern and pour the melted metal to the mold. You can use the vibration and mechanical method to remove the pattern. And the cope is separated from drag. Within the mechanical methods, the sand mixture is assembled to for a mold cavity. According to the different types of sand, the change happened during this process is different. Whatever, a riser is needed to hold excess molten material to avoid the holes in the main casting.

Next, allow the metal to cool. At this moment, the liquids are solidified. It is time for you to break away the mold and remove the casting. It is true that the mold is destroyed in the removal process. However, the pattern itself can be reused to produce new sand molds. And if you want a more elaborate casting, surfaces should be polished.

Click for more information about the OEM casting

Related Sand Casting Articles

Committment In Weight Loss – Just The Next Small Step Past Where You Are Now

Why can’t I just do this?  Why does something always have to happen to make it so hard, just when I’m doing great?  Nobody has tried harder than I have!  Everything else in my life is perfect!  I’m successful at work.  I’m a great wife and mother. I have wonderful friends. I’m good at everything I do. I don’t deserve to look like this! I have worked so hard, and I deserve to be thin.  When is this weight going to finally be lifted? I mean, really, when is it going to be my turn?

I’m sorry to keep asking you this, but do you hear yourself?

I will tell you one thing: if you are waiting for someone to give you a turn, you will be waiting forever.  You get a turn when you take one! Period. And don’t be misguided Taking your turn has nothing to do with anyone else not getting his or hers; it’s not selfish. It has to do with you and how much you are willing to put yourself first and really work at everything you need to do to begin approaching life differently.  Yes, life, not food! Food is not the problem! We blame the food because that’s easier than looking within and finding the real causes of the problem. The causes that make us quit when the going gets a little tough.

So, what are the real causes? Well, one of the big ones is Commitment. Or, more to the point, the lack of Commitment! I have written about some of my favorite words previously: words like Longevity, Slippage, and Consistency, and today I would like to talk to you about Commitment. Now you might think, at first, that Commitment is very similar to Consistency, but it isn’t, actually.  Let me explain what I am speaking of when I speak of the all-important virtue of Commitment.

Years ago, growing up, I had no clue as to what Commitment meant, and how possessing it or lacking it could impact my life.  I think I put on a good show. In fact, I doubt anyone would have said that I had a hard time with Commitment, but I did. I never seemed to finish anything.  I wasn’t consciously aware of it at the time, but the symptoms were there. I had a lot of really good ideas, and I would venture into one, make progress, become a bit distracted, and then abandon it. I rationalized this by saying the new idea was better and more deserving of my time, but that was not really true.  One day, depressed about the weight loss plan I had recently abandoned, I began to connect the dots. I realized that in a very short period of time, I had been working on at least a half dozen amazing ideas, but none had come to fruition. I could suddenly see that there was a definite pattern, and it had nothing to do with one idea being more worthwhile than another.  It had to do with obstacles.  While I always thought of myself as a resourceful problem solver, I could look at every half-finished project and see that when a certain level of challenge arose, I happily moved on to another “amazing” project.  This pattern had become something of a driving force in my life.  This was a real problem.

The immediate problem that day was that like most of you, I had started dozens of different diets only to quit when it became hard to overcome some obstacle on the path. I would rationalize quitting by telling myself, “There has to be a better way. It shouldn’t have to be this hard!” And then, I would find another plan that, it goes without saying, never proved to be better or easier.  I simply didn’t know how to commit to something and work through the obstacles that inevitably arose.  When I realized this about myself, it really bothered me. I felt like I was a lie.  All the things I said to myself were just words and empty promises that I was only too happy to believe. I did a lot of talking and not much doing. I always looked busy, but I was only spinning my wheels.  I didn’t realize that without Commitment I had no chance of success. Ultimately, I developed a capacity for Commitment and met with much success over the years, success with my weight and success in many other ventures, including this, my newest one!

One day, I remembered a story my father had told me.  Actually, I told it to one of my favorite clients this week, and he suggested I write about it; so here I am, doing just that! My father, Carlos, grew up in Barcelona, Spain and spent a lot of time outside with his friends.  At one point, there was a competition among the teens to see which of them could accomplish the feat of lifting a manhole cover out of the street with only one finger.  One boy succeeded and the rest were “determined” to follow suit. Please, take a second and think about the weight and thickness of a manhole cover!

So, every day my father would go outside and try to lift the enormous disk, but he couldn’t even budge it.  The Titan who had already done it was much bigger than my father, but he did not let that dampen his spirit, and he persevered, day after day.  Please note that the other boys talked about how they were going to show everyone up and do the deed, but there was no queue on the street waiting for a chance to practice! One day, after yet another failed attempt, my father had a moment of clarity.  He thought, “Well, Carlos, every day you come back here and stick your finger into the hole in that cast iron cover and pull; and every day you fail. But you fail at the same time each day, you quit when you feel as if your finger will be ripped from your hand. You stop just when it gets really hard. Why don’t you commit to going just a bit beyond that place, just the tiniest bit beyond? Why not today?”

He assumed he would have the same result, but he could see no harm in testing his theory.   So he did. Again there was the familiar pulling, the familiar pain, the urge to stop. However, this time he had committed to himself to reach a little bit further inside, and guess what? He found something he didn’t know was there, the tiniest bit more “oomph.”  So, he oomph-ed and….did it move? It almost didn’t seem real, but he didn’t stop. He just kind of held on… and then something else happened!  He felt physically stronger! Odd, you would have thought the pain would be unbearable, but it wasn’t because the thing moved! It did! It wasn’t his imagination! And it moved with only the tiniest amount of extra effort.  Strengthened by success, he had the courage to pull more and the slab of iron kept coming! Now pride entered the equation, and he pulled some more.  And then…he did it! He pulled it off!

The moral of the story says “It” is in there for you and me, as well. And “It” is only a little deeper than the place where we have been quitting.  If we always stop at the same level of challenge, or pain, we never get to the finish. Commitment is about “hitting the wall” as runners say, and moving through it with courage and Commitment!  In essence, that’s what I finally did.  And that’s what my clients learn to do. So the next time it becomes too hard to follow my plan, and you feel too hungry, tired, or overwhelmed, just try a bit more.  Not a lot; just a little.  And your weight will be lifted as surely as my father’s was! He did it. I did it. My clients did it. And, yes, you can do it.

The good and bad things about the cast iron garden bench

In this world, everything is dictated by balance, a harmonious relationship between all things, and everything having a negative counterpart. Love has hate, happiness has sadness, and optimism has pessimism. Likewise, everything has pros and cons.

The cast iron garden bench is no exception.

Cons

1. It is heavy.

The cast iron bench is anything but lightweight. It is extremely heavy, and it is difficult to move it around. For this reason, this bench is not suitable for those people who rearrange their furniture often. They would struggle with this and aside from the rearrangement; they would also get unnecessary back pains.

2. It is rare.

Most furniture companies do not manufacture this anymore, because they rarely use cast iron now. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing. It is a good thing for those people who are into antique furniture collection. Those people like the thrill of looking for and finding rare collectibles.

3. It has a cold feel to it.

The cast iron bench is uncomfortable to sit on, since it has a cold, even lumpy, feel to it. Although there are some variations of this where the seat is made of wood and other materials, most are still made of cast iron.

Pros

1. It is versatile.

The cast iron garden bench can be used in a lot of places and can fill in a lot of functions. It can be used as general seating, day beds and picnic seating.

2. It is inexpensive.

Need I say more?

3. It is easy to clean and maintain.

The cleaning of the cast iron bench would only require materials that can be found at home. The maintenance is convenient as well. Unlike other types that would require polishing, this bench only needs to be painted once in a while.

4. It is long-lasting.

The cast iron bench has a light finish that allows it to be places outside all year long. It can withstand harsh conditions like the heat of the sun, rain, snow, hail and mist. This is because it is made of strong and durable materials.

5. It is attractive.

It can be utilized as the perfect accent to your garden or home. Cast iron can easily be soldered and molded to any design, so there are a lot of designs available on the market. It also gives off a feeling of calmness, so it is the perfect place to relax and meditate in.

Related Cast Iron Company Articles

Properly Seasoning of Cast Iron Pans

Manufacturers usually treat traditional cast iron cookware in some form to prevent rust from occurring during a shipment. Generally, they use food oil, which is simple to wash off. The coating from the manufacturer must be removed before you proceed with seasoning your cookware.  Seasoning cast irons is critical for the maintenance and durability of your cookware. Traditional cast irons contain pores that if not properly seasoned could cause your food to stick to your pan. Improper care also promotes rust occurring on your cookware as well.  However, with the proper maintenance of your cookware, it can last for generations.

Use the instructions below for proper treatment of your NEW cast iron cookware:

Wash cast iron cookware with warm soapy water and use a Brillo pad or steel wool to scrub the cookware well.  This will help to loosen and release the prior treatment used by manufacturers or any rust that may reside on your cookware.
Rinse your cast iron thoroughly to ensure that the particles that you have scrubbed off no longer reside on your cookware.
Thoroughly dry the cast iron to ensure that there is no moisture left. It may help to heat the cast iron on the stove top for 5 – 10 minutes.
Lightly coat the inside and outside of your cookware with a congealed oil such as a vegetable oil, shortening, or lard.  (This aids to fill-in and coat the pores of your cookware. Note: Butter and margarine should not be used in this process.) Be sure to coat the handle and lid, if applicable.
Place the cast iron cookware in the oven, upside down, at 350 degrees for one hour. (Layer the bottom of your oven with aluminum foil to catch any oil drippings. Note: Turning the cookware upside down will aid in the prevention of gummy oil buildup. Another way to prevent gummy oil buildup is to wipe away excess oil after 15 minutes in the oven.) The heat helps to lock in the oils and create a smooth, non-stick surface.
Let the cookware cool to room temperature.
Repeat steps 4 – 6, three times.

Other considerations for the care and maintenance of your cast iron cookware include the following:

When using and electric range, pre-heat cast iron cookware slowly on medium to medium-low heat.
When your cast iron cookware is at high temperatures, do not place cold water in your cookware. This will cause your cookware to crack instantly.
Limit cooking with acidic foods (e.g. tomatoes, vinegar) as this breaks down the seasoning.
Do not keep leftover food in the cast iron cookware for too long. The acid in the food could begin to breakdown the seasoning. You can prevent this from happening by transferring leftover food into a glass or plastic container prior to refrigeration.
Do not boil water in your cast irons.
Do not store your cast iron pans and pots with a lid. Keeping the lid on could promote moisture, which could lead to rusting.
Do not use dishwashing soap to clean your cast iron cookware day-to-day.  This will open pores and over time make it susceptible to retain bacteria from food. Simply wipe and rinse your cookware under warm water. However, if you do decide to use dishwashing soap, it is necessary that you season your cast iron cookware in the oven as described above. However, do not let your cookware soak in soapy water or expose it to water for any length of time.

More Cast Iron Manufacturers Articles

How To Care For A Polished Cast Iron Radiator

When choosing a traditional cast iron radiator one of the most beautiful and traditional finishes is the hand polished choice. ” When choosing a hand polished finish for your cast iron radiators it is always best to make sure the technique used to polish the radiator is performed mainly by hand, the old fashioned way, to ensure a smooth unscratched finish” Helen Proctor Paladin Radiators.

Basically for the hand polished finish the cast iron as a metal is polished to a high sheen and should incorporate using the old technique of hand polishing as machines can be harsh on the cast iron which results in losing some of the beauty of the natural cast iron and to ensure that the ornate raised decorative radiator detail is not flattened or damaged. The hand polishing technique offers more accents to the detail on an ornate radiator and creates a fantastic natural finish for any cast iron radiator style.

The hand polishing process reveals and polishes the original cast iron surface, polishing the radiator down to the bare metal. It is a particularly beautiful finish however the bare metal is exposed to the air and so therefore the radiator will require some minimal attention to care to eliminate rust spots occurring due to moisture in the air. The best way to maintain the beauty of a hand polished radiator and keep the shine on the natural cast is to create a barrier from the air and moisture. It is advised to achieve this to apply an oil based barrier to the surface of the radiator. Every 6 to 8 weeks, take a soft polishing cloth, lightly sprayed with WD40 and dust your radiator on all polished areas, this will ensure your polished radiator remains rust free and buffs to the original shine. Baby Oil or Linseed Oil may also be used as an alternative to WD40, as these oils acts in the same way as WD40. It is advised to apply the oil based barrier once every 6 to 8 weeks, as over time, people and household pets touch or brush against the radiator, this causes the oil layer to be thinned leaving the bare metal to become exposed to air and moisture.

If rusting has occurred, don’t panic! The easiest way to remove light rust patches is to take a soft dry cloth lightly sprayed with oil and simply buff out the rust. Please note to use a soft cloth, as a scourer or cloth with a harsh surface will scratch the bare metal surface giving an unsightly finish once buffed. The cloth must also be dry as adding moisture to the cloth will result in rust occurring.

The traditional method of hand polishing polishes the sides, top and front of the cast iron radiator, basically these areas that are seen and are easily accessible for cleaning. The back of the radiator is not polished as the back of the radiator is difficult to reach once installed and the back is also difficult to reach for cleaning and rust prevention.

The hand polished finish does require a small amount of regular maintenance to maintain the polished look to its best but it is stunning choice of finish and really shows the cast iron radiator to its best advantage. A natural and beautiful finish that is certainly worth the effort.

What to look for when buying cast iron radiators

Cast iron radiators add authenticity to period properties and bring timeless quality to contemporary interiors.  Cast iron has great mass which enables it to act as a highly efficient heat store – so your radiators stay warm long after the central heating has been turned off.  This unique quality makes cast iron a popular choice amongst heating engineers and architects, particularly for older properties, as this kind of heating tends to retain the warmth in the fabric of the building.

There are now some superb reproduction cast iron radiators on the market and some inferior products worth avoiding. Here are just a few pointers worth looking out for:

Always check that the radiators have been tested to the European Standard EN442. This provides assurance that the product has passed rigorous testing and is deemed fit for purpose. EN442 is also verification that the heat outputs stated are accurate.

All good quality radiators will come with a manufacturer’s guarantee against manufacturing defects. Make sure the manufacturer is reputable and well established and looks set to stay in business long enough to honour your guarantee should you need it.

For floor mounted cast iron radiators, look for integral feet, which are part of the casting, rather than bolt on extras. This adds to the authenticity of the product and to its overall look.

Finally, to complete the look, choose valves, which are in keeping with your radiators – there are now many period style valves on the market which benefit from modern technology.

For more information contact Feature Radiators on 01274 567789

www.featureradiators.co.uk

Investment Castings

Investment Casting – 10 Stages of Manufacture

The Lost Wax Investment Castings Process can be used for making Precision Investment Castings in Iron, Steel, Copper or Aluminium Alloys and Aluminium.

The process is almost Identical for each Metal Specification but can vary depending on various requirements in the Investment Casting Industry.

The main benefits are a Precision Investment Casting with closer dimensional tolerances than Sand Casting techniques and exact re-peatability

1)     Construct an Aluminium Die to allow the manufacture of Waxes

2)     Assemble the waxes onto a Runner or Downsprue

3)     Dip the assembly into a Ceramic Slurry

4)     Sprinkle ( by various methods ) grains of a  Refractory Material onto the assembly. Repeat 3 & 4 enough times until you have a thickness of shell to hold the molten metal.

5)     Completely dry the assembly prior to inverting it and placing into a Steam Autoclave to remove the wax.

6)     Place the now hollow assembly or Mould into a Firing Oven to both cure the ceramic and to preheat the mould.

7)     Fill the mould with molten Steel, Iron, Copper Alloy or Aluminium.

8)     Vibrate the Castings inside the assembly to break down the ceramic.

9)     Cut the castings off the assembly, grind where required.

10)Always inspect the castings prior to despatch.

Engineers or Buyers should be aware that there are many technical considerations to be added to these 10 stages. For example the contraction of Iron, Steel, Copper Alloys and Aluminium are different and these factors will have to be considered when making the Tool or Die.

Investment Castings are available at Jade Trading