Ductile Iron vs. Cast Iron
When choosing an iron alloy for a casting, a metallurgist considers the budget, required mechanical properties, and post-casting steps like machining and heat treatment. These requirements decide what alloy to use. These days, the biggest choice is between ductile iron vs. cast iron. Technically, “cast iron” suggests iron alloys that
Globalization of Production
Reliance Foundry’s history spans the rise and fall of manufacturing in the West. From boom times through the 1920s, to decline during the globalization of production, the business of metal casting is closely tied to larger economic trends. The 1995 book “Fire in the Blood” is a detailed look at
Stages of Rust
As a material that satisfies tough, industrial requirements and offers appealing aesthetics, metal is used for products everywhere. Metals boast resilience and strength in heavy-duty applications and hardscape supplies. In infrastructure, metal can be styled in versatile ways to blend in with both the traditional and contemporary. When high-quality new
What Small Municipalities Can Learn from New York’s Street Furniture
The atmosphere of a location is built by a thousand small details. Some of this comes down to geography: the quality of light, plants in the ecosystem, and movement of air make their imprint even in the heart of a city. Cities also construct personality with the materials and design
Business Success: Saved through Innovation
Neither Brent nor Brad Done saw themselves becoming foundry men. Reliance Foundry had always been in their lives: the factory was a hot, smelly, dirty place that was equal parts proud family legacy and tough taskmaster. Their grandfather, Fred, had left the foundry to his children Brian and Barry. A
Maintaining your Stainless Steel
Stainless steel contains carbon, iron, and chromium. This chemistry, along with polishing and passivation steps in manufacturing, encourages the alloy to develop a chromium oxide layer. This layer is what gives the metal its prized rust resistance. Yet chromium oxide is itself a product of corrosion, a quick-forming “passive film”
Austenitic Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is called “stainless” because of its resistance to rust. Steel contains iron and carbon in certain percentages: adding the element chromium transforms it from steel to stainless steel. Chromium oxidizes much faster than the iron in the alloy. The resulting chromium oxide seals and protects the rest of
Metal Passivation
Many metals are vulnerable to corrosion when exposed to air and water. Corrosion can cause metal stress and part failure, so metallurgists seek ways to defeat it. One such method is metal passivation, a lesser-known method of corrosion-proofing a surface that uses a thin chemical layer as a seal. Passivation
What is Sand Casting?
Sand casting is a process that utilizes non-reusable sand molds to form metal castings. It is a common production method for metal components of all sizes, from a few ounces to several tons. Sand casting isn’t only versatile in the size of its products – it can also create exceptionally complex
Galvanization: Corrosion protection for ferrous metals
Ferrous metals, which contain iron, comprise 90% of the world’s metal manufacture. Iron is dense, strong when mixed with carbon, plentiful, and easy to refine, so is an excellent and dependable material for many industrial and structural applications. However, iron and many of its alloys—such as steel—are also highly prone