David Hilscher
People often assume that cast iron and wrought iron are interchangeable terms for early iron work, but there is a world of difference.
David Hilscher
Metalworkers have used the same casting processes for millennia, with the first castings dating back to the 4th century BC in China.
David Hilscher
For those buying barbeques, however, the choice of stainless used is often 304 vs. 430. (430 is also used for various truck parts.)
David Hilscher
Steel’s affordability makes it an ideal metal for many projects. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is more expensive,
David Hilscher
In automotive exhaust systems, 304 and 409 are the most common grades of stainless steel. What else are these grades used for? Why is stainless steel used in cars? What sets these two grades apart?
David Hilscher
Stainless steel products are created in a seven-step manufacturing process. Peer into the factory to see how stainless products are made.
David Hilscher
Though austenitic stainless steels are expensive they still capture 70% of the market. Learn what makes this rust-resistant, formable, weldable steel stay tough even at cryogenic temperatures.
David Hilscher
All iron alloys poured in a foundry are cast iron. However, ductile is a relative newcomer…one that is surprisingly flexible.
David Hilscher
Read our interview with Brian Done, a foundryman for 46 years, on the business of general manufacturing—and what has been lost in an era that has seen the globalization of production.
David Hilscher
When oxidation occurs, the metal’s surface forms a scale that darkens to a patina. The alloy in question will determine if the corrosion is invasive or not. In cast iron, rust—a ferrous oxide—can form a thin, protective layer against pitting.
David Hilscher
In the 1990s, most foundries were local, doing custom castings. Globalization created challenges for all but a few. Read the business success story of a family foundry that had to innovate to save the company.
David Hilscher
Yes, stainless steel can rust. From red rusted scratches to an all over speckle, corrosion can dull stainless’ silver shine. To prevent corrosion from blemishing your outdoor stainless steel, check out our guide to stainless steel maintenance.
David Hilscher
Metal corrosion can eat away at parts, causing them to fail. Passivation creates a self-healing chemical seal that uses corrosion to defeat corrosion. Learn about passivation in stainless steel, aluminum, and other metals.
David Hilscher
Spectrochemical analysis is used to determine the arrangement of atoms and electrons within molecules of chemical compounds. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) is a type of spectrochemical analysis that determines elemental components in solid metal samples, often used in foundries.
David Hilscher
Rust: the red flaky corrosion of iron and steel. It’s so common as to be unremarkable…yet what is it, exactly? Why don’t silver, aluminum, or zinc rust? Peek into the world of metal to learn how corrosion hits ferrous and non-ferrous alloys.
David Hilscher
Before Vancouver became the City of Glass, it was host to a strong manufacturing base. Foundries first appeared in Vancouver near the beginning of the 20th century, and they saw rapid growth over the course of several decades.
David Hilscher
David Hilscher
Learn more about steel grading systems and the effects of microstructure, hot and cold forming, and heat treatment.
David Hilscher
Investment casting is capable of producing complex parts with excellent as-cast surface finishes. Learn how it works.
David Hilscher
What is hardness testing? The Brinell hardness test, Rockwell hardness test, and Leeb rebound hardness test show the properties of castings.
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