Molding sand is at the heart of the sand casting process. It must hold a shape well and capture the fine details of a casting, yet be permeable enough to allow gases to escape. Under the strain of having the molding pattern removed from it, or while it is filled, it cannot crumble or sink on itself. When it is turned upside down it must not lose its form: the parts of a mold have to stay true while clamped together.
Foundry pattern making is a skilled craft that can require both the abilities of a carpenter and the knowledge of a metallurgist. Read more about both wood and wax patterns, and how a patternmaker determines the success of a casting.
From locked and loaded to the lonely post, our photo guide to secure bike parking shows you ways to lock your bike and thwart bike theives.
Sand casting is the most common form of casting for ferrous metals (all metals that contain iron), with more than 70% of worldwide production of ferrous castings being made in foundry sand. Watch this basic process turn molten metals into everyday objects.
Metal casting is the process of pouring molten metal into a shaped space so that it will cool and harden in that form. For many items, this process can be less expensive than machining the part out of a piece of solid metal. Even though the idea behind it seems singular and simple, there are many ways foundries cast objects. How they make a metal casting mold will depend on the metals used, the size of the run, and the shape, symmetry, and complexity of the casting.
Artists bring new perspectives to the everyday world, and stories can be found in the most mundane objects. Check out the unusual art of these bollard photographers, who explore a unique vision of their traffic calming subjects.
A designer, entrepreneur, or inventor gets an idea and begins the process to bring it to life. At first the idea is made of sketches and plans, research and design, but the designer’s focus is toward creating a physical object. There is no replacement for holding a mockup or prototype and seeing a vision come to life. Prototyping allows the designer to have confidence in their idea, work out production flaws, and woo investors or clients.
Our “Life of a Casting” series follows a cast metal object from concept to final product. This installment looks at the approaches to casting design that maximize value and minimize trouble on the production line.
Cities across North America are promoting ecology and health through sustainable transportation. Integrated bike lanes and transit networks promote cycling as an inexpensive, fun, and active way to get around. Such infrastructure can help with congestion, bring more people to street level retail, and enliven a local community. The League of American Bicyclists shows a 51% growth in bicycle commuting from 2000 to 2016. All the investment in infrastructure is making a difference.
Solar energy is a clean, environmentally-friendly power source. Learn how solar power is collected using solar panels, and how that power is converted into electricity, stored, and outputted.
A la mitad de todos los ciclistas activos les robarán su bicicleta. Este crimen poco denunciado y poco sancionado se estima que le costa a E.E.U.U. medio millón de dólares al año. Esto es lo que algunas organizaciones y ciclistas están haciendo para combatirlo.
La seguridad antiterrorista del perímetro debe balancear la función con la forma; muy pocas personas quieren vivir en un búnker. Los planeadores urbanos están intentando encontrar formas baratas de proteger los espacios amigables para las personas. Lee más sobre seguridad que no afecta la participación.
When it comes to urban development and planning, communities are managing competing goals. On one hand, the public square is having a renaissance. Research confirms that pedestrian-friendly streets and walkable neighborhoods make for healthy, attractive cities. Vibrant streetscapes engage people to walk, play, eat, and shop, which lead to many benefits. Walking promotes
Explora el por qué la metalurgia separa los metales como ferrosos o no ferrosos: encuentra definiciones, ejemplos, características y composición de ambos tipos.
As society shifts towards sustainable living, a cleaner alternative to automobile commuting is gaining traction. Cycling offers benefits that surpass driving on many levels—an economically and environmentally sound option that helps people to fulfill health and fitness goals. While cycling proves to be an excellent
Walk Score and Walk Appeal are used to measure walkability, and help to create communities with a higher standard of healthy living.
Surface mounted bollards are useful indoors in retail and industrial spaces as well as in low-impact outdoor applications. These bolt-down bollards are easy to install on hard surfaces, simple to care for, and provide both a visual and physical perimeter. Read more about their appropriate use.
Security bollards and ram-rated installations have captured the public’s interest, but they are not the only bollards on the market. Find out why bollards do not have to be able to physically stop a car to be useful.
Learn more about the developments in rubber recycling and how old tires can be recycled into tire-derived fuel, asphalt, playground surfaces, and other molded rubber products.
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