David Hilscher
We’ve seen a recent trend in tree grates being repurposed by homeowners, artists, and contractors—as cast iron décor for use all around the home!
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
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
We take a look at the properties and chemistry of polyethylene plastic, the modern material used in everything from cling wrap…to bollards.
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
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
Learn how to select the right grade and class of ASTM A27 steel for your casting project. Each grade varies based on chemical composition, and type of heat treating needed to affect changes in mechanical properties. Find out the differences between testing steel for tensile strength vs. hardness.
David Hilscher
Concrete is often a structural material, doing supportive work. Only some architectural schools use decorative concrete to make a statement, or to achieve an aesthetic effect. Read more about its artistic use in everything from buildings to bollards.
David Hilscher
Heat treating metal influences the microstructures of a metal which give the material all its mechanical properties. Learn what changes are made when annealing, normalizing, quenching, or tempering steel.
David Hilscher
Foundries are glowing metal furnaces and sparking rivers of steel. How do founders mange the scorching heat needed for melting and pouring metal?
David Hilscher
Concrete is one of the most versatile building materials. Learn how concrete is produced at a concrete plant or on a job site. Different concrete types include ordinary, high performance, reinforced, precast, lightweight, and pervious concrete. Learn how they are used for concrete applications.
David Hilscher
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.
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