Steel vs. Stainless Steel
Steel’s affordability makes it an ideal metal for many projects. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is more expensive,
28
Jan
Tag Archives: Metals/Materials
30
Oct
304 Stainless Steel versus 409 Stainless Steel
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?
18
Oct
Stainless Steel Production and Processing
Stainless steel products are created in a seven-step manufacturing process. Peer into the factory to see how stainless products are made.
16
Oct
Ask an Engineer: Austenitic Stainless Steel
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.
10
Oct
Steel Pipe: An Introduction
Steel pipes are commonly used in many industries, from scaffolding poles to sewage tunnels. Learn more about the production, use, and history of steel pipes.
31
Jul
Flexible Iron? Ductile Iron vs. Cast Iron
All iron alloys poured in a foundry are cast iron. However, ductile is a relative newcomer…one that is surprisingly flexible.
25
Jun
Globalization of Production
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.
29
May
Stages of Rust
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.
24
Apr
Maintaining your Stainless Steel
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.
12
Mar
Polyurethane Plastic: from Adhesives to Yoga Pants
Learn about polyurethane plastic’s properties, uses, and production. How is polyurethane recycled at the end of the product life cycle?
30
Jan
Metal Passivation: Preventing Iron & Steel from Getting Active
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.
25
Jan
You Use it Daily. But What IS Polyethylene Plastic?
We take a look at the properties and chemistry of polyethylene plastic, the modern material used in everything from cling wrap…to bollards.
08
Aug
Ask a Metallurgist: What is Rust?
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.
20
Jun
Steel Grading: Chemistry and Properties
Learn more about steel grading systems and the effects of microstructure, hot and cold forming, and heat treatment.
18
Jun
What is Investment Casting?
Investment casting is capable of producing complex parts with excellent as-cast surface finishes. Learn how it works.
28
May
ASTM A27 Steel: Choosing the Right Grade for your Casting
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.
22
May
Decorative Concrete: From Buildings to Bollards
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.
30
Apr
Heat Treatment in Ferrous Foundries
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.
16
Apr
Melting and Pouring Metal
Foundries are glowing metal furnaces and sparking rivers of steel. How do founders mange the scorching heat needed for melting and pouring metal?
12
Apr
Concrete production and applications
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.