Blog

Metal Casting Process

A mold is formed into the geometric shape of a desired part. Molten metal is then poured into the mold, the mold holds this material in shape as it solidifies. A metal casting is created. Although this seems rather simple, the manufacturing process of metal casting is both a science and an art. Let's begin our study of metal casting…

Metal Mold Casting

Metal Mold Casting At least three families of molding and casting processes can be categorized as metal mold processes. These include diecasting (high-pressure diecasting), low-pressure permanent mold casting and permanent mold casting. Unlike sand casting processes, in which a mold is destroyed after pouring to remove the casting, permanent mold casting uses the mold repeatedly. Diecasting Diecasting is used to…

Advances in Aluminum: New Twists on an Old Material

From “transparency” and bubble-wrap-type material to a net-like sponge, we could very well be witnessing the Second Age of Aluminum. Aluminum in its modern form has been around for more than a century. In the 1880s, it was considered more valuable than gold, particularly because it was difficult to produce in a pure form. Ever since what is considered the First…

What are the Differences Between Various Nickel-based Metals and Alloys?

Nickel alloys are used extensively in industry due to their resistance to corrosion and ability to withstand high temperatures and pressures. Nickel alloys resist high pressures and temperatures, making them well-suited for high-performance applications such as jet-engine blades. They also resist corrosion. That’s why Monel is used in deep-seal mining, where seawater poses a constant threat of corrosion. Nickel is…

What Engineers Should Know about Zinc-Nickel Coatings

The development and practical application of electroplated zinc-nickel alloy coatings began during the 1980s, and its acceptance and use have grown slowly but consistently ever since. So Zn-Ni coatings are not as widely used as other traditional protective coatings. This is unfortunate and likely due to the fact the process and the benefits it brings are subject to some misconceptions.…

Advances in Metals Pave Way to Lighter Vehicles

Higher safety and environmental regulations in the automotive industry push designers to use stronger, lower-density metals. Engineers wrangling with material technology continuously try to find the right balance of properties. However, it’s safe to say that two properties have remained constant over the years—stronger and lighter. Around the end of the last millennium, tighter regulations caused the automotive industry to…

Bernier Cast Metals And An Agricultural University Redesigns Troublesome Equipment to Speed Up Planting

A representative from an agricultural university in Michigan stopped into Bernier Cast Metals’ facility with a piece of plastic farm machinery that was not operating as required. This machinery component had several design flaws that were causing disruptions in the planting process slowing productivity. Working with the university, Bernier Cast Metals developed a design for the part that would be…

Bernier Cast Metals Reverse-Engineers Vibratory Finisher Component at Light-speed

Vibrating polishing machine

Bernier Cast Metals Inc. was contacted by a potential customer in the Vibratory Finishing industry. This customer has a number of finishing machines, with the most important being a very large machine that is manufactured in Italy.  One of the main components of this machine is a 500 lb gray iron casting that was beginning to show signs of considerable…

Stainless Steel Casting Solves Wastewater Reclamation Problem in One Week

We were contacted by our customer in the wastewater industry. The customer was not satisfied with the performance of their current screening equipment at a particular site, because it was not able to screen a satisfactory level of debris and organic material. They quickly designed a component that would meet their standards, but they needed this part to be produced…

1 4 5 6