When materials are being molded using a cast, the process is one that goes back more than 1,000 years. However, it is not always clear to the untrained eye exactly which materials are used in castings. In addition to this, it’s not always clear what benefits each of these materials has.
Below, you will find some of the materials that are used in casting and the advantages that come with using them.
Copper casting is one of the most common types of casting around the globe. Copper can conduct electricity very well. As a result, it is often considered to be the perfect material when it comes to manufacturing electrical components.
Unfortunately, copper can also be quite a porous material if it is not mixed with anything. Therefore, copper tends to be mixed with a range of materials such as:
- Zinc
- Nickel
- Silver
- Tine
Using at least one of these materials can help to prevent the copper from cracking. As a result, the final cast will be stronger and more resilient. However, this is only the case if the right amount of nickel, for example, is used in the mixture. Too much or too little and the casting may not be suitable for use.
Almost every foundry in the country will use aluminum. This material is very versatile and it’s capable of withstanding numerous processes before it fails. Additionally, aluminum tends to be adaptable, making it even more of a pleasure to use. If this was not enough, Aluminum is also resistant to corrosion. This is why many foundries are happy to use aluminum where they can.
Steel Casting
Steel is known to be a very tough material that can withstand frequent wear and tear. Steel is also known for being the ideal material to use in wet environments. With the ability to form into shapes at high temperatures, steel can be mixed with a range of other materials if needs be. Materials such as chromium, nickel, and iron can help steel to become resistant to corrosion and heat.
Factors To Take Into Consideration When Casting
Before you begin casting any material you will need to take a few factors into consideration. You should ideally consider every material’s weight, resistance to wear, how quickly it will cool, its capabilities for damping, and the melting temperature. Lastly, you will need to understand how much of the material you’ll need. All of these factors need to be clear before you begin the casting process.
A range of materials tends to be used when a cast is being made. Sometimes, only one material is used. On other occasions, a mixture of materials is used. It all depends on what is being created and what the end-users will use the product for. It always makes sense to know what materials you need to use and why. If you use the wrong materials there is always a possibility that a cast may not be up to scratch.
