News

Painting and finishing

13 June 2017 Finishing is the process used to prepare cast components for industrial use. In this next series of blogs, we will be taking a more detailed look at five widely used finishing techniques – painting, alochroming, anodising shot blasting and shot peening. 

NEW 5-Axis Vertical Machining Centre

25 May 2017 We are excited to share the latest addition to our machining capabilities in the form of a 5-Axis Yamazaki Mazak Vertical Machining Centre.  On a 5-axis machining centre, the cutting tool moves across the X, Y and Z linear axes as well as rotating on the A and B axes moving in 4 dimensions enabling it to approach the workpiece from any direction. 

Radiography in metal casting

9 May 2017 Radiographic imaging is a popular technique used to identify any subsurface defects in metal castings. It provides assurance of the structural and mechanical properties of the component.

Dye penetrant testing in metal casting

25 April 2017 Dye penetrant inspection is specifically used to locate surface defects, such as cracks, surface porosity and leaks, in metals, plastics and ceramics. It is based on the ability of a liquid to be drawn into a flaw by capillary action.

What is non-destructive testing?

11 April 2017 Non-destructive testing (NDT) is the process of inspecting, testing and evaluating components or materials for discontinuities or flaws, such as cracks and inclusions.

Pouring and temperature control

28 March 2017 Temperature control and the pouring process are both important elements in metal casting. During the casting process, the metal is brought up to the required melting temperature in our foundry furnace before being poured into the mould. 

The use of aluminium bronze in metal casting

22 March 2017 In this blog, we look in detail at the use of copper and explore its unique mechanical and physical properties. We also examine the reasons why this metal is sometimes used as an alternative to aluminium.

The automotive sector and aluminium metal casting

14 February 2017 The automotive industry is the largest single market for aluminium castings. Indeed, cast aluminium transmission housings and pistons have been used in cars and trucks since the early 1900s and nowadays castings account for more than 50% of the aluminium used in cars.

New Ramsell-Naber furnaces installed

26 January 2017 We have recently taken delivery of four new, state-of-the-art, Ramsell-Naber crucible gas heated furnaces. Founded in 1975, Ramsell-Naber specialise in furnaces and machines for the UK metal casting industry. They are synonymous with high efficiency, high quality and durability.

The differences between turning and milling

15 December 2016 In previous blogs, we’ve looked separately at turning and milling. This time, we explore in more detail the differences between these two machining processes and the factors that govern the choice of technique.