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    Rail crossing IMG_1505 final
    10/202019

    Rail Crossings & Tracks

    Castings in the World

    Rail crossings are made of cast steel, alloyed with manganese, and are then welded to lengths of rail track.

    Then the casting surfaces are ‘explosively depth hardened’ to ensure that the surface is hard wearing so the crossings can withstand trains wheels running over them.

    Progress Rail in South Queensferry is a world leading company that makes these for the global rail industry.

    Read more
    C Creative Commons Zero (CC0) Wind Turbine Hub dreamstime_xxl_93949503 resized
    10/202019

    Renewable Energy – Wind Energy Turbine Hub

    Castings in the World

    The hub of a wind turbine is made of ductile cast iron as it is strong and can withstand the forces imposed by the weight of the blades.

    These hubs can weigh several tonnes.

    The quality and integrity of the castings is very important.

    Picture credit: C Creative Commons Zero (CC0) Wind Turbine Hub dreamstime 93949503

    Read more
    Manhole 1122
    10/202019

    Manhole Covers – really?

    Castings in the World

    Manholes covers might not seem to be very exciting perhaps, but they need to be strong so that they can be run over by lorries again and again, without failing so are made to exacting standards.

    Can you imagine the traffic jams if they kept failing?

    Some countries have very decorative manhole covers, like this example from Norway.

    Manhole covers are made of cast iron, using sand casting.

    Read more
    Jet Engine turbine blades
    10/202019

    Jet Engine Turbine Blades – built for speed

    Castings in the World

    The blades in a jet engine are made using investment casting.

    They are cast in exotic alloys, sometimes as single-crystal structures, so that they can withstand the temperatures and pressures in a modern jet engine.  The quality and integrity of the castings is very important.

    Rolls-Royce recently built a new, highly automated foundry in the UK capable of producing 100,000 cast blades per year in the UK.

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    Bollard IMG_0026 cropped
    10/202019

    Street Bollards – protecting our public places

    Castings in the World

    These street bollards are cast in manganese steel and are built to last – they are used to protect buildings and city squares from ram raiders – a great example of castings being used to protect us in our everyday lives.

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    Aircraft seat #3 final
    10/202019

    Castings on a Plane

    Castings in the World

    If you have been fortunate enough to travel on an aeroplane, then you will have sat on a seat like this.

    You may not have noted the seat base below you which is a casting.

    Aircraft seat bases are cast in aluminium which is strong and light. Low pressure die casting is the process that is normally used to produce the parts.

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    Al wheel disc and calliper 1269
    10/202019

    Car wheels to move us around

    Castings in the World

    Car wheels are cast in aluminium which is strong and light.  Low pressure die casting is the process that is normally used, and millions of die cast wheels are made every year.

    You can also see a brake disc here, which is also a casting – this disc is made by pouring molten grey cast iron into a sand mould.  Highly automated, high volume greensand casting is the process used and the sand for the mould is used over and over again. Castings are used to keep us safe on the roads.

    You might also be able to spot the brake caliper which is also an iron casting.  Castings are everywhere!

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    Sponsors & Supporters of the Casting the Future Foundry Kit

    Cast Metals Federation
    Cast Metals Federation
    Grainger and Worrall Ltd
    Grainger and Worrall Ltd

    Brunel Centre of Bedford

    Institute of Cast Metals Engineers
    Institute of Cast Metals Engineers
    Midas Pattern Company Ltd
    Founders Company
    Founders Company
    John Winter Ltd
    Milver Metals Ltd
    Tor Lodge and Applecross Trust
    Tor Lodge and Applecross Trust
    HCM Engineering Ltd
    HCM Engineering Ltd
    MRT Castings Ltd
    MRT Castings Ltd

    Casting News

    Rail Crossings & Tracks

    Castings in the World

    Renewable Energy – Wind Energy Turbine Hub

    Castings in the World

    Manhole Covers – really?

    Castings in the World

    Jet Engine Turbine Blades – built for speed

    Castings in the World

    Street Bollards – protecting our public places

    Castings in the World

    Castings on a Plane

    Castings in the World

    Car wheels to move us around

    Castings in the World

    Stair Treads used in the Underground

    Castings in the World
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