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Castings in the World

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.

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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

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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.

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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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Underground treads
11/192018

Stair Treads used in the Underground

Castings in the World

These anti-slips treads are used extensively in the rail industry – you may have seen them when using the underground in London or on rail networks around the world.  These casting treads are made here in the UK by AATI Ltd.

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Bomber Command IMG_0698
11/192018

The Statue of Bomber Command

Castings in the World

This statue of Bomber Command is part of the Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park in London, opened in 2012. The bronze sculpture, designed by Philip Jackson, features members of the aircrew wearing their military equipment.

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10/222018

UK has a significant skills shortage and is seeking new recruits and apprentices to become the industry technicians, engineers and technical managers

Castings in the World

The industry in the UK has a significant skills shortage and is seeking new recruits and apprentices to become the industry technicians, engineers and technical managers.  Employers in the industry have come together to develop a new apprentice standard which is to be delivered by industry experts working for Foundry Training Services Ltd at the new National Foundry Training Centre which is one part of the new Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills.

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Older Entries

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
Foundry Training Trust
Foundry Training 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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