We all know that metal is a chief proponent to numerous structures and fixtures. Whether it’s things like furniture or cookware, it’s iron and steel that normally take center stage. This is mainly due to the extreme amounts of durability that is present. The only issue is that they can be quite expensive. However, recycling offers us a ton of benefits, which includes making metal items. If you use a non ferrous metal foundry you can create metal pieces out of used objects.

Transforming common metal objects, particularly non ferrous metals, involves several procedures. The foundry has a furnace where the items are burned, melted and eventually moulded. Within the furnace is a series of chambers where the metal is processed, until the finished product is formed. Let us delve further.

Melting the Metal- Once the raw materials are put in the furnace they feel the heat as the temperature can be anywhere from 327 to 3600 degrees Celsius. The amount will depend on their composition. For instance; tin and zinc won’t require a lot of heat to melt, but nickel and titanium have to have heat over 1,000 degrees. In order to properly suit alloy properties there are host of different furnaces used by each foundry.

Degassing Liquid Metal- Hydrogen reduction takes place once the alloys are melted. Once the material is hardened, hydrogen can affect the overall properties of the metal. Thanks to the technology of the furnaces today they can measure hydrogen levels and extract it from liquefied alloy.

Creating the Mould- When it’s time to create the mould, the liquid metal will go into the encasement to take a form. In the beginning drafts are created to avoid any mistakes when using the metal and/or bronze castings that are used. It’s extremely important to get everything right the first time around, because one miscalculation can mar a product.

Pouring Liquid Metal- When the moulds have been built, the liquid non ferrous metal is poured. Most foundries use specialised mechanisms, such as robots or interconnected chambers, to conduct the transfer. Such components will prevent liquid metal from spilling out.

Cleaning the Hardened Metal- Once metal hardens, certain components like sand, casting heads or casting risers which came from processing must be removed. They are extracted or broken off, manually, with the use of powerful cutting tools. Advanced furnaces, though, have built-in cutting devices that are cued to strip off the products’ excesses.

The Finish- When the cleaning process is complete the metal items will still look raw. In order to get the perfect look there must be one final process…the finish. Once this takes place the items are cut, polished and refined. This will continue until the products are created.

Every foundry out there needs metal castings in order to provide clients with the right molding applications. There are various shapes and sizes, as well as functions. Even though there are some that are directly concerned with molding, others are there to support the furnace. Depending on the nature of the business these might be customized. Anytime non ferrous metals are used it’s never surprising to see these places build metal fixtures with specific dimensions and features.

Mark Smith is the Manager of AA Alloys, a Non-Ferrous Metal Foundry located in Johannesburg , South Africa, specializing in high quality castings. For more information on Non-Ferrous Metal Castings, go to Non-Ferrous Metal Castings