Blog Archives
As 3D metal printing becomes more commercially viable, it is tempting to assume that it represents a direct and immediate threat to traditional metal casting processes. However, like any technology 3D printing has advantages and disadvantages compared to competing processes. This article reviews the advantages and disadvantages of using 3D printing to produce metal components…
Read MoreMetalTek exists for the expressed purpose of Making A Lasting Difference. This purpose is supported by four core values and corresponding beliefs. The formal articulation of these values, beliefs, and behaviors is relatively new but the culture they represent goes back decades. MetalTek can trace its history to the opening of Carondelet Foundry in St.…
Read MoreMetakTek is thrilled to announce that our Wisconsin Centrifugal Division will hold an on-site hiring event on Thursday, April 21 from 10 AM to 6 PM at 905 East Saint Paul Avenue in Waukesha, WI. We are excited to meet potential new employees at the event. MetalTek has an excellent employee safety record, a vibrant…
Read MoreFrom large projects to small production runs, selecting the appropriate metal casting process to achieve the desired design can be difficult. MetalTek focuses on three primary metal casting processes: centrifugal casting, sand casting, and investment casting. Each comes with numerous design considerations ranging from overall shape to surface finish to dimensional tolerance. This article focuses…
Read MoreWhen a North American manufacturer considers where to source metal castings, the choice typically involves domestic sourcing (North America) versus international sourcing (outside North America). There are several considerations when making this decision as a customer. These considerations can range from cost to the overall nature of the supplier relationship. The choice is not typically…
Read MoreMetal casting is a complex process that requires numerous considerations when purchasing, including casting design, the metal casting process to be used, and quality control factors. Ultimately, there are many considerations in metal casting and there is no “one size fits all” solution. Therefore, we developed an outline of the various considerations when a customer…
Read MoreI am excited to announce that Stephanie Langer joined the MetalTek team on Wednesday, January 26 as Chief People Officer. In this newly created role she will develop and execute MetalTek’s workforce strategy across our five global divisions. Stephanie brings to MetalTek invaluable experience leading human resource teams across a range of manufacturing, service, and…
Read MoreThe Sandusky International and Sandusky Limited Divisions of MetalTek have been the worldwide leaders in manufacturing paper roll shells since pioneering centrifugal casting more than a century ago. For those familiar with the Sandusky name but not MetalTek, we joined the MetalTek International family of casting foundries in 2010. However, we are still the same…
Read MoreThis case study featured a duplex stainless-steel suction press roll shell custom manufactured by Sandusky International for a papermaking machine application. Beginning with a customer-approved drawing, we developed a manufacturing plan. After centrifugal casting and heat treating the suction press roll shell, made from duplex stainless steel “Alloy 86“, we used a combination of machining…
Read MoreThere is a significant difference among suction roll shell alloys. When properly selected, the material will withstand the aggressive corrosive attacks of white-water chemistry and temperature, felt cleaning chemicals, machine speed, roll load, and cyclic stresses of operation. Sandusky brings you more suction roll shell specific manufacturing and metallurgical experience than any other company in…
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