Blog Archives
Rising global energy demand is giving new attention to nuclear energy as a dependable, carbon-free source of baseload power. While traditional nuclear power plants remain critical to the mix, small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors can provide more flexible and scalable sources of nuclear energy. This growing interest in SMRs and microreactors offers new opportunities…
MetalTek International today announced the appointment of David Bacon as Chief Executive Officer. Bacon succeeds E.J. Kubick, who is retiring as CEO after leading the company since 2019. Kubick will transition to the role of Executive Vice Chairman for a planned two- to three-year period, supporting MetalTek’s long-term strategic direction. “MetalTek conducted a thoughtful and…
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) equipment such as compressors, heat exchangers, pumps, valves, and piping systems are well known. What is less well known is the role that metal castings play in making those systems work. Metal castings are found throughout LNG facilities, from cryogenic pumps and severe-service valves to compressor components and specialty piping. Understanding…
Metal additive manufacturing is increasingly used to produce components that are difficult or impractical to manufacture using traditional methods. As design requirements become more complex, additive manufacturing technologies such as laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) provide engineers with new ways to create high-performance metal parts directly from digital models. Among additive manufacturing processes, LPBF is…
For centrifuge manufacturers, metal castings are often mission-critical, rotating, pressure-containing, and safety-sensitive components. The sourcing decision directly affects performance, uptime, compliance, and risk. While international sourcing can make sense in limited cases, this article discusses benefits of centrifuge manufacturers purchasing from domestic sources like MetalTek. Reduced Supply Chain and Schedule Risk Domestic sourcing dramatically lowers…
HY-80 steel is a high-yield, low-alloy steel developed for demanding applications where strength, toughness, and reliability are critical. Originally developed for naval defense use, HY-80 is a trusted material for high-strength components operating in high-pressure marine environments. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of HY-80 steel, including HY-80 composition, mechanical properties, HY-80 weldability, material specifications,…
Every material choice matters for companies producing metal components that operate in high-temperature or high-corrosion environments. Sandusky International’s new 2,250°F (1232°C) heat treat furnace gives customers more options when specifying alloys that must perform where others fail in extreme service environments. Sandusky already produces some of the largest centrifugal castings in the world. This furnace…
For pump castings such as impellers, choosing the right casting process can significantly affect design flexibility, performance, cost, and production efficiency. Sand casting and investment casting are both widely used for pump impellers, but each process is better suited to different size, tolerance, wall thickness, finish, and production requirements. In this article, we’ll compare sand…
Pump impellers can be produced using several manufacturing methods, including investment casting, CNC machining, and 3D metal printing. The best method depends on factors such as design complexity, production volume, material use, dimensional requirements, cost, and whether the component is a prototype or repeat-production part. Investment casting is particularly well suited for complex impellers that…
In the world of manufacturing metal components, choosing the right method is crucial. Additive manufacturing and casting are two prominent techniques. Each offers unique advantages and challenges. Additive manufacturing, often called 3D printing, builds parts layer by layer. This allows for intricate designs and minimal waste. It’s ideal for prototypes and small production runs. Metal…