Casting is the process where metal is heated until molten.While in the molten or liquid state it is poured into a mold or vessel to create a desired shape.

Why use Castings?

We use castings for a wide range of wear parts and components that are too large, complicated, intricate or otherwise unsuitable for the forging process.The casting process better lends itself to making parts where internal cavities are required.

The advantages of casting include:

No real upper size limit in casting weight

Large range of alloy choices

As forgings remain solid, custom alloys are far more difficult to get into production whereas with casting, alloys including Chrome, Nickel and Moly can be added at the molten stage.

Tooling is often less expensive than forge dies

Smaller production “runs” required

Complicated/complex parts are no problem

For general GET as well as large and complex components - casting is a fantastic method of manufacture.

Forging is the application of thermal and mechanical energy to steel billets or ingots to cause the material to change shape while in a solid state. 

Why use forgings?

Forging offers uniformity of composition and structure. Forging results in metallurgical recrystalisation and grain 
refinement as a result of the thermal cycle and deformation process. This strengthens the resulting steel product particularly in terms of impact and shear strength.

Forged steel is generally stronger and more reliable than castings and plate steel due to the fact that the grain flows of the steel are altered, conforming to the shape of the part.

The advantages of forging include:

Generally tougher than alternatives

Will handle impact better than castings

The nature of forging excludes the occurence of porosity, shrinkage, cavities and cold pour issues.

The tight grain structure of forgings making it mechanically strong. There is less need for expensive alloys to attain high strength components.

The tight grain structure offers great wear resistance without the need to make products “superhard” We have found that, on a blank HRC 38-42 forged grinder insert wear/wash is about the same as a high alloy HRC 46-50 cast grinder insert. The difference being a HRC 46-50 casting does not have the ductility to handle high impact grinding.