What is a Non-Ferrous Foundry?
What is a Non-Ferrous Foundry? Learn the difference between ferrous and non-ferrous foundries, and how to select a quality Non-Ferrous Foundry
Author: M.Hagaman | Updated March 2022 | 7 minute read
Non-ferrous metal foundries are foundries that deal with non-ferrous metals ( metals that do not contain Iron or Steel). They melt and pour molten metals into molds to create a specific desired geometry.
After the liquid has cooled, it is removed from the mold. The result is a non–ferrous metal casting
What Is The Difference Between Non-ferrous and Ferrous Foundry
What is a non-ferrous Foundry? And what do they do?
Metal foundries are set apart based on the types of metals they cast. Non-ferrous foundries work with non-ferrous metals like aluminum, bronze, zinc, and magnesium. Ferrous foundries work with metals that contain steel and iron.
At our foundry, we specialize in Aluminum, Zinc, and Magnesium metals and alloys.
When selecting a foundry you will need to know what metals best suit your project or prototype. Our metal casting experts are happy to answer questions regarding metal selections and the best metal casting applications.
Foundries are crucial to the manufacturing industry because they are heavily relied on to build complex, critical parts for many major companies.
Did you know there are two types of Foundries? Ferrous foundries and non-ferrous foundries.
Our Foundry
Precise Cast Prototypes and Engineering is an American Non–ferrous foundry near Denver, Colorado.
We produce complex metal castings for industries such as Aerospace, Defense, and Automotive. Precise Cast also offers Rapid Prototyping, custom metal castings, and low-volume manufacturing using two non-ferrous foundry metal applications; Sand casting and Rubber Plaster Mold Castings.
What is a non-ferrous foundry? Image of inside a foundry.
Quality Non-ferrous Foundry
How to Choose a Manufacturer for Your Metal Foundry Work
Foundries are a long-lasting industry for a reason.
Metal castings have been important to many companies and industries since the dawn of heating metal.
But many companies aren’t aware of what to look for when searching for a quality non-ferrous foundry.
Here is a list of the top 3 things to look for when selecting a foundry.
1. How long has the foundry been around?
A lot of foundries come and go. Unable to keep with customers’ demands and fail to produce quality castings.
At Precise Cast, we have almost 30 years of experience in non-ferrous metal castings. Our metal castings are of such high quality many of our customers use these prototype pieces as production parts.
2. Speed.
We offer a faster turnaround time than most foundries. Our first article lead times are 1-2 weeks with expedited lead times available.
3. Location.
The demand for American manufacturing has never been greater. More and more companies are electing for American manufacturers and we are proud to serve many major companies in the North American Market.
Our Foundry is located near Denver, Colorado. This central location provides us with great reach from coast to coast.
What is a Non-Ferrous Foundry? A Quick History Lesson on Foundires
Let’s take a brief look through the history of Metal Castings – In 3200 B.C the very first metal casting was brought into existence in Mesopotamia.
As time progressed, many metal castings were being produced in China and throughout Asia. Into the middle ages, metal casting procedures were explored throughout most of Europe.
As we move into the early 1800, metal casting techniques were now being used in the U.S.
Fast forward to the 20th century and metal castings are still a booming and important industry.
This year alone has brought a new focus on American Manufacturing capabilities. Reminding industries of the importance of metal castings and the technology that has grown around them.
Metal Casting Applications
Metal castings can be used in many different applications. We produce metal castings for aviation, automotive, aerospace, defense, agricultural applications, robotics, and many other industries.
Precise Cast specializes in prototype castings and rapid prototyping. Our metal experts work with product developers, engineers, and can help develop custom metal castings.
What is a Non-Ferrous Foundry and Their Casting Methods?
There are many different metal casting methods. At Precise Cast, we have chosen two methods that are especially well suited to low-volume production (1-1,000) of aluminum, magnesium, and zinc castings – a plaster mold casting method and a sand casting method.
Many metals can be used in casting processes. Here at Precise Cast, we specialize in Aluminum, Zinc, and Magenizum metal castings.
Aluminum Castings
Aluminum castings are formed by pouring molten metal into molds that have been shaped by a pattern of the desired final product.
Our engineers take strict measures to finalize the dimensions, tolerances, surface finishes, and shrink rates of each casting.
We also do FEA simulations to ensure your castings will have no “trouble spots” due to the casting process. This helps us to achieve “first pour, first parts” most of the time.
Magnesium Castings
Magnesium is the lightest and strongest of all lightweight structural metals available. We work with magnesium metal and alloys. These alloys are very popular for automotive and aviation metal castings. An alloy of this element with Zinc Az91E is often used in aerospace and high-stress appilications.
Zinc Castings
Zinc alloys are another metal we specialize in casting. Zinc Alloy is strong and stable. It has thermal conductivity properties, corrosion-resistant, and is recyclable.
Non-Ferrous Metal Production and American Manufacturing
Selecting the right foundry for your metal casting work can mean volumes to your project. American manufacturing is in more demand than ever and we are proud to be in that industry.
Much like the long-lasting composition of the metal, it’s the ability to withstand the test of time, our foundry is strong, enduring, and constantly evolving with time.
Foundries always shape the future of prototyping. Contact Precise Cast Prototypes and Engineering if you have a project you are working on and need help from our expert team!
