CASTING METHODS
Centrifugal Casting
Parts produced by centrifugal castings are dense, sound and have a fine grain structure in comparison to static and investment cast parts. In this method of casting, a centrifugal force is exerted on the molten metal whilst it is poured into a cylindrical mold spinning on its axis. Chill crystals form uniformly at the mold-metal interface. Solidification continues pushing oxides, impurities, and gases towards the core that is later bored out leaving behind a dense casting.
Weartech produces both horizontal and vertical centrifugal castings in a variety of sizes, including special step mold configurations.
Investment Casting
Investment casting is also known as the lost wax process. A wax impression is coated with various ceramic materials and then replaced with the chosen alloy to create an exact replica of the initial wax pattern. The advantages of this casting process over others include flexibility of design, close tolerances, thin sections, and high static and dynamic mechanical properties. The use of this process tends to produce a good surface finish with lower total component cost. Weartech provides investment castings of cobalt and nickel- based alloys to meet customer specifications.
Sand Casting
Sand casting is ideal for large components in small quantities. Sand molds are made using sand comprised of multiple binders packed in a two part wooden form. The form is then filled with molten metal and allowed to cool. Some machining is generally required when using sand castings.
HARDFACING
Weartech’s provides hardfacing services to apply wear and corrosion resistant alloys to components typically manufactured from softer base metals like carbon and stainless steels. Weartech’s hardfacing alloys help improve the life of finish machined components, thereby reducing maintenance costs and downtime.
Weartech offers custom hardfacing of components from simple to moderate complexity. Weartech produces hardfaced components by various welding methods including Plasma Transfer Arc (PTA), Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG), and Metallic Inert Gas (MIG) to create a superior high strength metallurgical bond that is formed between the base material and the hardfaced overlay. After hardfacing the components, they are post weld heat-treated, and then machined to specification.
MACHINING
Weartech has a fully equipped machine shop that is able to perform an array of machining and finishing operations using state- of the- art CNC lathes. With the capability to produce both simple and complete parts, Weartech’s machining department offers excellent quality and on- time delivery at a competitive price.
FINISHING OPERATIONS
Weartech offers other finishing operations and is capable of providing turnkey finish components and parts to exacting tolerances. Operations that are performed in house or through qualified sub-contractors include OD, ID, centerless and blanchard grinding, honing, milling, deburring, hipping, EDM, NDT, coating, nitriding, and plating.