Practical guides to choosing steel and castings
From weight calculation to grade selection, from heat treatment to casting types: we explain, in plain language, the topics purchasing and engineering teams ask about most.
How to calculate steel weight: formulas and examples
Weight = cross-section × length × density. With this one rule you can find the weight per metre of any section; here are the formulas and worked examples.
4 min readRead Material SelectionHow to choose a steel grade: 6 grade groups and their uses
The right steel is chosen by looking at the load, wear, manufacturing route and heat treatment of the part together. Here are the six main grade groups and how their names are read.
4 min readRead Material SelectionCase-hardening or quenched and tempered steel? Differences and the right choice
One gives a hard case over a tough core, the other balanced strength throughout the section. From gears to axles, we compare which steel to choose for which part.
3 min readRead Material SelectionWhat is free-cutting steel, and where is it used?
Sulphur and lead make chips break short, extend tool life and speed up volume production on automatic lathes. The price is weldability and toughness.
3 min readRead CastingsGrey iron, ductile iron, steel, stainless and Ni-Hard castings: differences and uses
The environment a part works in decides the casting material: vibration, impact, corrosion or wear. We compare the five basic casting types and their typical uses.
4 min readReadPut what you read to work
The weight calculator, reference tables and PDF catalogue, one click away.
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