Pumps mechanically move slurries, gases, liquids or fluids from one place to the next, and they have many shape and size options depending on the pressure and volume required. As the process is mechanically complex, pumps have a lot of parts, including the pump body, housing, impeller and mounting bracket.
Valve, pump and pipe manufacturing starts with casting the parts using metals and metal alloys. The best metals for this industry provide strength and corrosion resistance so the pump can resist any harsh liquid substances it processes. Casting pipe manufacturers need to do valve casting with the right alloys to gain these benefits.
Benefits of Sand Casting for Pump Casting
Sand casting is the process generally used to manufacture valves, pumps and pipes because it can accommodate virtually any specification. Sand casting involves:
- Creating a pattern of the finished part.
- Forming sand around the pattern to create the mold.
- Pouring the alloy into the mold.
- Letting it solidify to create the part.
The advantages of sand casting include:
- Extensive capabilities: Valves, pumps and pipes can have complex shapes and cavities, and the sand casting process is able to meet these demands. Sand casting can make parts of any size, thickness and shape.
- Low cost: The sand casting process is cost-effective because it uses minimal materials and power and has flexible production methods.
- Many material options: The sand casting process is compatible with all of the alloys used in casting valves, pumps and pipes.
Recommended Alloys for Casting Pipe Manufacturers
These alloys are the most used for valves, pumps and pipes due to their thermal expansion abilities, tolerance of high temperatures and corrosion resistance:
- Iron/nickel/chromium: These alloys resist part failure caused by reduced strength and oxidation. Due to their strength and longer life at high temperatures, they see frequent use in applications with demanding conditions.
- Nickel/copper: This alloy is stronger than pure nickel and can resist corrosion in a wide range of environments. Because of their corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity properties, nickel/copper alloys are common in marine applications.
- Stainless steel: Stainless steel is made from iron, carbon and chromium. It will retain its strength in high temperatures and provides excellent corrosion resistance.
- Low expansion: Some nickel/iron alloys are “controlled expansion” because their expansion is consistent in many temperatures. These alloys are best in environments with changing temperatures or metal and glass seals.
- Magnetic: Magnetic alloys are used when there is a need to create a strong magnetic field or a magnetic shield around some devices. Most magnetic alloys are made of nickel containing small amounts of copper or molybdenum.
Call Warner Brothers Foundry Company Today
Warner Brothers Foundry Company has been in business for more than 65 years, and we have a reputation for providing our customers with well-made valves, pumps, pipes and other casted parts. We use only the best alloys, so the final product is high quality and made to last. For more information, contact us online or call 586-773-0858 today.
