1.) ALUMINUM CASTINGS - custom architectural, decorative, ornamental, furniture.
2.) FOUNDRY
- Alloy Casting Co., Inc. 3900 S. Peachtree Rd., Mesquite, TX 75180-2724
- Phone : (972) 286-2368 / (800) 527-1318
- Fax: (972) 557-4727
- Web: www.alloynet.com
- Email: alloycast@alloynet.com
3.) PRODUCTS
Basic Use: Aluminum castings can be used for acrhitectural, ornamental, decorative, and furniture applications. Over 1000 existing stock designs are available. New custom castings can be easily created. The castings can be used in:
- Handrails
- Fences
- Gates
- Stairways
- Drapery rod enhancements
- Furniture legs/backs/seats
- Furniture ornaments
- Tree gates
- Signs
- Plaques
- Awards
- Tables/benches/chairs
- Window enhancements
- Wall scuptures
And can consist of alumin castings made as:
- Logos
- Ballisters
- Finials
- Rosettes
- Wall decorations
- Flanges
- Ballister collars
- Spear tops
- Picket castings
- Panel castings
- Furniture parts
Customization of aluminum castings can occur in many ways. One way is to design a new casting for a common application. This could be: a new fence panel design, a new ballister, a new spear top, a new bench end, or a bas-relief sculpted plaque. An alternative way of customizing is to cast a three dimensional logo onto existing designs. A third method of customizing is to combine the two previous methods and add a unique logo to a newly created bench end, table, trash can holder or other item. This method os commonly used and greatly enhances the common theme of a project.
Custom requirements can be quoted from a sketch or drawing. A faxed transmittal is most times sufficient. The quote will include a turn key project from creation of master patterns, through fabrication of tooling, to manufacture of final castings. Finishing and fabrication can be quoted for projects where specifications can be duplicated from local suppliers. History has shown that some types of finishes can provide the designer more control if provided closer to the job site. Custom projects typically take from 5-16 weeks with overall time a function of the time necessary to create th master pattern.
Renovation/Restoration: The foundry is equipped to duplicate existing castings on a renovation project where only a few castings are needed for restoration. This porcedure is also useful is an area needs to be expanded and only a few castings are needed. These types of projects will require an existing casting design to be sent to the foundry. An alternative method would be for a pattern maker to carve a new master pattern.
Composition and Material: Aluminum castings are made by the green sand mold method. Castings are cleaned by sand blasting and parting lines are cleaned and deburred.
Aluminum Grades: Aluminum Association alloys 319, 356, 514, 535, and 713 are available on a certified bases. Other alloys can be cast upon request. A standard blended alloy is available for non-critical, non-certified applications.
Sizes: Castings range from 1"x1"x1" (.1lb.) to 48"x48"x2" (350 lb.). Cores are used for horizontal holes and tight fit applications.
Finishes: The surface has an ``as cast" texture. The surface can be sanded, ground, and polished with different grits and wire sizes. Castings are readily painted and coated via:
- Flouropolymers
- Powder coats
- Paints
- Antiquing
- Electroplating
Fabrication: Welding of castings together and/or with extrusions or plates into larger configurations can be handled by the foundry. Hole drilling and thread tapping are also available. Heat treating subcontractors are in the Dallas area.
Limitations: Caution should be used in coastal applications where salt spray can cause electrolysis between dissimilar metals. Proper choice of alloy and coating can retard this possibility. Most aluminum alloys provide poor anodizing characteristics. Proper alloy selection can be a solution to this problem. Take offs for quantites on-site measurements, and installation are not practical for the foundry.
4.) TECHNICAL DATA AND SERVICES
Physical and Chemical Properties: Aluminum Association chemical specifications certified as needed for specific application. See Table 1
TABLE 1 - SAND CASTING - AS CAST STRUCTURE (F-Temper).
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Other alloys available upon request. Information source:Aluminum Association Standards 13th Edition, 1992.
Welding: Aluminum castings can be welded to other forms of aluminum (i.e. tubing, plate, sheet), but cannot be welded directly to steel. To overcome this restriction a steel tab or stub can be cast into aluminum, that insert can then be welded to steel.
5.) COST AND SHIPPING
Aluminum castings are available F.O.B., Mesquite, Texas and can be shipped directly to fabricators or job sites throughout the United States and to custom brokers for foreign shipments.
Depending on order quantities shipping is typically within 1 or 2 weeks for stock items. Packing and Shipping: Fiberboard drums and boxes from 100-300lbs. Pallet boxes of 40"x48"x26" strapped to palettes weighing 800-1200lbs. Shipping is via UPS and common carrier.
6.) MAINTENANCE
Surface maintainence requirements are determined by the coating manufacturer. Aluminum will not rust and with proper alloy selection and a coherent contract coating it willnot corrode, even in a sea coast environment.
7.) WARRANTY
Material and workmanship of aluminum castings upon receipt. Castings broken during transit or receieved in unacceptable condition will be replaced. Prototype approvals before production runs are encouraged.
8.) LITERATURE
Free product information and technical articles such as catalogs, price sheets and brochures are avilable upon request. Catalog has photos and technical data for over 1000 existing traditional and ornamental castings. Infomation compatible with Autocad is projected to be available in late 1999.