The hydraulic cylinder is arguably the most critical component of any hydraulic system, especially in mining equipment. But the traditional method of producing them is expensive on a price-per-unit basis, and it takes a lot of time to set up, which means lengthy lead times. In this blog post, we will explore why the traditional […]

For manufacturers requiring steel tubing for their products, the scarcity of metals has become a pressing issue with far-reaching implications. The volatility of the metal market, increasing demand, geopolitics, and growing governmental regulations are just some of the reasons contributing to the problem. And to add insult to injury, large steel mills are stockpiling scrap […]

Manufacturers using LTL (less-than-truckload) carriers to ship their steel tube products are grappling with a cascade of factors leading to shipping cost increases. Even though 2023 diesel costs are expected to decrease to an average of $4.23/gal, LTL carrier rates remain on an upward trend. So, despite the current market conditions that favor renegotiating, most […]

It’s not something anyone wants to talk about — or even think about ­— but the fact is, when you ship less-than-truckload (LTL) for your customized tubing, chances are you’re eventually going to have to file a shipping claim. And because a lot goes into the shipping claim process, a lot can go wrong. That […]

One of the biggest challenges manufacturers face is shipping. A continued shortage of drivers, rising logistics costs, and poor routing strategies are ongoing problems. However, the challenge only ratchets up when it comes to transporting large tubular components. As a centrifugal casting foundry, Spuncast had seen its customers struggle with shipping woes for years. Several […]

In an industry increasingly defined by technology and automation, clear communication from your foundry is a soft skill that’s often overlooked. But both effective and ineffective communication will have an enormous impact on your part’s production and the price you ultimately pay. “Without good communication between the customer and the foundry, an uneven production schedule […]

From material selection to testing, metallurgy touches every aspect of your metal part design. But still, many part designers overlook the ongoing importance a metallurgist plays in the foundry production process. Part designers may understand the need for the metallurgical research that goes into selecting the materials, but not that the significance of the science […]

No foundry can be everything to everybody. But finding one that can produce your part right on spec is crucial to your business. So, how do you know what to look for when you need a quality foundry to manufacture your metal part? Here’s a short video explaining what sets a quality foundry apart from […]

Centrifugal casting delivers a consistent, quality tubing product at a controlled cost. But a big part of what makes this such an effective process may come as a surprise: Permanent steel molds. What’s so special about permanent molds – and why are they so specific to the centrifugal casting process? To answer that question, let’s […]

There are multiple benefits to centrifugal casting, but one that doesn’t get talked about enough is the lower environmental impact of centrifugal casting. As long ago as 1997, a study by the global business school INSEAD concluded that recycling-based casting is the “wave of the (immediate) future” because of its intelligent use of existing material. […]

When you buy specialty tube components, you want to be reassured that you’re spending your money on something that will last. But if for some reason it doesn’t, it’s just as important to know you can reach out to the manufacturer for support. That’s where warranties come in. A foundry’s warranty is an extension of […]

As a purchasing agent, sourcing the best-priced steel tube components that go into creating a product is your job. However, an experienced agent knows it takes more than accepting the lowest bid from potential tube manufacturers to get what the engineer needs. Below, we’ve compiled 10 of the best questions to ask to get the […]

If you’re treating HSLA steel as a commodity, you may not realize you can get even closer to what you want without having to spend more, thanks to two processes. In this post, we’ll focus on those processes and why they make such a big difference. We’ll also explain how they can upgrade your HSLA […]

The 8620 material grade is popular in tube part designs and is usually viewed as only a commodity. But what if there was an equivalent metal produced using a different process that could manufacture a better tube product? Below you’ll learn how an 8620 equivalent can live up to (and may even surpass) the original […]

Is it better to search for commercial off-the-shelf tubing or design with a completely custom tube? To answer that question, we’ll look at why standard tubing sometimes falls short and three critical tubing design considerations to keep in mind when you’re considering customized tubing as an option. But first, a video summarizing what we’ll cover: […]

Heat treating is a significant step in creating high-quality tubing components and is an important part of the foundry process. It’s a technique designed to move your metal tube beyond casting, increasing its durability and longevity.  In this post, we’ll look at four specific heat treatments, what improvements they provide and how it aids in […]

Advanced CNC finishing capabilities eliminate process variation, integrate rapid-fire operations, and create flexibility so you can design a better product. This post will examine four examples of how it can make a product created with centrifugal casting even better. Because CNC machining removes unneeded metal fast and selectively, it’s a finishing process that works perfectly […]

Centrifugal casting is a highly efficient manufacturing process for creating hollow cylindrical parts that are economical and offer superior soundness. It’s also a process that is often either unknown or misunderstood. From the different types available to the varying industry applications, this article will explore the ins and outs of how centrifugal casting works, how […]

Whether you’re creating a component for the defense industry or a custom aftermarket part for a luxury car, cost and quality are always critical. Deciding on the right manufacturing process impacts those factors and is an essential consideration at the early design stages. Get it wrong, and it will end up costing you time, money, […]

Metal engineers have a lot on their plates, and it can be challenging to keep up with the latest industry topics. However, by finding a trusted, condensed list of the best trade publications in your field you won’t have to look far for accurate research and the latest updates. For that reason, our engineers singled […]