As explained in The Crucible’s article, “Foundries 101: What Is A Foundry? What Foundry Workers Do?,” a foundry is a specialized facility where cast metal objects are created. Foundries have been central to metalworking since the 15th century, producing items ranging from bells to machine parts. Today, they continue to be vital for crafting both ornamental and functional metal products.
Foundries operate by melting metal, pouring it into molds, and allowing it to cool and solidify. Workers in foundries use specialized equipment and protective gear to manage processes like patternmaking, mold creation, and finishing. Foundries produce a diverse range of items, from cookware to machine components, and even large sculptures.
Foundries are categorized into ferrous and non-ferrous metal facilities. Ferrous metals, which contain iron, are widely used for durability and heat resistance, such as in cookware and structural components. Non-ferrous metals, like aluminum, copper, and zinc, offer advantages like lightweight and corrosion resistance, making them ideal for automotive parts and decorative objects.
Click here to learn more about States Engineering’s foundry equipment.
Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of thecrucible.org.