All about counterweights and other cast iron materials

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Possibly you know this already, cast irons are used in a wide variety of industries, and however the most advantageous usage of cast iron has been witnessed in the automotive, municipal and heavy equipment sectors. Manhole covers, counterweight, agricultural roller rings, water meter box and pump &valve box are few of the items which are manufactured with cast iron.

This article talks about counterweight – an incredible item in counterbalancing load. As a matter of fact counterweight is typically made from Cast Iron or Ductile Iron and as briefed earlier it is used to counterbalance a load. In fact a single Counterweight can range from 1 kg to 55 tons.

There is hardly any secret, counterweight helps in controlling the ascending and descending of the acceleration force thus it helps in substantially reducing the amount of power & energy, which is needed for the entire process.

There is no denying; today’s cast irons are typically advanced and are however much better understood than they were 20 years ago. Perhaps this is one of the reasons which make them an excellent alternative to steel when there is the demand for constant pressure to lower prices and improve productivity.

Counterweights have a wide range of applications, such as:-

  • Elevator / Lift
  • Excavator
  • Wheel Weight
  • Forklift
  • Boom Lift
  • Crane
  • Tractor
  • Wheel Loaders
  • Marine Ballast

Yes, cast irons are getting lighter, stronger, and more affordable and now have higher wear resistance. And this is why, cast iron stands as one of the most sought after materials in making counterweights.

Cast iron also yield free machining and work well in producing complex shapes with high mach inability. Keep in mind, cost, the level of strength and mach inability however varies between cast iron types, which include but not limited to grey, vermicular, silicon alloyed nodular ductile, ferritic ductile and austempered ductile. As a matter of fact, in each type there are however several grades with widely differing mechanical properties.

Needless to say, you should choose the right foundry that produces quality items. The foundry you choose should include DISA ARPA machines, Magmasoft simulation, 3-Axis CNC machines, in-house painting facilities, SAP, among other advanced technologies for producing items such as Manhole covers, counterweight, agricultural roller rings, gully gratings, water meter box and pump & valve box.

For more details please visit at http://www.crescentfoundry.com/

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