6 Surprising Facts About Steel Mills

Steel mills, also known as steelworks, are industrial factories that specialize in the production of steel. They typically smelt down iron and carbon, mixing the two together in a specific ratio to create steel. Even if you’re familiar with this … Read More

What Is a Manufacturing Execution System?

To track the expenditure of raw materials, many manufacturing companies use a centralized computer system known as a manufacturing execution system (MES). Featuring both hardware and software, an MES allows manufacturing companies to analyze their production processes in real time … Read More

What is Contract Manufacturing?

One of the most misunderstood segments of manufacturing involves the use of a third-party to manage the relationship between an end user and the folks who actually make the parts. With the advent of the world market, realizing lowest manufacturing … Read More

Evaporative-Pattern Casting 101: What You Should Know

Along with sand molding, plaster molding and shell molding, evaporative-pattern casting is a common casting process used in the metalworking industry. Statistics show that it accounts for up to 29% of all aluminum casting performed in the United States. But … Read More

Electroplating vs Electroless Plating: What’s the Difference?

It’s not uncommon for manufacturing companies to add a layer of metal over the surface of their products or components used to make their products. Known as plating, it’s used in a variety of applications. Jewelry, for example, often contains … Read More

How Vulcanization Improves the Properties of Rubber

Vulcanization is a chemical treatment process that involves the application of chemicals — usually sulfur — to alter the physical properties of rubber. In its natural state, rubber has numerous attractive qualities, including rust, corrosion and mold resistance. But rubber … Read More

The Science Behind Thermal Spraying

Thermal spraying is a coating process that involves the application of heated particulate matter on a surface to protect against heat, cold, electricity, moisture and rust. The particulate matter — either metal, ceramics, plastics or composites — is heated using … Read More