Cast technology has been around for centuries as an effective manufacturing tool. We are covering the top 5 reasons why cast technology is an effective way of producing parts for buckets and attachments for diggers.
You remember those cool model cars you use to collect as a kid and no doubt played with (you might not of stopped collecting.. we haven't!) This was most likely your first introduction to something cast. A die-cast model.
Casting is often used to make complex shapes that would otherwise be difficult or overly expensive to produce using other methods. There are several types of casting methods in manufacturing like die-cast, sand casting and investment casting to name a few of the most popular. Each have their own distinct uses based on what needs producing.
We use Investment Casting to produce the shapes we need for our products. Investment casting, it is estimated to if been in use for some 5,000 years. It may sound like it's and old-school method; but it has numerous benefits for our application and is why it is used for the manufacture of aircraft and high wear dependent parts. Although more expensive that other cast methods, it can produce complicated shapes other methods can not and requires little surface finishing and machining. Important characteristics when producing parts with only point millimetre tolerances.
1. Design Flexibility
Parts and shapes can be produced with more complexity and features than can be produced using a traditional manufacturing 2d process then welding and fitting. This means shapes that would ordinarily be impossible to make are easy to produce and of higher quality due to their complex design than fabrication.
2. Extra Strong
These Shapes and Parts are exceptionally strong as they have no fabrication welds as potential weaknesses. And no extra heat is introduced to the metal keeping it's original temper.
3. Lighter
Engineers can design parts and shapes to remove redundant material and be made thinner giving noticeable weight savings without any loss of functional strength. They also benefit from compactness and balance with the minimisation of material needed, an important benefit for hitches.
4. Exact
Since shapes are produced from a precisely made master pattern (the part you are copying) they benefit from low margin of error in parts that require exacting tolerances. Like hitch jaws and pin positioning. Only faces need machining to guarantee fit.
5. Aesthetics
They look better! Aesthetically speaking these shapes and parts look better as there are no welds and have a good surface finish making it look even better painted.
Which A2 products use cast technology?
All our hitches take advantage of cast technology. Especially in areas like the jaw and contact points which require both strength, compactness and a complex shape to ensure a strong connection.