Let’s talk inspection!

Inspection and testing are key to any quality manufacturing process. An important factor is to determine the type, quantity, and frequency of those inspections to ensure necessary quality is achieved. Sivyer Steel has a vast knowledge of steel casting inspections and can help you pick and choose those requirements to fit your application.

Minimum Requirements

A chemical analysis is always performed per batch of steel produced. This test ensures the physical elements of the steel, i.e. Carbon, Silicon, Nickel, etc., are to the correct amounts per the customer’s requirements. This analysis can be provided with every casting produced from our facility. 

Material Testing

Another common inspection is to measure the mechanical properties of the casting by testing a sample coupon poured along with the casting. This will show that the correct strength, ductility, and toughness of the steel was met through proper heat treatment. The steel’s hardness is also checked and reported for each casting produced.

Casting Inspection

There are several different inspections, depending on the steel type and customer requirements. The most basic is visual inspection, checking the surface finish and defects from the casting process. Magnetic Particle Inspection detects surface discontinuities, such as cracks. Ultrasonic Testing and X-ray inspection are used to reveal internal flaws in the casting. These are the most common forms of non-destructive testing for steel castings. In most cases, visual and Magnetic Particle inspections are performed on every casting produced at Sivyer.

Expertise

If you are unsure of your needs, our team at Sivyer will be happy to step you through the different inspections, frequency, and how each method will affect casting quality, price, and delivery.  Each casting application is unique and different, and there is no one inspection plan that will fit every casting we produce.

Conclusion

To a casting buyer, these all sound like cost drivers, but to the design and quality engineers, these are securities when creating casting requirements. Both are correct, and where the challenge lies is in finding the right balance to satisfy everyone.

Lisa Wertzbaugher – Sivyer Steel

Website: https://www.sivyersteel.com/