Manufacturing processes Articles

Align MFG banner featuring various stainless steel profiles, including round, square, and rectangular tubes, with bold text highlighting 'Grades of Stainless Steel: Types, Properties, and Applications.

Grades of Stainless Steel: Types, Properties, and Applications

By Casey Ross / March 6, 2025

Stainless steel is a versatile and corrosion-resistant alloy composed primarily of iron, chromium, and other elements such as nickel, molybdenum, and carbon. Its unique properties make it indispensable across various industries, including construction, automotive, medical, and kitchenware. The specific grades of stainless steel determine their mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and suitability for particular applications. Stainless…

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Align MFG banner featuring molten metal being poured into a casting mold, with text overlay reading 'How to Successfully Order Custom Castings: A Step-by-Step Guide.

How to Successfully Order Custom Castings: A Step-by-Step Guide

By Casey Ross / March 4, 2025

Metal casting has shaped human civilization since 4000 BC , evolving from ancient bronze statues to today’s precision-engineered components. In the modern world, this transformative process-where molten metal is poured into carefully designed molds-drives a global industry worth over  Us$179.08 billion. Custom castings represent the cutting edge of this field, where advanced engineering meets ancient…

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Align MFG banner featuring molten metal being poured into a casting mold, with text overlay reading 'How to Weld Cast Iron Without Cracking: Best Methods, Tips, and Techniques.

How to Weld Cast Iron Without Cracking: Best Methods, Tips, and Techniques

By Casey Ross / February 28, 2025

Welding cast iron is a specialized process that requires careful attention due to its unique properties. This elevated carbon level makes cast iron prone to cracking and other challenges during welding. In this article, we will explore the definition of cast iron, the challenges associated with welding it, effective techniques, and best practices to ensure…

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Banner with text discussing the benefits, applications, and manufacturing process of cast aluminum with a background of aluminum extrusion profiles.

Cast Aluminum: Benefits, Applications, and Manufacturing Process

By Casey Ross / February 4, 2025

Cast aluminum is more than just a material; it’s a versatile cornerstone in the manufacturing world, enabling the creation of products that shape our everyday life. From the car you drive to the pots and pans in your kitchen, cast aluminum plays a pivotal role. This blog post will guide you through the essence of…

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Banner explaining the definition and process of aluminum die casting, featuring images of aluminum cast parts.

Aluminum Die Casting: Definition & Process

By Casey Ross / February 3, 2025

Key Takeaways: Aluminum Die Casting Aspect Key Details What It Is A manufacturing process that produces smooth, textured, and precise metal parts. How It Works Involves forcing molten aluminum into a steel mold (die) using high-pressure systems. Key Properties – Corrosion resistance– High thermal and electrical conductivity– Good stiffness and strength-to-weight ratio. Advantages – Lightweight…

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A banner image featuring a professional stainless steel kitchen setup with the text 'Extend the Life of Your Stainless Steel: A Maintenance Guide' by Align MFG, highlighting maintenance tips for stainless steel durability.

Extend the Life of Your Stainless Steel: A Maintenance Guide

By Casey Ross / January 31, 2025

Stainless steel is a versatile and durable material that has become a staple in both industrial and consumer applications. Whether used in kitchen appliances, architectural elements, or medical equipment, the aesthetic appeal and functionality of stainless steel make it a popular choice. However, to preserve its shine and integrity, proper maintenance is essential. . This…

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A close-up view of an industrial plastic injection molding machine in operation, showcasing the injection unit, mold cavity, and automated components used in the manufacturing process.

Plastic Injection Molding: Understanding the Process and Its Applications

By Casey Ross / January 30, 2025

Plastic  is an indispensable part of our daily lives, shaping everything from simple household items to complex medical devices.  In this blog post, we’ll delve into the basics of plastic injection molding, how it works, and why it’s such a crucial technique in modern manufacturing. What is Plastic Injection Molding? Plastic injection molding is a…

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A comparative banner image highlighting the differences between ductile iron and cast iron, focusing on their microstructure, mechanical properties, composition, graphite behavior, and heat treatment

Ductile Iron vs. Cast Iron: Understanding the Differences and Applications

By Casey Ross / January 29, 2025

Iron has long been a cornerstone of industrial manufacturing and construction, with various forms serving distinct purposes. Among these, ductile iron and cast iron are two of the most widely utilized materials. While both originate from iron, they exhibit unique properties that make them suitable for different applications. In this comprehensive blog post, we will…

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What is Gravity Die Casting?

By Casey Ross / November 29, 2024

Gravity die casting is a metal casting technique that uses gravity rather than external pressure to fill a mold. In this process, molten aluminum is poured into a steel or iron mold, known as a “die,” where it flows down into the mold cavity under the force of gravity. This method differs from other types…

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What is CNC Machining?

By Casey Ross / September 27, 2024

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines use command codes to control the movement of tools and machinery, enabling precise and automated operations. This process begins by creating a digital design using CAD software, which is then converted into a set of instructions that control the operation of the CNC machine. As a US-based manufacturing firm sourcing…

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