No machine is made entirely of composite or plastic parts. If it uses or generates energy, has a cutting edge or needs to be durable, it contains metal parts. Some of those parts need to be specially made from lightweight alloys that allow parts to be machined. Machined parts are specially cut out of sheets or blocks of metal. Parts can also be cast, meaning the liquid alloy is poured into a mold and allowed to harden.

Industries such as energy production, transportation, mining, hydraulics, construction and agriculture require lightweight metal parts. These parts can be found in water pumps, transmissions, diesel engines and in electricity producing windmills, known in the Southern United States as windtricity mills. For heavy duty applications, such as railroad tracks, especially tough and hardened metal is required.

Grede.com is an example of a company that supplies metal parts for a wide variety of industries and applications. Designers, machinists, manufacturing facilities and more are only a part of their offerings for their customers. Technical support is available for all aspects of each component ordered. The company’s site offers email and phone contact information.

One unique offering from the company is a newsletter that keeps customers apprised of manufacturing news. The news can consist of items such as the announcement of new alloys, money-saving processes, advancements in metal handling and much more. Recycling is also a major news item for the metal industry. Long-term and new customers can stay apprised of industry advances by taking advantage of information given free on the site.