Precision Metal Stitching (Metal Locking) Service
LOCK-N-STITCH Inc.'s proprietary, patented mechanical crack repair process "metal stitching" allows us to permanantly repair a crack or blow-out hole without welding. The cracked metal is replaced with special metal stitching pins that we install by drilling and tapping to draw the sides of the crack together. This results in a continuous row of interlocking stitching pins to create a strong, pressure-tight repair. To restore the casting to its original strength, we install locks across the joint line of the pins by drilling a precision hole pattern with special drill fixtures. After the hole pattern is created, the locks are driven in, pulling the repair togther even tighter.
The repaired, metal-stitched area is gas and liquid tight to create a pressure tight repair. In addition, metal stitching Dampens and Absorbs Compression Stresses. It also spreads tensile strains and distributes the load away from the original failure point, while maintaining the alignment of the original surfaces.
This metal stitching method is employed mostly on cast iron components, but it is also effective on any other machinable metal, such as ductile iron, steel, aluminum and bronze castings.
If failed weld attempts damaged the metal, a repair may be possible after the affected area has been cut out so that a new piece can be "stitched" in. We can repair components with wall thicknesses from 3/16" to 12" and have the portable machining equipment required to handle dificult machining projects.
LOCK-N-STITCH Inc. also offers in-house machining, non-destructive testing, manufacturing and thread repair services. To learn more about our metal stitching services, please see the attached Portfolio of repairs we have completed or contact us directly with information about your damaged parts.
Metal Stitching Capabilities
- Where
- In-house or On-site
- Process
-
- Drilling
Cutting/Patching (If Necessary)
Tapping
- Install Pins/Install Locks
Grinding
Machining
- Drilling
- Material Thickness
- Min 3/16" to 12"
- Materials Stitched
-
- Gray Cast Iron
Ductile Iron
Carbon Steels-Annealed
- Aluminum
Bronze
- Gray Cast Iron
- Advantages
-
- Permanent Repair of Cracks and Holes
On Site Repair with Little or No Disassembly
Cold Process
- Restores Broken Part to Original Strength
Gas & Liquid Tight
High Pressure Seal
- Permanent Repair of Cracks and Holes
- Benefits of Metal Stitching
-
- Dampens and Absorbs Compression Stresses
Spreads Tensile Strains
- Distributes Load Away from Failure Point
Maintains Alignment of Original Surfaces
- Dampens and Absorbs Compression Stresses
- Industry Focus
-
- Agricultural
Architectural Castings
Automotive
Construction
Gas Compression
Internal Combustion Engines
Machine Tools
Manufacturing
- Marine
Metal Working
Mining
Petrochemical Refining Power Generation
Railroad
Shipping
Transportation
Trucking
- Agricultural
- Intended Application
-
- Automotive Engines
- High Performance
- Antique
Ship Engines
Diesel Engines
Earth Moving Equipment
- Architectural Castings
Gears
Kilns
Pumps, Earthmoving Equipment Gear Boxes Stamping
Presses
Stationary Engines
Turbines
Printing and Embossing Machinery
- Automotive Engines
- Areas Served
- Worldwide
- Additional Services
-
- Machining
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
- Manufacturing
Thread Repair
- Machining
- Industry Standards
- ISO 9001, 2008 Certified
- File Formats Accepted
-
- Alibre Design
AutoCAD (DWG,DXF)
BMP (Bit Mapped Graphics)
GIF (Graphics Interchange Format)
IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification, ANSI file format.)
- Inventor (IDW, IPT)
JPG or JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
PDF (Portable Document Format)
STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data)
TIFF (Tagged Image File Format)
- Alibre Design