Metal stitching or metalocking is a simple but effective method of repairing cracks in cast metals without the need of welding.
Cold Repairs on all cracked or broken components made from cast iron, cast steel or aluminium. Breakages usually occur because of overloading, accidents, equipment misuse or flaws in the casting.
Metalock Engineering have for many years held the Lloyds Register Certificate for the repair of specified components by metal stitching using the "Metalock" and "Masterlock" processes.
The illustration of the Metalock Repair System (Metalocking), shown below, is a basic repair to a flat surface. Damage to more complex fractures and castings requires the Metalock Engineer to draw on his skills and knowledge in coping with both the difficulties of the component’s shape, its operation and its working environment.
This all has to be completed, often with a minimum downtime, frequently involving 24/7 working.
Whilst the tried, tested and unique repair system is a repetitive operation, the application is as varied as the plant and machinery for which it is designed. This extends from ship’s engines to power presses and petro chemical installations to old structures and heritage buildings.
Over 70 years ago the Metalock Engineering Group developed special tools, jigs, fixtures and materials used in this simple but ingenious repair procedure and these tools enable the successful cold repair of all types of machines and in the restoration of heritage structures.
The Metalock Engineering Group has an excellent record in performing successful cold cast iron repairs using the cast iron stitching method.
When compared to welding there are many possible problems and using this metal stitching technique to fix cracked components, is the preferred repair solution.
Benefits of Metalock metal stitching include:
Location:
Hamburg, Germany
Mission:
Powerplant Engine
Challenge:
Stop the crank in the engine block before a leakage causes disastrous and costly consequences.
Solution:
Pockets for the keys are produced at 90-degree angle to the crack in the predefined distances. Keys made of a special material are inserted into the pockets and caulked into an interlocking form.
Threaded holes are drilled along the line of the fracture and tightened with thread bolts lengthwise. All according to our unique Metalock/Masterlock procedure.
Result:
A pressure-tight connection brings back the engine block to a fully operational condition and extends life considerably.