Foundry Castings

[David Ilvedson]

I guess I've got to wonder would it make a bit of difference in the outcome of the piano?  Would a steel, ceramic whatever plate be worth it?

David I.





----- Original message ---------------------------------------->
From: Delwin D Fandrich <pianobuilders@olynet.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Received: Tue, 27 Aug 2002 23:42:23 -0700
Subject: Re: Foundry Castings


>----- Original Message -----
>From: "David Ilvedson" <ilvey@sbcglobal.net>
>To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
>Sent: August 27, 2002 8:06 PM
>Subject: Re: Foundry Castings


>> Sure, go on...but I don't see anything in your list that has a compelling
>property superior to cast iron...do you?

>Yes. Steel for one--given proper tooling. As early as the 1970s steel was
>becoming a viable competitor both in terms of performance and in cost. It
>would require relatively high production and a fairly sophisticated factory
>but it could be done. The advantages would be potentially lower cost (in
>quantity), greater strength, lower weight and (probably) better acoustical
>performance.

>There are several iron alloys other than gray iron that have much to
>offer--higher strength at lower weight among them. The Currier Strataphonic
>String Panel was a brilliant idea miserably executed. There are a variety of
>composites could be made to work quite well though their cost is still
>somewhat high. I don't know enough about ceramics yet to be able to predict
>their viability, but if you can build an engine block out of the stuff....

>Del