ROTO BLOG

Bleigießen is a fascinating and lesser‑known New Year’s Eve tradition that has its roots in Central Europe, most prominently in Germany and Austria, where it became a beloved custom for families to gather together and melt small pieces of metal before pouring them into a bowl of cold water. The resulting shapes, often strange and abstract, were then held up to the light or cast against a wall to be interpreted as symbols of what the coming year might bring. A heart might mean love, a …

Every crabber knows that the excitement of Dungeness season or the anticipation of snow crab runs can be dampened by one persistent problem: corrosion. Saltwater is unforgiving, and without proper protection, crab pots and gear can deteriorate quickly, cutting into both profits and enjoyment. At RotoMetals, we’ve long supplied commercial and recreational fishermen with reliable solutions, and our Marine line of crab pot anodes has become a trusted way to keep gear in service season after s …

Among the many challenges faced by boat owners and marina operators, few are as persistent as the slow, invisible damage caused by corrosion. Saltwater and brackish environments are relentless, attacking steel, aluminum, and other metals used in boat lifts, piers, and dock structures. At RotoMetals, we understand that protecting these investments is not just about convenience, but about extending the life of critical infrastructure. That is why our Boat Lift Zincs, part of our Marine line of ano …

When it comes to zinc die casting, few alloy families have earned the reputation and versatility of Zamak. At RotoMetals, we supply a range of Zamak alloys that balance strength, durability, and castability, each tailored to specific applications. Choosing the right alloy is not just a matter of chemistry; it’s about understanding how subtle differences in composition translate into performance in the real world. Among the most widely used are Zamak 2, 3, 5, 8, and 12, each offering unique …

Antimony is a metalloid with a long history and a modern strategic edge. With the symbol Sb and atomic number 51, it is brittle, silvery‑gray, and known for forming alloys that dramatically alter the properties of base metals. Unlike copper or aluminum, antimony is rarely used in pure form. Instead, its strength lies in how it transforms other materials—hardening lead, enhancing flame resistance, and stabilizing compounds that protect lives and infrastructure. The most familiar application …

Germanium is a rare metalloid that has quietly risen from scientific curiosity to strategic necessity. With the symbol Ge and atomic number 32, it sits just below silicon on the periodic table, sharing many of its semiconductor traits but offering unique advantages. Hard, brittle, and silvery‑gray, germanium has a melting point of 1,726°F (938°C) and resists oxidation, making it durable in demanding environments. Its ability to act as both conductor and insulator depending on conditions …

Gallium is a scientific curiosity turned strategic cornerstone. With a melting point of about 85.6°F (29.8°C), it can liquefy in a warm palm, yet it remains stable until an exceptionally high boiling point of roughly 4,357°F (2,403°C). That wide liquid range and unusual behavior—like wetting glass and expanding slightly when it solidifies—make gallium unlike most metals. It is not found as a pure element in nature; instead, it’s recovered as a by‑product from al …

Indium is one of those metals that rarely makes headlines, yet its presence is woven into the fabric of modern life. Soft enough to be cut with a knife and able to wet glass and ceramics, it has a melting point of just 313°F (156°C) but remains stable at far higher boiling temperatures. With the symbol In and atomic number 49, indium is classified as a post‑transition metal. It is not mined directly but recovered as a by‑product of zinc ore processing, which makes its availability depend …

At RotoMetals, we specialize in delivering advanced metals and alloys that help engineers and buyers meet the toughest industry demands. Today, we’re highlighting the role of low‑melting alloys—particularly bismuth‑based blends—in reshaping oil field completions. As a trusted source for custom formulations, RotoMetals supports well integrity and productivity with alloys designed for precision sealing and reliable performance. Whether the challenge is downhole isolation or plugg …

Grade 2 Babbitt has earned its reputation as one of the most dependable bearing materials in modern industry. Known for its anti‑friction qualities and ability to perform under high speeds and heavy loads, it has long been the go‑to choice for manufacturers who demand reliability. But even proven materials can evolve. By introducing a small percentage of nickel into the alloy, engineers have discovered a way to significantly improve hardness, fatigue strength, and wear resistance. This enhanceme …