Castings can be forged or shot peened for more strength.
However castings are considered less in strength in most applicatioons.
Milled from solid stock is considered the strongest but by far the most
expensive because of process time and waste.
Example: Pistons are Cast but also forged for more strength. Aluminum
Connecting rods are forged from blanks that are cut from sheet stock
.......... but they still break.

Stan Wilder

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Rodgers" <jh_rodgers@BELLSOUTH.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 2004 2:43 PM
Subject: Curious Question (NVC)

> I'm not an engineer, but have a question.
>
> Cast aluminum has a granular crystal quality in it's structure. Milled
> Aluminum (hammered, rolled) does not.
>
> Of two identical parts, one a machnined aluminum casting, and the other
> machined in milled aluminum, which would most likely have the best 1)
> strength 2) heat transfer properties.
>
> Inquiring minds would like to know!
>
> Anybody??
>
> Thanks,
>
> John Rodgers
> 88 GL Driver