India manufactures and exports all kinds of castings and forgings for automotive, defense, material handling, earthmoving and electrical applications. There are over 300 companies that manufacture forged parts (excluding the large number of units classified as tiny) and forging capabilities exist for all kinds of carbon, alloy and stainless steels using open-die and closed-die processes. Of these, there are about 10 large units and about 100 mid-size units.

India is the fourth largest manufacturer of castings worldwide and its output has more than doubled in the last 10 years. There are 4, 500 foundries and are clustered in some parts of the country. Capabilities exist for expendable mold castings including precision castings, and for non-expendable mold die casting. Castings produced span ferrous, nonferrous, aluminum alloy, graded cast iron, ductile iron, steel etc for application in automobiles, pumps, compressors & valves, diesel engines, and, sanitary pipes & fittings etc. Grey iron castings constitute about 70% of total castings produced.

India today produces a wide variety of world-class products in the metal valve segment and is emerging as a large exporter. The valve industry is growing at 8 percent and exports are growing at over 10 per cent due to Indian manufacturers. Types of valves produce include high temperature valves, butterfly valves, globe valves, gate valves, high pressure valves, ball valves, needle valves, rotary valves, exhaust valves, valve seat inserts, valve guides, diaphragm valves, diaphragm valves and screwed bonnet needle valve. These valves are available in a wide variety of metals including bronze, gun metal, non-ferrous nickel alloys, cast titanium, copper, aluminum and stainless steel.

There are over 800 large, medium and small units producing pumps in India for sectors from agriculture, HVAC to nuclear power generation.

The Indian pump industry produces positive displacement pumps (such as rotary, piston, diaphragm, screw and gear), buoyancy pumps, impulse pumps (such as hydraulic ramp), velocity pumps (such as centrifugal, radial flow and axial flow) and gravity pumps among others. Pump and compressor applications range from hydraulic, sea-water, slurries, chromatography, solvents, alkalis, acids, sewage etc. to industrial, domestic and agricultural applications

Fiberglass is the most common insulation used in modern times. Because of how it is made, by effectively weaving fine strands of glass into an insulation material, fiberglass is able to minimize heat transfer. The main downside of fiberglass is the danger of handling it. Since fiberglass is made out of finely woven silicon, glass powder and tiny shards of glass are formed. These can cause damage to the eyes, lungs, and even skin if the proper safety equipment isnt worn. Nevertheless, when the proper safety equipment is used, fiberglass installation can be performed without incident.

Fiberglass is an excellent non-flammable insulation material, with R-values ranging from R-2.9 to R-3.8 per inch. If you are seeking a cheap insulation this is definitely the way to go, though installing it requires safety precautions. Be sure to use eye protection, masks, and gloves when handling this product.

Mineral wool actually refers to several different types of insulation. First, it may refer to glass wool which is fiberglass manufactured from recycled glass. Second, it may refer to rock wool which is a type of insulation made from basalt. Finally, it may refer to slag wool which is produced from the slag from steel mills.

Mineral wool can be purchased in batts or as a loose material. Most mineral wool does not have additives to make it fire resistant, making it poor for use in situation where extreme heat is present. However, it is not combustible. When used in conjunction with other, more fire resistant forms of insulation, mineral wool can definitely be an effective way of insulating large areas. Mineral wool has an R-value ranging from R-2.8 to R-3.5.

Cellulose insulation is perhaps one of the eco-friendliest forms of insulation. Cellulose is made from recycled cardboard, paper, and other similar materials and comes in loose form. Cellulose has an R-value between R-3.1 and R-3.7. Some recent studies on cellulose have shown that it might be an excellent product for use in minimizing fire damage. Because of the compactness of the material, cellulose contains next to no oxygen within it. Without oxygen within the material, this helps to minimize the amount of damage that a fire can cause.

So not only is cellulose perhaps one of the eco-friendliest forms of insulation, but it is also one of the most fire resistant forms of insulation. However, there are certain downsides to this material as well, such as the allergies that some people may have to newspaper dust. Also, finding individuals skilled in using this type of insulation is relatively hard compared to, say, fiberglass. Still, cellulose is a cheap and effective means of insulating.

While not the most abundant of insulations, polyurethane foams are an excellent form of insulation. Nowadays, polyurethane foams use non-chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) gas for use as a blowing agent. This helps to decrease the amount of damage to the ozone layer. They are relatively light, weighing approximately two pounds per cubic foot. They have an R-value of approximately R-6.3 per inch of thickness. There are also low density foams that can be sprayed into areas that have no insulation. These types of polyurethane insulation tend to have approximately R-3.6 rating per inch of thickness. Another advantage of this type of insulation is that it is fire resistant.

Polystyrene is a waterproof thermoplastic foam which is an excellent sound and temperature insulation material. It comes in two types, expanded (EPS) and extruded (XEPS) also known as Styrofoam. The two types differ in performance ratings and cost. The costlier XEPS has an R-value of R-5.5 while EPS is R-4. Polystyrene insulation has a uniquely smooth surface which no other type of insulation possesses.

Typically, the foam is created or cut into blocks, ideal for wall insulation. The foam is flammable and needs to be coated in a fireproofing chemical called Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD). HBCD has been brought under fire recently for health and environmental risks associated with its use.