Metalock | Metal Stitching | Repair of Cracked Components

With over 45 years of global experience, R A Power Solutions specialises in the onsite repair of cracked and damaged components using advanced metal stitching and Metalock techniques. We regularly undertake metal stitching and metalocking for heavy industrial parts made from cast iron, cast steel, aluminium, bronze, and other critical engineering materials.

Components We Repair Using Metal Stitching & Metalock

We carry out onsite crack repair for a wide range of industrial components, including:

  • Bedplates
  • Forging hammers
  • Compressor bodies
  • Engine blocks and major engine components, such as cylinder liners and cylinder heads
  • Gearbox housings and similar heavy-duty castings

High-Quality Tools & Consumables for Reliable Repairs

Successful metal stitching requires precision, skill, and the right equipment. To ensure long-lasting repairs, we use:

  • Premium Pneumatic Tools
  • Imported pneumatic tools from leading U.S. manufacturers
  • Essential for preparing accurate profiles before stitching
  • Ideal for remote sites due to easy availability of compressed air

Specialized Metal Locks & Keys

Our repairs use high-grade metal locks, keys, and master locks. Selection is based on a metallurgical analysis of the damaged casting.
We always select consumables with superior properties compared to the parent material, ensuring a durable and high-strength repair.

Key Features of the Metalock Process

  • Cold process — no heat, no distortion, no stress on castings
  • Precisely placed locks mechanically reinforce cracked sections
  • Restores structural integrity without welding
  • Ideal for engines and heavy machinery where alignment is critical

Advantages of Metal Stitching with Metal Keys

  • Keys are inserted across the crack to seal and tighten the casting
  • Overlapping patterns distribute load evenly
  • Repaired areas often become stronger than the original casting
  • Suitable for cast iron, aluminium, bronze, and cast steel
  • Cost-Effective Repair Solution

Metal stitching and metal locking provide a highly cost-efficient alternative to component replacement. Many industrial parts are:

  • Expensive to replace
  • Long lead-time items
  • No longer manufactured
  • Repairing them onsite saves money, reduces logistics, and keeps operations running smoothly.
  • Fast, Onsite, and Minimum Downtime

Metal stitching, a fast repair method, often enables completion within hours, directly at the site, without the need to dismantle the equipment. Metal stitching is a fast repair method that can typically be completed within hours, directly at the site, without dismantling the equipment. This drastically reduces downtime and allows machinery to return to service quickly.

Global Onsite Crack Repair Services

R A Power Solutions delivers onsite metal stitching, metalocking, engine block repair, and cast iron crack repair services in major industrial regions worldwide. Our teams are actively working on several international projects, providing reliable, high-precision solutions for critical equipment.

Contact Us

For inquiries or technical assistance:
đź“§ rajshahani@rapowersolutions.com

đź“§ info@rapowersolutions.com

📞 +91 9582647131, +91 9810012383.

With over 45 years of global experience, R A Power Solutions specialises in the onsite repair of cracked and damaged components using advanced metal stitching and Metalock techniques. We regularly undertake metal stitching and metalocking for heavy industrial parts made from cast iron, cast steel, aluminium, bronze, and other critical engineering materials. Components We Repair … Continue reading “Metalock | Metal Stitching | Repair of Cracked Components”

Metal Stitching and Thread Repair Inserts – RA Power Solutions

One of our clients informed RA Power Solutions about damage to the cam case cover of a MAN diesel engine on board a vessel sailing near China. After reviewing the details and photographs, we observed that the cam case cover had broken into pieces. We also found that the threads on the engine body and the dowel pin were damaged.

Cracked Housing of Engine Block
Cracked Housing of Engine Block
Broken Area
Broken Area
Damaged Upper Threads
Damaged Upper Threads

RA Power Solutions Executes Onboard Repair of Engine Block and Cam Case Cover Sitting Area:

RA Power Solutions deputed their team of technicians on board the vessel, and they executed the repair of engine block, cam case cover sitting area by the following procedure:

  • The broken bolt which remained inside the thread hole was drilled out.
  • The damaged threads on cam cover sitting area on entablature was removed by drilling new blind holes, suiting the new M12 Helicoil thread inserts.
  • Re-tap holes for the new M12 Helicoil thread inserts was done carefully.
  • New M12 Helicoil thread inserts were installed in the engine frame/ entablature.
  • The 2 guide pins for the roller guide housing were removed, taking due precaution.
  • Technicians installed a new roller guide housing using correct M12 hexagon bolts. They also included the newly introduced 10 mm washers.
  • Technicians completed the final alignment of the roller guide housing. They then tightened the bolts using the correct tightening torque.
  • Technicians drilled two ø8 mm guide pinholes in both the roller guide housing and the engine frame. Afterwards, they installed new guide pins.
repair of Threads on Engine Block Under Process
repair of Threads on Engine Block Under Process
Repair of Thread Hole by Metal Stitching
Repair of Thread Hole by Metal Stitching

What Is Metal Stitching?

Metal stitching, also known as metal locking, uses a cold repair technique to fix cracked or broken cast components. This method eliminates the need for welding. The process restores original strength and ensures pressure-tight sealing through mechanical locking of stitching pins and studs.

Advantages of Metal Stitching Over Welding:

  • No heat means no distortion, warping, or residual stress
  • Maintains alignment and surface profile of the original cast
  • Suitable for cast iron, steel, aluminum, and other alloys
  • Creates permanent, pressure- and liquid-tight repairs
  • Enables on-site repairs with minimal disassembly
  • Often stronger than the original material
Damaged Thread Hole Under Metal Stitching and Metal Locking
Damaged Thread Hole Under Metal Stitching and Metal Locking
Metal Stitching of Bottom Area of Threaded Hole to Give Extra Strength
Metal Stitching of Bottom Area of Threaded Hole to Give Extra Strength

Our Process at RA Power Solutions:

  • Damage Inspection & Assessment: Document cracks and thread damage
  • Thread Repair via Stitching & Inserts: Use stitching keys and Helicoil/insert methods
  • Post-Repair Finishing: Grind and align to restore original surface
  • Testing & Validation: Conduct pressure or stress tests to ensure integrity.

With decades of experience and advanced cold-repair tools, RA Power Solutions delivers efficient and durable repairs without removing heavy castings.

Cam Cover Sitting Area of Engine Block After Repair
Cam Cover Sitting Area of Engine Block After Repair

For more on metal stitching and metal locking, metal stitching of engine block contact us today email us at rajshahani@rapowersolutions.com, info@rapowersolutions.com, or call us at +91 9582647131 or +91 9810012383.

FAQs:

1. What is metal stitching, and how does it work?

Metal stitching, also known as cold metal locking, is a mechanical repair process used to fix cracks in cast iron or cast steel components. It involves inserting stitching pins and locks to restore structural integrity—without welding or heat.

2. When should I use thread repair inserts like Helicoil?

You should use thread repair inserts when original threads in an engine block, casing, or housing become stripped, worn out, or damaged. Helicoils restore the thread’s strength and allow secure fastening, even under high torque.

3. Is metal stitching better than welding for cast iron repair?

Yes. For cast iron and other brittle materials, metal stitching is safer and more reliable than welding. It avoids heat distortion, cracking, and structural weakening, which are common risks with welded repairs.

4. Can RA Power Solutions perform these repairs on-site?

Absolutely. RA Power Solutions specializes in on-site metal stitching and thread repair, including work on marine vessels, power plants, offshore rigs, and remote industrial sites—without the need to remove the equipment.

5. What components can be repaired using metal stitching and thread inserts?

These techniques can repair engine blocks, cylinder heads, gearboxes, cam case covers, pump casings, compressors, and more. These methods can typically restore any cracked or damaged cast iron or steel component.

One of our clients informed RA Power Solutions about damage to the cam case cover of a MAN diesel engine on board a vessel sailing near China. After reviewing the details and photographs, we observed that the cam case cover had broken into pieces. We also found that the threads on the engine body and … Continue reading “Metal Stitching and Thread Repair Inserts – RA Power Solutions”