DAREDEVIL DEPENDS ON CASTINGS


When Nik Wallenda decided to traverse a wire strung 1,500 ft. (457 m) above the Grand Canyon’s Little Colorado Gorge, he knew the quarter-mile walk would be dangerous. After all, the seventh generation aerialist had made a career out of such things, with his most recent stroll taking him across Niagara Falls.


But before the 34-year-old stepped onto the 2-in. (5.1 cm) steel cable on June 23, one metalcaster played an essential role in ensuring his safety. Morel Industries, Seattle, cast the A356 aluminum parts for the two Morgan pocketbook grips that held Wallenda’s wire in place. The grips—from Morpac Industries, Pacifi c, Wash.—kept the 20,000-lb. (9,072 kg) cable taut, while a crew hung dozens of counter balance pendulums to increase stability. Despite high winds and diffi cult fo oting due to dust accumulation, Wallenda completed the walk in 23 minutes.


 56 | METAL CASTING DESIGN & PURCHASING | Nov/Dec 2013


Tiffany Brown/AP Images for Discovery Channel


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