Looking to have something made from cast aluminum

[fgmkbill62]

The current product is made from steel . . . 1/2 inch thick steel plate with a 2 inch
diameter 15 1/2 inch long round steel bar that is inserted through a whole in the steel
so that approx 1/4 inch of bar sticks out of other side and then the round bar is welded on both sides.

i would be happy to send a photo of piece as it is made now, but what I am looking for
is what type of engineer do I need to contact that can render an opinion about whether or not this piece can be made out of cast aluminum and be strong enough to do what it is supposed to do ?

I am in the Chicago area, not that it matters, but I was told that no casting company would make without engineer consent or blessing.

Any recommendations of who to contact and what I can expect to pay to have the appropriate type of engineer do this evaluation ?

Thanks to anyone who responds.

 

[TVP]

An engineer with the casting company will be able to tell you whether or not the design is feasible, and what kinds of modifications would allow for optimal processing. They can make suggestions regarding which alloy(s) could be used as well. However, I think what you need, and what others are referring to, is that an engineer familiar with designing mechanical or structural components will need to determine if the part can meet the expected load case, temperature exposure, etc. now that it is intended to be an aluminum casting, rather than a steel weldment. Engineers at casting companies will likely offer their input free-of-charge, but mechanical/structural engineers really depend on what the product is intended to do, meaning is it supposed to go on a house/office building/etc. or is it for an earthmover or ??? Different engineers will be familiar with differing requirements necessitated by the different end uses.