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What is a metal casting?

A casting is a metal part formed by pouring molten metal into a sand mold or metal die. The mold or die is comprised of two halves that, when mated together, form a cavity into which the molten metal is poured. The mold or die form the external surface of the casting. If an internal cavity is required in the casting, a core is placed inside the mold cavity.

After the metal solidifies, the mold is broken, the cores removed and the part is readied for finishing operations. The sand is then remolded and used again. When a metal die is used, the two halves of the die are separated and the solidified casting is removed. The die is then reused.

What metals can be cast?

Virtually any metal that can be melted can and is being cast in foundries today. The most common alloys used in metalcasting are shown below. Metals are most commonly categorized as ferrous or nonferrous.

** Information Courtesy of the American Foundry Society. www.afsinc.org