Casting

A generic term referring to a process where a fluid material (usually a molten alloy) is made to flow into a shaped mold cavity where it solidifies; this method is used to produce complex component shapes and properties difficult to achieve otherwise.

A guide as to the surface finish that is achievable using different casting techniques is shown below (the solid area shows the normal limits achievable using these techniques).

See also: Aluminium, Blowhole, Bronze, Continuous Casting, Direct Chill Casting, Flashing, Investment Casting, Iron.