Metal casting is defined as the process in which molten metal is poured into a mould that contains a hollow cavity of a desired geometrical shape and allowed to cool down to form a solidified part. The term 'casting' is also used to describe the part made by the casting process which dates back 6000 years. 

Investment casting is generally used for making complex-shaped components that require tighter tolerances, thinner walls and better surface finish than can be obtained with sand casting. The distinguishing feature of investment casting is the way the mould is made.

Advantages and disadvantages of investment casting:
Excellent surface finish.
Tight dimensional tolerances.
Complex and intricate shapes may be produced.
Capability to cast thin walls.
Wide variety of metals and alloys (ferrous and non-ferrous) may be cast.
Draft is not required in the molds design.
Low material waste.
 

STEEL CASTING VIDEO

Aluminum casting is the original and most widely used method of forming aluminum into products. Technical advances have been made, but the principle remains the same: Molten aluminum is poured into a mold to duplicate a desired pattern. The three most important methods are die casting, permanent mold casting and sand casting.

Cast aluminum alloys are mostly the 300-series (Al-Si-Cu or Al-Si-Mg) alloys, such as 319 for intake manifolds, cylinder heads and transmission housings, 383 for engine blocks, 356 for cylinder heads, and A356 for wheels and suspension arms.

As already mentioned, aluminum casting is very strong and durable. It might not be as strong as cast iron, however, it is very close and certainly a type of metal that you can depend on when you need it the most. This is one reason that people choose this alloy, but they also like the cost.

The die casting process is particularly suitable for the production of very thin (up to 1 mm) (lightweight) components. Most commonly, die cast components are manufactured for the automotive industry, such as wheels, blocks, cylinder heads, valve blocks and manifolds.

 ALUMINUM CASTING VIDEO