Casting: A Manufacturing Process

Published: September 23, 2020

We are able to manufacture parts in a wide range of materials and finishes to suit your individual requirements using a full diverse range of casting processes shown below.

Investment Casting

One of the oldest forms of casting dating back centuries, investment casting involves a wax mould being covered in molten metal. As the wax heats and melts, the metal is then poured into the cavity of the mould, replacing it with metal. Once the metal is cooled, the wax is removed from the mould leaving the final casting.

Gravity Die Casting

A relatively simple form of casting, molten metal is introduced into a mould cavity from a dedicated vessel or ladle. No other force or pressure is applied with the mould cavity filled correctly by tilting the die.

Low Pressure Die Casting

Molten metal is forced through a riser tube and into a die cavity by introducing low pressure air into a sealed furnace. The air pressure is only released once the casting has solidified, allowing any residual metal to return to the tank for recycling purposes. The casting is then removed following a predetermined cooling period.

High Pressure Die Casting

Using a high pressure force, molten metal is introduced into a sealed mould cavity and held in place by a compression power until the metal has cooled.

Centrifugal Casting

Ideal for products requiring high material strength and soundness, centrifugal casting uses a preheated spinning die. Molten metal is introduced with the die on either a horizontal or vertical axis depending on the component specifications. Forcing the metal through the mould cavity at over 100 times the force of gravity, the pressure continues to build as the die begins to fill. Once the metal has cooled and solidified, it is removed and readied for any additional processes.

Continous Casting

Predominantly used in the manufacture of tubing and solids which are then cut to size, continuous casting sees molten metal enter a vertical or horizontal mould, often with the ability to cool the metal quickly. Once the metal has solidified, it is then cut to the desired length as per the specifications.

Sand Casting

Traced back to before 1000 BC, sand casting is the oldest casting process currently known. With centuries of technological advancements, this process is still to this day the most commonly used due to the wide variety of products able to be manufactured using this ancient process. Molten metal is poured into a die cavity containing compressed or compacted sand. Following the cooling period, the die is opened with any residual sand being reused for future production.