INTRODUCTION TO CASTING PROCESSES

Casting is an ancient manufacturing process. It had been used during 4,000–5,300 B.C. for manufacturing of copper arrowheads. In the field of casting, a number of modern technologies have been developed such as die casting, permanent mould casting, vacuum casting, continuous casting, electromagnetic casting, etc., but sand casting is one of the oldest casting technologies and has wider applications in the field of manufacturing technology. The use of casting parts is increasing continuously due to ease of manufacturing of complicated parts. Some metals can be shaped by casting only because of the specific metallurgical and mechanical properties. Casting is most suited for intricate shapes and for parts with internal cavities, such as engine blocks, cylinder heads, pump housing, crankshaft, machine tool beds and frames, etc.

The casting process can be defined as a primary shaping process in which a molten metal is poured into a mould cavity and allowed to solidify for pre-determined time so as to take the shape of the mould, after complete solidification, it is taken out from the mould. The product of casting is also known as casting and the place where casting work is done is known as ‘foundry shop’.