1.Definition of Casting
Casting is a manufacturing process in which molten metal is poured into a mold cavity that matches the shape and dimensions of the desired part. After cooling and solidification, a casting or near-net-shape component is obtained. This process is commonly referred to as liquid metal forming and is one of the most fundamental and widely used manufacturing methods in modern industry.
2.Casting Process Flow
The fundamental stages in the casting process are:
Molten Metal → Filling in the mold → Metal solidification and shrinkage → Formation of the casting
When lava metal is poured into a cavity of a mold, it fills the mold and cools under the effects of gravity or an external force. During the solidification process, there is a decrease in volume which leads to a casting with certain mechanical properties.
3.Characteristics of the Casting Process
（1）Strong Forming Capability
Casting can make complex parts, including those with detailed internal features. Some of these parts would be extremely hard, or even impossible, to make with most other processes.
（2）High Adaptability
Casting can be performed on most metal alloy types with almost no restrictions on the metal. Cast parts can be anywhere from very small to very large parts.
（3）Wide Material Sources and Cost Efficiency
Most materials to melt and cast can be found easily. Scrap metal can even be reused to make castings. The costs associated with buying casting equipment are low. Making these attributes suitable for high volume production of cast parts.
（4）Process Limitations
Compared to precision machining, castings almost always have a higher defect rate and the surface finish is worse. The working conditions can also be very poor and machining and surface finish treatments are required on castings.