Modern casting has become a cost-effective metalworking method to produce metal components in cast steel, cast iron and cast aluminum, ect. Here, we would like to introduce the common casting methods according to different cast metals.

Types of Casting for Steel

Investment Casting, also know as precision casting, type of casting using an expendable pattern of wax, which is “invested” or surrounded by a molding medium in slurry or liquid form. After the molding medium has solidified, the pattern is removed by subjecting the mold to heat, leaving a cavity for reception of molten metal.

Water glass casting is the investment casting process to produce small and medium type carbon and alloy steel castings with smooth surface and tight tolerances. It is the cheapest casting method to produce precision steel castings.

Silica sol casting is the other investment casting process which is open to all types of precision steel castings, but more widely used to produce stainless steel castings. Compared with water glass investment casting, the cost is much higher, but better surface finish and dimension accuracy.

In conclusion, for steel castings weighting less than 60kg, investment casting is the right solution.

For large steel castings, sand casting is used.

Types of Casting for Iron

There are also two types of casting processes to produce iron castings. Well known casting type to produce iron castings is sand casting.

Sand casting, also known as sand molded casting, is the casting process that uses sand as the mold material. Molds made of sand are relatively cheap, and sufficiently refractory even for steel foundry use. In addition to the sand, a suitable bonding agent (usually clay) is mixed or occurs with the sand. The mold cavities and gate system are created by compacting the sand around models called patterns, by carving directly into the sand.

Sand casting is available to produce all types of iron castings. More often made iron castings by sand castings are grey iron castings and ductile iron castings.