Foundry; the beating heart of the industry

Foundry; the beating heart of the industry

Foundry; the beating heart of the industry

  • 04 September 2025
  • Written by Admin

Casting is one of the oldest and most widely used metal forming processes, dating back to ancient civilizations and continuing to play a vital role in the development of modern industries. In this process, molten material (usually metals) is poured into molds, where it solidifies to form the desired shape. Casting is the foundation for manufacturing a wide range of industrial components, heavy equipment, metal structures, and precision tools.


History of Casting

Casting has a history of thousands of years. The earliest historical evidence dates back to around 3000 BC in ancient Egypt, China, and India. In Iran, numerous archaeological artifacts have been discovered that highlight the advanced skills of ancient craftsmen in metal casting.


Definition of the Casting Process

Casting is a manufacturing process in which molten metal or alloy is poured into a mold that defines the final shape of the part. After cooling and solidification, the metal takes the desired solid form. Molds may be made of sand, metal, graphite, or ceramic, depending on the requirements of accuracy, dimensional tolerance, and material selection.


Types of Casting Methods

Sand Casting

One of the oldest and most common casting methods.

Uses sand molds for shaping molten metal.

Advantages: low cost, suitable for large parts.

Investment Casting (Lost-Wax Casting)

Ideal for parts requiring high precision and intricate details.

Uses wax patterns coated with ceramic to form the mold.

Die Casting

Molten metal is injected into metal molds under high pressure.

Widely used for mass production of thin-walled, precise components.

Centrifugal Casting

Utilizes centrifugal force to fill molds.

Commonly used for pipes and cylindrical parts.

Continuous Casting

Mainly used for producing billets, blooms, and slabs.

Essential in the steel industry for high-volume production.


General Steps in the Casting Process

Model Design – Creating a pattern of the part (wood, metal, plastic).

Mold Making – Building the mold based on the pattern.

Melting – Heating the chosen metal/alloy in furnaces.

Pouring – Introducing molten metal into the mold.

Cooling & Solidification – Controlled cooling for final shape formation.

Shakeout & Finishing – Removing mold material, cleaning, machining, heat treatment, and inspection.


Advantages of Casting

Ability to produce complex geometries

Production of parts in various sizes (from grams to tens of tons)

Suitable for mass production

Cost efficiency in material usage

Flexibility in alloy selection


Challenges and Limitations

Requires specialized equipment for quality control

Possibility of porosity, shrinkage, and defects

Dimensional contraction during cooling

Skilled labor required for critical stages


Applications of Casting in Different Industries

Automotive Industry

Engine blocks, gear housings, suspension parts, and transmission components.

Aerospace Industry

Lightweight alloys (aluminum, titanium) in precision molds for high-performance parts.

Oil & Gas Industry

Valves, fittings, pump housings, and corrosion-resistant drilling equipment.

Power Generation

Turbine components, generator housings, and heavy-duty parts.

Railway and Heavy Transportation

Wheels, axles, couplings, and heavy machine components.


Modern Innovations in Casting

Computer simulations for mold design and defect prediction

3D printing for rapid prototyping and mold/model fabrication

Non-destructive testing (NDT) for quality assurance

Energy-efficient melting and furnace technologies


Conclusion

Casting remains one of the most critical manufacturing processes in the modern industrial world. With technological advancements, the process has become more efficient, accurate, and cost-effective. Proper alloy selection, mold design, and process control are key to achieving successful outcomes.

Peyman Nou Industrial Group, leveraging its technical expertise and experience, provides high-quality casting services for complex and heavy industrial applications, tailored to the needs of various industries.