Brief introduction of aluminum castings

Aluminum casting is a simple, inexpensive and versatile way of forming aluminum into a wide array of products. Such items as power transmissions and car engines and the cap were all produced through the aluminum casting process. Most castings, especially large aluminum products, are usually made in sand molds.

The process of casting aluminum

Casting is the original and most widely used method of forming aluminum into products. Technical advances have been made, but the principle remains the same: Molten aluminum is poured into a mold to duplicate a desired pattern. The three most important methods are die casting, permanent mold casting, sand casting and investment casting.

High Pressure Aluminum Die casting

The die casting process forces molten aluminum into a steel die (mold) under pressure. This manufacturing technique is normally used for high-volume production. Precisely formed aluminum parts requiring a minimum of machining and finishing can be produced through this casting method.

Aluminum Permanent mold casting

Permanent mold casting involves molds and cores of steel or other metal. Molten aluminum is usually poured into the mold, although a vacuum is sometimes applied. Permanent mold castings can be made stronger than either die or sand castings. Semi-permanent mold casting techniques are used when permanent cores would be impossible to remove from the finished part.

Aluminum Sand casting

The most versatile method for producing aluminum products is sand casting. The process starts with a pattern that is a replica of the finished casting. Virtually any pattern can be pressed into a fine sand mixture to form the mold into which the aluminum is poured. The pattern is slightly larger than the part to be made, to allow for aluminum shrinkage during solidification and cooling. As compared to die and permanent mold casting, sand casting is slow process but usually more economical for small quantities, intricate designs or when a very large casting is required.

Aluminum Investment Casting

Aluminum investment casting is ideal for weight reduction application in the aerospace, marine, military, medical and automotive industries. These aluminum castings enjoy a high level of corrosion resistance with proper coatings, and are suitable for high pressure applications once impregnated (anodized aluminum).

Aluminum Casting Applications

The automotive industry is the largest market for aluminum casting. Cast products make up more than half of the aluminum used in cars. Cast aluminum transmission housings and pistons have been commonly used in cars and trucks since the early 1900s. Parts of small appliances, hand tools, lawnmowers and other machinery are produced from thousands of different unique aluminum casting shapes. The casting product most often used by consumers is cookware, the first aluminum product that was made available for everyday use.