Casting is a manufacturing process that involves pouring molten metal into a mold, which contains a negative impression of the desired shape. The metal solidifies in the mold, taking the shape of the mold.

The two main types of casting are sand casting and investment casting. Sand casting uses a sand mold, while investment casting uses a ceramic mold.

Sand casting is used for large objects, while investment casting is used for small objects. Sand casting is less precise than investment casting. Sand casting is more expensive than investment casting.

Die casting is a casting process that uses a permanent mold. The mold is made of metal and is designed to produce a specific shape. The molten metal is forced into the mold under high pressure.

Permanent mold casting is a casting process that uses a permanent mold. The mold is made of metal and is designed to produce a specific shape. The molten metal is poured into the mold and allowed to solidify.

Centrifugal casting is a casting process that uses a rotating mold. The molten metal is poured into the mold and the mold is rotated at high speed. The centrifugal force causes the molten metal to spread evenly throughout the mold.

Continuous casting is a casting process that produces a continuous strand of metal. The molten metal is poured into a mold and the mold is continuously moved. The metal solidifies as it moves through the mold.

Lost-foam casting is a casting process that uses a foam pattern. The foam pattern is placed in a mold and the molten metal is poured into the mold. The foam pattern vaporizes and the molten metal takes the shape of the pattern.

Shell molding is a casting process that uses a thin shell mold. The shell mold is made by coating a pattern with a refractory material and then baking the coating. The molten metal is poured into the shell mold and allowed to solidify.

Casting is a versatile process that can be used to produce a wide variety of shapes. It is a relatively inexpensive process. It produces strong and durable parts.

Casting can be a slow process. It can be difficult to produce complex shapes. It can be difficult to control the quality of the castings.

The type of casting process, the type of mold material, the type of metal being cast, and the temperature of the molten metal all affect the quality of castings.

Porosity, shrinkage, cold shuts, and hot tears are all common defects that can occur in castings.

Using the correct casting process, using the correct mold material, using the correct metal, and controlling the temperature of the molten metal can all help to prevent defects in castings.