Metal casting

Through the high performance of its parts, it is always at the forefront in all the major markets (aircraft, space, motor vehicles, energy, chemicals, defence, telecommunications, construction, rail, mechanical industries).
All shapes, practically all alloys, very high mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties, very high dimensional precision, are all readily achievable through casting. There is no limit to the number of parts which may be produced nor, in practical terms, to the weight and size of the parts. Casting enables the production of highly complex geometry single-piece parts or the combination of several functions on a single part. As no metallic parts are beyond its reach, casting is the only solution available in economic and/or technical terms for manufacturing certain parts used especially in leading edge applications.

The metal casting industry is as old as civilisation itself, but remains a leading edge industry: lost wax, pressure die casting, etc.
One might add, and it is far from its least merit these days, that it is the only industry which directly recycles its own waste as well as that produced by other metal conversion industries.

Pelton wheel cast in Al-bronze

The casting process allows great flexibility in the choice of geometry.
 
The choice of casting alloy is dependent on the properties required: mechanical strength, toughness, low or high temperature resistance, low density, hardness, specific magnetic properties, resistance to abrasion, corrosion etc.