The second process is used in the foundries for producing cast products. This is the oldest and simplest (in theory but not in practice) means of manufacturing shaped components.

This section describes exclusively Mould casting which can be divided into two main groups:
Sand casting and Die casting.

Other techniques such as “lost foam” or “wax pattern” processes are also used but their economical importance is considerably lower than both listed techniques.

Aluminium castings are very powerful and versatile techniques for manufacturing semi- or finished products with intricate shapes. Those techniques are continuously improved and developed to satisfy the user needs and to penetrate new markets. Innovations are mainly oriented to the automobile sector which is the most important market for castings. This continual improvement and development will ensure that aluminium castings continue to play a vital role in this field.