
As far as innovation goes in manufacturing, the automotive industry is among the leaders in the technological world. Automakers improve their design and engineering systems with each passing year, creating more efficient and higher-performing vehicles. Alloys and metal casting are often the main reasons for these advancements, as they reduce the overall weight of a car while maintaining its overall strength.
One of the most popular casting processes in the automotive industry is sand casting. This process uses molds and various alloys to make a wide range of car parts. Sand casting is ideal for lower to mid-size parts runs because the mold breaks away at the end of the cycle and is easy to construct quickly.
Manufacturers frequently use sand casting to fabricate parts like brake drums, intake manifolds, housings, engine parts, and wheels for the automotive industry. Sand casting is perfect for engine components requiring precise machinability, pressure tightness, low weight, and high strength.
Casting is a productive way to fabricate durable, high-quality wheels for cars, too. The alloy wheel casting process involves one of two methods — gravity casting or pressure casting. Gravity casting fills the mold with molten alloys using gravity, while pressure casting typically uses an injection or vacuum system.