The size can be from a few grams (for example a watch case) to several tones (marine diesel engine) the shape from simple (manhole cover) to complex (6-cylinder engine block). Order size from one-off (paper mill crusher) to massive production (automobile pistons).
Castings are used virtually every where. The transport sector and heavy equipment is the predominant consumer (for farming, construction and mining) taking up over 50% of castings produced.
A sector wise casting consumption is given below which highlights the importance of casting in any industrial set up.
- Transport : Automobile, aerospace, railways and shipping
- Heavy Equipment : Construction, farming and mining
- Machine Tools : Machining, casting, plastics molding, forging, extrusion and forming
- Plant Machinery : Chemical, petroleum, paper, sugar, textile, steel and thermal plants
- Defence : Vehicles, artillery, munitions, storage and supporting equipment
- Electrical Equipment Machines : Motors, generators, pumps and compressors
- Hardware : Plumbing industry pipes, joints, valves and fittings
- Household : Appliances, kitchen and gardening equipment, furniture and fittings
- Art Objects : Sculptures, idols, furniture, lamp stands and decorative items
As already seen casting applications are an integral part of any manufacturing process. Some of the popular usages are enumerated below: