Advantages and Disadvantages of Casting

Introduction to Casting:

Casting is one of most important manufacturing process. Manufacturing processes mainly come under Mechanical Engineering and Production Engineering. We have discussed Advantages and Disadvantages of this process on various criterion.

Advantages of Casting:

1. On Basis of Size of Object to be Manufactured:

Size of cast objects vary over large range. An object from 5gm to 200tonn, anything can be cast.

2. On Basis of Complexity:

Casting can be effectively used for complex shaped objects. It can work where general machining processes can not be used, as in complicated inner and outer shapes of object.

3. Weight Saving:

Component made with casting process is lighter than the component made with other machining processes.

4. Control Over The Process:

Casting provides versatility. Wide range of properties can be attained by adjusting percentage of alloying elements.

5. Accuracy:

Casting can be made with hair like precision provided proper molding and casting technique is employed.

6. Fibrous Structure:

Only casting have this advantage. Casting leaves component with its solid fibrous structure which inherit great compressive strength. So, component subjected to compressive strength are made with casting ex. IC engine cylinder.

7. Control Over Grain Size:

Grain size of cast component can be easily controlled by controlling cooling rate which in turn can be used to modify the properties.

8. Low Cost:

Casing is one of cheapest method for mass production.

Disadvantages of Casting:

1. Though casting is cheapest for MASS Production, it becomes non economical in case of JOB production.
2. Sand casting leaves rough surface which needs machining in most of cases. It adds up the cost in production.
3. Again in sand casting, poor dimensional accuracy is achieved.
4. Cast products are superior for compressive loads but they are very poor in tensile or shock loads.(They are brittle).