Sand casting is the most widely used casting process,
accounting for a significant majority of the total tonnage
cast. Nearly all casting alloys can be sand cast; indeed, it is
one of the few processes that can be used for metals with
high melting temperatures, such as steels, nickels, and
titaniums. Its versatility permits the casting of parts ranging
in size from small to very large (Figure 11.1) and in
production quantities from one to millions.
Sand casting, also known as sand-mold casting,
consists of pouring molten metal into a sand mold, allowing
themetal to solidify, and then breaking up themold to
remove the casting. The casting must then be cleaned and