Foundries make components that are essential to build finished products in a wide variety of sectors: many complex machines and as many everyday objects would not exist without foundries, whose influence is present in all aspects of modern life.
Foundries produce a huge range of castings, mainly made with ferrous alloys (cast iron, iron) for the automotive sector.
These are used for the structural components of the motor, chassis, transmission system and braking system. In addition, many non-ferrous alloy castings, mainly aluminium and magnesium, are used for both structural components (engine, gearboxes, steering, wheels) and components for bodywork. Many accessories (such as door handles for examples) are made with zamak (zinc alloy, aluminium, copper, magnesium).
The mechanical engineering sector employs many different components cast in ferrous metals (mainly cast iron) in a huge range of weights and sizes – from a few hundred grams to dozens of tonnes in mass – for a wide variety of uses. These include pumps, drives, bases, machine frames and components, levers, power transmission systems, components for agricultural machinery and motor components for various uses. Non-ferrous metal components cast in aluminium and copper alloys are also produced for the sector.
Strength, solidity, longevity and versatility are the main characteristics required for agricultural tractors or for earthmoving machinery. Their production requires the use of many items cast in ferrous metals (cast iron, steel). These are used mainly for structural parts in the motor (drives, connectors, crankshafts, connecting rods, exhaust manifests...), transmission and braking systems, and the hydraulic action drive unit. In addition, this sector also uses castings in non-ferrous alloys (mainly aluminium).
The production of motorcycles would also not be possible without the use of specific castings, mainly in non-ferrous metal alloys such as aluminium and cast iron, which are used to make the “heart” of the motorcycle – the motor and the frame. A wide range of accessory components are also made with aluminium and zamak castings (parts of the chassis, levers, lights etc).
If you lift your gaze from buildings and the landscape when you visit famous cities and resorts, you’ll come across foundry products. Manhole covers allow safe passage, covering access points to underground networks for lighting, gas, water and sewerage. Cast iron streetlights light up roads, squares, and parks where you can relax on benches made from cast iron.
Modern aeroplanes are propelled by powerful jet engines. The essential internal components are made with steel alloy castings produced using lost-wax casting technology. Other alloy steel, aluminium and magnesium castings can be found in key parts of aeroplanes and helicopters.
Whether produced by fossil fuels or renewable sources such as water or wind, electric energy depends on the use of castings, mainly made from alloy steel or cast iron. Propulsion of water (hydroelectric plants), steam (thermoelectric plants) or wind (wind farms) is transmitted to power generators through the turning of turbines (steel castings) or complex motor transmission chains (cast iron castings).
You can appreciate the warmth of heated environments, or the pleasure of a relaxing bath or shower thanks to stoves, boilers, cast iron or aluminium radiators, bath tubs and taps and mixers – all products made possible by foundries. Many of the appliances we use in our houses could also not be manufactured without the use of castings, which can be found in cooking surfaces, fridges, washing machines and many small and frequently-used household appliances.
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