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Abstract
After an initial appraisal of the interdependence of alloy composition, processing characteristics, and microstructure in cast metals, basic conditions for the successful manufacture of castings are reviewed briefly in the context of the foundry production sequence of melting, pouring, solidification, and subsequent cooling. Particular attention is focussed on the conditions to which the metal is subjected during successive processing stages and on the qualities required for the production of sound, accurate castings. More detailed consideration is then given to the influence of alloy composition upon those individual metal characteristics which are crucial in founding, namely fluidity, feeding qualities, and contraction behaviour. The significance of alloy constitution in the broad sense is considered and some more specific compositional effects are also examined. Apart from composition, examples of interactions between microstructure and foundry behaviour are introduced, emphasizing the importance of structure control with respect to processing as well as to the properties of the cast material.