Casting is a process in which molten metal is poured or injected and allowed to solidify in a suitably shaped mold cavity. During or after cooling, the cast part is removed from the mold and then processed for delivery.

Casting processes and cast-material technologies vary from simple to highly complex. Material and process selection depends on the part's complexity and function, the product's quality specifications, and the projected cost level.

The term "cast iron" is a generic term that designates an entire family of cast ferrous metals. Cast irons possess excellent casting characteristics, can be melted more easily than steels, and lend themselves very well to machining. The five basic types of ferrous casting are:

• white iron
• malleable iron
• gray iron
• ductile iron
• compacted graphite iron