What is Cast Aluminum?
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Cast aluminum is a specific metal that has gone through one of the several processes known as casting. Essentially, it is created when methods such as die casting, mold casting, or sand casting are used to temper the aluminum for use in creating components for many different types of products. This form of aluminum is used for a number of items around the house, as well as machinery and other products that are necessary to the manufacturing of a wide range of goods and services.
One of the more common applications of cast aluminum is in the creation of cookware. Just as cast iron is used for skillets, baking pans, and other kitchen essentials, aluminum can also be used for these items. Usually created using the die cast approach, the cookware can withstand the high temperatures required to cook food properly and will remain useful for a number of years with no more than minimal care.
This metal is also used to create outdoor furniture, including chairs, gliders, and tables. While not quite as popular as cast iron furniture for the lawn, aluminum patio furniture is somewhat more lightweight and can be moved around the space with greater ease.
In addition to cookware and furniture, the cast metal is also used to create a number of motor parts for land vehicles and boats. Components such as connecting rods, pistons, housings, radiator tanks, and other essentials can be created using both die casting and mold casting methods. Even components such as compressors and various types of gears may be created using aluminum of this type.
One of the main advantages to using cast aluminum is that the metal is often cost efficient in comparison to other cast metals. The metal also retains a high degree of durability. While it is not necessarily true that it will last as long as cast iron in some applications, aluminum products do tend to hold up well for a number of years. The combination of lower cost and reliable durability makes the metal an excellent choice for many components and products used in domestic and commercial applications.
Malcolm Tatum
After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including HomeQuestionsAnswered, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.
Malcolm Tatum
After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including HomeQuestionsAnswered, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.
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![Cast aluminum is often used to make automobile parts, like engine pistons, because it is heat resistant and lightweight.]()
By: arska nCast aluminum is often used to make automobile parts, like engine pistons, because it is heat resistant and lightweight. -
![Many examples of cookware are made from cast aluminum because it is cheaper and lighter than iron.]()
By: Witold KrasowskiMany examples of cookware are made from cast aluminum because it is cheaper and lighter than iron. -
![Die casting, mold casting, or sand casting are used to create cast aluminum items from liquid aluminum.]()
By: Oleksiy MarkDie casting, mold casting, or sand casting are used to create cast aluminum items from liquid aluminum.
Discussion Comments
aluminum steel? sounds really futuristic. Use plain aluminum cookware at your own risk because it will destroy your liver. It is called the poor man's poison, so they started coating it with teflon. They make house siding out of aluminum that is guaranteed for life so that speaks about its durability. Sluminum is great if it is used properly.
Is cast aluminum the same as aluminum steel?
yes they were right. Weather does not affect aluminum.
I really like pots and pans made with aluminum casting, they look nice and last pretty long as well. They also are sometimes better for some things than cast iron.
@anon34613, I think that is true, because metal is not actually damaged by the cold the same way that wooden furniture and even plastic furniture sets can be. Also, aluminum does not rust the way that iron and steel do; it corrodes, but this does not actually damage the metal. This means snow and rain might not be as damaging.
I would guess if you were really concerned you could put something like a plastic sheet over it, but no, you do not need to take it inside.
I just bought a cast aluminum patio set furniture and I was told that I don't need to bring it indoors during winter time. I live in Ottawa, Canada and there is almost five months of snow here. Is is true what I was told?. I would appreciate any comment.
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