Støberi

Støberi, in Danish (støperi in Norwegian), is a metalworking facility specialized in the production of metal castings. A støberi manufactures components by melting metal and pouring it into molds, where it solidifies into the desired geometry. Foundries produce ferrous and non-ferrous castings such as gray and ductile iron, steel, aluminum, bronze and brass for sectors including construction, machinery, automotive, energy and consumer goods.

Core processes include melting, alloying and refining of the metal in furnaces; mold making and preparation; pouring of molten metal into molds; cooling and solidification; shake-out, fettling (finishing) and surface treatment. Common casting methods are sand casting, investment casting and die casting, each with different tolerances, surface finishes and production costs. Sand casting is versatile and economical for large or complex shapes; investment casting offers fine detail; die casting is suited to high-volume, precision aluminum and zinc parts. Post-casting steps may include heat treatment, machining, coating and inspection.

Historically, støberi emerged from metalworking workshops and expanded with industrialization in the 18th and 19th centuries. Advances in furnace technology, mold materials and automation have increased efficiency, quality and safety. Modern foundries employ environmental controls, energy management and automated handling to reduce emissions and occupational hazards.

See also: foundry, casting, metalworking.