Valaminen
Valaminen is a manufacturing process in which a liquid material, most commonly metal, is poured into a mold and allowed to cool and solidify to form a component. The process enables production of complex shapes, internal channels, and near-net-size parts with relatively simple tooling, making it suitable for prototypes and large-volume runs alike. While metal casting is most common, casting can also be applied to ceramics and certain polymers through resin or ceramic slurries.
The general sequence consists of pattern creation, mold making, removal of the pattern, mold assembly, and pour,
Common materials are iron and steel, aluminum and magnesium alloys, and copper, zinc, and nickel-based alloys.
Quality control uses visual inspection, dimensional measurement, and non-destructive testing to detect voids, cracks, or inclusions.