stäp

Støp, or casting, is a manufacturing process in which a liquid or semi-liquid material is poured into a mold and allowed to solidify to form a finished object. In Norwegian usage, støp covers a range of techniques used for metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites, from simple sand molds to sophisticated investment molds.

Typical steps include creating a mold or pattern, heating or melting the material, pouring the liquid into the mold, allowing it to cool and solidify, removing the part from the mold, and performing finishing operations such as trimming, machining, or heat treatment. Common molding methods are sand casting, investment casting, and die casting, each suited to different geometries, tolerances, and production volumes.

Materials used in støp include ferrous and nonferrous metals (such as iron, steel, aluminum, brass), plastics, and ceramics. The process yields a wide range of products, including automotive components, machinery parts, jewelry, sculptures, and consumer electronic housings. Investment casting is favored for complex, precise shapes; sand casting is versatile for large or simple parts; die casting is efficient for high-volume production with good surface finish.

Quality considerations include dimensional tolerances, surface finish, and internal defects such as porosity or shrinkage. Proper mold design, gating and riser systems, material preparation, and controlled cooling are essential. Safety concerns involve high temperatures, molten materials, and fumes, necessitating PPE and proper ventilation.

See also: foundry, mold, pattern, riser, gate, heat treatment.