Casting of iron

NACE code 24.51 covers the casting of iron, a critical process within the broader metal manufacturing industry. Iron casting is a foundational activity that produces a wide range of components and parts used across numerous sectors, from automotive and machinery to construction and infrastructure. As a key supplier to many downstream industries, the iron casting sector plays an important role in supporting economic growth and development.

The casting of iron involves melting iron in a furnace and pouring the molten metal into molds to create the desired shape. This process can utilize various techniques, such as sand casting, investment casting, or die casting, each with its own advantages in terms of precision, surface finish, and production volume. The molten iron is carefully controlled in terms of temperature, composition, and other parameters to ensure the final cast products meet the required specifications.

The primary inputs for the iron casting industry include raw iron ore, scrap iron, and various alloying elements like carbon, silicon, and manganese. Specialized equipment such as furnaces, molds, and casting machines are also essential for the production process. Additionally, the industry relies on skilled labor, energy sources, and ancillary services like transportation and logistics to support its operations.

The iron casting industry produces a diverse range of products, including engine blocks, brake components, pipe fittings, and construction materials. These outputs are then consumed by a variety of downstream industries, such as 29.10 Manufacture of motor vehicles, 28.11 Manufacture of engines and turbines, and 41.20 Construction of residential and non-residential buildings. The versatility of cast iron components makes this industry a critical supplier to many sectors of the economy.