Definition
A method of forming a metal part by pouring molten metal into a mold shaped like the finished part and allowing it to cool and solidify. The resulting part is also called a casting.
Plain English
Making a part by melting metal, pouring it into a mold of the desired shape, and letting it harden.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance, parts manuals, inspection notes, and descriptions of engine, wheel, brake, and structural parts.
Derivation
From the Old Norse 'kasta', meaning 'to throw'. The word refers to the act of throwing or pouring molten metal into a mold.
Why Pilots Care
Castings have different strength characteristics than forged or machined parts. Cracks in cast components like engine cases or cylinder heads are a common inspection finding and can ground an aircraft.
Intuition Check
Casting does not mean throwing something here. In aircraft maintenance, it means making a shaped part by pouring liquid material into a mold, or the part made that way.
Example Sentence 1
The mechanic found a hairline crack in the engine case casting during the annual inspection.
Example Sentence 2
Many older propeller hubs were made as single aluminum castings.