Definition
A metal casting process in which molten metal is forced into a shaped mold cavity under pressure rather than being poured in by gravity alone. The pressure ensures the metal completely fills the mold, producing parts with fine detail, smooth surfaces, and consistent dimensions.
Plain English
A way of making metal parts by pushing melted metal into a mold under pressure so it fills every corner of the shape, then letting it cool and harden.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance and manufacturing discussions when describing how a bracket, housing, or other part was made.
Derivation
From Latin 'pressura' (a pressing) and 'castan' (Old Norse, to throw or shape). 'Casting' in metalwork has meant pouring or forcing metal into a shaped form since the 14th century. The 'pressure' part distinguishes this method from simple gravity pouring.
Why Pilots Care
Parts made this way offer greater strength and fatigue resistance, directly affecting the reliability of flight-critical hardware.
Intuition Check
Pressure casting is not about measuring air pressure. Casting here does not mean throwing something or choosing actors; it means shaping a part from liquid material in a mold.
Example Sentence 1
The carburetor body was made by pressure casting, giving it the precise internal passages needed for fuel metering.
Example Sentence 2
Engine mounts are often produced by pressure casting to ensure they remain strong without hidden voids.