Every step in the metal casting process—from mold making to heat treatment—is carefully managed to ensure strength, surface quality, and final dimensions. However, even the most controlled castings require quality control inspections. Unexpected issues can occur, and many components have mechanical requirements that could be compromised by hidden defects. Proper inspection ensures that both the foundry and the customer receive a high-quality product.
At CTI CERT, we provide quality documentation and consultancy services for our clients' projects. We develop Inspection and Test Plans (ITP), define control methods according to international standards and technical specifications, and meticulously review quality records.
Common casting defects and discontinuities:
- Surface imperfections
- Inclusion errors
- Molding and pouring defects
- Flash at joints
- Mold mismatch or mold slip
- Sand inclusions
- Cold shots
- Pinholes, air holes, or gas porosity
- Cooling defects
- Shrinkage porosity or cavities
- Cooling deformation
Dimensional tolerances and surface quality issues are typically identified through visual inspection and measurement. However, internal problems like porosity or shrinkage require specialized testing to ensure the component does not fail under load. Internal testing is divided into two categories: destructive and non-destructive.