In the context of piping, what does the term 'cast' refer to?

The term 'cast' in the context of piping refers to a method of shaping metal by pouring molten material into a mold. This process allows for the creation of complex shapes and various sizes that would be difficult or impossible to achieve through other manufacturing techniques.

When metals are cast, they are first heated until they melt, then the liquid metal is poured into a pre-shaped mold and allowed to cool and solidify. The resulting product is a casting, which can then be machined or treated further as needed for its intended application in piping systems.

This method is essential in the production of fittings, valves, and other piping components that must withstand pressure and temperature conditions in various industrial applications. Understanding casting helps professionals in the field ascertain the quality and characteristics of the materials they work with, especially when selecting components for specific functions within a piping system.