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Cast Metals Laboratory

Cast Metals Laboratory

The cast metals laboratory is located within the Chrysler Technical Center and provides support in the development and casting of a variety of components for powertrain and suspension applications. The laboratory is capable of induction melting up to 500 pounds of cast iron or 300 pounds of aluminum that can be prepared to satisfy a number of current or proposed chemical compositions. In terms of component weight, the maximum for cast iron is 250 pounds and 100 pounds for aluminum where the part can be cast individually or in multiples depending on the size and/or design limitations of the part. The cast metals laboratory is supported by a pattern shop within the technical center that can provide assistance in component cavity design to provide construction of a mold that can be ultimately used for casting of the part.

  • Cast Iron
  • Cast Aluminum
  • Specialty Castings
  • Processing, Validation and Testing

Cast Iron

Cast Parts Image 1A variety of cast iron components have been made in either ductile/nodular or grey cast iron.
Examples would include the following:

  • Brackets, engine mounts
  • Knuckles, control arms
  • Crankshafts
  • Tow hooks
  • Dampers
  • Housings
  • Exhaust manifolds
  • Differential case housing
  • Bed plates
  • Brake rotor


Cast Aluminum

Cast Parts Image 2A variety of aluminum cast components have been made form different composition grades 319, 356, 380.
Examples would include the following:

  • Engine mounts, brackets
  • Knuckles, control arms
  • Oil pan
  • Housings
  • Intake manifolds
  • Transmission adaptors
  • Bed plates
  • Front engine covers
  • Water pump housings


Processing, Validation, Testing Options and Specialty Castings

The casting of the component may require a number of additional operations and/or
testing requirements. These requirements are available through the technical center.

  • Removal of the gating, sprue and riser system associated with the casting process
  • Grinding of flash or removal of extraneous material and shot blasting to clean the component
  • Evaluation for chemical composition, hardness, mechanical properties and microstructure through the use of Materials Engineering Laboratories.
  • Nondestructive evaluation of cast components using radiographic/X-ray, magnetic particle inspection or fluorescent liquid penetrant inspection through the use of laboratories located at the Chrysler Technical Center
  • Heat treatment of both cast iron and aluminum components through the use of the Heat Treat Laboratory located within the Chrysler Technical Center.
  • Replacement parts for equipment and machinery that may no longer be available the original company, catalog or supply house
  • Unique items that were designed and used for awards at company functions or for professional societies