Environmental Aspects of Lost Foam Casting

This paper provides a qualitative overview of the environmental aspects of the Lost Foam casting process. The paper divides the subject into the following major environmental media: solid waste, air emissions, wastewater, and energy consumption. Within each of these major areas, the significant materials used in the process and the significant wastes or emissions generated are discussed, along with disposal methods and control strategies. The paper will demonstrate that the Lost Foam casting is an environmentally friendlier process than other competitive casting processes. Many of the direct materials used in the process and much of the solid waste generated can be recycled. The air emissions occur in a few localized areas and can be easily captured and controlled. The majority of the wastewater generated is relatively clean and easily treated. Finally, the energy consumption of the process is briefly discussed.