Automotive Investment Casting: Stable Demand Amid EV Transition
The automotive sector maintains stable demand for investment casting, with global sales totaling $1.70 billion in 2024. Europe, China, and North America account for 71% of demand, driven by both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) production. Key components like turbochargers, thermal housings, and drivetrain structures remain essential across platforms.
EV transition is reshaping component needs, with investment casting adapting to lightweighting requirements and new powertrain designs. Aluminum castings are increasingly favored for their weight-to-strength ratio, while stainless steel components support battery cooling systems. Manufacturers are leveraging 3D printing and AI to optimize cast part geometries for EV-specific applications, reducing material use and improving efficiency.
While general industry casting demand softens, automotive remains resilient. Suppliers are focusing on high-precision, low-volume castings for premium EVs and hybrid models. As automakers balance ICE production with EV expansion, investment casting’s versatility ensures it will remain a critical manufacturing process in the automotive supply chain.
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