A wide range of casting alloys facilitates the selection of the most suitable and cost-effective material for specific application requirements. Each of these casting alloys has its own physical and mechanical properties. They also have their own casting properties, for example:
Solderability
Machinability
Corrosion resistance
heat treatment properties
In addition, ongoing research into alloying elements often leads to the invention and development of stronger and more suitable casting alloys for the needs of industrial applications. Choosing the right casting method and the most suitable alloy are the two main factors that contribute to achieving the optimum level for a particular cost.

There are two broad categories of casting alloys:
ferroalloy
Iron-based alloys are iron-based alloys that are widely used in a wide range of industries due to their flexibility to meet strength, toughness and impact for various industrial applications.

steel
The properties of steels determined by dispersion strengthening depend on the amount, size, shape and distribution of cementite (Fe3C).
These factors are controlled by alloying and heat treatment.
steel surface treatment
Surface heat treatment: The surface is heated rapidly, quenched, and then tempered.
Carburizing: Diffusion of carbon to the surface to increase the carbon on the surface.
Nitriding: Similar to carburizing, but nitrogen (N) replaces carbon.
Stainless steel
Ferritic stainless steel (BCC): up to 30% Cr and less than 0.12% C. Good corrosion resistance.
Martensitic stainless steel: Cr < 17%. Heat treatable, capable of forming martensite among other phases.
Austenitic stainless steel (FCC): Ni is an austenite stabilizing element.
cast iron
Gray cast iron: interconnected graphite flakes in a pearlitic matrix. Good vibration damping.
White Cast Iron: Used for its high hardness and wear resistance. Can form martensite.
Malleable Iron: A heat-treated white iron with 3% unalloyed carbon.
Ductile Iron: Addition of Magnesium (Mg) causes growth of nodular graphite.

Non-ferrous alloy
Non-ferrous alloys contain no iron at all and are generally more expensive than ferrous alloys. Copper alloys are the largest product group of these alloys. Brass and bronze are the most popular copper alloys.
Copper and zinc alloy to make brass. Most kinds of brass are easy to shape and have a pleasing appearance.
Copper is mainly alloyed with tin to make bronze.