Certificate In Casting Design

Create better castings by balancing design intent with production realities.

Equip engineers and designers with casting design principles that drive reliable and consistent production outcomes. This certificate program builds the skills to design castings, optimize gating and riser systems, and make informed design decisions that reduce rework and downstream production costs.

Why This Certificate Matters

Casting design requires balancing requirements with production realities. This certificate bridges that gap through structured, applied instruction in design principles, solidification behavior, and rigging optimization. Engineers and designers will learn to design effective castings from the start, create gating and riser systems that optimize quality and yield, and make design decisions that prevent costly problems before they reach the foundry floor.

Certificate Requirements

To earn the Certificate in Casting Design, candidates must successfully complete three required courses and earn a microcredential for each. Earning all three microcredentials qualifies candidates to take the capstone examination to earn the certificate.

Flexible Sequencing

AFS Institute offers flexible course sequencing. Complete courses and earn microcredentials in the order that is most convenient. Candidates who have previously completed a course in this sequence are eligible to earn the microcredential.

Required Courses

Casting Design

Fundamental principles for effective casting design. This course examines alloy characteristics, process selection, and design considerations that affect manufacturability and final part performance.

Topics Covered:

  • Alloy characteristics and their effect on casting design decisions
  • How production and service requirements influence casting method selection
  • Selecting appropriate casting processes based on part complexity and manufacturability
  • Dimensional control and tolerance factors in castings
  • Benefits and applications of casting simulation
     

Gating and Riser Design 101

Introduction to rigging system fundamentals. Learners explore how metal delivery systems affect casting quality and yield.

Topics Covered:

  • Functions and features of gating and riser systems
  • How casting quality requirements impact rigging design
  • Solidification principles and riser placement strategies
  • Fluid flow principles and their application 
  • Determining gate and riser sizes and locations
  • Basic chill applications
  • Unique considerations for cast iron rigging

  • Common defects and troubleshooting approaches

     

Gating and Riser Design 201

Advanced instruction in gating and riser optimization. Learners apply thermal transfer principles, calculate riser requirements, and develop strategies to balance casting quality with production costs.

Topics Covered:

  • Thermal transfer principles, including cooling curves and solidification behavior
  • Riser aids including sleeves, hot topping, and specialty sands 
  • Filters and hydraulic flow controls
  • Managing process variation while maintaining casting quality
  • Translating quality requirements into cost implications

     

How to Earn the Certificate

1

Complete Three Courses

Learners attend all courses via live online or in-person instruction with experienced metalcasting professionals.

2

Earn Microcredentials 

After each course, candidates take an online assessment earn a microcredential.

3

Pass the Capstone Examination

After earning all three microcredentials, candidates take a comprehensive assessment that  integrates knowledge across the full certificate program.

4

Receive Your Certificate

Successful candidates earn their AFS Institute Certificate in Casting Design.

Investment

What You Receive:

Each course in the certificate sequence includes:

  • Expert instruction from experienced metalcasting professionals
  • All course materials and resources
  • Continuing education units (CEUs)
  • End-of-course assessment and practice exam questions at no additional charge
  • Verified digital microcredential upon passing the end-of-course assessment

Pricing:
Enroll in courses individually as they become available. Course pricing varies. Visit the course schedule for pricing and availability.

Capstone Examination: 
$199 (AFS Members) | $399 (Non-Members)

Note: Earning all three microcredentials qualifies learners to take the capstone examination and earn an official AFS Institute certificate.

Ready to Get Started?
 

Contact the AFS Institute to discuss enrollment options and how this program addresses your training needs. Visit the course schedule for pricing and availability.