331524: Aluminum Foundries (except Die-Casting)

What this code covers

Census assigns 331524 to foundries that melt purchased aluminum and pour it into molds other than die casting dies. Sand casting, permanent mold, investment casting, and plaster and lost foam methods all belong here. Die casting has its own code, and foundries pouring other metals are classified by metal.

For defense and aerospace that means housings, gearbox and pump cases, manifolds, brackets, covers, valve bodies, ground vehicle and support equipment parts, and the rough castings a machine shop finishes. Many foundries also do heat treat, impregnation, and rough machining before shipment.

What federal buyers typically ask for

DLA posts cast spares by stock number across its aviation, land, and maritime supply chains, often as finished parts that include the casting and machining together. Depots and fleet readiness centers post castings for overhaul lines. NASA centers post castings for test and ground equipment. Much of the demand arrives through machine shops that hold the award and buy the casting from you.

Casting buys cite a classification and inspection specification that sets a grade and class for the part. Expect radiographic and penetrant inspection on critical areas, chemistry and mechanical test bars per lot, heat treat certs, and first article with a full inspection report. Government-owned patterns are common on legacy parts. Critical aviation castings often carry an approved source list, so source approval is the gate. Aluminum is not a specialty metal, but steel inserts in a finished part are. Drawings are frequently export controlled.

Small business set-asides are common on non-critical castings. Critical items go unrestricted to approved sources.