The State and Perspectives of the Slovak Foundry

Foundries, to the same extent today as in the past, represent one of the strategic branches of all industry. In fact, all aspects of modern life depend on the casting and production of brake discs, medical implants, marine engines, and even aircraft components like turbine blades. Foundries provide supplies to all sectors of modern industry, including automotive, aircraft, medicine, power generation, etc. The Slovak economy largely depends on the automotive industry for which casting is necessary. Cast components are used not only for engines, chassis, and drives but also in vehicle bodies. This article reports information on the current number of foundries in Slovakia, the number of produced casting tons and melting methods, the casting techniques in various foundries, and the types of cast metals. It considers the income of individual foundries, the impact of the economic situation, and assumptions regarding further development.