Casting is a manufacturing process that can be used with a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites. The choice of material will depend on the specific application and requirements of the final product. Some of the most commonly used casting materials are:

1. Aluminum: Aluminum is a lightweight and durable metal that is commonly used in casting applications. It is easy to work with, has good strength-to-weight ratio, and is resistant to corrosion. Aluminum can be used in a variety of casting processes, including sand casting products, die casting, and investment casting.

2. Steel: Steel is a strong and durable metal that is used in a wide range of casting applications. It is particularly well-suited to heavy-duty applications that require high strength and durability. Steel can be cast using a variety of processes, including sand casting, investment casting, and die casting.

3. Iron: Iron is a strong and durable metal that is commonly used in casting applications. It is particularly well-suited to applications that require high strength and durability, such as automotive and industrial components. Iron can be cast using a variety of processes, including sand casting, investment casting, and die casting.

4. Zinc: Zinc is a lightweight metal that is commonly used in die casting applications. It is easy to work with, has good corrosion resistance, and can be cast with a high level of precision. Zinc is commonly used to produce small, intricate parts for a variety of industries.

5. Copper: Copper is a versatile metal that is used in a variety of casting applications. It is particularly well-suited to applications that require good electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity, such as electrical components and heat exchangers. Copper can be cast using a variety of processes, including sand casting, investment casting, and die casting.

6. Magnesium: Magnesium is a lightweight metal that is commonly used in die casting applications. It has good strength-to-weight ratio, good corrosion resistance, and can be cast with a high level of precision. Magnesium is commonly used to produce lightweight components for the automotive and aerospace industries.

7. Plastics: Plastics are commonly used in casting applications, particularly in injection molding. They offer a wide range of properties, including high strength, good durability, and low cost. Plastics can be used to produce a wide variety of components for a range of industries.

These are some of the most commonly used casting materials, but there are many other materials that can be used in casting applications. The choice of material will depend on the specific requirements of the application, including strength, durability, weight, cost, and other factors.