While aluminum is an extraordinarily beneficial alloy for many applications, it takes much expertise and care to optimally produce aluminum castings. During the production process, the foundry staff must ensure that the molten aluminum does not experience degradation through absorption of hydrogen or oxygen, which both increase over time. Creation of undesirable oxides is a real concern, as is transient element losses, impacting levels of calcium, magnesium, strontium and sodium. All of these can compromise the integrity of aluminum castings. Work with a foundry staff that has the expertise and background to ensure the correct handling of aluminum alloys.