Three main points are discussed: alloy selection, molten alloy quality, and casting technology. A comparison is made between relative merits of the 11-12%, 9%, and 7% silicon alloys; the importance of Si refining (modification) is stressed, with reference to recent permanently modified alloys. Four production methods are discussed: gravity sand, gravity low pressure die-casting, centrifugal die, and pressure die-casting. Gravity die-casting is still the most widely used system. Basic design principles are given.