Permanent mould casting (typically for non-ferrous metals) requires a set-up time on the order of weeks to prepare a steel tool, after which production rates of 5-50 pieces/hr-mould are achieved with an upper mass limit of 9 kg per iron alloy item (cf., up to 135 kg for many nonferrous metal parts) and a lower limit of about 0.1 kg.

Steel cavities are coated with refractory wash of acetylene soot before processing to allow easy removal of the work piece and promote longer tool life. Permanent moulds have a life which varies depending on maintenance of after which they require refinishing or replacement.

Cast parts from a permanent mould generally show 20% increase in tensile strength and 30% increase in elongation as compared to the products of sand casting. The only necessary input is the coating applied regularly. Typically, permanent mould casting is used in forming iron-, aluminium-, magnesium-, and copper-based alloys. The process is highly automated.