**1. Introduction and Scope**

The automotive and aeronautical industry´s response to the environmental impact provoked by gas emissions and consumer expectations has driven aluminum alloy casting changes in recent years. Light weighting and downsizing have led to the production of smaller and more efficient aluminum alloy casting components with the same or improved mechanical properties, helping fuel economy and gas emissions. Aluminum alloy metal casting is the most cost-effective method to produce shaped and soundness metal components able to answer to clients' requirements. As a result, an increasing trend of using light alloys, namely Al-based alloys, for the production of structural components, has been undergoing major developments. In recent years, we have been confronted with new developments in casting and forming of advanced aluminum alloys, namely in demand for new processing techniques.

The Special Issue *Casting and Forming of Advanced Aluminum Alloys* provides a theoretical and practical understanding of the metallurgic principles in the casting process, advanced melt treatment techniques, and forming process, aiming to enhance the mechanical performance of the aluminum alloys further.

Breakthrough innovations are needed to boost the quality of aluminum alloy research as well as to address the many challenges faced by the need to develop new, advanced techniques in processing enhancing the combination of characteristics such as the low density, the high corrosion resistance, high strength, workability and high electrical and heat conductivity. Contributing to the research into, and innovation of, aluminum alloy application will improve the lives of people. A reflection on the future should be inspired by the goals of sustainability to stretch the boundaries of what is feasible in the function of what is desirable for the people and manufacturing industries. We hope that this Special Issue can deserve the attention of the scientific and industrial community to keep up-to-date with the latest developments in aluminum alloy research.
