This invention relates to an articulated two piece piston designed for reciprocable movement within a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The piston has a crown of high-strength ferrous material that is precision cast net to finished dimensions on all inner and outer surfaces to provide a controlled thickness throughout to ensure mechanical and thermal consistency without any additional machining of the crown. The crown is attached to a separate skirt by the use of a wrist pin, wherein the skirt is made of ferrous or non-ferrous materials by casting or other means.