Terminology
Metal casting processes uses the following terminology:
- Pattern: An approximate duplicate of the final casting used to form the mold cavity.
- Molding material: The material that is packed around the pattern and then the pattern is removed to leave the cavity where the casting material will be poured.
- Flask: The rigid wood or metal frame that holds the molding material.
- Cope: The top half of the pattern, flask, mold, or core.
- Drag: The bottom half of the pattern, flask, mold, or core.
- Core: An insert in the mold that produces internal features in the casting, such as holes.
- Core print: The region added to the pattern, core, or mold used to locate and support the core.
- Mold cavity: The combined open area of the molding material and core, there the metal is poured to produce the casting.
- Riser: An extra void in the mold that fills with molten material to compensate for shrinkage during solidification.
- Gating system: The network of connected channels that deliver the molten material to the mold cavities.
- Pouring cup or pouring basin: The part of the gating system that receives the molten material from the pouring vessel.
- Sprue: The pouring cup attaches to the sprue, which is the vertical part of the gating system. The other end of the sprue attaches to the runners.
- Runners: The horizontal portion of the gating system that connects the sprues to the gates.
- Gates: The controlled entrances from the runners into the mold cavities.
- Vents: Additional channels that provide an escape for gases generated during the pour.
- Parting line or parting surface: The interface between the cope and drag halves of the mold, flask, or pattern.
- Draft: The taper on the casting or pattern that allow it to be withdrawn from the mold
- Core box: The mold or die used to produce the cores.
Some specialized processes, such as die casting, use additional terminology.
Read more about this topic: Casting (metalworking)