An automated guided vehicle (AGV) including a frame, ground-contacting elements connected to the frame for supporting the AGV and a heat shield is used in an automated sow casting facility. AGVs are adapted to get hold of, to move and to release moulds used for producing sows. A method of operating the casting facility involving AGVs to move moulds between stations is also described.

A clamping device (11) for a multi-part core bundle (12) made of a molding material and to a method for casting using a clamping device of this kind, the clamping device comprising at least one clamping mechanism (16) by means of which the core bundle is subjected to a clamping force on opposite contact surfaces (13) of the core bundle. The clamping mechanism has at least two clamping modules (17) by means of which the clamping force is exerted on the core bundle, the clamping modules each having a clamping element (21) for abutting against one of the contact surfaces of the core bundle, the clamping elements being moveable independently of each other with respect to contact surface.