An insert (cover member) is formed of an iron-based alloy. A casting mold is constituted by a fixed mold and a movable mold. An insert housing portion (cover housing portion) for housing the insert is formed in a separation surface between the fixed mold and the movable mold, and a magnet is embedded in the insert housing portion of either the fixed mold or the movable mold. A robot grips the insert with a gripping portion (hand) to convey the insert to a position facing the insert housing portion, releases the insert at the facing position in a state where a predetermined clearance is secured between the insert and the insert housing portion, and causes the insert to be attracted to the insert housing portion by the magnet.

A casting mold includes a cavity for molding a product, and a pouring basin and a passageway that guide molten metal into the cavity. The passageway includes, at portions thereof positioned below the pouring basin and the cavity, bent portions (a first bent portion, a second bent portion) that change the advancing direction of the molten metal, and the casting mold further includes a cover member, which covers the inner wall of the bent portion, allows the passageway positioned on the upstream side of the bent portion to communicate with the passageway positioned on the downstream side of the bent portion, and has a lower thermal conductivity than the base material of the mold.

A casting mold includes a cavity for molding a product, and a pouring basin and a passageway that guide molten metal into the cavity. The passageway includes, at portions thereof positioned below the pouring basin and the cavity, bent portions (a first bent portion, a second bent portion) that change the advancing direction of the molten metal, and the casting mold further includes a cover member, which covers the inner wall of the bent portion, allows the passageway positioned on the upstream side of the bent portion to communicate with the passageway positioned on the downstream side of the bent portion, and has a lower thermal conductivity than the base material of the mold.

3-D printed PLA material of a selected density is formed into a pattern that is configured as the outer shell of a casting form to be used in the lost foam or evaporative casting process. The purpose of 3-D printing of the PLA material is used to maintain the proper configuration of the form to facilitate casting, and reduce buildup of carbon on the surface of the casting. Because the form is essentially hollow, PLA support pieces can be used on the interior to maintain the structural integrity of the form.

A method of catching overflow of a liquid fluid utilized to cast a component is disclosed. Sand is compacted to form a mold. A cutter of a cutting device is in a disengaged position spaced from a top surface of the mold when the cutting device is in a first position and the cutter is in an engaged position engaging the top surface of the mold when the cutting device is in a second position. The cutter is actuated when the cutting device is in the second position and the cutter is in the engaged position to remove sand from the top surface to define a recess therein to catch overflow of the liquid fluid. The recess is spaced from an opening. At least one blocking mechanism, blowing mechanism and adjustment mechanism is utilized to assist the cutting device.

A method of catching overflow of a liquid fluid utilized to cast a component is disclosed. Sand is compacted to form a mold. A cutter of a cutting device is in a disengaged position spaced from a top surface of the mold when the cutting device is in a first position and the cutter is in an engaged position engaging the top surface of the mold when the cutting device is in a second position. The cutter is actuated when the cutting device is in the second position and the cutter is in the engaged position to remove sand from the top surface to define a recess therein to catch overflow of the liquid fluid. The recess is spaced from an opening. At least one blocking mechanism, blowing mechanism and adjustment mechanism is utilized to assist the cutting device.

The invention provides a neck-down feeder of unitary construction for use in metal casting. The feeder comprises a body portion integrally formed at a first end thereof with a tapered base portion for mounting on a mold pattern. The body portion and the base portion are defined by a continuous sidewall having one or more regions of weakness arranged such that the feeder is breakable in use whereby at least a part of the base portion detaches from the body portion and is received therein.

A casting mold having at least one cavity for manufacturing at least one cast article, in which at least some areas of a casting surface of the casting mold delimiting the cavity have a surface texture. The surface texture has multiple elementary cells, wherein each elementary cell has a structure that projects and/or is recessed with respect to the casting surface and ends within the applicable elementary cell. In addition, a cast article produced by the casting mold is provided.

Molds are produced by additive manufacturing and define parts cavities with part infills that can be ribbed or cellular. The molds are processed to sequentially remove infills to open part cavities to which part materials are introduced. Embedded or captured parts can be molded, and thermal channels can be provided to thermally isolate different materials.

Molds are produced by additive manufacturing and define parts cavities with part infills that can be ribbed or cellular. The molds are processed to sequentially remove infills to open part cavities to which part materials are introduced. Embedded or captured parts can be molded, and thermal channels can be provided to thermally isolate different materials.