Abstract: A casting mold includes a melt-receiving mold cavity having a preformed metallic or intermetallic insert suspended therein by one or more first elongated, slender suspension members fixed at one end to the insert and at another end to the mold to locate the insert in a first direction in the mold and by one or more second elongated, slender suspension members fixed at one end to the insert and abutting the mold at another end to locate the insert in a second direction in the mold. A melt of metallic or intermetallic material is introduced into the mold cavity about the suspended insert and the suspension members and is solidified to form a composite casting.