Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for molding articles in which a highly planar solidification front is desired. A charge of liquefied alloy to be molded into the desired article is placed in a mold and submerged in a heat-exchange bath of liquid metal forming a cylindrical column which is heated in an upper portion and cooled in a lower portion to define an intermediate level at which the bath temperature corresponds to the melting point of the alloy. Upon a progressive lowering of the mold within the bath, a solidification front formed in the alloy at that intermediate level advances from the bottom to the top of the charge.