Abstract: Low-pressure casting apparatus is disclosed and includes a holding furnace having a cover, an ingot mold positioned on top of the furnace cover, a riser pipe connecting the holding furnace with the interior of the mold, upright tension rods to vertically move the cover plate of the mold, two opposite, upright flat members attached to rear portions of the sidewalls of the holding furnace, a horizontal bridge structure mounted between the flat upright members and having a U-shaped slot in which is horizontally slidably mounted a tension element, and means to horizontally move the tension element. The apparatus is improved by brackets vertically adjustably mounted on the upright flat members with the bridge structure being pivotably mounted between the brackets.

Abstract: Chill mold for casting piston blanks, e.g. for internal combustion engines, from metals such as aluminum alloys, includes a steel cylinder, an inner core for reproducing the inner contours of a piston, and a spray ring which surrounds the cylinder. The spray ring delivers cooling water to the exterior of the cylinder which flows down forming a water curtain around the cylinder.

Abstract: A light alloy piston having an annular cooling passage in its head portion is prepared by a process wherein a permanent mold, preferably having a steel shell and a water cooled bottom, is filled with the molten piston alloy. Thereafter, core elements, particularly a salt core for forming the cooling passage are introduced into the molten material by means of a holder and the permanent mold is held at an elevated temperature by external heating. The permanent mold is then lowered into a water bath for a given period of time. The soluble core, which has a specific gravity lower than that of the molten light alloy, is forced into the molten material to the desired position and depth using a holding device. The holding device is withdrawn from the remaining molten material when the solidification of the molten material has proceeded to the underside of the core.