Abstract: A method and an apparatus for object recognition, in particular defect detection on workpieces, such as shot cores (1) or core packets, wherein the object is illuminated by a light source (4) and recorded and detected by means of a camera (3), and wherein the data obtained from the recording are processed or, if need be, stored by means of a computer. The object is illuminated by a least two light sources (4) from different directions or angles, and the camera (3) records the object and the shadows resulting from the illumination.

Abstract: A method for producing casting molds, such as cores or core assemblies used in foundry practice, wherein molding material, preferably molding sand, is injected or shot into a molding chamber via a gaseous flow medium, preferably air, under a predeterminable pressure. The shot and resulting solidified mold is deaerated, then the tool is opened, and the solidified mold is removed. The shooting process and/or deaeration process are controlled via detected and, if need be, prepared process parameters according to a predeterminable specification.

Abstract: An apparatus for making ready-to-pour shells or core assemblies having a number of core shooting machines (1) corresponding to the number of different cores needed for completing a core assembly, and an assembly line (2), wherein the produced and solidified cores are removed from the core shooting machines (1), processed, if need be, and completed to the core assembly on the assembly line (2). In addition, for increasing production capacity at the least possible cost at least one additional core shooting machine (5) is provided which is configured for making as substitutes each of the cores needed for completing the core assembly.