Abstract: A multi-stage sand mold 4 defines a plurality of casting impressions or cavities 31 fed with molten metal from a tubular central chamber 28 via a pair of parallel intermediate ducts 30A, 30B extending horizontally outwardly from opposite sides of the chamber, and ingates 32A, 32B extending between the ducts and the impressions. All of the ingates fed by a single intermediate duct open into the same impression, thus implementing a balanced and uniform distribution of molten metal to the impressions.

Abstract: A multi-stage sand mold 4 defines a plurality of casting impressions or cavities 31 fed with molten metal from a tubular central chamber 28 via intermediate ducts 30A, 30B extending horizontally outwardly from opposite sides of the chamber, and ingates 32A, 32B extending between the ducts and the impressions. At each stage the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the ducts at their inlets is substantially less than the cross-sectional area of the central chamber, and the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the ingates fed by a given duct is at least equal to its cross-sectional area. This results in delivery rate reductions at the entrances to the ducts and in pressure reductions at the entrances to the ingates, which enhances the uniformity and integrity of the castings.

Abstract: The sum of the areas of the sections of the operational ingates 30 of the mold 4 is, at least at the time of casting, greater than the area of the section of the vertical casting chamber 28, or at least approximately equal to it. This makes it possible to slow the molten metal as it flows into the ingates, and thus to obtain a non-turbulent filling of the impressions or cavities 29.