Abstract: A method and an apparatus is provided for casting molten metallic materials through runners in the form of casting gates, flow-through tubes, feeders, rising gates and the like. The method basically comprises casting the molten metals through runners defined by bodies of porous calcium hydro-silicate such as gas concrete. A filler, such as quartz, may be used. The runner bodies are formed of gas concrete and provided with a moisture ratio of 3 to 30% so as to afford progressive evaporation of the moisture during casting to thereby produce a cooling effect on the runner walls. The runner bodies can be reinforced.

Abstract: An apparatus for shaping profiles in the surface of a moulded semiplastic body (4) comprises a comparatively fine wire (1) extending between the free ends of a plurality of these supporting members such as needle-like supporting members (2,3) which determine the profile shape. The wire is zigzagged in such way that each individual wire portion extending between two adjacent supporting members is oblique in relation to the direction of relative movement between said body and the profile shaping apparatus itself. The apparatus produces extremely distinct profiles with good smoothness of the body surfaces. The apparatus is primarily used for shaping profiles in building units made from a body of lightweight or aerated concrete, while the body is still uncured and semiplastic.