Abstract: An automated matchplate molding machine includes a cope flask, a pattern plate and a drag flask for creating formed sand molds. The mold machine incorporates linear-motion slides and/or rodless cylinders to move the cope flask, drag flask, sand hopper, and/or other components of the mold machine.

Abstract: A casting method and a casting device for a cast-metal object which are inexpensive and have a high degree of freedom are provided to cast plural types of cast-metal objects simultaneously. A cast-metal object is cast by using a casting device (10) including a mold structure (5) for forming a casting space capable of filling molten metal; and a runner (1) provided separately from the mold structure (5) for supplying molten metal into the casting space in the mold structure (5) by connecting the runner to the mold structure (5), wherein the runner (1) has a dividable structure, and the mold structure (5) has an assembly structure of a plurality of members.

Abstract: A method for producing steel products (1) with optimum surface quality wherein the molten steel (1b) is produced in a process route (10, 100; 12; 13) that is selected according to a desired final microstructure (9), by melting in a furnace (2b) with an electrode system (31), and in a vacuum degassing system; or by melting in a furnace installation (35) or an individual furnace vessel (30), in a ladle furnace (25), and in a differential-pressure vacuum degassing system (43); or by melting in a furnace (2b) with additions of alloying materials (26), a partial-quantity degassing in the ladle furnace (25), or a vacuum degassing system (27) and a ladle degassing (27).

Abstract: A method of drying a sand mold mixture containing moisture includes restraining the sand mold mixture and exposing the sand mold mixture to a vacuum. The vacuum flashes off the moisture within the sand mold mixture thereby drying the sand mold mixture to create a solidified sand mold. The restraining member prevents voids from forming in the sand mold during exposure to the vacuum.

Abstract: A method for producing sand cores for foundry, comprising the operations of: defining a molding cavity; blowing in a mixture of sand and hydrated binder into said molding cavity so as to produce a mass of sand, which reproduces in a complementary way the shape of said molding cavity; and producing the passage, through said mass of sand, of a flow of aeriform along at least one principal direction. The method comprises the operation of generating through said mass of sand a flow of aeriform, directed at least in part in a radial direction with respect to said principal direction.

Abstract: In a mould forming machine comprising a moulding chamber, a movable squeeze plate and a pattern, the filling of selected parts of the pattern with compressible mould material is improved by applying vacuum to said selected parts. By applying the vacuum separately to different parts of the pattern at different periods, of time during the filling step, the vacuum application can be applied during shorter periods only when needed, thereby reducing the drying out of the mould material and reducing the amounts of air to be removed by the vacuum system.

Abstract: A mold apparatus and method for creating designs on the interior of molds includes a resilient form with an exterior and an interior, with a design formed on the exterior. A rigid support member is removably attached to the interior of the resilient form. A mold pattern, conformed to removably receive the rigid support member and the resilient form in combination, completes the basic elements of the invention. In one aspect of the invention, a passageway in the rigid support member is provided for introducing a gas between the rigid support member and the resilient form. In another aspect of the invention, a vacuum application device is provided for applying a vacuum to the interior of the resilient form.