1. Shell molding and related processes

The term "shell casting" covers processes that share the common feature of a fairly quiet filling of a metal mold, followed by solidification under low pressure, generally less than 0.1 MPa overpressure. The most widespread variant is gravity-filling, followed by low-pressure filling. Chill casting is probably the most flexible of all processes:

• for small, medium and very large production runs;

• investment is incremental, and unit costs are lower than for automated sand blasting or pressurized machines;

• the use of sand cores allows great freedom of internal shape;

• it is possible to achieve excellent part compactness and fine metallurgical structures;

• all types of heat treatment are possible.

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