6. Liquid metal handling

Ladles lined with refractory materials are used to handle liquid metal.

Each transfer cools the liquid metal.

In the case of cast iron, you can lose 100°C between the oven and the mold. You must therefore :

• preheat the pockets as much as possible;

• use well-insulated containers with lids;

• limit decanting and do it quickly.

Various types of ladle can be used to transport liquid metal:

• stretcher ladle (figure 10 ) handled by two men for casting moulds weighing from 10 to 50 kg;

• teapots or dammed bags