Alloy
A solid solution consisting of two or more chemical elements, one of which is a metal.
AOD
Argon Oxygen Decarburization, a three-step refining method (decarburization, reduction, and desulphurization) that removes carbon from high grade alloys. AOD is primarily used on stainless steel.
As Cast
A cast devoid of secondary machining such as heat treatment.
CAD
Computer Aided Design. CAD is used for created computer-designed geometric models.
CAM
Computer Aided Manufacturing. CAM is often used to optimize production processes and improve the precision of dimensional tolerances.
Casting
A 6000 year old process of pouring molten metal into a mold to form solid metal shapes.
Charge
A metal's weight and composition before being subjected to heating.
Core
A section of mold used for forming internal shapes in a casting.
Core Assembly
An assembly consisting of one or more cores.
Cup
The opening in the mold where molten metal is poured.
Draft Angle
Amount of tapering on molded or cast parts. Investment casting allows for eliminated or variable draft angles.
Ferrous Metal
An alloy that is predominantly made up of iron.
Gas Porosity
Mold gasses trapped in molten metal during pouring.
Gating Systems
Channels in the runner system that provide access for the molten metal to enter the mold cavity.
Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP)
A process that applies simultaneous high temperature and high inert gas pressure, resulting in increased machinability and density.
Inclusion
Nonmetallic materials trapped in the casting, usually as a result of reoxidation, refractories, slag, and deoxidization.
Investment Casting
Wax or thermoplastic pattern is surrounded in refractory slurry to form a mold. Once the refractory slurry dries, the wax or plastic is melted out. Molten metal is then poured into the mold in to fill the areas that were previously filled with wax.
Metal Yield
The difference between a finished casting's weight and the total weight of the metal poured.
Mold
The cavity where the molten metal is poured to form the final solidified shape.
Non-ferrous Metal
An alloy that is not predominantly made up of iron.
Pattern
A wax or thermoplastic plastic replica of the final product to be made.
Rapid Prototyping
The use of computerized models, in conjunction with Thermojet printers, to produce function prototypes that help identify opportunities for design optimization before the manufacturing process begins.
Scrap
Waste produced during the casting process.
Shrinkage
The reduction in the molten metal volume that occurs during cooling.
Slag
An undesirable, non-metal film that forms on top of molten metal.
Slurry
A watery mixture used to cover the wax pattern to form a mold.
Sprue
The complete runner assembly system. Also known as the tree.