Sand-casting, which represents the basic process of casting would be seen. This article introduces some basic Sand Casting terminology.

Flask - A moulding flask is one which holds the sand mould intact. Depending upon the position of the flask in the mould structure, it is referred by various names such as drag, cope and cheek. It is made up of wood for temporary applications or more generally of metal for long-term use.

Drag - Lower moulding flask

Cope - Upper moulding flask

Cheek - Intermediate moulding flask used in three-piece moulding.

Pattern - Pattern is a replica of the final object to be made with some modifications. The mould cavity is made with the help of the pattern.

Parting line - This is the dividing line between the two moulding flasks that makes up the sand mould. In split pattern it is also the dividing line between the two halves of the pattern

Bottom board - This is a board normally made of wood, which is used at the start of the mould making. The pattern is first kept on the bottom board, sand is sprinkled on it and then the ramming is done in the drag

Facing sand - The small amount of carbonaceous material sprinkled on the inner surface of the moulding cavity to give better surface finish to the castings

Moulding sand - It is the freshly prepared refractory material used for making the mould cavity. It is a mixture of silica clay and moisture in appropriate proportions to get the desired results and it surrounds the pattern while making the mould.

Backing sand - It is what constitutes most of the refractory material found in the mould. This is made up of used and burnt sand.

Core - It is used for making hollow cavities in castings.

Pouring basin - A small funnel-shaped cavity at the top of the mould into which the molten metal is poured.

Spure - The passage through which the molten metal from the pouring basin reaches the mould cavity. In many cases it controls the flow of metal into the mould.

Runner - The passageways in the parting plane through which molten metal flow is regulated before they reach the mould cavity.

Gate - The actual entry point through which molten metal enters the mould cavity.

Chaplet - Chaplets are used to support cores inside the mould cavity to take care of its own weight and overcome the metallostatic forces.

Chill - Chills are metallic objects, which are placed in the mould to increase the cooling rate of castings to provide uniform or desired cooling rate.

Riser - It is a reservoir of molten metal provided in the casting so that hot metal can flow back into the mould cavity when there is a reduction in volume of metal due to solidification