The metal casting process is the simplest, most direct route to a near net shape product, and often the least expensive. This process in its fundamental form requires a mold cavity of the desired shape and molten metal to pour into the mold cavity. Humans beings have been producing castings for thousands of years, most often pouring molten metal into molds made of sand. This is schematically shown below, a figure defining the basic components of a mold cavity (cope, drag, parting line, riser, sprue, pouring basin, etc.), as well as that part of the molten metal handling system known as a ladle. The production of molten metal and molds to make castings has traditionally been an art form, an expression of human creativity carried out both for aesthetic and practical reasons. The objective of metal casting has been to produce useful implements for human consumption as well as beautiful works of art. It is clear on examination of ancient art castings as well as modern industrial castings that their production requires significant skill as well as technological know how. The ancient artisan used traditions and learned skills passed down through the ages, as well as experience to produce acceptable castings. The modern pro 1ducer of industrial castings makes use of these same skills, but supplements them with an understanding of the fundamental principles of fluid flow, heat transfer, thermodynamics and metallurgical microstructural development.