Pig Mold Casting

The object in the photo is also known as a pig mold.

An ingot mold is a container used in the casting process to shape molten metal into solid bars or blocks known as ingots. This process is thousands of years old and allows for easy transportation, storage, and further processing of the metal. 

While the term “ingot mold” is a general name for the tool, “pig mold” is a more specific term used in metallurgy, particularly for the production of pig iron. The name “pig” comes from a traditional casting method where molten iron was poured into a central channel (the “sow”) with smaller molds branching off of it (the “pigs”). When the metal cooled, the smaller ingots were broken off from the main channel. The mold in the photo serves a similar purpose, shaping molten metal into a solid form for further processing.

The primary function of a pig mold is to facilitate the casting process, which transforms molten metal into a solid, manageable form for storage, transport, and further processing.

• Creates Ingots:The mold gives a specific shape to the molten metal as it cools and solidifies.
• Facilitates Handling:Casting the metal into solid ingots allows it to be easily transported to other facilities for refining or manufacturing.