Pouring

Pier Foundry & Pattern Shop utilizes 650 pouring ladles to distribute iron to our pouring lines. The first step in pouring ductile iron is to inoculate it. This process consists of adding magnesium to the base iron. A controlled reaction takes place inside the tundish ladle converting the base iron into ductile iron. Depending on the grade of ductile iron, alloys such as copper, chrome or molybdenum are added. Gray iron is produced in much the same way without the inoculation process. When the iron is ready to be poured it is distributed to the molds via pouring ladles. Temperature is monitored before each ladle is poured to within 10° F.