Process of pouring molten metal into a mold .
When the metal solidifies, the result is a casting , a metal object conforming to that shape. Multitudinous metal objects are molded at some point during their manufacture. Modern foundries capable of large-scale production are characterized by a high degree of mechanization, automation, and robotics; microprocessors accurately control the automated systems. Advances in chemical binders have resulted in stronger molds and cores and in more accurate castings. Accuracy and purity are increased in vacuum conditions, and further advances are expected from zero-gravity casting in space.