Iron castings are made in the following manner. Typically, a pattern is first made which conforms to the external shape of the casting. In the sand molding process, this pattern is then used to form a cavity in the sand which is shaped to the desired contours and dimensions of the casting. Sand is packed firmly around the pattern. After the pattern is removed, cores are set in place; the cores form the interior surface in the casting. The mold is then closed, and the casting is poured. After the iron has solidified, the casting is removed from the mold, the sand is broken away, and the casting is sandblasted. It is then sent to the casting cleaning area to remove all extraneous metal. After final cleaning, it is sent to the paint line. A flowchart of a typical foundry operation is included in