A defect in a casting or forging where two streams of molten metal, or two forged surfaces, meet but fail to fuse into a solid mass. This occurs when the metal has cooled too much before the surfaces come together. It creates a visible line or internal crack that severely compromises the structural integrity of the part.
Heard on the job
Scrap that pump housing, we've got a massive cold-shut right across the main flange.
Insider tip
In sand casting, cold-shuts usually indicate that the pouring temperature was too low or the gating system filled the mold too slowly.
Also heard as
- cold shut