The primary vertical passage cut or formed in the sand that carries liquid metal from the pouring basin down into the runner system. After the casting solidifies, the metal that freezes inside this channel is also called the sprue, which must be cut off and recycled.
Heard on the job
Keep the ladle low and choke the sprue so we don't suck air into the runner.
Also heard as
- downsprue
Do not mix it up with
- Gate: The sprue is the vertical drop from the top of the mould, while the gate is the final entry point into the actual casting cavity.