Method for the production of shell moulds and cores for casting metals and other materials capable of flow

The shell moulds are produced from organic non heat-resistant, binder-free moulding materials such as, for example, cotton or paper, which are moistened with water or some other freezable liquid and then frozen to give a sturdy mould shell. Freezing is preferably accomplished by means of liquid nitrogen although other chemically inert supercooled gases, liquids or solids are possible. After the metal has flowed into the mould, a sufficiently thick boundary layer solidifies before the mould loses its strength due to the heat of the metal. In the process, the liquid used for freezing the mould is melted and evaporates and the moulding material is possibly destroyed. The shell mould (2) which forms the mould cavity (3) is held by a supporting frame (1).