Metallurgy of steels: Cast steel (steel solidified from the molten state in molds) is classically produced by which manufacturing process in traditional practice?

Introduction / Context:
Historically, producing high-quality cast steel involved melting refined steel and pouring it into molds. Multiple processes exist in steelmaking; understanding which is traditionally associated with “cast steel” is a common materials question.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Question targets classical terminology from standard materials textbooks.
• “Cast steel” emphasizes fully molten steel poured into molds rather than wrought processing.

Concept / Approach:
The crucible process (Huntsman process) melted blister steel or refined steel in sealed clay crucibles to produce homogeneous, high-quality molten steel, which was then cast—hence “cast steel.” The cementation process carburizes wrought iron to make blister steel (not direct casting). Bessemer and open-hearth are bulk steelmaking processes; they can produce ingots, but the exam-classical pairing for “cast steel” is specifically the crucible method.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Historical references describe “crucible cast steel” as a premium product for tools and springs prior to widespread basic oxygen/electric furnace technologies.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Cementation: does not melt/cast; produces blister steel.
• Bessemer/Open hearth: large-scale refining routes; while they yield ingots, the term “cast steel” in classical MCQs points to crucible cast steel.

Common Pitfalls:

• Assuming any ingot route equals “cast steel”; the question is about the historically named process.

Final Answer:
Crucible process