Foundry metallurgy — The principal metallic product tapped from a cupola furnace is called:

Introduction:
The cupola is a shaft furnace widely used in foundries for melting ferrous charge materials. Understanding what it produces clarifies downstream casting processes and alloy control. This question asks you to identify the standard product obtained from a cupola.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Cupola charge typically includes scrap cast iron, pig iron, steel scrap, and fluxes (limestone).
• Fuel is usually coke with air blast; slag is formed to remove impurities.
• Operation aims to produce a molten iron suitable for casting.

Concept / Approach:
In a cupola, the charge is melted and carburized to produce molten cast iron of specified composition (e.g., gray or ductile base iron). Pig iron is a primary product from blast furnaces, not cupolas; wrought iron is a low-carbon, slag-containing iron processed by puddling or similar historical methods. Steel requires refining to lower carbon/content beyond what a cupola provides.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify furnace type: cupola for melting foundry iron.Recognize typical output: molten cast iron for ladling into molds.Select “Cast iron” as the correct term for the product.

Verification / Alternative check:
Foundry texts describe cupolas as continuous melters delivering cast iron at controlled temperature and composition to molding lines.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Pig iron: product of blast furnace ironmaking prior to remelting.
• Wrought iron: not produced in cupolas.
• Steel: cupolas are not steelmaking converters.
• None of these: incorrect since cast iron is correct.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing ironmaking (blast furnace) with foundry melting (cupola); overlooking composition adjustments (e.g., inoculants) done after tapping.

Final Answer:
Cast iron