Foundry defects — understanding “shift” in sand casting In sand casting practice, a “shift” defect refers to a visible mismatch between the cope and drag impressions after pouring and solidification. Which description best captures this defect in a finished casting?

Introduction / Context:
In foundry engineering, classifying surface and dimensional defects is essential for root-cause analysis and process improvement. A common dimensional defect in sand casting is called a “shift.” Understanding how and why a shift occurs helps technicians correct molding and core-setting practices before large scrap losses occur.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Process: conventional green-sand or dry-sand casting with cope (top flask) and drag (bottom flask).
• Observation: final casting shows misalignment between features that should be coaxial or coplanar.
• No changes to pattern size; defect is positional, not volumetric shrinkage.

Concept / Approach:
A shift defect is produced by relative displacement of the cope and drag mold halves (or cores) during mold assembly, handling, closing, or metal-pouring operations. Because the mold impressions no longer register, the casting surfaces formed by opposite mold halves are offset. This is distinct from defects like swell (surface bulging from weak ramming), scabs (adhering sand lumps), or blowholes (gas cavities), which have different causes and appearances.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Inspect parting line region; a stepped discontinuity aligned with the parting plane strongly indicates shift. Checking flask alignment pins and closing fixtures further confirms the diagnosis.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• General enlargement: typical of pattern allowance errors, not misalignment.
• Rough lumps near ingates: characteristic of scabs or run-outs, not shift.
• Sand patches on upper surface: related to erosion/scabbing; different mechanism.
• Internal cavities from gas: describes blowholes or porosity, not external misalignment.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing shift with core print misplacement; a core shift is similar but pertains to internal cavities, whereas mold-half shift affects external geometry along the parting line.

Final Answer: