What are match plates in casting?

Match plates are tooling components used in the casting process, specifically in sand casting. They consist of two plates that are hinged together, each containing a mold half, which, when closed, form a complete mold cavity for casting. This setup allows for efficient alignment and production of multiple molds or cores, ensuring consistency and accuracy in the casting process. Match plates facilitate quicker mold assembly and disassembly, enhancing overall production efficiency.