Crucibles & Pouring Cups — Asbestos Exposure Crosswalk
What This Equipment Is
A crucible is a refractory container used to melt metal — non-ferrous metals (aluminum, brass, bronze, zinc), precious metals (gold, silver), or, in laboratory and dental work, very small batches of specialty alloys. Crucibles range from bench-top sizes (a few ounces) to large foundry crucibles holding hundreds of pounds of molten metal.
Historical crucible formulations used graphite-clay composites that, in some product lines, included asbestos fiber as a reinforcement against thermal-shock cracking. Pouring cups, ladle linings, and reusable bottom-pour shapes used similar formulations.
Asbestos Products Historically Used in Crucible Categories
| Product Category | Where Used | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Graphite-clay crucibles | Non-ferrous foundry, jewelry, dental | Asbestos-fiber-reinforced formulations |
| Refractory pouring cups | Bottom-pour systems | See Refractory Brick |
| Ladle linings | Hand and crane-handled ladles | Asbestos-bearing refractory mortar |
| Bench melting-vessel linings | Laboratory and dental | Asbestos millboard backers — see Millboard |
| Heat-shield aprons / gloves | Foundry PPE | See Asbestos Cloth |
Why Crucible Work Was an Asbestos Exposure Pathway
Crucible exposure was concentrated in:
- Crucible handling and replacement — broken or worn crucibles released asbestos fiber from the cracked matrix
- Lining patching — application of refractory mortar / castable around pour lips and ladle interiors
- Tear-out of failed linings — chipping and breaking out worn material
- PPE wear — direct skin and breathing-zone contact with asbestos cloth aprons, mitts, and shields used in pouring
Non-ferrous foundries, jewelry-fabrication shops, and dental laboratories were the typical work environments. Many small-shop operators worked without engineering controls in spaces with limited ventilation.
Manufacturers Named in Litigation Involving Crucible Categories
- A.P. Green Refractories — refractory crucible products
- Harbison-Walker Refractories — refractory products
- General Refractories — refractory products
- Johns-Manville — refractory and asbestos-bearing products
- Raybestos-Manhattan — asbestos cloth PPE
Documented Product References
Images sourced from publicly available product-identification reference materials. Inclusion does not constitute a finding of liability against any company.
Trust Funds That May Apply
- A.P. Green Industries Asbestos PI Settlement Trust
- Harbison-Walker Refractories / RHI Asbestos PI Trust
- General Refractories Asbestos PI Trust
- Manville Personal Injury Settlement Trust
- Raybestos-Manhattan Asbestos PI Trust
Trades Most Exposed at Crucible Work
Non-ferrous foundry workers, jewelry-shop melters and casters, dental-lab technicians, laboratory metallurgy technicians, refractory masons relining ladles and pour systems.
Jobsites in the Network
- Non-ferrous foundries and metal-finishing shops across the state-site network
- See companion pages: Foundry Sand, Refractory Brick, Refractory Mortar, Pouring Ladles
Compiled from publicly filed asbestos litigation, EPA / OSHA / NIOSH records, and industry-publication histories. Product and company references reflect what has been alleged or documented in publicly filed litigation. This page does not constitute a finding of liability against any company. Not legal advice; consult a licensed attorney about your specific situation.