in a foundry, why does the molten metal not melt the vat in which it’s being heated?

Question

I mean, obviously the vat must be made of a metal with a higher melting point. But then how did they cast the metal to make that vat?

In: Chemistry

Answer 1

It can if the molten metals are hot enough. Large crucibles can be lined with special fire resistant bricks to insulate the pot from heat or be made out of heat resistant materials like ceramics.

Think of space shuttle tiles- glowing hot on one side, easily grabbed by the hand on the other.