What is the purpose of a mold in metal casting?

The purpose of a mold in metal casting is to shape the material. In the casting process, a mold serves as a hollow cavity that defines the desired form of the final metal object. When molten metal is poured into the mold, it takes on the shape of the cavity as it cools and solidifies. This process is fundamental to metal casting, as it allows for the creation of complex shapes and designs with a high degree of accuracy and repeatability.

The other options focus on different functions that are not directly related to the primary role of a mold in casting. Cooling the liquid metal is achieved through the heat transfer between the metal and the mold's material, but it is not the main purpose of the mold itself. Measuring metal is a distinct process that ensures the correct amounts are used in casting but does not involve the mold. Holding cutting tools is relevant in machining operations rather than casting, emphasizing the importance of tool stability, which is unrelated to the shaping function of a mold.