Before you even start talking about the equipment brand you need to understand the process you are working on. Any casting process involves melting metal. Melting practices must be understood. What temperature you are pouring and any other special processes being done. After you understand the process see how the equipment does the process. There is also a mold involved which may be a permanent mold, a green sand mold, a shell mold and other process. In some very speciallized foundry single crystal casting are poured in an investment casting mold and all melting and pouring occurs in a vacuum. Mold temperature may be a factor. Washing  mold prior to closing with argon or nitrogen may be performed. Finally shake our and cleanup will need to be understood.