The term gating ratio is used to describe the relative cross-sectional areas of the components of a gating

system. It is defined as the ratio of sprue area to the total runner area to the total gate area. A gating
system having sprue of 1sq.cm CS, a runner of 3sq.cm CS, and three gates, each of 1sq.cm CS, will have
a gating ratio of 1:3:3.

Gating ratios are grouped in two classes, viz., pressurized and unpressurized systems.

In the pressurized systems, the proportions of sprue, runner and gate areas are so arranged that back
pressure is maintained on the gating system by a fluid film restriction at the gates. This requires that the
total gate area is not greater than the area of the sprue. Gating ratios such as 1:0.75:0.5, 1:2:1 and 2:1:1
will therefore produce a pressurized system. A pressurized system keeps itself full of metal. The danger of
metal pulling away from the walls with consequent air aspiration is thus minimized. As this system is
small in volume for a given metal flow rate, it results in a smaller loss of metal and greater yield. On the
other hand, high metal velocities in a pressurized system may end to cause severe turbulence at the
junctions and corners and in mould cavity. This system is generally suitable for ferrous metals and brass.
The pressurized system encourage turbulence at ingate and hence not used for aluminum. Cast irons are
generally cast by pressurized gating.

In the unpressurized systems of gating produces lower metal velocities and permits greater flow rates. It
reduces turbulence in the gating system and spurting in the mould cavity. On the other hand, this system
requires careful design to ensure complete filling, and large sized runners and gates, which reduce the
yield and increase the wastage of metal. Further, equal flow in the case of multiple gating is difficult to
achieve. This system is generally adopted for metals such as aluminum and magnesium. The ratios used
are 1:2:2, 1:3:3 etc.