Abstract: The invention provides methods for producing semi-permanent casting tooling, as well as semi-permanent casting tooling apparatus. Casting tooling including a blend of high char resin and refractory powder; casting tooling prepared from a blend of sol-gel ceramic precursor and refractory powder; and a preform including a leachable core as well as methods for their production are provided. The casting tooling of the invention can be used in casting processes including die casting, permanent mold casting and pressure infiltration casting. Also provided is an investment mold casting technique compatible with a pressure infiltration process.

Abstract: A die casting die particularly adapted for casting of parts with protruding heat sink pins. The die ejector half insert is made of two distinct pieces. One piece, the ejector cavity insert, includes through holes which define the heat sink pin-forming cavities. These cavities are closed by a combination of the second piece of the ejector half insert, and the ejector pins. The result is a more uniform part with less flashing, which ejects easily from the die. There is also less die wear associated with the ejector pins.

Abstract: This invention relates to riser sleeves which contain markings and concentric grooves. The markings are used to as a guide so one can customize the size of the sleeves and the concentric grooves are used to help hold the sleeve in place when it is placed in the mold where it surrounds the riser. The invention also relates to the use of the riser sleeves in the making of metal castings.

Abstract: The invention concerns a mold for a continuous casting system with a shaping mold tube made of a material with high thermal conductivity. To reduce the rate of heat removal at the height of the meniscus that forms within the mold cavity, the exterior of the mold tube is provided with a plating of a material of lower thermal conductivity than that of the mold tube. This results in reduced heat flow with higher temperatures in the meniscus area and in improvement in the surface quality of the cast billet.