Abstract: A method of casting a core includes the steps of preparing a first half of a corebox, preparing a second half of a corebox such that the parting line of a core formed from the first and second coreboxes runs along the vertical axis of the core.

Abstract: A method of casting a core includes the steps of preparing a first half of a corebox, preparing a second half of a corebox such that the parting line of a core formed from the first and second coreboxes runs along the vertical axis of the core.

Abstract: A method of casting a core includes the steps of preparing a first half of a corebox, preparing a second half of a corebox such that the parting line of a core formed from the first and second coreboxes runs along the vertical axis of the core.

Abstract: A method of casting a core includes the steps of preparing a first half of a corebox, preparing a second half of a corebox such that the parting line of a core formed from the first and second coreboxes runs along the vertical axis of the core.

Abstract: A method of casting a core includes the steps of preparing a first half of a corebox, preparing a second half of a corebox such that the parting line of a core formed from the first and second coreboxes runs along the vertical axis of the core.

Abstract: A method of casting a core includes the steps of preparing a first half of a corebox, preparing a second half of a corebox such that the parting line of a core formed from the first and second coreboxes runs along the vertical axis of the core.

Abstract: A casting mold with rigging for casting a railcar coupler, which includes a shank portion and a head portion, includes cope and drag portions that define an external shape for each of at least two couplers. The couplers are nested together and oriented in opposite directions to one another along respective longitudinal axes. A down sprue is centered between the first and second couplers and is configured to direct molten material to a gating system positioned between the at least two couples.

Abstract: A casting apparatus for casting a railcar coupler, which includes a shank portion and a head portion, includes cope and drag portions that define an external shape of the coupler. The casting apparatus also includes one or more cores that define an interior of the shank portion and a separate head core with an exterior that defines an interior of the head portion that includes lock chamber, guard arm side portion, and knuckle side portions of the head. The head core is a single piece with a hollow center section that defines a front face gating system that includes at least one in-gate configured to direct molten material to top and bottom regions of the head to define the lock chamber, guard arm side portion, and knuckle side of the head.

Abstract: A method for casting a thrower for a railcar coupler includes creating a mold box that is vertically parted in halves, each half defining a side of a thrower cavity and that includes at least a portion of a sprue at a location above the thrower cavity, the thrower cavity also being oriented vertically; pouring molten metal into the mold box through the sprue and into the thrower cavity while the mold is oriented vertically; and shaking out the mold box to release the thrower after the thrower has cooled. Creating the mold box may be executed through a cold shell process. The halves of the mold box may include reflective images of the sides of two thrower cavities and an ingate connected between the sprue and one of the two thrower cavities.

Abstract: A casting apparatus for casting a railcar coupler, which includes a shank portion and a head portion, includes cope and drag portions that define an external shape of the coupler. The casting apparatus also includes one or more cores that define an interior of the shank portion and a separate head core with an exterior that defines an interior of the head portion that includes lock chamber, guard arm side portion, and knuckle side portions of the head. The head core is a single piece with a hollow center section that defines a front face gating system that includes at least one in-gate configured to direct molten material to top and bottom regions of the head to define the lock chamber, guard arm side portion, and knuckle side of the head.

Abstract: A casting assembly for manufacturing a lock of a railcar coupler includes drag and cope portions of a first mold that defines exterior surfaces of the lock, wherein the first mold comprises a first molding material. The casting assembly also includes a second mold formed of a second molding material. The second mold defines a cavity with an interior surface that substantially complements an exterior surface of the first mold. A down sprue is formed in the second mold. A gating system is formed in the second mold that and is in fluid communication with the down sprue. An in-gate is formed in the second mold and is in fluid communication with the gating system and the first mold.

Abstract: A method for casting a thrower for a railcar coupler includes creating a mold box that is vertically parted in halves, each half defining a side of a thrower cavity and that includes at least a portion of a sprue at a location above the thrower cavity, the thrower cavity also being oriented vertically; pouring molten metal into the mold box through the sprue and into the thrower cavity while the mold is oriented vertically; and shaking out the mold box to release the thrower after the thrower has cooled. Creating the mold box may be executed through a cold shell process. The halves of the mold box may include reflective images of the sides of two thrower cavities and an ingate connected between the sprue and one of the two thrower cavities.