Abstract: A multiple-slide die-casting machine (20) is equipped with improved mechanical structure and unique injection control system to improve the quality of molded products, to achieve flash free castings of improved surface finish. The clamping assemblies (52A, 52B, 52C, 52D) are mounted on one side of a base plate (22) of the machine for applying clamping force to the mold sections in a preloaded state. A reinforcement ring (56) interconnects the clamping assemblies to inhibit deflection of the base plate and the brackets (72) which support the clamping assemblies so that an accurate parting line between the contacting surfaces of mold sections is insured.

Abstract: Cores (1) are joined to form a core assembly used in foundry practice, with the cores being joined to each other at connecting areas (2) formed by interconnected male and female portions (4, 5). A clamping member (3) is positioned between the male and female portions to produce a clamping effect therebetween.

Abstract: Disclosed is both a process and apparatus for forming a molded article. The molded article is formed in a vertically potted flaskless mold. The flaskless mold is closed having an opening in the top portion that receives a chill for directing the cooling of the molten metal introduced into the mold cavity. After the molten metal solidifies and before the mold is broken down, the chill is removed for reuse in the process.

Abstract: A two tiered mold handling system for use in a sand mold casting machine which comprises a two tiered conveyor for pouring and cooling, or a two tiered conveyor for cooling only. The two-tiered conveyor has an upper linear track and a lower linear track disposed at a lower vertical elevation. The tracks carry a plurality of mold pallets along an endless path around the upper and lower linear tracks. The application is directed toward several concepts including two tiered pouring conveyors in combination with two tiered cooling conveyors, two tiered combination pouring and cooling conveyors, and one tiered pouring conveyors in combination with two tiered cooling conveyors to provide a lower pouring elevation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming a plurality of uniformly sized solder balls utilize a stencil having a plurality of holes of uniform volume disposed on a substrate. Solder is disposed in the holes of the stencil on the substrate. Typically, the solder is in the form of solder paste which is distributed into the holes using a squeegee. While within the holes of the stencil on the substrate, the solder is melted to form solder balls. The stencil may then be removed to leave the solder balls on the substrate, or the solder balls may be removed while the stencil remains on the substrate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming a plurality of uniformly sized solder balls utilize a stencil having a plurality of holes of uniform volume disposed on a substrate. Solder is disposed in the holes of the stencil on the substrate. Typically, the solder is in the form of solder paste which is distributed into the holes using a squeegee. While within the holes of the stencil on the substrate, the solder is melted to form solder balls. The stencil may then be removed to leave the solder balls on the substrate, or the solder balls may be removed while the stencil remains on the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pressure casting a battery part wherein the state of molten lead is monitored so that when the molten lead enters a liquid-to-solid transformation stage, the volume of the mold available for the lead to solidify therein is quickly reduced through a volume contraction step to thereby cause the molten lead to flow into the remaining volume at the same time one maintains pressure on the molten lead. As the molten lead solidifies under the reduced volume and high pressure it produces a battery part that is substantially free of both tears and cracks. In an alternate method, the lead is allowed to solidify and at least a portion of the lead is mechanically deformed through a volume contraction step to cause cracks or tears in the battery part to be eliminated thereby providing a battery part free of cracks or tears.

Abstract: A casting machine is provided for producing an as-cast product by using horizontally split type metal molds, which are closed and held horizontally to define a cavity, and by pouring molten metal from a holding furnace into the cavity. The casting machine includes a metal drag held horizontally at a fixed position; a plurality of upwardly-facing cylinders disposed around the metal drag and mounted on a floor or a base, each cylinder having a cylinder rod that extends and retracts; and a cope die base mounted for vertical movement on the distal ends of the cylinder rods of the upwardly-facing cylinders for horizontally holding a metal cope at a position above the metal drag so that the metal cope is mated with the metal drag to define the cavity when the cope die base is lowered by the upwardly-facing cylinders.

Abstract: A gravity pour vacuum casting method and apparatus providing uniform set-up provisions for gas permeable molds regardless of mold size, shape, or mold type employed in accordance with the present invention. Apparatus includes a sprue-forming device that when combined with a disposable foundry patter and subsequently invested together as a unit forms a gas permeable mold in accordance with the present invention, and further includes a vacuum chamber configured to match corresponding counterparts of said sprue-forming device.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting molded parts includes a casting mold having a lower core, an upper core and pushing elements, which, in a first end position, are in contact so as to form a hollow space into which a liquid casting mass can be introduced during a casting process. The upper core, which rests against the inside of the molded part is displaceable in an insertion direction in order to remove the molded part comprising a hardened casting mass. The upper core has a jacket surface and a bore that extends at a predetermined angle with respect to the insertion direction. An actuating element is displaceable in the insertion direction. An undercut pushing element is coupled to the actuating element via a crossbeam and has a front end that is movable between first and second end positions.

Abstract: A mold for casting a vehicle wheel includes a plurality of mold members that cooperate to define a mold cavity. The mold cavity includes an annular rim cavity for casting a wheel rim and a disc cavity for casting a wheel disc. The mold members define a central axis and have a passageway for introducing molten metal into the rim cavity. The rim cavity has a radial width that changes in a circumferential direction between a maximum width portion of the rim cavity located proximally relative to the passageway, and a minimum width portion of the rim cavity located distally relative to the passageway. In a method for casting a vehicle wheel, a mold as described above is provided. Molten metal is introduced through the passageway into the rim cavity to fill the mold cavity and form a wheel casting. The wheel casting is allowed to cool sufficiently to solidify the metal.

Abstract: A continuous casting installation comprises an ingot mould and an oscillating holding device used for causing the ingot mould to swing when in a casting position. The installation consists, in a separable manner, of an interchangeable part and a stationary part. To replace the intechangeable part, it is separated from the stationary one and moved using a conveying means, at least along a partial path, from its position of operation into an area beneath the casting position. This enables, especially in the multiline casting installations, the interchangeable part to be transported during the casting process and, for example, along paths comprising straight or arciform segments, to any purposefully selected position and to be replaced by a new interchangeable part to be replaced in multiline installations with no interference with the casting process in any adjacent ingot arrangement.

Abstract: An assembled mold base member for a wheel component includes a universal base support member which is combined with one of a plurality of interchangeable center members to form an assembled mold base. The assembled mold base cooperates with an assembled top core having an interchangeable end member combined with one of a plurality of universal top core members and side members to form the wheel component mold.

Abstract: A simplified mold handling system has a linear flowpath with adjustable throughput, variable cooling cycle capability, and minimized equipment and cost. The system has a mold handling conveyor with upper and lower levels on which pouring and cooling of the molds occur. The upper level of the conveyor receives sand molds and conveys the empty molds to a pouring station wherein molten material is deposited therein to form castings. After the castings have been poured, the molds are transferred to the lower level of the pouring conveyor for cooling purposes, and then back to the upper level. The sand molds are then either pushed to another row of the pallet, or are pushed down a ramp to a vibrating conveyor for removal of the sand. Such features allow adjustability in the dwell time required for cooling of the given metal.

Abstract: A process for inserting cores into a casting mold includes inserting a plurality of individual cores into a template; forming a core group by joining together the plurality of individual cores within the template using a bracing and securing device which is detachable; dipping the core group into a founder's black bath to provide a coated core group; drying the coated core group; inserting the core group after drying into the casting mold; and removing the bracing and securing device. The process advantageously additionally includes providing a plurality of core groups that form a core assembly for a casting mold; forming a core set by joining together the plurality of core groups using a bracing and securing device; dipping the core set into a founder's black bath to provide a coated core set; drying the coated core set; inserting the core set after drying into the casting mold; and removing the bracing and securing device.

Abstract: The upper level of the pouring conveyor receives sand molds and conveys the empty molds to a pouring station wherein molten material is deposited therein to form castings. Each mold is provided with a supportive weight and jacket before pouring. After the castings have been poured, the molds are transferred to the lower level of the pouring conveyor for cooling purposes, and then back to the upper level to remove the weight and jacket. The sand molds are then transferred to the upper level of the cooling conveyor and are deposited into trays provided on the cooling conveyor. Each tray is adapted to receive a plurality of molds to enable the molds to move from serial to parallel movement. An indexable pusher arm is provided to accurately place each mold in a respective tray to insure proper spacing for uniform cooling. After each tray has traversed the upper and lower levels of the cooling conveyor, the molds are removed from the trays and the sand is broken away to reveal the castings for harvest.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for casting a metal which uses assemblies of foundry shapes. The foundry shapes are held together with a solventless adhesive paste having urethane linkages. The foundry adhesive paste is a two component system comprising a prepolymer in the Part I and a curative in the Part II.

Abstract: A casting mold assembly includes cope and drag sections having a casting cavity therebetween and a casting core supported within the cavity. A vertical down sprue extends through the cope section and joins a flow passage extending through the core in prolongation of the down sprue for introducing molten metal directly into the mold cavity to produce a disk brake rotor. A filter is supported in the flow path of the core and a flow control lip is provided at the exit of the flow path to provide a flow constricting gap between the annular lip and an underlying lower cavity wall to slow the flow of metal into the cavity.

Abstract: A machine including a system for moving one member into engagement with another and to apply a high clamping force thereto. The system includes an electrically operated pump and an associated cylinder assembly. The cylinder assembly includes a housing having first and second chambers, each having actuating fluid therein. A piston is located within the housing and is coupled to one member. A ballscrew and associated nut are located within the housing coupled to the piston and arranged to move the piston in either of two opposite directions under power from an externally located electrical servomotor. When the piston is moved in one direction it carries the associated member into engagement with the other member and also causes actuating fluid to flow from the second chamber into the first chamber. The pump is arranged to provide additional actuating fluid to the first chamber for applying a clamping force directly to the piston, and not to the ball screw and nut.

Abstract: Lower structure of a mould for the pressure casting of flat products such as slabs and method for mount and removing the lower spacer of this mould is provided. The lower structure of the mould includes an intermediate beam (26) resting freely on a frame (3) whose upper surface opposite to its surface bearing on the frame (3) carries a lower spacer (4) which is fixed by clips (37) on the beam (26). At least one positioning pin (54) is engaged in a housing (55) at the front part of the frame (3). A plurality of members (47) for holding the intermediate beam (26) on the frame are distributed according to the length of the beam (26). These members each comprise a part (46) which can be engaged longitudinally in a coupling device (45) attached to the beam (26) and which can be actuated in order to hold the beam (26) on the frame (3) or, on the other hand, in order to release it.

Abstract: Flat metal products are pressure cast in a mould having two lateral walls each consisting of a support and of a graphite block as well as several spacers, including an upper spacer interposed between the blocks. The ends of the upper spacer and of the front spacer are inserted between two half-shells intended to receive a header of molten metal at the end of the cast. Elastic members carried by the supports exert during the cast, a clamping force of the half-sheels on the spacers. After the start of solidification of the slab, the clamping force is reduced by lateral jacks which eliminate any resistance to contraction of the slab and thus prevent the formation of cracks at the slab/header transition.

Abstract: The frame of a mould comprises at least one rigid transverse structure element disposed in a zone which is substantially distant from the ends of the frame. The transverse element comprises two end parts between which are disposed support beams of the lateral moulding walls. Jacks each fixed on an end bearing part of the structure element are connected via their movable rod to the beam in zones which are distant from the longitudinal ends of the beam. The jacks make it possible to achieve both the displacement of the walls between their opening and closing positions and the clamping of the mould. Restriction of the clamping stresses is provided by the structure element. The bending moment of the beams remains low since the points of application of the stresses on the beams are distant from the ends of these beams and chosen as a function of the clamping conditions of the mould.

Abstract: The spacer comprises a body made from a single piece of metal of hollow form having a U-shaped transverse section. The concave part of this section faces towards the rear and the front face of the hollow body correspondiung to the base of the U forms the moulding wall of the spacer. A bent metal inner sleeve provides a free space of small thickness which has a U-shaped cross-section in which circulating water cools the moulding wall over its entire length. The space also comprises lateral parts in contact with the lateral walls of the hollow body.

Abstract: An injection apparatus includes a plunger, an injection sleeve, a sleeve frame, and a rotational-linear motion transmission mechanism. The plunger is supported at a substantially central portion of a supporting frame. The injection sleeve is provided to be movable forward/backward with respect to the supporting frame and receives a distal end portion of the plunger such that the distal end portion can move forward/backward. The sleeve frame supports the injection sleeve. The rotational-linear motion transmission mechanism is arranged between a motor and the supporting frame and converts a rotational motion into a linear motion.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns a casting die for a cylinder, including engine blocks having a plurality of cylinders such as for internal combustion engines, including an expendable core for forming a jacket around the cylinders. This core has a printout portion at one end of the cylinder which is held in place by a cooperating flange on a mandrel that fits inside the cylinder. This mandrel may hold a liner for the cylinder. A dowel is provided in one of the die parts for insertion into the hollow mandrel. The mandrel is held in position by being clamped between the two opposing die parts, and the flanges of the core printout portion may be loosely held in the printout cavity of one of the die parts which preferably also contains one or more locating pins for bridging at least part of the gap between the printout portion and the printout cavity in the die for better positioning the core in the die.

Abstract: Apparatus for the vacuum, countergravity casting of metal in shell molds including a gas permeable shell mold secured to the mouth of a vacuum box by a plurality of keepers on the ends of rotatable shafts reciprocably slidable through the ceiling of the vacuum box, which keepers are adapted for insertion into and rotation within an anchoring cavity in the mold such that the keeper engages a portion of the mold overhanging the cavity to secure the mold to the box.

Abstract: Apparatus (20) for bonding a pair of molds shells (28a, 28b) into a mold includes a first workstation (24) for applying adhesive to one of the shells (28b), and a second workstation (26) having a press (104, 106, 108) for pressing together the shells (28a, 28b) after adhesive has been applied thereto. A base (42) includes a pair of spaced apart base portions (42a, 42b) which are pivotally mounted so as to alternately rotate between the first and second workstations (24, 26). The first workstation (24) includes an adhesive applicator (58) carried on a carriage (88) which is slidably mounted on guiderails (94) so as to shift to a standby position providing access to a mold shell (28b) located on a base portion (42a) so as to allow the shells to be loaded and unloaded at the first workstation (24). A motor driven drip tray (80) is provided on the adhesive applicator (58) to prevent unintended dripping of adhesive onto mold shells or fixtures.

Abstract: The molding installation includes a molding apparatus adapted to effect the molding with a die; a stocker adapted to store the die; a carriage having a table with the die loaded thereon, the stocker being adapted to exchange the die for another in the molding apparatus and disposed on a passage connecting between the molding apparatus and the stocker; a die transferring mechanism mounted on the molding apparatus and adapted to transfer the die between the molding apparatus and the carriage; and another die transferring mechanism mounted on the carriage and adapted to transfer the die between the carriage and the stocker.The arrangement for the die transferring mechanism on the carriage avoids a provision of a die transferring mechanism on each stocker, thus making the die transferring mechanism on the carriage a smaller size, reducing an inertia thereof, leading to a speed-up of operation thereby, enabling a rapid suspension thereof and rendering a molding cycle more efficient.

Abstract: A first insert is arranged to be engaged with one surface of a matchboard in alignment with a bore in the matchboard. A second insert has a portion thereof arranged to be engaged with the opposite surface of the matchboard at the bore. The first and second inserts have impression forming portions arranged to make recess and projecting contours respectively in impression material with a close tolerance interfitting engagement when in facing relation to provide anti-shifting connection to opposed portions of the impression material. The inserts have a telescoping engagement which precisely aligns the first and second inserts in their impression forming functions, and such telescoping arrangement provides adjustable mounting of the inserts on matchboards of different thicknesses.

Abstract: A core making machine wherein a selected blow plate is attracted to the blow head by suction and/or by one or more magnets so that the connection between the blow head and the plate can be terminated or established practically instantaneously without the utilization of screws, bolts and nuts, clamps, hooks or other conventional fasteners.

Abstract: Apparatus for the countergravity casting of molten metal by immersing of gas-permeable multi-piece mold in an underlying pot of molten metal includes a motor actuated plunger for pressing the pieces into sealing engagement with each other without the need for glue therebetween and for resisting destructive flexure of the mold incident to the application of casting vacuum thereto.

Abstract: In a method of producing cores for foundry purposes, with the cores being composed of at least two core sections and being firmly joined with one another, the individual core sections are molded separately in a core mold composed of at least two mold sections. At the end of a molding process for the individual mold sections, their core mold is opened in such a manner that the core section remains connected with a mold section. Then the individual core sections to be joined, together with their mold sections, are moved into an assembly position and are joined together by defined relative movements of the mold sections with respect to one another. After the joining process, the one mold section is released first and then the assembled core is ejected from the other mold section.

Abstract: Inserts with projections and recesses are provided for securement to mold components and also are arranged to make respective recesses and projections in impression material such as sand. These recesses and projections in the impression material are dimensioned and shaped to have a reverse interfitting engagement to accomplish anti-shift functions and are dimensioned and arranged to form spaces between facing impression portions for receiving loose impression material. This arrangement also forms an improved method of mounting anti-shift inserts.

Abstract: A mold for casting cylinder blocks of combustion engines in an upright position includes a cope and a barrel core located therewith for defining a cylinder bore. A drag defines a crank space and is configured for cooperating with the cope to define a cylinder block such that the drag and cope can be stripped in an axial direction with respect to the cylinder bore.

Abstract: A mold structure has a plurality of article molds disposed in an array with an open central space. A gating system is connected with upper ends of the article molds and a base is connected with lower ends of the article molds. A baffle plate is inserted into the open central space between the article molds. The baffle plate has an area which is greater than the area of an opening in the base. A lower side of the baffle plate overlies an area on the base which extends completely around the opening in the base. To insert the baffle plate through the opening in the base, a slit is formed in the baffle plate. A portion of the base is received in the slit and then the baffle plate is rotated to turn it through the opening in the base. An alternative method of inserting the baffle plate is by partially folding the baffle plate and inserting the folded baffle plate through the opening in the base of the mold structure.

Abstract: A register system is provided for making molds for metal casting which reduces flaws attributable to parting line shift. This is accomplished by urging the cope mold flask (11) against two fixed stops (50, 52) on the long axis, and one fixed stop (54) on the short axis of the flask. This same register principle is applied in the drag mold making station 18, where the drag flask (15) is urged against two fixed stops (86, 88) on the long axis, and one fixed stop (90) on the short axis of the flask.

Abstract: A conveyor system for use in a lost foam casting system connects a plurality of stations where operations necessary to the process are carried out. The system utilizes an interconnected train of open frame gondolas supported on a set of elevated parallel horizontal rails forming a closed loop. The gondolas each support a flask wherein molds are placed and sand molds are compacted, with the flasks being removable from the gondolas as necessary for the particular operation. A programmable controller senses the status of the system and provides signals to operate the conveyor and associated components.

Abstract: An adhesive paste composition containing in admixture a resin component, a hardener component, a hydrophobic filler component and a curing agent. The resin component includes a polyol having at least two hydroxyl groups and the hardener component includes a liquid polyisocyanate containing at least two isocyanate groups. The admixture may be made by mixing together a premixed resin component contianing a filler and a catalyst and a premixed hardener component containing a hydrophobic filler. The fluid in the resin component, the hardener component, or both may be a thixotropic agent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting the misalignment of cooperating mold sections is provided. The apparatus and method utilize a mold making machine which includes a device for forming a cavity of predetermined shape in the interior of each mold section and a device for forming a reference mark on the exterior of the mold surface, a conveyor for transporting the molds along a predetermined path from the mold making machine to a mold pouring station, and a non-contact distance measuring device for detecting the misalignment of the internal mold cavities of the mold sections by detecting any misalignment in the external reference marks.

Abstract: An improved method of assembling molds enables the size of successive molds to be adjusted to provide cast articles having a desired size. In practicing the method, a first or initial mold is assembled in a fixture. This initial mold is used to form a cast article. The cast article formed in the initial mold is measured to determine the extent to which the dimensions of the article deviate from predetermined design dimensions. The fixture is then adjusted to compensate for the deviations in the dimensions of the cast article from the intended or design dimensions. A second mold is then assembled in the fixture. Since the fixture has been adjusted to compensate for the inaccuracies in the first mold, a product cast with the second mold will have dimensions closer to the desired dimensions.

Abstract: In a forcibly cooled casting apparatus including a lower surface plate and an upper cooling plate covering the lower surface plate with a casting mold therebetween, a plurality of tube members extend through the casting mold and having a lower end supported on a receiving base of the surface plate and an upper end received in a positioning hole of the cooling plate. A sleeve provided on the cooling plate supports a protection case within which extends a cooling nozzle which passes through the cooling plate. The cooling nozzle is connected to a source of cooling fluid and has a tapered tip which fits in the upper end of the tube member so that cooling fluid can flow through the tube member. A spring compressed within the protection case biases the cooling nozzle into fluid tight contact with the tube member. A detector is provided for detecting improper positioning of the cooling nozzle.

Abstract: An improved mold includes an upper mold section having a primary distribution system which is connected with a furnace and a lower mold section which is withdrawn from the furnace on a chill plate. A baffle plate is supported from the primary distribution system. The lower mold section includes a secondary distribution system which is connected in fluid communication with the primary distribution system at separable joints. The secondary distribution system is connected in fluid communication with article molds which are disposed in an annular array. During pouring of molten metal, reaction forces are transmitted to the chill plate from the pour cup through a support post and baffle plate. Once the article molds have been filled with molten metal, the chill plate is lowered. The primary distribution system which is connected to the furnace, remains stationary.

Abstract: A lower mold made of a metal mold is disposed on a stool and an upper mold consisting of a sand mold is guided and fitted to the lower mold in such a manner as to define a cavity for a product. Tubular members are disposed at several positions in such a manner as to penetrate through the upper and lower molds and the cavity. A cooling plate equipped with cooling nozzles fitting to the projecting ends of the tubular members from the upper mold is disposed in such a manner as to clamp the upper and lower molds between it and the stool. The cooling nozzles are communicated with a cooling medium tube disposed on the cooling plate so that a cooling medium supplied to the cooling medium tube is uniformly distributed to the cooling nozzles.

Abstract: A forced cooling casting apparatus has a loop track for guiding a stool having a lower mold fitted thereto and having a punch-out portion. A plurality of stations are sequentially disposed on the loop track for effecting the steps of cleaning the lower mold, arranging an upper mold, inserting tubular members for cooling, setting a cooling plate having a plurality of cooling nozzles for passing a cooling medium through the tubular members, pouring a molten metal, effecting cooling in several stages, removing the cooling plate and taking out the resulting casting. A cooling medium tube communicates with the cooling nozzles, having a coupler and disposed on the cooling plate. A cooling medium feeder is connected to the coupler and/or a cooling medium jet device for cooling the lower mold, and is disposed at each of the cooling stations.

Abstract: In order to maintain fluid tight seals between open ended article mold cavities and a chill plate and to prevent cracking of article molds at connections with a base plate, the base plate has sections which can be moved relative to each other under the effect of thermal expansion forces transmitted from a molten metal distribution system connected with the upper ends of the article molds. The base plate may be formed as one piece with stress concentration areas. During the casting of articles, stresses in the base plate crack the base plate at the areas of stress concentration to form the separate sections of the base plate. The areas of stress concentration can be formed by slots or grooves in the base plate. The areas of stress concentration can also be formed by bodies of expansion material having a greater coefficient of thermal expansion than the ceramic material of the base plate.

Abstract: Chain forming dies having inner surfaces shaped to form a desired number of linked chain elements. The dies are adapted to close against one another and a casting gate to each chain element forming section is provided. The connection for the chain elements are formed by a die insert inserted in a groove between each chain element forming section. The die insert simultaneously forms holes on extrusions of each chain element and axial posts on the mating end of each adjacent chain forming element. Means are provided to position the die insert when the chain forming dies are closed against each other. Mating coupler elements are formed by coupler-shaped sections in the chain forming dies.

Abstract: A method for moulding multiple castings in which each mould is fed from a source of molten metal through a thin slit the width of which lies in the range 1.25 mm down to 0.25 mm. The cast articles can easily be removed from the runner and riser system after casting without a machining operation so that the casting moulds can be packed closer together and more castings can be produced from each mould assembly. The thin slit also acts as a filter. A particular mould assembly seen in FIG. 2 is cylindrical and comprises a plurality of wedge-shaped mould segments 2 having mould cavities 4 in abutting faces. A central runner passage 6 is formed when the mould segments are assembled and the metal flows into the mould cavities through narrow slits 10 in one edge of each mould. After casting and removal of the mould the narrow flashing formed in the slits can easily be broken to remove the cast articles from the metal formed in the central runner passage.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for assembling molds enables the size of successive molds to be adjusted to provide cast articles having a desired size. In using the apparatus, a first or initial mold is assembled in a fixture. This initial mold is used to form a cast article. The cast article formed in the initial mold is measured to determine the extent to which the dimensions of the article deviate from predetermined design dimensions. The fixture is then adjusted to compensate for the deviations in the dimensions of the cast article from the intended or design dimensions. A second mold is then assembled in the fixture. Since the fixture has been adjusted to compensate for the inaccuracies in the first mold, a product cast with the second mold will have dimensions closer to the desired dimensions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mould assembly including a plurality of individual moulds. The mould assembly of the present invention is made by separately transfer moulding a starter base 16, a plurality of moulds 12, a downpole 14 and pouring cup 19, providing each with mechanical locking features, such as screw threads, and joining them together into the assembly. Much greater flexibility is thereby achieved in materials and wall thicknesses, which can be different in different parts of the assembly to suit strength and heat transfer requirements, individual bits can be replaced, and the transfer moulding produces a compact homogeneous ceramic structure.

Abstract: A low pressure mold system includes a pouring-in core with a bore which is inserted into the upper part of a foundry mold. The bore is connected by an overflow channel and a drop channel with the hollow space of the mold which is to be filled. Melt is forced from below into the pouring-in channel of the casting mold. The core forms a channel in the shape of a siphon, permitting emptying of the pouring-in channel immediately after the filling process.