Abstract: A die for moulding a core by a PIM process, the core having at least one internal feature, the die including; a first die part defining a first portion of an outer surface of the core; a second die part defining a second portion of the outer surface of the core; and an internal feature forming element for defining the surface of an internal feature of the core; wherein the internal feature forming element incorporates a temperature control circuit.

Abstract: An article 6 made from a porous material, such as a ceramic material, is dipped into a liquid impregnating material 12, such as molten urea in a bath 14. After withdrawal from the bath 14, excess impregnating material 12 is removed from the article 6 by means of an air knife 22. The air knife 22 is directed obliquely into an enclosure 18, which is maintained at a temperature above the melting point of urea. The article is passed into the enclosure 18 through the flow from a further air knife 20 which creates a separation airflow separating the interior of the enclosure 18 from the ambient surroundings. The article is carried by a fixture 6 to be conveyed along the processing line on a conveyor 2.

Abstract: An article 7 made from a porous material, such as a ceramic material, is dipped into a liquid impregnating material 12, such as molten urea in a bath 14. After withdrawal from the bath 14, excess impregnating material 12 is removed from the article 6 by means of an air knife 22. The article is carried by a carrier or fixture 6 to be conveyed along the processing line on a conveyor 2. The fixture 6 comprises a lower support 32 in the form of a pair of parallel bars which define between them a slot 38. The fixture also has clamping devices 42 for holding an upper region of the article 7, while the weight of the article 7 is supported by the lower support 32.

Abstract: An assembly of core components is provided for investment casting. First core component has an arrangement of pedestals and second core component has an arrangement holes. The first and second core components are assembled to mate in a required positional relationship. Pedestals 106 extend through the holes so that a protruding portion of each pedestal protrudes from the hole. A moulding material is applied to encapsulate the protruding portions of the pedestals to secure the pedestals with respect to the holes and thereby to secure the first core component with respect to the second core component.

Abstract: For forming a shell mould for investment casting, first and second core components are provided. These are formed of ceramic material. The core components are assembled together for manufacturing a wax pattern containing the core component for formation of a shell mould for investment casting. The core components have an arrangement of precursor location features. The method includes machining at least one of the precursor location features to a required shape to provide an arrangement of final location features. The core components are then positioned with respect to each other and/or with respect to a wax pattern die by contacting the arrangement of final location features with corresponding positioning features of a receiving device and/or the wax pattern die.

Abstract: Described is a ceramic core for producing cast component for a gas turbine engine, the core comprising: a first cavity forming member; a second member adjacent to or opposite the first cavity forming member; and a removable web which joins the first and second members.

Abstract: A die for moulding a core by a PIM process, the core having at least one internal feature, the die including; a first die part defining a first portion of an outer surface of the core; a second die part defining a second portion of the outer surface of the core; and an internal feature forming element for defining the surface of an internal feature of the core; wherein the internal feature forming element incorporates a temperature control circuit.

Abstract: A method of sintering a metal injection-moulded, green aerofoil component. The method includes providing a setter having a stationary support arranged to support an aerofoil part of the component and a moveable platform arranged to support an end part of the component, the moveable platform being independently moveable relative to the stationary support. The method further includes locating the green component on the setter such that the aerofoil part and the end part are supported by respectively the stationary support and the moveable platform. The supported green component is then sintered, the moveable platform moving during the sintering relative to the stationary support to accommodate sintering-induced shrinkage of the component.