Abstract: An improved phosphate-type refractory investment material and method for making solid investment molds especially useful for casting high melting point metals and alloys, such as platinum and the like. The material consists essentially of one or more phosphate salts, a water soluble acidic constituent, and refractory powder. The material can be prepared as a dry powder blend which is easily shipped to the user and mixed with water at the time of investing the flask. Alternatively, the salt and/or acidic constituent can be combined with the refractory powder at the time of mixing with water.

Abstract: An improved phosphate-type refractory investment material and method for marking solid investment molds especially useful for casting high melting point metals and alloys, such as platinum and the like. The material consists essentially of one or more phosphate salts, one or more water soluble organic acids, and refractory powder. The material can be prepared as a dry powder blend which is easily shipped to the user and mixed with water at the time of investing the flask. Alternatively, the salt and/or organic acid can be combined with the refractory powder at the time of mixing with water.

Abstract: A special stucco for use in the construction of shell molds for investment casting is disclosed. The stucco particles comprise refractory powder held together by a binder which volatilizes or otherwise disintegrates at firing temperatures. Since the particles lose their structural integrity in the firing process, the shell mold may be more easily broken away from the finished casting.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing shell molds for investment casting using an artificial stucco material is disclosed. The stucco particles comprise refractory powder held together by a binder which volatilizes or otherwise disintegrates at firing temperatures. Since the particles lose their structural integrity in the firing process, the shell mold may be more easily broken away from the finished casting.

Abstract: For use in the lost pattern process of investment casting, an improved pattern assembly of the type having a pattern supporting center tree or sprue member including a rigid tube surrounded by a sleeve made of a flexible material, characterized by longitudinally spaced, thin bands of pattern material extending around the sleeve at those locations where the patterns are to be attached.