Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a core for use in casting a gas turbine component is provided. The apparatus comprises a system having a cavity block with an upper portion, a lower portion, and a recessed cavity in each of the upper portion and the lower portion. Positioned within the cavity block is an adapter insert, and within the adapter insert is positioned a core die insert, where the core die insert is fabricated from a sacrificial material and has a hollow internal profile corresponding to an external surface of a core. A ceramic-based material is supplied to the core die insert where it solidifies. The core die insert is placed into a water-based solution and the core die insert is removed from around the core.

Abstract: A tool for reforming a core pattern. A method of reforming a core pattern comprises opening a core reformer tool. The core reformer tool has a first portion and a second portion facing the first portion. The first portion includes a concave member and a first adjustable pin. The second portion includes a convex member and a second adjustable pin. The method includes positioning the core pattern in the core reformer tool and closing the core reformer tool. The method comprises adjusting at least one of the first adjustable pin and the second adjustable pin to alter a surface of the core pattern. The method includes directing cooling air through the core reformer tool to solidify the core pattern and opening the core reformer tool to remove the core pattern.

Abstract: A tool for reforming a core pattern. A method of reforming a core pattern comprises opening a core reformer tool. The core reformer tool has a first portion and a second portion facing the first portion. The first portion includes a concave member and a first adjustable pin. The second portion includes a convex member and a second adjustable pin. The method includes positioning the core pattern in the core reformer tool and closing the core reformer tool. The method comprises adjusting at least one of the first adjustable pin and the second adjustable pin to alter a surface of the core pattern. The method includes directing cooling air through the core reformer tool to solidify the core pattern and opening the core reformer tool to remove the core pattern.

Abstract: A core pattern reformer system for adjusting and setting a core pattern for use in casting a gas turbine blade has a first portion having a first internal face with a concave portion. The first portion is coupled to a second portion. The second portion has a second internal face with a convex portion. A plurality of adjustable pins is positioned along the internal faces of the first portion and the second portion. The pins have a height that is adjustable with respect to the internal faces. A locking mechanism is included for securing the first portion to the second portion. The system includes one or more air inlets and one or more air exits and a source of cooling air coupled to the one or more air inlets.

Abstract: A core pattern reformer system for adjusting and setting a core pattern for use in casting a gas turbine blade has a first portion having a first internal face with a concave portion. The first portion is coupled to a second portion. The second portion has a second internal face with a convex portion. A plurality of adjustable pins is positioned along the internal faces of the first portion and the second portion. The pins have a height that is adjustable with respect to the internal faces. A locking mechanism is included for securing the first portion to the second portion. The system includes one or more air inlets and one or more air exits and a source of cooling air coupled to the one or more air inlets.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a core for use in casting a gas turbine component is provided. The apparatus comprises a system having a cavity block with an upper portion, a lower portion, and a recessed cavity in each of the upper portion and the lower portion. Positioned within the cavity block is an adapter insert, and within the adapter insert is positioned a core die insert, where the core die insert is fabricated from a sacrificial material and has a hollow internal profile corresponding to an external surface of a core. A ceramic-based material is supplied to the core die insert where it solidifies. The core die insert is placed into a water-based solution and the core die insert is removed from around the core.