Abstract: A method of forming an internal channel within an article, such as a cooling channel in an air-cooled blade, vane, shroud, combustor or duct of a gas turbine engine. The method generally entails forming a substrate to have a groove recessed in its surface. A solid member is then placed in the groove, with the solid member being sized and configured to only partially fill the groove so that a void remains in the groove. The void is then filled with a particulate material so that the groove is completely filled. A layer is then deposited on the surface of the substrate and over the solid member and the particulate material in the groove, after which at least the solid member is removed from the groove to form the channel in the substrate beneath the layer.

Abstract: A melt guide is provided for enclosing a bottom of an electroslag refining crucible containing a melt of electroslag refined metal. A base plate is sized to have a perimeter to engage the crucible bottom for attachment thereto. The base plate includes an upper surface for defining with the crucible a reservoir for receiving the melt, and a lower surface spaced therebelow. A central drain extends through the base plate for draining by gravity the melt from the reservoir. A plurality of circumferentially spaced apart slots extend radially outwardly from the drain toward the base plate perimeter and extend vertically through the base plate. Induction heating coils are mounted below the base plate lower surface for heating the melt through the slots. The base plate may take various forms including a flat plate, with or without a cooperating and removable insert.