Abstract: A method and ceramic mold structure for use in producing articles having a predetermined crystalline orientation such as single crystals. The technique involves the use of a ceramic mold mounted on a chill plate with the mold defining a cavity tilted at an angle between about 5.degree. and 75.degree. relative to the vertical. One or more seed crystals are supported adjacent the chill plate and the orientation of the crystal is selected to provide a desired orientation in the resulting casting. The method results in improved solidification control, particularly with reference to avoiding defects caused by shrinkage.

Abstract: A mold construction and method for use in producing articles having a predetermined crystalline orientation including single crystals. The technique employs a seed holder or cradle that is inserted into a bottom aperture of a ceramic mold to permit the precise orientation of one or more seeds relative to the article cavity and to provide improved solidification process control. The technique also facilitates pattern assembly and pattern removal operations during fabrication of the ceramic mold.

Abstract: Cores for use in the casting of hollow metal parts by directional solidification from temperatures which may exceed 2700.degree. F., in which the strength, dimensional stability and shape of the core is maintained at such high temperatures by formulating the core to contain Cristobalite in an amount of at least 2.5% by weight.

Abstract: A shell mold for producing directionally solidified single crystal metal castings in which use is made of a crystal selector of helical shape wound about a support of a non heat disposable material which eliminates the need for providing a crystal selector of sufficient dimension for self support or other supporting means which may form a part of the pattern assembly about which the shell mold is formed.