Abstract: A sacrificial core is used for forming an interior space of a part and includes a ceramic core element and a first core element including a refractory metal element. The ceramic core element may be molded over the first core element or molded with assembly features permitting assembly with the first core element.

Abstract: A pattern with internal cores for creating a hollow component is composed of a first pattern half having one or more first self-locating features; a second pattern half having one or more second self-locating features; and one or more cores disposed in contact with the one or more first self-locating features and the one or more second self-locating features. The method for its manufacture includes the steps of creating a first pattern half having one or more first self-locating features; creating a second pattern half having one or more second self-locating features; providing one or more cores; and assembling the pattern by engaging the one or more first self-locating features and the one or more second self-locating features about the one or more cores.

Abstract: A slurry is used to secure a metallic casting core to a ceramic casting core. The slurry may be introduced between the metallic and ceramic casting cores and hardened. The slurry may comprise zircon and aqueous colloidal silica.

Abstract: A wax or similar material may be molded to a base plate of an investment casting shelling fixture. The molding may provide for enhanced positioning of wax patterns or may provide a precise surface shape for the shell.

Abstract: Pre-molding of wax or similar sacrificial material over one or more cores facilitates a subsequent molding over a core assembly. Individual cores or groups thereof may be pre-molded in a wax body. One or more such wax bodies may be assembled with other bodies and/or other cores to facilitate a main wax molding of such assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for shelling an investment casting pattern has a tank containing a coating material. There are means for holding the pattern immersed in the coating material. There may be means for vibrating the pattern during immersion of the pattern and a vacuum source coupled to the tank to withdraw air from at least one headspace of the tank.

Abstract: A wax or similar material may be molded to a base plate of an investment casting shelling fixture. The molding may provide for enhanced positioning of wax patterns or may provide a precise surface shape for the shell.

Abstract: A sacrificial core for forming an interior space of a part includes a ceramic core element and a first core element including a refractory metal element. The ceramic core element may be molded over the first core element or molded with assembly features permitting assembly with the first core element.

Abstract: An apparatus for shelling an investment casting pattern has a tank containing a coating material. There are means for holding the pattern immersed in the coating material. There may be means for vibrating the pattern during immersion of the pattern and a vacuum source coupled to the tank to withdraw air from at least one headspace of the tank.