Abstract: A process and apparatus for automating a hot-air baking cycle of sand molds. Such process and apparatus make it possible to regulate the hot-air baking or drying speed in a sand mold during a baking cycle. This regulation can be accomplished before casting, and in particular, before low-pressure casting. The process includes dividing the cycle into characteristic phases associated with particular baking parameters. The apparatus includes a calculator assembly for obtaining baking parameters. The invention can be used for the baking of foundry molds, and particularly, foundry molds for aeronautical parts.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for automating the hot-air baking of sand molds before casting a sample in the mold using low pressure casting techniques. The process includes dividing the cycle into characteristic phases associated with particular baking parameters, determining and recording the optimal baking parameters associated with each phase and regulating the hot air blown on the mold so as to assure correspondence between the optimal parameters and those actually obtained during an actual baking cycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic process for regulating a casting cycle which uses a machine exerting a low pressure. It comprises controlling the level of discharge pressure introduced into a furnace in order to raise metal being cast according to precise dynamic and physical conditions. By using an ultrasonic sensor, random non-predetermined phenomena accompanying the casting, such as lowering the level of metal in the crucible and leakage of discharge fluid, are taken into account in regulating the casting cycle and casting or forming metal within a mold.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for automating a hot-air baking cycle of sand molds. Such process and apparatus make it possible to regulate the hot-air baking or drying speed in a sand mold during a baking cycle. This regulation can be accomplished before casting, and in particular, before low-pressure casting. The process includes dividing the cycle into characteristic phases associated with particular baking parameters. The apparatus includes a calculator assembly for obtaining baking parameters. The invention can be used for the baking of foundry molds, and particularly, foundry molds for aeronautical parts.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for automating a vacuum degasification cycle for metal alloys, particularly aluminum alloys. The process comprises adjusting the degasification speed to sequentially correspond to a plurality of sets of degasification speed parameters. Each set of degasification speed parameters corresponds to a predetermined desired degasification speed. The degasification speed may be adjusted by adjusting the vacuum surrounding the alloy. The degasification speed is triggered to change from corresponding to one set of parameters to another set of parameters by the sensing of a series of predetermined partial pressures of gas in the alloy.