Abstract: A method for die casting a component includes inserting at least one sacrificial core into a die cavity of a die comprised of a plurality of die elements. Molten metal is injected into the die cavity. The molten metal is solidified within the die cavity to form the component. The plurality of die elements are disassembled from the component, and the at least one sacrificial core is destructively removed from the component.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting material has a die for receiving a compressive force, the die having a shaped-opening for receiving a die insert. The die insert has an exterior shape that is adapted to cooperate with and be received in the opening such that compressive forces impinging upon the die are focused upon the die insert such that tensile forces within the die and impinging upon the die insert are minimized.

Abstract: A method for die casting a component includes inserting at least one sacrificial core into a die cavity of a die comprised of a plurality of die elements. Molten metal is injected into the die cavity. The molten metal is solidified within the die cavity to form the component. The plurality of die elements are disassembled from the component, and the at least one sacrificial core is destructively removed from the component.

Abstract: A high-temperature die casting die includes a first die plate with a first recess and a second die plate with a second recess, the first and second recesses defining a main part cavity and gating. A grain selector is in fluid communication with the main cavity, and an in situ zone refining apparatus is adapted to apply a localized thermal gradient to at least one of the first and second die plates. The localized thermal gradient and the at least one die plate are movable relative to each other so as to apply the localized thermal gradient along a first direction extending from the grain selector longitudinally across the main part cavity.

Abstract: A high-temperature die casting die includes a first die plate with a first recess and a second die plate with a second recess, the first and second recesses defining a main part cavity and gating. A grain selector is in fluid communication with the main cavity, and an in situ zone refining apparatus is adapted to apply a localized thermal gradient to at least one of the first and second die plates. The localized thermal gradient and the at least one die plate are movable relative to each other so as to apply the localized thermal gradient along a first direction extending from the grain selector longitudinally across the main part cavity.

Abstract: A casting mold assembly comprises an airfoil defining section and a casting core. The airfoil defining section includes an outer mold wall and a direct-shelled inner mold wall. The direct-shelled inner mold wall is disposed within a forward chordwise portion of the airfoil defining section. The direct-shelled inner mold wall includes an aft end having an external radius measuring more than about 0.075 in. (1.9 mm). The casting core is secured within an aft chordwise portion of the airfoil defining section, and includes an aft end with an external radius measuring less than about 0.075 in. (1.9 mm). A cast component and a method for making the casting mold assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A rapid manufacturing method includes forming tooling in a rapid manufacturing process. The tooling is coated with a conductive material.

Abstract: A high-temperature die casting apparatus comprises a die and a chiller. The die has a first die plate and a second die plate with respective first and second recesses defining a main part cavity and gating. The apparatus can be used for die casting metal alloys having a melting temperature of at least about 1500° F. (about 815° C.).

Abstract: A metal casting apparatus includes a feeder for providing a molten metallic material. A mold includes a sprue and a component cavity. The sprue is arranged to receive the molten metallic material from the feeder and the component cavity is arranged to receive the molten metallic material from the sprue. A starter is arranged adjacent the component cavity and is operable to induce a first grain orientation upon solidification of the molten metallic material. The sprue includes an aborter that is arranged to induce a second grain orientation upon solidification of the molten metallic material.

Abstract: A method for die casting a hybrid component includes defining a cavity within a die element of a die and inserting a spar into the cavity. Molten metal is injected into the die element. The molten metal is solidified within the cavity to cast the hybrid component. The spar establishes an internal structure of the hybrid component. The spar includes a high melting temperature material that defines a first melting temperature greater than a second melting temperature of the molten metal.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a casting article for use in a casting process includes rapidly forming the casting article out of a metallic material. A ceramic coating is applied to an exterior surface of the casting article.

Abstract: A rapid manufacturing method includes forming tooling in a rapid manufacturing process. The tooling is coated with a conductive material.

Abstract: A hybrid core assembly for a casting process includes a ceramic core portion, a first refractory metal core portion and a first plate positioned between the ceramic core portion and the first refractory metal core portion. The ceramic core portion includes a first trough. A portion of the refractory metal core portion is received in the first trough.

Abstract: A hybrid core assembly for a casting process includes a ceramic core portion and a refractory metal core portion that interfaces with a ceramic core trough of the ceramic core portion. The refractory metal core portion includes a finger having a bent portion that establishes a refractory metal core trough aligned with the ceramic core trough.

Abstract: A die casting system includes a die, a shot tube, a melting system and a vacuum system. The die includes a plurality of die components that define a die cavity. The shot tube is in fluid communication with the die cavity and is operable to deliver a charge of material to the die cavity. The melting system is positioned adjacent to the die and includes an alloy loader, a melting unit and a crucible. The vacuum system defines a first chamber and a second chamber separated from the first chamber by an isolation valve. The melting system is disposed within the first chamber, and the die is disposed within the second chamber.

Abstract: A method of forming a cast component includes at least partially surrounding an investment mold in a heat-insulating packing material, feeding a molten alloy into the investment mold to provide a filled investment mold, and agitating the filled investment mold while solidifying the molten alloy.

Abstract: A method of creating an article from investment casting includes forming a ceramic seed well, heating the ceramic seed well to form a hardened ceramic seed well, attaching a meltable pattern to the hardened ceramic seed well, coating the hardened ceramic seed well and the meltable pattern with hardenable ceramic material, heating the hardenable ceramic material to melt the meltable pattern, removing the meltable pattern from the hardenable ceramic material, firing the hardenable ceramic material to form a ceramic mold having a cavity, placing a seed within the hardened ceramic seed well, and pouring molten metal into the hardened ceramic seed well and the cavity. The cavity of the ceramic mold is in communication with the hardened ceramic seed well.

Abstract: A method of die casting a component having an integral seal includes defining a first portion of a die cavity of a die to include an open cell structure. A second portion of the die is defined without the open cell structure. Molten metal is injected into the die cavity, and the molten metal is solidified within the die cavity to form the component having the integral seal.

Abstract: A shot tube plunger for a die casting system includes a first face, an opposing second face and an outer surface disposed between said first face and said opposing second face. A channel circumferentially extends about the outer surface. The channel is operable to receive a portion of a charge of material introduced into the die casting system.

Abstract: A method for die casting a component includes inserting at least one sacrificial core into a die cavity of a die comprised of a plurality of die elements. Molten metal is injected into the die cavity. The molten metal is solidified within the die cavity to form the component. The plurality of die elements are disassembled from the component, and the at least one sacrificial core is destructively removed from the component.