Abstract: A system is configured for machining a workpiece (100), the workpiece includes an interior surface (110) that defines an internal passage (112). The system includes an electrode (116) located within the internal passage and electrically isolated from the workpiece, an electrolyte supply, a power supply, and a remover. The electrolyte supply is configured for circulating an electrolyte in a gap between the electrode and the workpiece. The power supply is configured for applying a voltage between the electrode and the workpiece to facilitate smoothing the interior surface. The remover is configured for completely removing the electrode from within the internal passage after smoothing the interior surface.

Abstract: A system and method including receiving a data model representation of a part, the data model representation including at least one layer of the part and inner and outer contours for the at least one layer; determining a hatch pattern for each layer of the at least one layer of the part, the hatch pattern for each layer being dependent on the inner and outer contours for each respective layer; generating a record of the determined hatch pattern for each layer, the record including locations for the hatch pattern for each layer; and saving the record of the determined hatch pattern for each layer of the part. In some aspects, the record of the determined hatch pattern for each layer of the part may be used in an additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: A system and method including receiving a data model representation of a part, the data model representation including at least one layer of the part and inner and outer contours for the at least one layer; determining a hatch pattern for each layer of the at least one layer of the part, the hatch pattern for each layer being dependent on the inner and outer contours for each respective layer; generating a record of the determined hatch pattern for each layer, the record including locations for the hatch pattern for each layer; and saving the record of the determined hatch pattern for each layer of the part. In some aspects, the record of the determined hatch pattern for each layer of the part may be used in an additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: A system is configured for machining a workpiece (100), the workpiece includes an interior surface (110) that defines an internal passage (112). The system includes an electrode (116) located within the internal passage and electrically isolated from the workpiece, an electrolyte supply, a power supply, and a remover. The electrolyte supply is configured for circulating an electrolyte in a gap between the electrode and the workpiece. The power supply is configured for applying a voltage between the electrode and the workpiece to facilitate smoothing the interior surface. The remover is configured for completely removing the electrode from within the internal passage after smoothing the interior surface.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to additive manufacturing techniques, and more specifically, to additive manufacturing techniques that involve binder jet printing. A disclosed additive manufacturing system for fabricating an article includes a build unit and a positioning system operably coupled to the build unit. The positioning system is configured to move the build unit in at least three dimensions. The build unit includes a recoater portion configured to deposit a layer of powder within a build area of the additive manufacturing system. The build unit also includes a binder jetting portion configured to selectively deposit and cure a binder within a periphery of the deposited layer of powder to form a dynamic build envelope around the article being fabricated in the build area.

Abstract: The introduction of spray formed metals into critical applications in the aircraft engine and power generation industries has been hampered by the possibility of erosion of oxide particles from a crucible lining or pouring nozzle in conventional spray forming equipment. These oxide particles may become inclusions that limit low-cycle fatigue life of parts. Use of a cold-walled induction guide (CIG) with an electrical insulation layer between copper CIG elements and the liquid metal offers a means of delivering ceramic-free alloys to a spray system with improved efficiency. CIG design options facilitated by a new oven-brazed fabrication technique resolve induction coil environmental isolation issues, correct thermal strain tolerance problems, facilitate dual frequency induction designs, allow improved electrical coupling efficiency and thermal efficiency, result in improved melt flow initiation, and facilitate disassembly without damage from the solidified melt.

Abstract: A thin electrical insulating coating and method for application is provided for a copper surface. The electrical insulating coating includes a bond coat layer of titanium, nickel, or NiCrAlY forming a metallurgical bond with the copper surface and an insulating layer of alumina or tantala applied to the bond coat layer. An insulating layer does not firmly adhere to copper under harsh environmental conditions such as an electroslag refining process when applied directly to the copper. However, when bond coat layer is applied between the copper and the insulating layer, it forms a strong bond adhering bond for the harsh environment.

Abstract: The introduction of spray formed metals into critical applications in the aircraft engine and power generation industries has been hampered by the possibility of erosion of oxide particles from a crucible lining or pouring nozzle in conventional spray forming equipment. These oxide particles may become inclusions that limit low-cycle fatigue life of parts. Use of a cold-walled induction guide (CIG) with an electrical insulation layer between copper CIG elements and the liquid metal offers a means of delivering ceramic-free alloys to a spray system with improved efficiency. CIG design options facilitated by a new oven-brazed fabrication technique resolve induction coil environmental isolation issues, correct thermal strain tolerance problems, facilitate dual frequency induction designs, allow improved electrical coupling efficiency and thermal efficiency, result in improved melt flow initiation, and facilitate disassembly without damage from the solidified melt.

Abstract: A portable towing apparatus for towing a disabled golf cart. The towing apparatus is preferably mounted onto the rear portion of a golf cart that is to be used in towing the disabled golf cart. The towing apparatus comprising, in part, a substantially inverted T-shaped member that has attached thereto a strut assembly and a gimbal cross member. A winch is provided and is mounted onto the inverted T-shaped member. The gimbal cross member engages the disabled golf cart and the winch in concert with the strut assembly disposes the disabled golf cart for towing. The gimbal movement of the cross member enables the golf cart under tow to traverse all types of terrain.

Abstract: An improved molten metal spray forming atomization ring converter adapted for the spray forming of a refined molten metal from a molten metal refining or melting chamber wherein the molten metal is atomized into tiny molten droplets by gas impingement in a stream of molten metal and to the structure by which the molten metal droplets are preferentially directed to and deposited on a target surface. The molten metal spray forming atomization ring converter is adapted to control the flow of liquid metal droplets and to avoid a backflow of such droplets during the gas atomization by providing structure, such as small apertures to the inner diameter of the ring, by providing large holes through the inner diameter and adding a porous metal filter to cover the large holes or by providing a gas supply system independent from the atomization system gas supply, such that a pressure or diffused source of gas is provided at the inner bore.

Abstract: A regulating gas flow valve is operatively connected to an oscillating molten metal spray forming ring converter through which a molten metal stream passes. The passing metal stream is impacted by gas jets from the converter which breaks up the metal stream into a spray pattern of small molten metal droplets. The valve regulates the flow of gas into the converter as a function of the converter oscillation which also operates the valve.

Abstract: A molten metal atomization ring structure has an elongated or oval aperture therethrough through which a molten metal stream passes and is broken up into a molten metal spray pattern. The structure may be angularly adjusted about a transverse axis of the aperture at a greater angle without engaging the passing metal stream.

Abstract: A method of electroslag refining of metal is taught. The method starts with the introduction of unrefined metal into an electroslag refining process in which the unrefined metal is first melted at the upper surface of the refining slag. The molten metal in the form if droplets is refined as it passes through the molten slag. The refined metal droplets are collected in a cold hearth apparatus having a skull of refined metal formed on the surface of the cold hearth and protecting the cold hearth from the leaching action of the refined molten metal. A cold finger bottom pour spout is formed at the bottom of the cold hearth to permit dispensing of molten refined metal from the cold hearth.