Abstract: The invention relates to a casting device for tilting-pour gravity casting, which includes a static frame, a rotatable frame adapted to be rotated with respect to said static frame over a horizontal axis. Said rotatable frame is adapted to hold a mold having a mold cavity and at least one inlet through which molten metal can flow into said mold cavity. A pouring container to contain molten metal having at least one pouring outlet through which said molten metal can flow by gravity from said pouring container to said mold inlet, and a holding arm attached to said second rotatable frame adapted to hold said pouring container so that the pouring container outlet is positioned in correspondence with said mold inlet with a pressing force over the mold as to avoid spills of molten metal out of said pouring container through the contact area of said pouring container and said mold.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus including a fixed die including a gate via which a molding material flows in, a movable die that forms along with the fixed die a cavity and separates from the fixed die at a point of time of mold opening, an open-gate hot runner that includes a nozzle including a channel that guides the molding material to the gate and a heater that heats the channel, the hot runner being attachable to and detachable from the fixed die, and a cap member that is disposed between the fixed die and the hot runner and has a melting point higher than a melting point of the molding material.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a high-speed spinning magnesium alloy and a preparation method thereof, the magnesium alloy has Mg—Al—Zn—Mn—Sr alloy with a high formability and high strength, and its chemical composition mass percentage is: Al: 2.4-4.5 wt. %; Zn: 0.6-1.2 wt. %; Mn: 0.4-0.6 wt. %; Sr: 0.15-0.3 wt. %; the balance is Mg. The present disclosure adopts the principle that by increasing the content of Mn in the magnesium alloy, a large amount of Mn-rich phase is generated during the alloy preparation process, and the degree of subcooling is controlled so that a fine spherical dispersed nano-scale Mn-rich phase is obtained during the solidification process. The nano-scale Mn-rich precipitate phase can pin the grain boundaries and inhibit the grain boundary migration to refine grains and achieve the effect of improving the strength.

Abstract: The casting mold is provided with: the molding wall portion forming the internal space; and the filling ports that open to the molding wall portion and that allow the molten metal to flow into the internal space. In this configuration the channel center lines of the filling ports intersect the surface of the heater at the non-perpendicular contact angle.

Abstract: A method for casting metal using a semi-permanent mold connected to a feed portion includes forming a coolant jacket in a sprue of the feed portion. A coolant source is connected to the coolant jacket. A metal in a molten state is poured into the feed portion for gravity induced flow into the semi-permanent mold. A wall thickness of the sprue is predetermining which minimizes heat transfer from the sprue, thereby forcing the metal in the molten state to cool slower in the sprue than in the mold. After a predetermined time for the metal to cool to a solid state in the mold, flow of a coolant from the coolant source into the coolant jacket is initiated to cool the metal in the sprue before opening the mold.

Abstract: A method of forming a cast component and a method of forming a casting mold is generally provided. The method is performed by plugging or covering an opening in a ceramic core-shell mold. The ceramic core-shell mold includes at least a first core portion, a first shell portion, and at least one first cavity between the core portion and the first shell portion. The core-shell mold may be manufactured using an additive manufacturing process. At least a portion of the ceramic core-shell mold and the plug or cover is coated with a second ceramic material.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy cast impeller has a stable high-temperature strength (e.g., 0.2% proof stress value of 260 MPa or more) at about 200° C. A boss part, blade parts, and a disc part have secondary dendrite arm spacings of 20 to 50 ?m, 10 to 35 ?m, and 5 to 25 ?m, respectively, and satisfy the relationship Amax>Bmax>Cmax, where Amax, Bmax, and Cmax are the maximum values of the secondary dendrite arm spacings of the boss part, the blade parts, and the disc part, respectively. During casting, Al alloy molten metal is pressure injected into a 200 to 350° C. plaster mold. A 100 to 250° C. chill occurs on a surface in contact with an impeller disc surface, so that the chill temperature (° C.)<(plaster mold temperature?50° C.).

Abstract: A method for cleaning a surface of a twin-roller continuous thin strip casting roller, each casting roller of a twin-roller continuous thin strip casting machine using two brush rollers arranged at a top and bottom for cleaning the surface, wherein a rotational direction of one brush roller is the same as the casting roller, a linear speed of the casting roller is constant and greater than a rotational speed of the casting roller, and a roller surface cleaning device controls a distance or pressure between the brush rollers and the casting roller by a position control device fixed on a casting roller bearing seat, which controls the flattening amount to be within 1-10 times of an average pit depth of a casting roller face.

Abstract: Provided is a highly versatile casting mold in which weight and manufacturing cost can be reduced, and whereby flash can be suppressed. A plate-shaped base part having a flat attachment face to which a back face of a fixed-cavity mold is attached is provided to a fixed mold constituting a casting mold. A portion of the base part in contact with the back face of the fixed-cavity mold has an attachment part body for supporting the fixed-cavity mold, and a pressure increasing means for increasing the pressure imparted to the fixed-cavity mold via the attachment part body in a state in which the mold is closed.

Abstract: A process for casting a turbine wheel includes steps of identifying a metal composition from which the turbine wheel is to be cast, providing a mold that defines a cavity into which molten metal composition is to be poured for casting the wheel, providing a seed member made of the metal composition and having an equiaxed grain structure, disposing at least a portion of the seed member within the cavity of the mold, pouring the molten metal composition into the cavity such that the molten metal composition envelopes the portion of the seed member within the cavity, and controlling the process so that the portion of the seed member at least partially melts through contact with the molten metal composition and so that, upon cooling, the metal composition around the seed member solidifies with an equiaxed grain structure as precipitated by the equiaxed grain structure of the seed member.

Abstract: A method for producing investment castings, preferably in ceramic moulds, from alloys based on Al, Mg, Cu, Zn and Fe, characterised in that the ceramic mould is baked at temperatures of 800-1000° C. for 2-4 hours, then the mould is cooled to a temperature of 20-950° C. and is held at this temperature for 10-40 minutes, then it is poured with liquid alloy overheated by from 50 to 200° C. above the initial melting point and after a lapse of 10-100 seconds, the mould is immersed at a fixed or variable speed in a liquid cooling medium, which is a 1-99 volume percent aqueous solution of liquid polymer at a temperature of 15-85° C. The liquid polymer is a polymer of the PAG or PVP, or ACR, or PEO type. The ceramic moulds made of aluminosilicate, or high alumina refractory materials, especially based on synthetic sand, for example Molochite, are used.

Abstract: Provided herein are various embodiments of systems for casting thin metal plates and sheets. Typical embodiments include layers of mold cavities that are oriented vertically for casting the metal plates. In some embodiments, the mold cavities include a beveled edge such that the plates that are cast have a beveled edge. In some embodiments, the mold cavities are filled with a molten metal through an open horizontal edge of the cavity. In some embodiments, the mold cavities are filled through one or more vertical feed orifices. Further disclosed are methods for forming a thin cast metal plate or sheet where the thickness of the cast part is in a range from 0.005 inches to 0.2 inches, and the surface area of the cast part is in a range from 16 square inches to 144 square inches.

Abstract: Provided herein are various embodiments of systems for casting thin metal plates and sheets. Typical embodiments include layers of mold cavities that are oriented vertically for casting the metal plates. In some embodiments, the mold cavities include a beveled edge such that the plates that are cast have a beveled edge. In some embodiments, the mold cavities are filled with a molten metal through an open horizontal edge of the cavity. In some embodiments, the mold cavities are filled through one or more vertical feed orifices. Further disclosed are methods for forming a thin cast metal plate or sheet where the thickness of the cast part is in a range from 0.005 inches to 0.2 inches, and the surface area of the cast part is in a range from 16 square inches to 144 square inches.

Abstract: The die casting machine comprises a mold closing actuator capable of selectively inducing a closing pressure on first and second platens for forcing them towards a closed position in which their mold portions are pressed against each other along a parting line. An injection sleeve is movable relative to the mold portions between a distal position in which the injection sleeve and the mold portions are spaced apart; and an injection position in which the injection sleeve engages the mold portions at an inlet opening when the first and second platens are in their closed position. The injection sleeve applies a transverse contact pressure when it engages the mold portions. The closing pressure is unevenly distributed on the platens so as to compensate the transverse contact pressure to have a resulting effective molding pressure on the mold portions that is substantially evenly distributed across the parting line.

Abstract: Methods for casting a metallic material to form a component are described. The component can be a superalloy-containing turbine part, for example. The general method includes the step of pouring the metallic material, in molten form, into an investment mold; and then rapidly immersing the entire investment mold into a bath that contains a low-melting liquid coolant metal, so as to achieve substantially uniform, multi-directional heat transfer out of the molten material. The molten material that solidifies to form the component is characterized by a fine-grained, equiaxed grain structure. Related embodiments include the use of two ingots that constitute the superalloy material. One ingot includes the oxygen-reactive elements, and is prepared by a vacuum-melting technique. The other ingot includes the remainder of the elements, and can be prepared by a number of techniques, such as air-melting processes.

Abstract: A cleaning system and method for cleaning die cast metal waste from an interior of a die cast machine riser tube is provided whereby the cleaning system includes a riser tube stand, a heating means, a cleaning tool and leak test materials. The method includes heating the riser tube to a predetermined temperature to melt away the waste and cleaning the remaining residue with the cleaning tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for casting components preferably made of light metal, according to the tilt-casting principle, having a casting mold that can be tilted about its longitudinal axis, a casting channel that is disposed on the casting mold, in the longitudinal direction of the latter, the longitudinal side of which, facing the casting mold, has at least two outlets to the mold cavity, or at least one outlet, in each instance, to at least two mold cavities that are disposed next to one another and do not stand in a flow connection with one another. The casting channel has a subdivision device that is configured in such a manner that when the casting mold, together with the casting channel, is tilted, predetermined volumes of the casting melt flow through the outlets.

Abstract: A method and system for eliminating near-surface porosity and surface tear defects in metal castings. The system includes a complex casting mold having at least one core pin or other regions susceptible to new surface porosity and surface tears. The system further includes a copper rod fused internally to the core pin to extract heat from a molten metal introduced in the mold. The copper rod extracts heat at a low thermal flux, preventing near surface porosity and surface tears. Moreover, the copper rod extracts heat from the hotter regions of the casting causing it to solidify at a rate comparable to the rate of solidification of other portions of the casting, thereby allowing uniform solidification of the casting.

Abstract: A method and a device for casting a cast part from a metal melt. A casting mould in a pivoted mounting comprising a mould cavity shaping the cast part, a feed system and a pour channel, is rotated into a fill position and filled with metal melt. Due to the effect of gravity, the melt flows through the pour channel, wherein the main flow direction of the melt makes an angle relative to the acting direction of gravity. Filling is continued until the casting mould, including the pour channel, is completely filled. Then, the casting mould is sealed with a stopper and rotated into a solidification position, in which the melt in the feed system is pushed against the melt in the mould cavity. The casting mould is held in the solidification position until the metal melt has reached a solidification state in which the cast part can be de-moulded.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a railcar coupler knuckle includes providing a first mold section having internal walls defining at least in part perimeter boundaries of a first coupler knuckle mold cavity. The method includes providing a second mold section having internal walls defining at least in part perimeter boundaries of a second coupler knuckle mold cavity. The second coupler mold cavity of the second mold section is offset from the first coupler mold cavity of the first mold section. The method includes closing the first and second mold sections and at least partially filling the first and second coupler knuckle mold cavities with a molten alloy, the molten alloy solidifying after filling to form the coupler knuckle.

Abstract: A method including positioning an insert in a vertical mold including a first mold portion and a second mold portion; and casting a material including a metal around at least a portion of the insert.

Abstract: Mold assemblies and associated methods and components for forming battery grids for lead acid batteries are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a battery grid mold assembly includes a first die block that is movable relative to a second die block between an assembled position and an unassembled position spaced apart from the second die block. The mold assembly also includes a first insert plate having a first side that is removably coupled to the first die block and a second side opposite the first side. The second side of the first insert plate includes a first recess. The mold assembly further includes a second insert plate having a third side removably coupled to the second die block and a fourth side opposite the third side. The fourth side includes a second recess. When the first and second die blocks are in the assembled positions, the first and second recesses at least partially define a grid cavity that is configured to receive a flowable material for forming a battery grid.

Abstract: A gravity casting method includes: situating a molding die having a feeder portion in communication with a cavity above the cavity to a horizontal state and pouring a molten metal from a runner in communication with the cavity; putting the molding die to a state inclined at a predetermined angle during pouring of the molten metal from a stage where the molten metal is filled in the runner and prevailing the molten metal while pouring to the inside of the cavity and the feeder portion; and returning the molding die to the horizontal state after the molten metal has been poured completely, and solidifying the molten metal.

Abstract: A mold assembly for forming a piston and method of molding a piston therewith includes a pair of mold halves moveable toward and away from one another along a linear path that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal central axis of the piston between an engaged position to provide at least a portion of a mold cavity for forming an outer periphery of the piston and a disengaged position to allow extraction of the piston from the mold cavity. The assembly also has a pair of cooling gallery mandrels moveable along a linear path into an engaged position between the pair of mold halves to form an undercut cooling gallery of the piston. The pair of cooling gallery mandrels are movable to a disengaged position to allow extraction of the piston vertically along the axis.

Abstract: A low lead brass alloy and a method for producing a product comprising the low lead brass alloy are proposed. The low lead brass comprises 0.05 to 0.3 wt % of lead (Pb); 0.3 to 0.8 wt % of aluminum (Al); 0.01 to 0.4 wt % of bismuth (Bi); 0.1 to 0.15 wt % of microelements; and more than 97.5 wt % of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), wherein copper is in an amount ranging from 58 to 70 wt %.

Abstract: A self positioning cutter element and cutter pocket for use in a downhole tool having one or more cutting elements. The self positioning cutter element includes a substrate and a wear resistant layer coupled to the substrate. The cutter element includes a cutting surface, a coupling surface, and a longitudinal side surface forming the circumferential perimeter of the cutter element and extending from the cutting surface to the coupling surface. The cutter element has one or more indexes formed on at least a portion of the coupling surface. In some embodiments, the index also is formed on at least a portion of the longitudinal side surface. Hence, the coupling surface is not substantially planar. Additionally, at least a portion of the longitudinal side surface does not form a substantially uniform perimeter. The cutter pocket also is indexed to correspond and couple with the indexing of the cutter element.

Abstract: To cast one or more metal articles, a mold structure is positioned on a support with an anchor extending upward from the support into the mold structure. The mold structure and anchor are interconnected by a retainer which extends through a portion of the mold structure into the anchor. When the mold structure is immersed in a cooling bath, force is transmitted between the mold structure and anchor to retain the mold structure against movement relative to the support.

Abstract: To cast one or more metal articles, a mold structure is positioned on a support with an anchor extending upward from the support into the mold structure. The mold structure and anchor are interconnected by a retainer which extends through a portion of the mold structure into the anchor. When the mold structure is immersed in a cooling bath, force is transmitted between the mold structure and anchor to retain the mold structure against movement relative to the support.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for melting metal and casting molds. The apparatus includes a rollover melt furnace having a crucible and a mold. The apparatus also includes an electrical servomotor that drives rotation of the crucible about an axis of rotation. This rotation of the crucible causes molten metal to flow from a pour opening in the crucible into a fill opening in the mold. The apparatus may further include a controller to carry out a pouring process in compliance with a pour profile and a melting process in compliance with a melt profile.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a railcar coupler knuckle includes providing a cope mold portion and a drag mold portion, the cope and drag mold portions having internal walls defining at least in part perimeter boundaries of a coupler knuckle mold cavity, wherein the mold cavity includes a finger section; positioning at least one internal core within either the cope mold portion or the drag mold portion, the at least one internal core configured to define a kidney cavity and a pivot pin cavity within a coupler knuckle; closing the cope and drag mold portions with the single core therebetween; and at least partially filling the mold cavity with a molten alloy, the molten alloy solidifying after filling to form the coupler knuckle, wherein the at least one core defines the kidney and pivot pin cavities, and the finger section of the mold cavity defines at least one finger cavity of the coupler knuckle.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a railcar coupler knuckle includes providing cope and drag mold portions having internal walls defining at least in part perimeter boundaries of a knuckle mold cavity; positioning a first internal core within either the cope mold or the drag mold portions, the first internal core configured to define a kidney cavity and a pivot pin hub as a single void within the knuckle; positioning a second internal core within either the cope mold portion and the drag mold portion, the second internal core configured to define a finger cavity; closing the cope and drag mold portions with the two internal cores therebetween; and at least partially filling the mold cavity with a molten alloy, the molten alloy solidifying after filling to form the knuckle, wherein the first internal core defines the kidney cavity and the pivot pin hub of the coupler knuckle, and wherein the second internal core defines the finger cavity of the knuckle.

Abstract: A method for mounting a mould composed of mould parts for casting a cylinder block of an internal combustion engine from a metal melt, includes at least one chill, which forms at least one part section of inner surfaces of a cylinder space of the cylinder block, and is positioned and retained at a wall of one of the mould parts. This method provides for moulds to be mounted with chills provided in a mould cavity. This is achieved by holding the at least one chill in its position at least for a specific duration by magnetic forces, which are exerted by a magnet which is arranged on a side of the wall of one of the mould parts facing away from the at least one chill.

Abstract: There is provided a method for casting molded pieces comprising production of a casting mold comprising a core of molding material, forming a complete core packet positioning the core packet in a support mold with a separation to the core packet back-filling the space between the core packet and the support mold with a free-flowing bulk material, casting the metal melt into the casting mold, opening or removing the support mold after the solidification of the melt, removing at least the majority of the bulk material and the thermal insulation of the remaining core packet with the cast molded piece therein.

Abstract: A metal molding machine includes a fixed mold and a movable mold, a fixed platen holding the fixed mold, an end frame coupled to the fixed platen by tie rods such that the end frame is fixedly mounted on a bed, a movable platen guided by the tie rods, the movable mold being held by the movable platen, and a rolling support mechanism supporting the movable platen. The rolling support mechanism includes a swingable arm, a wheel disposed on a portion of the swingable arm that is closer to the fixed platen and held in rolling contact with the bed, and a spring disposed on a portion of the swingable arm that is closer to the end frame. The spring is interposed between the swingable arm and a portion of the movable platen, for applying a resilient force in a direction so as to lower the wheel.

Abstract: Processes for directionally casting liquid metal to form an articles can include compressing a seal intermediate a mold chill plate and a mold assembly, wherein the seal circumscribes a shell mold in the mold assembly; filling the shell mold in the mold assembly with molten metal; immersing the mold assembly into a liquid metal cooling bath from a bottom portion to a top portion of the mold assembly; and transmitting heat from the mold assembly to the liquid metal cooling bath to solidify the molten metal from the bottom portion to the top portion of the mold assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high strength and high ductility magnesium alloy and its preparation method. The magnesium alloy in the present invention contains 3˜9 wt % of aluminum, 3.5˜9 wt % of zinc, 0.15˜1 wt % of manganese, 0.01˜2 wt % of antimony, and balanced magnesium. The alloy may further comprise 0˜2 wt. % of one element selected from the group consisting of mischmetal, calcium, and silicon. The room temperature mechanical properties of the T6 heat-treated typical alloy in the present invention are as following: Ultimate Tensile Strength of more than or equal to 270 Mpa, Yield Tensile Strength of more than or equal to 140 Mpa, Elongation of more than or equal to 6%, Brinell hardness of more than or equal to 70, Impact Energy of more than or equal to 12 J. Some of the alloys in the present invention not only possess superior room temperature mechanical properties, but also have very good high temperature mechanical properties.

Abstract: In a casting method for producing a cast part, a melt to be cast is filed into a container and the mold is connected seal-tightly to the container. The mold and the container are rotated together so that the melt flows from the container into the mold. The mold and the container are separated from another and the cast part is removed from the mold. The casting plant for performing the method has a mold that is pivotably supported about a first axis of rotation to perform a first movement that is a pivot movement in a first movement direction. A container is pivotably supported about a second axis of rotation. The mold is supported so as to be movable by a second movement in a second movement direction.

Abstract: A method of pressure forming a metal matrix composite (MMC), comprises: placing a fibre preform (not shown) into a die cavity (14) defined by a split die (12); introducing molten metal into the die cavity (14) through a sprue (16) to envelope the fibre preform; sealing the sprue (16); applying pressure direct to molten metal in the die cavity (14) with a mechanical compaction piston (18) to encourage infiltration of the fibre preform during solidification.

Abstract: A heat-resistant magnesium alloy is for casting, and includes Ca in an amount of from 1 to 15% by mass, Al in a summed amount of from 4 to 25% by mass with the amount of Ca, and the balance being Mg and inevitable impurities when the entirety is taken as 100% by mass. The heat-resistant magnesium alloy is not only inexpensive, but also effects an advantage that cracks are inhibited from occurring when being cast. For example, a process for producing heat-resistant magnesium alloy cast product includes the step of pressure pouring an alloy molten metal, which has a target composition around Mg-3% Ca-3% Al-from 0.2 to 0.3% Mn, into a cavity of metallic die, which is preheated to a die temperature of from 130 to 140° C. in advance. The process makes it possible to produce die-cast products, which are free from cast cracks.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention include products and parts including a frictional damping means and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Molten metal is injected uniformly into a horizontal mold from a feed chamber in a horizontal or vertical direction at a controlled rate, directly on top of the metal already within the mold. A cooling medium is applied to the bottom surface of the mold, with the type and flow rate of the cooling medium being varied to produce a controlled cooling rate throughout the casting process. The rate of introduction of molten metal and the flow rate of the cooling medium are both controlled to produce a relatively uniform solidification rate within the mold, thereby producing a uniform microstructure throughout the casting, and low stresses throughout the casting.

Abstract: A method of forming Heusler or Heusler-like alloys of formula X2YZ or XYZ comprises providing a crucible comprised of at least one metal oxide material thermodynamically stable to molten transition metals; supplying predetermined amounts of constituent elements or master alloy materials of the alloy to the crucible; and melting the constituent elements or master alloy materials under vacuum or a partial pressure of an inert gas to form alloys containing less than about 50 ppm oxygen. Crack-free alloys are formed by casting the alloys in a mold utilizing a multi-stage stress-relieving, heat-assisted casting process. Also disclosed are crack-free Heusler and Heusler-like alloys of formula X2YZ or XYZ containing less than about 50 ppm oxygen and deposition sources, e.g., sputtering targets, fabricated therefrom.

Abstract: A system and method for heat treating castings and removing sand cores therefrom. The castings are initially located in indexed positions with their x, y, and z coordinates known. The castings are passed through a heat treatment station typically having a series of nozzles mounted in preset positions corresponding to the known indexed positions of the castings passing through the heat treatment station. The nozzles apply fluid to the castings for heat treating the castings and degrading the sand cores for removal from the castings.

Abstract: A system and method for heat treating castings and removing sand cores therefrom. The castings are initially located in indexed positions with their x, y, and z coordinates known. The castings are passed through a heat treatment station typically having a series of nozzles mounted in preset positions corresponding to the known indexed positions of the castings passing through the heat treatment station. The nozzles apply heat to the castings for heat treating the castings and dislodging the sand cores for removal from the castings.

Abstract: Made up of a step of preparing a map expressing a correlation between solid phase percentage and viscosity of a slurry-form semi-solid metal (27) for a given metal composition; a step of setting a target viscosity corresponding to a target solid phase percentage using this map; a viscosity measuring step of measuring the viscosity of a semi-solid metal in a vessel (13) while cooling it; and a step of carrying out cooling until this viscosity reaches the target viscosity, by these steps being carried out in from the preparation of the map expressing the correlation between solid phase percentage and viscosity of the semi-solid metal to the end of cooling of the semi-solid metal the solid phase percentage of the semi-solid metal is made to match the target solid phase percentage.

Abstract: A casting method and casting mold able produce a casting having an island and connecting portion is disclosed. A casting having a body, an opening provided so as to pass through the body, an island arranged separated from the body in the opening, and a connecting portion joining the island and body is cast using a casting mold. The casting mold is provided with a body gate connected to a body cavity for forming the body and an opening gate connected to an island/connecting portion cavity for forming the island and the connecting portion. The body gate and opening gate are connected to a runner through body pin gates and opening pin gates; in addition, a die casting mold able to suitably change between a three-part mold structure and a two-part mold structure to cast a die casting is disclosed. The three-part mold structure die casting mold, a movable mold, a first cavity, a connection sleeve, a first runner, a pin gate, and an extension sleeve.

Abstract: Molds are fabricated having a substrate of high density, high strength ultrafine grained isotropic graphite, and having a mold cavity coated with a refractory metal such as W or Re or a refractory metal carbide such as TaC or HfC. The molds may be made by making the substrate (main body) of high density, high strength ultrafine grained isotropic graphite, by, for example, isostatic or vibrational molding, machining the substrate to form the mold cavity, and coating the mold cavity with titanium carbide via either chemical deposition or plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition, magnetron sputtering or sputtering. The molds may be used to make various metallic alloys such as nickel, cobalt and iron based superalloys, stainless steel alloys, titanium alloys and titanium aluminide alloys into engineering components by melting the alloys in a vacuum or under a low partial pressure of inert gas and subsequently casting the melt in the graphite molds under vacuum or low partial pressure of inert gas.

Abstract: A thermally efficient method for the heating a gas permeable wall of a bonded refractory mold wherein the mold wall defines a mold cavity in which molten metal or alloy is cast. The mold wall is heated by the transfer of heat from hot gas flowing inside of the mold cavity to the mold wall. Hot gas is flowed from a hot gas source outside the mold through the mold cavity and gas permeable mold wall to a lower pressure region exterior of the mold to control temperature of an interior surface of the mold wall.

Abstract: Die opening apparatus (50) of a die-casting system (10) is operable to open a die (D1, D2). A first cylinder (51) may perform an initial die opening operation and a second cylinder (55) may perform a subsequent die opening operation. The thrust generated by the first cylinder is preferably directly transmitted to the die in a die opening direction, optionally via a push pin (52).

Abstract: Molds are fabricated having a substrate of high density, high strength ultrafine grained isotropic graphite, and having a mold cavity coated with pyrolytic graphite. The molds may be made by making the substrate (main body) of high density, high strength ultrafine grained isotropic graphite, by, for example, isostatic or vibrational molding, machining the substrate to form the mold cavity, and coating the mold cavity with pyrolytic graphite via a chemical deposition process. The molds may be used to make various metallic alloys such as nickel, cobalt and iron based superalloys, stainless steel alloys, titanium alloys and titanium aluminide alloys into engineering components by melting the alloys in a vacuum or under a low partial pressure of inert gas and subsequently casting the melt in the graphite molds under vacuum or low partial pressure of inert gas.