Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an estimate of uniformity of wall thickness of a centrifugally cast object, such as a pipe cast from molten iron, substantially immediately after the casting process is complete. The volume of molten metal entering the mold over time is determined and correlated with casting machine position and velocity data to estimate wall thickness along the length of the pipe. Process defects can then be identified promptly and corrective action taken.

Abstract: An alloy part is cast in a mold (280) having a part-forming cavity (292, 294, 296). The method comprises pouring a first alloy into the mold. The pouring causes: a surface (550) of the first alloy in the part-forming cavity to raise relative to the part-forming cavity; a branch flow of the poured first alloy to pass upwardly through a first portion (304) of a passageway; and the branch flow to pass downwardly through a second portion (310), of the passageway; solidifying some of the first alloy in the passageway to block the passageway while at least some of the first alloy in the part-forming cavity remains molten. A second alloy is poured into the mold atop the first alloy and solidified.

Abstract: A centrifugal casting apparatus including: a lower half-mold (10) mounted on a support (12) provided with driver for rotation about a substantially vertical central axis (14), the lower half-mold (10) being a solid of revolution having a first central cavity (36); an upper half-mold (16) facing the lower half-mold (10), the upper half-mold (16) being a solid of revolution having a second central cavity (56); and a device for causing the axial movement of the half-molds (10, 16) towards and away from each other. The lower half-mold (10) and the upper half-mold (16) each have at least one passage (46, 66) which puts the respective central cavity (36, 56) into communication with the outside through an outlet aperture through which the central axis (14) does not pass.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for centrifugal casting, in which transfer functions are developed relating the fluidity of molten metal, for example iron of varying composition, to casting machine movement for a particular mold in order to cast objects, for example pipe, having desired and uniform characteristics, including wall thickness. Fluidity is calculated for each pour of molten metal based on the measured pour temperature and measured liquidus arrest temperature. A drive system controlled by a programmable logic controller moves the casting machine in accordance with the output of the transfer functions based on the calculated fluidity.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods for manufacturing an even-wall rotor or stator that do not suffer from drawbacks of the prior art. Even-wall rotors or stators produced according to those methods are also provided. In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a rotor or stator for use in a mud motor is provided. The method includes providing a vacuum chamber; providing a metal electrode at least partially disposed in the vacuum chamber; providing a mold disposed in the vacuum chamber; and melting a portion of the electrode with a direct current arc, the molten metal flowing into the mold ring.

Abstract: The centrifugal casting apparatus comprises: a lower half-mould (10) mounted on a support (12) provided with driving means for rotation about a substantially vertical central axis (14), the lower half-mould (10) being a solid of revolution having a first central cavity (36); an upper half-mould (16) facing the lower half-mould (10), the upper half-mould (16) being a solid of revolution having a second central cavity (56); and means for causing the axial movement of the half-moulds (10, 16) towards and away from each other. The lower half-mould (10) and the upper half-mould (16) each have at least one passage (46, 66) which puts the respective central cavity (36, 56) into communication with the outside through an outlet aperture through which the central axis (14) does not pass.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device comprising: vacuum chamber; a stage configured to receive BMG in a molten state or a BMG feedstock, configured to spin, and located in the vacuum chamber; a heater configured to melt the BMG feedstock or to keep BMG in a molten state molten; wherein the stage comprises one or more conduits therein and the conduits are configured to accommodate a cooling fluid. Also disclosed herein is a method of forming a solid BMG sheet, the method comprising: disposing BMG in a molten state onto a stage; spreading the BMG in a molten state into a sheet of BMG in a molten state by spinning the stage; cooling the sheet of BMG in a molten state to form a solid BMG sheet.

Abstract: Tubular metal articles such as pipe and cylinder liners are produced by centrifugal casting on a permanent metal mold coated by refractory glass on the active surface. A coating suspension mix is evenly distributed onto the mold to form a uniform layer of insulation on the surface of the mold. The material for the coating includes essentially a waterborne suspension mix of glass particles. The suspension is given time to dry on the surface of the mold. The glass particles dispersed in the suspension are both non-crystalline and nonporous. The glass particles in the suspension and forming the coating are not dissolved and do not chemically attract the polar water molecule or cause it to bond to the surface of glass in the suspension or to the mold active surface. Articles cast as such are smooth surfaced and require only limited machining.

Abstract: A centrifugal casting apparatus includes a rotatable assembly to rotate about a rotation axis. The rotatable assembly includes a sprue chamber positioned about the rotation axis and is shaped to receive a supply of molten material. A first gate and a second gate are positioned to receive molten material from the sprue chamber in a general direction of centrifugal force. A first cavity and a second cavity are stacked and are respectively positioned to receive molten material from the first gate and the second gate in the general direction of centrifugal force.

Abstract: Tubular metal articles such as pipe and cylinder liners are produced by centrifugal casting on a permanent metal mold coated by refractory glass on the active surface. A coating suspension mix is evenly distributed onto the mold to form a uniform layer of insulation on the surface of the mold. The material for the coating includes essentially a waterborne suspension mix of glass particles. The suspension is given time to dry on the surface of the mold. The glass particles dispersed in the suspension are both non-crystalline and nonporous. The glass particles in the suspension and forming the coating are not dissolved and do not chemically attract the polar water molecule or cause it to bond to the surface of glass in the suspension or to the mold active surface. Articles cast as such are smooth surfaced and require only limited machining.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatus for counter-gravity formation of BMG-containing hollow parts. In one embodiment, the BMG-containing hollow parts may be formed by first feeding a molten metal alloy in a counter-gravity direction into a mold cavity to deposit the molten metal alloy on a surface of the mold cavity and then solidifying the deposited molten metal alloy.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatus for counter-gravity formation of BMG-containing hollow parts. In one embodiment, the BMG-containing hollow parts may be formed by first feeding a molten metal alloy in a counter-gravity direction into a mold cavity to deposit the molten metal alloy on a surface of the mold cavity and then solidifying the deposited molten metal alloy.

Abstract: A method for controlling a boride distribution in a metal matrix compost includes controlling a distribution of the boride particles are controlled during a solidification of a molten composite material. The controlling of the redistribution of the boride particles includes applying a heat to the composite material to form a molten composite material. The method includes, holding, by a mold (120, 715), the molten composite material. The method also includes focusing, by a reinforcement particle unit (100, 700), a location of the boride particles during a cooling of the molten composite material. The reinforcement particle unit could include a directed solidification unit (100). The reinforcement particle unit could also include centrifugal casting system (700). The arm includes a center mounting point (725).

Abstract: Molten metal is introduced into the cavity by a combined gravity feed and centrifugal force feed using a rotating turntable under electrical or electronic control. The centrifugal force is controlled to be substantially constant until the metal has solidified. This is accomplished by controlling the ramp-up acceleration of the turntable where rotational velocity is a time-dependent function of rotational radius and molten metal mass and taking into account the flow rate and cooling rate of the liquid metal. The process reduces waste and the attendant energy consumption associated with the quantity of metal required to be melted for the initial pour and associated with reprocessing and reusing the waste component.

Abstract: A utility pole mold including an elongated, hollow mold body having an internally tapered end and a reservoir extending radially out therefrom. A reusable barrier member is detachably secured to the at least one wall opposite the tapered end for containing a molten metal within the reservoir. In use, a lance is inserted into the mold body and a pouring end of the lance is positioned about the reservoir. The mold body and reservoir are then rotated, and the molten metal is poured from the pouring end at a constant rate. As the lance travels along the length of the mold body at an accelerating rate, a continuous layer of the molten material is deposited within the mold body and the reservoir. Following casting, the barrier is removed from the reservoir, and the newly formed utility pole is removed from mold. That portion of the pole that was formed within the reservoir portion is then removed to provide a pole having a bottom end with a desired wall thickness and interior taper.

Abstract: An apparatus for centrifugal casting under vacuum includes a rotor having a shaft extending in an essentially vertical direction and being rotatable around an axis defined by the shaft. The rotor has at least one mold, at least one crucible, and a gas-tight housing in which the mold and the crucible are accommodated. The apparatus also includes a vacuum source to create a vacuum in the housing, a heating device that melts a metal, a drive device that drives the shaft in order to rotate the rotor, and an auxiliary acceleration device configured to generate a force to further rotate the rotor to overcome a moment of inertia of the rotor. The auxiliary acceleration device includes a jet propulsion and/or at least one pushing actuator accelerating the resting rotor.

Abstract: A turbine blade having a leading edge portion and a flowing-off edge portion is formed using the following steps: providing a centrifugal casting device having a rotor and at least one crucible being accommodated in the rotor; providing a mold having an extended cavity for forming the turbine blade; arranging the mold so that an inlet opening of the mold is arranged with an outlet opening of the crucible, and further arranging the mold so that a mold leading edge is directed in a direction against the rotational direction of the rotor; forcing a metal melt by means of centrifugal forces from the crucible into the mold; exerting a pressure on the melt being forced into the mold until the temperature of the solidifying melt has reached a predetermined cooling-temperature; and relieving the pressure when the temperature of the solidifying melt is below the predetermined cooling-temperature.

Abstract: A method of producing a precision centrifugal casting includes: a) providing a centrifugal casting device having a rotor rotatable around an axis, at least one crucible accommodated in the rotor, and at least one mold associated with the crucible and disposed at a first radial distance from the axis, b) creating a metal melt within the crucible, c) rotating the rotor thereby forcing the melt using centrifugal forces from the crucible into the mold, d) exerting a pressure on the melt forced into the mold until the temperature of the solidifying melt has reached a predetermined cooling-temperature in a range of 1300° to 800° C., wherein the pressure corresponds to the centrifugal force acting on the melt just when the mold is completely filled, times a factor of 1.0 to 5.0, and e) relieving the pressure when the temperature of the solidifying melt is lower than the predetermined cooling-temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a casting mold having a molten metal received therein which is rotated in one direction by a rotary device with the vertical axis as a rotary axis while solidifying the molten metal for a predetermined period of time, and, after the predetermined period of time is lapsed, the casting mold is rotated in the direction opposite the direction of rotation for a predetermined period of time, and the rotation in the opposing directions is repeated so that the molten metal is solidified. The molten metal can be shaken and agitated without roughening the surface of the molten metal to uniformalize the distribution of temperature of the molten metal in the casting mold.

Abstract: A device and method for producing, by molding, a circular-shaped mechanical part made of a metal alloy. The device has a rotatable hollow mold for receiving a predetermined quantity of the metal alloy. The predetermined quantity of the metal alloy is defined by at least one segment of a metal alloy rod. An inductive heating device melts the metal alloy to a melting point. A blank of the mechanical part being formed by centrifuging the melted metal alloy. Cooling the blank in the hollow mold to a second temperature which corresponds to a desired malleability. Processing the blank with a shaping tool to obtain a desired internal profile. To harden and form the circular-shaped mechanical part, the blank is further cooled to a tempering temperature.

Abstract: Systems for centrifugally casting a highly reactive titanium metal including a cold wall induction crucible for containing a titanium metal charge, the induction crucible having a plurality of induction coils and a removable bottom plate, a power source to heat the titanium metal charge in the induction crucible to obtain a molten metal, a preheated secondary crucible for catching the molten metal as it falls from the induction crucible after the removable bottom plate has been withdrawn and the power source turned off, and a centrifugal casting machine for holding and accelerating the secondary crucible to centrifugally force the molten metal into a casting mold and produce a cast component.

Abstract: A device and method for producing, by molding, a circular-shaped mechanical part made of a metal alloy. The device has a rotatable hollow mold for receiving a predetermined quantity of the metal alloy. The predetermined quantity of the metal alloy is defined by at least one segment of a metal alloy rod. An inductive heating device melts the metal alloy to a melting point. A blank of the mechanical part being formed by centrifuging the melted metal alloy. Cooling the blank in the hollow mold to a second temperature which corresponds to a desired malleability. Processing the blank with a shaping tool to obtain a desired internal profile. To harden and form the circular-shaped mechanical part, the blank is further cooled to a tempering temperature.

Abstract: The invention makes it possible to manufacture high-quality cast parts in a productive manner in that a casting mould with a filling opening pointing in the direction of gravity is provided during the casting of molten metal. The casting mould with the filling opening is coupled to a melt container containing the molten metal, and the molten metal is conveyed from the melt container into the casting mould counter to the direction of gravity. The casting mould is sealed directly after filling with molten metal using a locking means which is at least temporarily connected to the casting mould in a fixed manner, in that the casting mould is decoupled from the melt container directly after closure of the casting mould and in that the casting mould is rotated about a horizontal axis of rotation, wherein the casting mould remains in a sealed position with respect to the locking means.

Abstract: A centrifugation injection mold comprising: a lower mold portion having a basic block the lower portion of which is mounted to and rotates within bearing means that are affixed to a machine structure, a plurality of axial columns the bottom portions of which are affixed around the outer portions of the basic block, and a moveable block defining a lower mold cavity and being mounted in a sliding relationship to the axial columns, in order to be axially displaced between an open mold position and a closed mold position; an impelling means operatively associated with the machine structure and with the moveable block for displacing the moveable block to the open mold position against the action of an elastic means; a locking means mounted to each axial column; and an upper mold portion to be removably seated on the axial columns and affixed thereto by the locking means in a closed mold position.

Abstract: A tubular formation technique utilizing centrifugal casting incorporating a moveable launder system to deliver molten alloy along an extended length within a centrifugal caster to form a hollow tubular precursor of extended length. The technique is adaptable to all alloy systems but may be particularly suited for so called “hard alloys” that are susceptible to substantial work hardening or are difficult to extrude.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement for a centrifugation injection mold, comprising an upper mold portion (10) and a lower mold portion (20), which are respectively and rotatively mounted to an upper bearing (30) and to a lower bearing (40), the latter comprising: a first flat ring (41) affixed to a machine structure (E) and presenting a radial gap that is internal in relation to the lower mold portion (20); an annular cage (42) bearing spheres (44) seated on the first flat ring (41), said annular cage (42) presenting radial gaps that are external and internal in relation to the machine structure (E) and to the lower mold portion (20), respectively; and a second flat ring (45) inferiorly seated on the spheres (44) of the annular cage (42) and maintaining radial gaps that are external and internal in relation to the machine structure (E) and to the lower mold portion (20), respectively, axially bearing the latter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a casting method which employs rapid solidification of metal, rare-earth metal or the like, as well as to a casting apparatus and a cast alloy. A centrifugal casting method includes the steps of pouring a molten material onto a rotary body; sprinkling the molten material by the effect of rotation of the rotary body; and causing the sprinkled molten material to be deposited and to solidify on the inner surface of a rotating cylindrical mold. The axis of rotation of the rotary body and the axis of rotation of the cylindrical mold are caused not to run parallel to each other. The centrifugal casting method can attain a decrease in average deposition rate. As a result, generation of the dendritic &agr;Fe phase or generation of a segregation phase of Mn or the like is suppressed, thereby realizing a high-performance R-T-B-type rare-earth magnet alloy.

Abstract: Methods for making various titanium base alloys and titanium aluminides into engineering components such as rings, tubes and pipes by melting of the alloys in a vacuum or under a low partial pressure of inert gas and subsequent centrifugal casting of the melt in the graphite molds rotating along its own axis under vacuum or low partial pressure of inert gas are provided, the molds having been fabricated by machining high density, high strength ultrafine grained isotropic graphite, wherein the graphite has been made by isostatic pressing or vibrational molding, the said molds either revolving around its own horizontal or vertical axis or centrifuging around a vertical axis of rotation.

Abstract: Methods for making various nickel based superalloys into engineering components such as rings, tubes and pipes by melting of the alloys in a vacuum or under a low partial pressure of inert gas and subsequent centrifugal casting of the melt in the graphite molds rotating along its own axis under vacuum or low partial pressure of inert gas are provided. The molds have been fabricated by machining high density, high strength ultrafine grained isotropic graphite, wherein the graphite has been made by isostatic pressing or vibrational molding.

Abstract: A spin cast die assembly includes a casing, an insert and an end cap assembly for retaining the insert against an annular shoulder within the casing. The end cap assembly has a mounting ring attached an end of the casing. The mounting ring receives a flyweight ring which engages an end of the insert and which pivotally supports a plurality of flyweight members which are mounted radially internally with respect to the mounting ring. The mounting ring has an annular flyweight engagement surface which faces generally radially inwardly and towards the shoulder. As the assembly is spun, the inner ends of the flyweight members pivot radially outwardly. The flyweight members thereby cooperate with the flyweight engagement surfaces of the mounting ring to cause the flyweight ring to move axially towards the insert and thereby force the insert against the shoulder.

Abstract: A centrifugal dental casting station for a rotating casting machine comprises a tank having a base, side walls, a ceiling having first slide holes, a first opening, a closing member for the first opening, and a cross-traversing partition attached to the base and the side walls in the tank. The base, the side walls and the ceiling form a cavity, and the cavity can be filled with a filler material through the first opening. A support member is attached to the tank for supporting the rotating casting machine thereon. The casting station provides a substantially stable platform for operating the rotating casting machine thereon.

Abstract: A method of making jewelry in which liquid gold is shaped into the desired hollow configuration using centrifugal/gyroscopic motion. The gold is liquidified either before application to a mold or melted after it is deposited into the mold. A centrifugal force is applied to the mold to press the gold against the interior walls of the mold and the gold is allowed to solidify. Once solid, in the preferred embodiment, the gold is “hardened” using a pulse of air pressure applied to the interior of the mold.

Abstract: A one-piece steering wheel is formed as a unitary casting from an alloy that includes 11.5% to 14% by weight silicon, and 350 to 450 parts per million strontium. Preferably the steering wheel mold is rotated during casting at relatively high rotational speeds exerting 100 g to 250 g force on the wheel. An optimum rotational speed is disclosed. A one-piece steering wheel formed according to the invention exhibits minimal length ferro-silicon hair-like strands, and thus exhibits reduced brittleness.

Abstract: The machine has a main structure which supports, so that they can rotate about a substantially vertical rotation axis, a lower plate for supporting a centrifugal molding die and an upper plate. The plates face each other on a substantially horizontal plane and are mutually movable in a direction parallel to the rotation axis in order to ensure closure of the mold or to allow removal of the mold. The plates are accommodated in a chamber which is delimited by walls connected to the main structure and has, on the front side of the machine, an opening for access to the die. The opening is closed by a movable cover connected to at least one of the side walls delimiting the chamber by a pair of connecting rods. Each connecting rod has one end pivoted to the cover and another end pivoted to the related side wall with substantially horizontal pivoting axes to allow an opening movement of the cover along a vertical upward component and along a horizontal component toward the rear side of the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and process is disclosed for the preparation by molding of composite materials formed of a metallic or organic matrix and at least one reinforcing element which includes a mold having an axis of revolution, the mold being equipped with a rotator allowing it to rotate about its axis, with a device for feeding liquid matrix material and with a device for feeding a reinforcing element. The reinforcing element feeding device opens into the feed device of the matrix material-feeding device which causes turbulence. The feed device can be a shoot, a casting channel, a feed pipe, a funnel or another equivalent device.

Abstract: The centrifugal casting machine for molding parts by centrifugal casting of metals, or metallic alloys, with a low melting point, or of synthetic materials, includes a main framework which supports a carousel which can rotate about a main axis and supports a mold. The carousel is actuated with a rotary motion about the main axis by a motor which is arranged so that the axis of its output shaft substantially coincides with the main axis.

Abstract: A centrifugal vacuum assist ambient air casting apparatus and method to fill a casting flask having a mold with a pour opening in communication with the pour opening of a casting crucible filled with molten metal and ceramics comprising: centrifugally spinning the casting flask and casting crucible with their pour openings aligned such that the resulting centrifugal forces empty the contents of the casting crucible into the casting flask, while simultaneously applying a directional vacuum to the casting flask in alignment with the resultant centrifugal forces to evacuate trapped gases from the mold and assist in drawing in the molten metal and ceramics into the mold.

Abstract: The system comprises a main casting unit and a glove box unit for reworking cast items. The main casting unit has a frame with a casting chamber, a heating element, a vacuum, a supply of inert gas and a rotatable casting arm for spin casting molten material into a mold. The arm is adapted to removably mount a crucible and mold at one end and, an adjustable counterweight at the other end. The heating element can be moved into and out of the path of the arm and is adapted to heat metallic material in the crucible. The main casting unit also has a driver that projects into the chamber for driving the casting arm with reduced wear on seals between the chamber wall and the driver. A safety bar is provided to prevent the arm from spinning except when desired. The main unit also has electrical and gas conduit connectors for connecting the glove box unit to the main unit.

Abstract: In a Cu-alloy mold for use in centrifugal casting of Ti or Ti-alloys, the mold body is made of a Cu alloy satisfying the following relationship:Ts+0.3.rho..gtoreq.70where Ts is the tensile strength (kg/mm.sup.2), and .rho. is the electrical conductance (% IACS). A cavity disposed in the mold body has a volume which is at most 30% of the volume of the mold body. Also disclosed is a method for centrifugally casting Ti or Ti-alloy by the use of the above-described mold.

Abstract: Apparatus for the production of a metal article comprises means for maintaining a reservoir of molten metal with a free surface, means for rotating the free surface of the reservoir about an axis such that the molten metal is atomized and thrown outwardly away from the said surface by centrifugal action, and a substrate in the path of the atomized particles of said molten metal, whereby a solid article may be built up on the substrate by solidifying the atomized particles thereon. The molten metal may be produced by melting an electrode or otherwise.An annular solid metal article is disclosed having excellent mechanical properties. The solid metal article is produced in a single step by a spray deposition process. Molten metal is centrifugally atomized to splat and build up on a cooled mold surface disposed around the centrifuge means. Controlled relative reciprocatory movement in the direction of the rotational axis of the centrifuge is provided.

Abstract: A method for melting and casting of metals and alloys and an apparatus using the method. The method consists of utilizing a compact assembly for melting and centrifugal casting of metals. The assembly includes a mold or chiller which is rotatable around a vertical axis. The mold communicates with a sealed lower housing containing an oven for the melting of the metal. The assembly is such that the interior chambers of both the oven and the mold are positioned in a vacuum during the entire time of the process of melting of the metal contained in the oven. The oven is movable vertically and is maintained in a position such that the lower extremity of a hollow vertical channel which feeds the mold, remains outside of the molten metal in the interior cavity of the oven when melting is occurring. Thus, the melting is accomplished entirely in a vacuum condition, thereby avoiding the formation of oxides or other chemical compounds.

Abstract: Apparatus in which moulds may be prepared by centrifugal casting comprises a moulding case comprising two plates and spacing means such as two spacing rings therebetween, each of the plates having an opening on or near a central axis of the case for supply of a room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) rubber or molten casting material in the case, means for clamping the two plates together such as a clamping nut threaded on a pillar; and means for spinning the moulding case about a central axis such as a motor-drivable turntable. The moulding case is spun about the said central axis and simultaneously RTV rubber supplied into the moulding case to prepare a mould. A cast may be taken in the resulting mould spinning the mould whilst supplying molten casting material into the mould. Spinning is continued until the casting material has solidified.

Abstract: Improved casting of titanum or alloy of titanium is obtained by using a crucible and a mold made of high-purity magnesium oxide and/or zirconium oxide. It is also possible for only the interior portion of the crucible to be made of such high-purity material, or for the mold to be made of copper or an alloy of copper. The mold and crucible can be used in a centrifugal-type casting machine or a compression-type casting machine. In either machine, discharge vents must be provided in the mold to connect the casting chamber with the outer atmosphere. An argon electric arc generated between a pivotable, tiltable cathode and an anode may be used for melting the titanium in the crucible. A high-frequency electric current can also be used to melt the titanium. By using the above apparatus, it is possible to obtain castings which are dimensionally accurate and do not have an external layer of fragile metal oxide or rough cavities.

Abstract: A centrifugal injection machine comprises a rotor arm bearing at each of a pair of free ends a pivotably mounted container. A holder which retains a multiplicity of workpieces is insertable into a capsule or cavity within each container. The rotary arm contains a reservoir associated with each container or liquifying a charge of material. Upon rotation of the machine at a high velocity, the liquified material is transferred from the reservoir to the container in a vacuum and is pressurized therein as a result of centripetal acceleration. Upon the termination of a predetermined interval, a trip mechanism is activated to rotate the containers so that the molten liquid which has not been injected under pressure into recesses in the workpieces is ejected or discharged from the containers. The containers rotate within a vacuum chamber which is depressurized prior to the centrifuge operation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for establishing a layer of particulate material on at least a portion of the internal surface of a centrifugal casting mold by confining a quantity of the particulate material in a cavity, inserting the cavity into the mold, rotating the mold and the cavity at substantially the same rate adequate to apply substantial centrifugal force to the particulate material in the cavity, and opening the cavity to release the particulate material while continuing to rotate the mold and the cavity.

Abstract: A pipe mold for centrifugally casting pipe is disclosed. The pipe mold according to the present invention is made by depositing weld material on a rigid shell. The rigid shell is obtained by forming a flat plate into a cylinder and welding the resultant seam. Additional rigid shells can be circumferentially welded together to obtain a desired length. The welded seams are areas of weakness called metallurgical notches. To eliminate the metallurgical notches, weld material is deposited on the shell. In one embodiment, weld material is deposited on the outside of the shell. The shell then is machined away. The resultant pipe mold has a total wall thickness comprising weld material and is free of metallurgical notches. In addition, the need for furnace heat-treatment to achieve properties in the weld material can be eliminated.

Abstract: Equipment (3) for centrifugal casting from a crucible (5) into a mold (8) is modified by the addition of agitation means (19) movable relative to the crucible (5) and a heating furnace (30) which is movable relative to the mold (8) in order to heat the latter, before casting, to a temperature close to that of the alloy in the thixotropic state.

Abstract: Molten metal is poured into a substantially cylindrical mold from its bottom while the mold is being rotated about its vertical center axis. The ingot-making apparatus comprises a substantially cylindrical mold, stool, vertical pouring channel communicating with a runner provided in the stool, metal receiver communicating with the top of the pouring channel, and a rotary table on which the mold is placed through the stool. The metal receiver is shaped like a body of rotation formed by rotating a curve having an opening at the top in a vertical plane about the axis of rotation of the rotary table.

Abstract: A front loading spin caster for spin casting a mold includes a vertically stationary top plate, a vertical movable bottom plate, a housing in which the top and bottom plates are disposed, a loading door disposed on one of the sides of the housing and adapted to allow the mold to be moved therethrough in a generally horizontal direction and placed on the bottom plate. The bottom plate can then be moved vertically upward to cause the mold to contact the top plate and a rotational force applied to the top plate propagates from the top plate through the mold to the bottom plate, the top plate, bottom plate and mold thus rotating together.

Abstract: A centrifugal caster comprising a motor driven centrifuge arm connected to a weight arm, both of which are rotatable about a vertical axis. A casting chamber is connected to the centrifuge arm and has a melting crucible disposed therein, and a counterweight is fixedly attached to the weight arm. The casting chamber is provided with a region for mounting a muffle set comprising a casting muffle inserted into an exchangeable muffle cage which is associated with the casting muffle according to size and weight, whereby the total weight of the muffle set is of such magnitude that upon rotation, the centrifuge arm is in balance with the weight arm and its fixedly attached counterweight.