Abstract: An aluminum ingot casting machine comprising a source of molten metal, a rotatable annular ring, carrying ingot casting moulds and a drive means for indexing the moulds. The machine includes a vacuum demoulder having a vacuum seal arrangement comprising a sealing element having a flexible core which can deform to form a vacuum seal against an ingot and a flexible abrasion resistant outer layer on said core, and retaining elements located on a lower face of the vacuum lifting head for releasably retaining the sealing element onto the lifting head. The vacuum seal comprises a flexible ring shaped body, being rounded in cross section, having a fibre cord core and an abrasion resistant flexible sheathing surrounding the core.

Abstract: A molten magnesium material is filled into a product section of a die. The molten magnesium material is cooled and solidified in the die, so that a molded product is formed. Subsequently, a thread-shaped pin is rotated, so that a female-thread forming section is drawn from the female-thread section of the molded product while the female-thread forming section is rotated. Thus, the female-thread section can be formed when the molded product is formed. A magnesium-alloy material is not apt to stick to a steel material used in the die compared with an aluminum-alloy material, so that the female-thread section can be steadily formed.

Abstract: A mold temperature control system comprises a mold section having a cavity, a fluid circuit to distribute a flow of a conditioning fluid, the fluid circuit being positioned spaced apart from the cavity, a temperature sensor positioned in the mold to generate a signal representative of a temperature in the mold, a controllable supply of the conditioning fluid, and a controller for automatically initiating flow of the conditioning fluid through the fluid circuit in response to an initiation temperature and for automatically terminating flow of the conditioning fluid through the fluid circuit in response to a termination temperature.

Abstract: A sprue insert-set which substantially eliminates sprue castings and improves melt-flow in high-pressure hot-chamber diecasting. The insert-set consists of (i) a heated sprue body insert for mounting in the fixed dieblock of a die set and (ii) a cooled sprue tip insert for mounting in the moving dieblock of the die set. The body and tip inserts are mounted so that their inner ends mate with one another in the region of the die parting-line to conjointly form a curved transition channel that connects the sprue channel in the body insert with a runner channel formed along the parting-line of the die set. The temperatures of the body insert and the top insert can be controlled so that the freeze-point occurs in the transition channel and the melt in the sprue channel is able to run back into the machine nozzle at the end each shot, thereby eliminating sprue castings.

Abstract: A process of casting a molten metal to form a cast metal strip ingot while controlling heat flux from the cast metal. The process comprises continuously supplying molten metal to a casting cavity formed between a pair of moving continuous casting surfaces that withdraw heat from the molten metal to cause metal solidification, and continuously withdrawing a resulting cast strip ingot from the casting cavity. A gas (e.g. air) containing water vapour substantially without liquid water (i.e. a moist gas) is supplied to the inlet of the casting cavity in a region containing the meniscus formed where the molten metal first contacts the casting surfaces. The moist gas has the effect of adjusting the heat withdrawal by the casting surfaces to minimize surface defects in the cast strip ingot and to avoid undesired distortion of the casting cavity. Furthermore, in those cases where a parting agent is applied to the casting surfaces, the amount of parting agent applied to the casting surfaces may be reduced.

Abstract: A cooling arrangement for uniformly cooling an entirety of a die-casting metal mold is provided. Cooling oil is supplied from temperature controllers (9, 10) by pumps to respective coolant passages (A,B,C,D,E,F,G) through coolant supply circuits (5,6) and through manifolds (5B,6B) where the coolant is branched for cooling a predetermined portion of the metal mold (2). Then, the cooling oil discharged from the respective coolant passages (A,B,C,D,E,F,G) are returned to the temperature controllers (9,10) through coolant discharge passages (7,8) and is cooled by cooling device (11, 12). The cooled cooling oil is again supplied to the coolant supply circuits (5,6). The coolant passages (A through G) are grouped into two groups, and the temperature controllers and the coolant circulation circuits are also grouped into each group to perform coolant supply control and temperature control independently of each group.

Abstract: A mold M for molding a metallic product including a fixed mold section 2 and a movable mold section 1, wherein heating means 7 is provided in the fixed mold section and cooling means 10 is provided in the movable mold section, which means are controlled by a temperature control device 14 so that any desired temperature is obtainable. Also, as the heating and the cooling of the mold are not repeated, but the fixed mold section is always heated and the movable mold section is always cooled, it is possible to shorten the cycle times.

Abstract: At least one aspect of the present invention relates to an improved method of incorporating fluid lines in a spray-formed article. The method comprises forming a first component having a backing surface followed by placing a fluid defining flexible conduit adjacent the backing surface. Next, metal droplets are sprayed over the backing surface to from a metallic adhesion layer. The metal droplets used to form the adhesion layer are sprayed in a sufficient amount that the adhesion layer at least partially encapsulates the flexible conduit whereby the conduit is fastened to the backing surface by the metallic adhesion layer. Also provided by the present invention is an article made in accordance with a method of the invention.

Abstract: A casting system and method for producing a metal casting is provided. The metal casting can comprise a fine-grain, homogeneous microstructure that is essentially oxide- and sulfide-free, segregation defect free, and essentially free of voids caused by air entrapped during solidification of the metal from a liquidus state to a solid state. The casting system can comprise an electroslag refining system; a nucleated casting system; and a cooling system that cools the metal casting so as to cool a liquidus portion of the metal casting. The metal casting is cooled in a manner sufficient to provide a microstructure that comprises a fine-grain, homogeneous microstructure that is essentially oxide- and sulfide-free, segregation defect free, and essentially free of voids caused by air entrapped during solidification from a liquidus state to a solid state.

Abstract: An investment casting process utilizes rapid cooling during solidification to achieve a desired final microstructure. A molten high temperature aluminum alloy is poured into a ceramic shell mold. The ceramic shell mold is then lowered into an oil bath held in a quenching tank to rapidly cool the molten material. Thus, solidification takes place quickly via rapid extraction of the latent heat of the metal by the quenching oil bath. The rapid solidification achieves a uniform fine microstructure in an as-cast component.

Abstract: A cooling arrangement for uniformly cooling an entirety of a die-casting metal mold is provided. Cooling oil is supplied from temperature controllers (9, 10) by pumps (not shown) to respective coolant passages (A,B,C,D,E,F,G) through coolant supply circuits (5,6) and through manifolds (5B,6B) where the coolant is branched for cooling a predetermined portion of the metal mold (2). Then, the cooling oil discharged from the respective coolant passages (A,B,C,D,E,F,G) are returned to the temperature controllers (9,10) through coolant discharge passages (7,8) and is cooled by cooling device (11, 12). The cooled cooling oil is again supplied to the coolant supply circuits (5,6). The coolant passages (A through G) are grouped into two groups, and the temperature controllers and the coolant circulation circuits are also grouped into each group to perform coolant supply control and temperature control independently of each group.

Abstract: Provided is a directional solidification casting apparatus capable of heightening a cooling effect when molten material poured in a mold is directionally solidified. A mold (20) disposed around a predetermined area is drawn out from a heating chamber (10) heated above a melting temperature of metals for producing a casting (31), and molten metals (32) held in a cavity (21) of the mold (20) are directionally solidified. The directional solidification casting apparatus (100) comprises a driving rod (42) by which the mold (20) is drawn out from the heating chamber (10), a gas nozzle (52b) through which a cooling gas is jetted from inside a predetermined area where the mold (20) is disposed so as to rapidly cool the mold (20), and a gas nozzle (52a) through which a cooling gas is jetted from outside the predetermined area where the mold (20) is disposed so as to rapidly cool the mold (20). A baffle (15) that does not move even when the driving rod (42) moves up and down is additionally provided.

Abstract: A temperature control unit for dies and molds, particularly for pressure die-casting or injection-molding of aluminum and alloys thereof, plastic materials and the like, comprising a die or mold cooling circuit through which pressurized water flows. A water feed pump is connected to the circuit and is adjustable to a pressure which is higher than the evaporation pressure of water at a preheating temperature of the water, which can be detected by a first sensor for detecting the temperature of the water. The circuit includes a circulation pump, a water overflow valve which can be set to a lower pressure than the feed pump, and a heating unit which is controlled by the first temperature sensor. A die or mold temperature sensor is further provided which controls the feed pump.

Abstract: A mold support (110) is disclosed for supporting a plurality of molds (109) in a casting apparatus having a first zone for introducing molten material into the molds and a second zone in which the material in the molds can cool. The mold support (110) is capable of relative movement from the first zone to the second zone thereby forming a solidification front in the material in each mold, whereby the solidification front moves through the material as the material solidifies. Each mold (109) defines a main axis (A) along which the solidification front can move and a centrally extending plane (P) perpendicular to the main axis. The mold support (110) comprises carrying means upon which the molds (109) can be disposed.

Abstract: Fully dense long ingots are produced by the bottom pouring method and apparatus of the present invention. A solidification sequence is achieved which is conducive to eliminating solidification shrinkage and piping. The set-up of the bottom poured ingot molds facilitates a solidification sequence starting from the top and then down the ingot mold and then up the down pour pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of controlling the cooling rate of a metallic melt in the production of a semi-solid slurry billet for use in a casting process. The apparatus comprises a thermal jacket including symmetrical halves, with each half having a rounded heat transfer surface extending between a pair of longitudinal edges. An actuator mechanism engages the heat transfer surfaces into intimate contact with a vessel containing the metallic melt to effectuate conductive heat transfer between the vessel and the thermal jacket, with the pairs of longitudinal edges of each halve being disposed in a generally opposite, spaced relationship. The thermal jacket includes a plurality of passageways adapted to carry cooling air for extracting heat from the metallic melt, and a plurality of electric heating elements for adding heat to the metallic melt. The cooling rate of the metallic melt is controlled within a range of about 0.

Abstract: A cooling passage is formed to have a helical configuration so that a flow rate of a cooling medium supplied to the cooling passage is controlled to be in an optimum cooling region. Accordingly, the contact surface area and the cooling volume of cooling water are decreased respectively. Further, it is possible to stably obtain an optimum casting quality with ease.

Abstract: Method and device for casting cast iron including a metal chill mold (100) having outer walls (206, 208, 210) and inner walls (212, 213, 220). The inner walls are in contact with a mold (300). The device further includes pressurizing means (400) for applying a variable pressure on the outer walls (206, 208, 210) of the chill mold, in order to control changes in volume of molten material enclosed by the chill mold, and chill mold cooling means (500) for variable cooling of the inner walls (212, 213, 220) of said chill mold.

Abstract: To obtain a high-quality cast product of a cylinder head, a proper directivity to the cooling process of the molten metal after a pouring process by utilizing the shape of a cylinder head is discussed. In a process where molten metal is injected to a casting mold cavity formed between upper and lower molds to fill it therewith so that the molten metal is solidified to form a cylinder head of an engine, a plurality of core protrusions corresponding to holes (plug holes and bolt holes) are formed in the upper mold, and a cooling means is attached to each of the core protrusions. With respect to cooling means attached to the plurality of core protrusions, those attached to the inner core protrusions comparatively closer to the center of the casting mold are designed so as to have a greater cooling capability than those attached to the outer core protrusions; therefore, with respect to the center portion and the outer portion of the casting mold cavity.

Abstract: Crystalliser for continuous casting of billets and blooms, including a monolithic tubular structure whose transverse section defines the section shape of the cast product, said tubular structure including a wall defined by an outer face and an inner face located in contact with the cast metal, said crystalliser including holes for the transit of cooling liquid, made in the thickness of the wall of the monolithic tubular structure, said holes being made on said wall in such a manner that the distance (“d”) between their longitudinal axis and the inner face of the wall of the crystalliser is between 5 and 20 mm.

Abstract: A mold basket, for supporting a mold, for use in a liquid metal bath furnace with an elevator, comprising a flange for suspending the mold basket from the elevator; and a horizontal plate disposed beneath the flange for supporting the mold, wherein the plate is coupled to the flange with a plurality of vertical tie rods.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved mould for casting a standard Magnesium ingot. The mould is constructed so as to minimize the surface area of the molten Magnesium which is exposed to the surrounding air. This significantly reduces the reliance on costly or harmful gases typically used in the casting process. The vertical mould which is internally tapered, has an open top and a closure at the bottom thereof. The ingot is easily removed from the mould when said closure is opened. The mould is adapted for use as part of an automated process employing a cyclic conveyance system for efficiently producing Magnesium ingots from recycled scrap Magnesium.

Abstract: High speed continuous casting device and method, comprising an ingot mold provided with a crystalliser having side-walls between which the product as it cools is suitable to take shape, the product then being sent to a guide, containing and possibly pre-rolling assembly located downstream of said ingot mold and cooperating with secondary cooling means, and a system of primary cooling associated with said side-walls, the crystalliser having a longitudinal development with a radius of curvature (“R”) having a value at least five times more than the first radius of curvature of the product in the secondary cooling zone located at the outlet of said crystalliser, wherein the length (L) of the walls is more than 1050 mm, so that a progressive and gradual deformation of the product being formed is obtained which prevents tensions, inner cracks and surface lesions from forming thereon.

Abstract: A mold wall of a continuous casting mold includes an inner mold plate and a water box connected to the inner mold plate through screw connections, wherein the inner mold plate has on its side facing the water box webs with grooves extending between the webs, and wherein filler pieces are arranged in the grooves. The filler pieces each have at least one expanding element for producing a frictionally engaging connection of the filler pieces to the inner mold plate. The screw connections are arranged between the water box and the filler pieces.

Abstract: A method of casting a directionally solidified article such as a component of a gas or steam turbine. The casting is performed in a casting furnace comprising a heating chamber, a liquid cooling bath as a cooling chamber and a shell mold. During casting, shell mold is fed with liquid metal and withdrawn from the heating chamber to the cooling chamber while the interior of the casting furnace is supplied with an inert atmosphere of Ar and/or He in the pressure range of 0.01 to 1 atmosphere, with a preferred range of 0.05 to 0.25 atmosphere. The method can provide improved heat transfer across the shell mold allowing a higher withdrawal rate, reduction in defects and/or improvement in properties of the cast articles.

Abstract: A molding method for bicycle metal frame, including the steps of: pouring a fixed amount of molten metal into a reservoir with the relatively light oxide membrane floating on the upper surface of the clean and pure molten metal, the male and female molds being mated to define a bicycle frame mold cavity which is vacuumized through a vacuum path, then by way of high pressure filling, the clean and pure molten metal being filled into the mold cavity through a mold flow way, then the molten metal quickly passing through the mold flow way to flow and distribute over the vacuumized bicycle frame mold cavity and spilling back flow tank defined by the mated male and female molds by way of drawing out the mold core, then, immediately the molten metal being abruptly cooled through several cooling pipelines defined by the mated male and female molds to pattern the molten metal into a bicycle frame with polished surface without pore; demolding the male and female molds to take out the bicycle frame which is blown by win

Abstract: The invention concerns thermoregulated molds and tools with a defined, fine-branched and point-focal interior heat-transferring conduit, process for their production, their use and process for the thermoregulation of molds and tools. According to the invention, these molds and tools contain on the inside a thermoregulating conduit in configuration of an arterial vessel system, through which an appropriate heat-transferring medium flows for heating or for cooling. The production of these molds and tools is conducted by means of rapid prototyping processes, particularly stereolithography.

Abstract: Processes for providing enhanced thermal properties of tooling, particularly metal and metal/ceramic molds, made by solid free form fabrication techniques, such as the three dimensional printing process, and the tooling made by these processes are disclosed. The methods of enhancing thermal properties include incorporating integral contour coolant channels into the mold, adding surface textures to the coolant channels, creating high thermal conductivity paths between the surfaces and the coolant channels, and creating low thermal inertia regions in the mold.

Abstract: A casting apparatus has within a heating chamber (6) and a mold (5) which can be removed from the heating chamber into a molten quenching metal (10) disposed underneath it. As a thermal barrier between the heating chamber (6) and the quenching metal (10), a thermal insulating layer (13) floating on the molten quenching metal (10) is provided, through which the mold (5) plunges into the molten quenching metal (10).

Abstract: A casting furnace for forming a large size turbine blade at a high casting rate using a casting alloy which has a single crystal structure or a columnar crystal structure, includes a main tank 2 in which a mold M is placed. A heater 6 heats the periphery of a mold M to a predetermined temperature. The heater is then vertically raised relative to the mold M while a cooling liquid metal immerses and cools the periphery of the heated mold M below the heater. The surface height of the cooling liquid metal is raised according to the rising of the heater.

Abstract: Mold heating vacuum casting furnace system comprising a mold preheating chamber located above and connected to a vacuum casting chamber via an intermediate isolation valve. A mold elevator is provided in the casting chamber and can be moved into the mold preheating chamber to lower the mold onto an annular rotary chill member residing in the casting chamber. The elevator includes an upstanding elevator shaft that moves in the opening of the annular chill member in a manner that the preheated mold is deposited or set on the annular chill member as the elevator is lowered into the casting chamber. The chill member includes an upwardly diverging mold engaging surface onto which the preheated mold is set by the elevator as it is lowered.

Abstract: A one-piece cast metal heat-exchanging forming tool is prepared using an expendable porous preform that is cast in place within a cast metal forming tool. The expendable preform is thereafter extracted to leave behind a network of inter-connected pores and passages within the body of the tool through which a heat transferring fluid may be circulated to transfer heat to or from a substantially non-porous contoured shaping surface of the tool. Fluid distribution/collection lines and vacuum lines may be incorporated in the tool during casting.

Abstract: A apparatus casting a turbine wheel of a metal alloy, wherein there is generated a columnar grain structure parallel to the leading and trailing edges of the vanes, by directional solidification of the metal from the central aperture in the wheel outward to the vane tips. A form with cavity to receive therein the molten metal has a thin walled core in the center, with the core wall outer surface in place to provide one wall of the cavity. A heat transfer medium in fluid form is circulated through the core, thereby cooling the poured metal by heat transfer from the inner ends of the vanes outward to the tips.

Abstract: A multi-piece wheel mold defining a mold cavity having a wheel rim cavity and a wheel disc cavity includes a large mass of metal adjacent to the outboard end of the wheel rim cavity and a small mass of metal adjacent to the inboard end of the wheel rim cavity. The mold also includes tapered side segments having a portion adjacent to the inboard end of the wheel rim cavity which is formed from a metal having a first conductivity of heat transfer. The side segments further have a second portion adjacent to the outboard end of the wheel rim cavity which is formed from a second metal having a second conductivity of heat transfer which is greater than the conductivity of heat transfer of the first portion. Molten metal in the mold cavity initially begins to solidify in the outboard end of the wheel rim cavity.

Abstract: An improved mold for a continuous casting process includes an outer wall that has a plenum chamber defined in an inner surface thereof and at least one passage for communicating the plenum chamber with an external coolant conduit. The mold further includes a liner that is secured to the inner surface of the outer wall. The liner has a number of slots defined in an inner wall thereof which, together with the outer wall, define a number of passages for transporting coolant to cool the liner during operation of the mold. Each of the slots has a radiused transition portion that is proximate to a location where the slot communicates with the plenum. The transition portion decreases in cross-section as the slot approaches the plenum. The mold further includes a velocity plate that is positioned between the plenum and the transition portion to limit an opening by which coolant may flow between the plenum and the transition portion.

Abstract: A cast aluminum alloy vehicle wheel has a central disk, a rim, and a rim carrying portion located between the rim and the central disk. The rim has an end or tip portion that is the farthest portion of the rim from the disk, and a barrel portion is located between the rim carrying portion and the rim end. The microstructure of the metal provides a dendritic arm spacing (DAS) that is smaller at the rim end than at the rim barrel. Additionally, the DAS of the barrel portion is less then at the central disk. The DAS of the rim carrying portion is equal or less then the DAS of the barrel portion on the rim. A high strength wheel is provided, especially at the rim.

Abstract: Apparatus for casting a metal article includes a mold having a mold insert provided by cooperating shell and insert core which defines a coolant flow passageway. The insert has a portion disposed adjacent to the mold cavity and, in a preferred embodiment, defines a portion of the mold cavity. The passageway portion disposed adjacent to the mold defining surface of the insert has turbulence inducing elements which establish turbulence of the coolant as it flows therethrough. In a preferred embodiment, the turbulence inducing elements consist of a plurality of generally parallel elongated ribs oriented generally perpendicular to the axial extent of the turbulence inducing portion of the coolant passageway. The apparatus is particularly advantageous for a die casting having thin wall portions disposed upstream in respect of the direction of metal flow from thick wall portions. A corresponding method is provided.

Abstract: The shot sleeve of the invention is used in a die casting machine and defines a bore for containing molten metal to be injected into a die. At least one passageway disposed generally parallel to the bore for containing a first fluid having a fluid temperature and a fluid flow rate is provided, whereby substantially uniform temperatures can be maintained across the width of the shot sleeve by controlling the fluid temperature of the fluid flow rate or both the fluid temperature and the fluid flow rate. A die casting machine and an associated method are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved method of and system for die casting an engine block made of aluminum is provided. Included in the system is a calorific fluid for circulating through a bore pin assembly in a preselected temperature range which is continuously maintained by a heat transfer fluid controlling device.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous upward casting of a metal object comprises a nozzle having an upper part, a cooler surrounding the upper part of the nozzle and defining a cooling chamber for receiving a flow of cooling agent, a separating element dividing the cooling chamber into an inner part and an outer part. A guide structure is formed in the cooler near the bottom of the cooler, for influencing flow of cooling agent and intensifying cooling of the metal object near the bottom of the cooler, whereby a solidification front is formed in the nozzle between molten metal and solid metal near the bottom of the cooler.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for the production of piston castings, and, in particular, a die construction and method of use thereof are described, the die having a crown forming part (18) separable from a skirt forming part (12). In the method, when solidification of the casting occurs to an extent at least enabling the separation of the skirt forming die part therefrom to be allowed, and the die parts (20, 22) are separated, the casting is retained by the crown forming part (18) of the die. After a subsequent process step, such as the solidification of the remainder of the piston casting, and or the cooling of the piston casting by an air blast (64), the solidified piston is removed from the crown forming part of the die.

Abstract: A process of casting a scroll member for a scroll compressor including forming the scroll wrap member portions of equal height. Unequal cooling of the scroll wrap when formed causes the hardness of the wrap to vary from radially outside to radially inside. The radially outside portions of the scroll wrap are formed harder therefore reducing wear-out of the scroll member while the radially inside portions are formed softer, thereby permitting quicker run-in of the scroll set during initial startup of the scroll compressor.

Abstract: The device comprises a body of thermally conductive material having an upper part through which liquid coolant is passed and a lower part which is submerged in the molten metal to be cooled. The lower part has a dimension which is greater than the corresponding dimension in a higher horizontal cross-sectional plane so that a skull of solidified metal is locked to the body by extending around the greater dimension.

Abstract: A steel mold has a mold body with a molding surface and heat-conducting members with a first and a second end embedded in the mold body. The heat-conducting members have a length and a thickness and are made of a material having a melting point above 950.degree. C. The heat-conducting members are spaced at a distance from the molding surface wherein a ratio of the thickness to the distance is 1:1 to 1:3 and wherein the length is 3 to 10 times the thickness. A cooling system is embedded within the mold body whereby one of the ends of the heat conducting members is connected to the cooling system.

Abstract: An aluminum-silicon alloy having excellent mechanical characteristics is formed by pressure casting of a molten material concurrently with modifying thereof by a flux which includes at least one element selected from the group of Na, Sb, Sr, and/or Ca, allowing a substantially fine grain of silicon to be dispersed in the alloy. Alternatively, the step of the pressure casting is replacable by substantial uniform cooling of the molten material regardless of a thickness thereof by cooling a die having a mold formed of a Cu-W type material, which mold corresponds to a substantially thick portion of the alloy.

Abstract: A metal mold cooling device capable of employing a cooling pipe having a small diameter insertable into a cooling hole having a small diameter, and capable of performing fine supply control of a cooling liquid to the metal mold for fine temperature control thereto. A cooling pipe is connected to a compressed air source through a pipe and a first change-over valve. Further, the pipe is connected to a branch pipe to which a second change-over valve is connected. A hermetic cooling liquid tank connected to a water source is connected to the second change-over valve. A third change-over valve is provided between the compressed air source and the cooling liquid tank so as to apply pneumatic pressure onto a surface of the cooling liquid in the cooling liquid tank. Since the cooling liquid tank is provided in addition to the water source, pneumatic pressure from the compressed air source can be utilized. The cooling liquid in the cooling liquid tank is compressed and is supplied to the cooling pipe.

Abstract: The apparatus for the production of directionally solidified castings (10) in a vacuum casting plant comprises a cooling attachment with members (60) between a flat cooling plate (6) and the mold shell (2), by means of which member zones of different orientation of the direction of solidification can be produced in the casting. This apparatus is particularly suitable for the production of components in the form of a wheel--e.g. turbine wheels in aircraft jet engines--in which a radial alignment of the texture structure is advantageous in order to increase strength.

Abstract: A mold for casting metal ingot sows having an aspect ratio of at least 4:1. The mold comprises a bottom wall from which a side wall extends upwardly and outwardly and from which heat transfer structure extends downwardly for transferring heat away from the bottom wall.

Abstract: A permanent metal mold (12) has a casting cavity (18) within which variable thickness molten metal articles (20) are cast. Portions (26) of the casting cavity walls (16) are formed oversized and lined with sand (44) to conform with the external size and shape of certain thick (46) and thin (48) sections of the cast article (20). The thickness of the sand liner (44) is reversely correlated to the thick (46) and thin (48) sections of the article (20) to cause these sections (46, 48) to cool at different rates in order to achieve an approximately equalized cooling time of these sections (46, 48). Other portions (50, 52) of the casting cavity walls (16) are formed bare of the sand liner (44) and conform with the external size and shape of other corresponding sections (54, 56) of the cast article (20).

Abstract: A water-cooled copper casting mold comprising a copper plate, a back frame which is fastened to the copper plate to thereby form cooling channels in which widths of main channels in the bolt fastening region are wider than those in other regions, characterized in that the water-cooled copper casting mold further comprises increased channels which are formed between right and left main channels in the bolt fastening region excluding bolt screwing halls, branch channels which are provided between the main channels and the increased channels wherein at least one of the branch channels and branching portions of the main channels has more sectional areas of water than the main and the increased channels.