Abstract: A method for recovery of moulding sand from a foundry sand mixture, which includes at least one proportion of moulding material fragments or loose moulding material grains, which accumulates when a cast part is demoulded from a casting mould as a result of the destruction of casting cores which have been formed from the moulding sand and an inorganic binder. The method includes: a) mixing the foundry sand mixture with cleaning water to form a slurry in order to dissolve the inorganic binder residues contained in the foundry sand mixture and optionally present additives from the moulding sand and to rinse them from the foundry sand mixture, and b) separating the cleaning water contaminated with the inorganic binder residues from the moulding sand contained in the slurry, wherein the process temperature of the slurry formed in step a) is 50 to 200° C.

Abstract: Provided is a decompression kneader capable of stabilizing a moisture content of resultant kneaded sand. The decompression kneader includes a kneader main body configured to knead casting sand and water, a decompression pump configured to reduce a pressure inside the kneader main body, a condenser configured to condense water vapor sucked by the decompression pump, a tank configured to store water condensed by the condenser, and a supply amount calculation apparatus configured to calculate an amount of water supplied from the tank to the kneader main body. The tank comprises a water gauge and a weighing scale, and the supply amount calculation apparatus estimates an amount of the casting sand contained in the tank based on measured values of the water gauge and the weighing scale and corrects the amount of the water supplied from the tank with reference to the amount of the casting sand.

Abstract: A hard tool configuration and method of manufacturing advanced detailed trailing edge features in a core for casting. The hard tool configuration includes at least a first platform and a second platform. The hard tool configuration also includes a first end of a plurality of removable rake elements removably attached to at least one of the first platform and the second platform. The hard tool configuration also includes an internal mold geometry in a spacing in between the center facing side of the first platform and the center facing side of the second platform.

Abstract: The method for the stepwise production and advancing of sand mold parts in a mold-string foundry plant comprising a station (1) for making mold parts, a pouring station (3) and a conveyor (2) for stepwise advancing of mold parts (101-109) from said station (1) for making mold parts towards said pouring station (3), includes the step of double indexing the mold parts using a first, moveable, part (21) of the conveyor. By double indexing the mold string, the time during which pouring into the molds has to be interrupted can be reduced.

Abstract: A method for managing a casting process based on measured properties of molding sand is provided so that casting defects or energy used can be reduced by changing the molding conditions for the mold to be produced or changing the steps after molding. The method for managing a casting process based on the properties of the molding sand includes a step (1) of measuring the properties of the molding sand just before the molding sand is supplied to a molding machine (40) and a step (2) of determining if the measured properties of the molding sand comply with predetermined properties so as to then switch between a step of molding a mold when the measured properties do comply with the predetermined properties and a step of molding a mold when the measured properties do not comply with the predetermined properties.

Abstract: To provide an apparatus for reclaiming foundry sand that has a fluidized bed that prevents slits from being clogged.

Abstract: The core sand filling method comprises a step of operating an aeration air supply means, so as to float and fluidize core sand within a sand blow chamber and, when a pressure Pf of the sand blow chamber measured by the first pressure sensor reaches a first pressure, operating a compressed air supply means and a step of stopping the aeration air supply means and compressed air supply means from operating when each of the pressure Pf within the sand blow chamber and a pressure Pc within a sand storage chamber is a second pressure or higher while a differential pressure ?P=Pc?Pf is a third pressure or lower.

Abstract: A mold in which a fine uneven structure is formed on the surface by anodizing a surface of an aluminum base material having a purity of equal to or more than 99.5% by mass, wherein a 60-degree gloss of the surface on the side where a fine uneven structure is formed is equal to or more than 750%.

Abstract: A flaskless molding equipment for molding a mold that provides support for quickly restoring the stopped equipment to a normal operation. The control circuit monitors the movements of the movable members, the cylinders, and the mechanisms for driving a cylinder, and if the period of the operation of each step of the flaskless molding equipment for molding a mold from the start of the operation to the point where the operation of the flaskless molding equipment for molding a mold reaches the predetermined position exceeds the predetermined period that is set to be abnormal, then the control circuit provides support for restoring the stopped equipment to a normal operation, following the instructions displayed on the screen and following the operator's input by means of an input switch.

Abstract: A flaskless molding equipment for molding a mold that provides support for quickly restoring the stopped equipment to a normal operation. The control circuit monitors the movements of the movable members, the cylinders, and the mechanisms for driving a cylinder, and if the period of the operation of each step of the flaskless molding equipment for molding a mold from the start of the operation to the point where the operation of the flaskless molding equipment for molding a mold reaches the predetermined position exceeds the predetermined period that is set to be abnormal, then the control circuit provides support for restoring the stopped equipment to a normal operation, following the instructions displayed on the screen and following the operator's input by means of an input switch.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for making upper and lower molds and an apparatus therefor that can prevent the resulting molds from being warped and match-plates from being broken. The method of this invention comprises the step of holding a match-plate 1 between cope and drag flasks 2 and 3, inserting upper and lower squeezing means 4 and 5 into the respective openings of the cope and drag flasks 2 and 3, which openings are opposite to the match-plate 1, so as to define upper and lower molding spaces, supplying molding sand to the upper and lower molding spaces, and then causing the upper and lower squeezing means 4 and 5 to move forward to the match-plate 1 so as to squeeze the molding sand and make upper and lower molds, wherein during the step of causing the upper and lower squeezing means to move forward to the match-plate the difference between the squeezing pressures of the upper and lower molding spaces is kept within a predetermined tolerance.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for making upper and lower molds and an apparatus therefor that can prevent the resulting molds from being warped and match-plates from being broken. The method of this invention comprises the step of holding a match-plate 1 between cope and drag flasks 2 and 3, inserting upper and lower squeezing means 4 and 5 into the respective openings of the cope and drag flasks 2 and 3, which openings are opposite to the match-plate 1, so as to define upper and lower molding spaces, supplying molding sand to the upper and lower molding spaces, and then causing the upper and lower squeezing means 4 and 5 to move forward to the match-plate 1 so as to squeeze the molding sand and make upper and lower molds, wherein during the step of causing the upper and lower squeezing means to move forward to the match-plate the difference between the squeezing pressures of the upper and lower molding spaces is kept within a predetermined tolerance.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for processing molding sand. In order to provide a method with a simple regulating system to control the compressibility of a reclaimed molding sand, the invention proposes that the molding sand be divided into several charges and the processing parameters, such as the quantity of water, the quantity of new sand and/or the quantity of clay to be added, is corrected on the basis of the difference following processing between the actual compressibility and the reference compressibility of the molding sand, measured for the preceding charge.

Abstract: A device for determining the integrity of a greensand mold comprising two or more measurement sensors or plates on a support or supports. The support may comprise a frame straddling a mold production line between the mold machine and the pour station. When the production line is stopped, the measurement sensors or plates are extended to contact opposing sides of a mold and determine electrical characteristics of the mold, including capacitance and inductance. By comparing the electrical characteristics of the mold to the electrical characteristics of recently tested molds in the production line, a determination can be made whether the mold should be used at the pour station.

Abstract: Described is a procedure for layered composition of models, whereby at least a first material is applied to an assembly platform, followed by selective application of a second material layer; these two application steps are repeated until the required model is achieved and both materials form a solid structure in an appropriate mixture ratio. The first material comprises a molding sand; the first and/or second material comprises a bonding agent encompassing a salt-crystal binder and/or protein binder.

Abstract: A method for the layered construction of models is disclosed, whereby at least one first material is applied to a building platform and then a second material is selectively applied in layers. Both application steps are then repeated until the desired model is obtained and the both materials form a solid body with a desired mixing ratio. The first material comprises a moulding sand and the first and/or the second material comprises a binder, comprising a crystalline salt binder, or/and a protein binder.

Abstract: Described herein a method of manufacturing a metal shape that includes contacting a liquid metal and a surface of a foundry core under conditions wherein vein defects occur, the surface of the foundry core comprising a foundry aggregate, a combustible-organic material and a polyurethane resin, and the surface of the foundry core being free of or essentially free of an anti-veining agent; cooling the liquid metal to a temperature below its melting point thereby forming a metal shape; and then removing the foundry core from the metal shape.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for processing moulding sand. In order to provide a method with a simple regulating system to control the compressibility of a reclaimed moulding sand, the invention proposes that the moulding sand be divided into several charges and the processing parameters, such as the quantity of water, the quantity of new sand and/or the quantity of clay to be added, is corrected on the basis of the difference following processing between the actual compressibility and the reference compressibility of the moulding sand, measured for the preceding charge.

Abstract: A device for determining the integrity of a greensand mold comprising two or more measurement sensors or plates on a support or supports. The support may comprise a frame straddling a mold production line between the mold machine and the pour station. When the production line is stopped, the measurement sensors or plates are extended to contact opposing sides of a mold and determine electrical characteristics of the mold, including capacitance and inductance. By comparing the electrical characteristics of the mold to the electrical characteristics of recently tested molds in the production line, a determination can be made whether the mold should be used at the pour station.

Abstract: A method of forming a pattern includes providing an actual core having dimensions which are different from dimensions of an ideal core. A best fit spatial relationship of the actual core to a spatial envelope for an ideal core is determined. Locating surfaces in a die are moved to positions, at least some of which are offset from ideal core locating positions, in which the actual core is positioned in a best fit spatial relationship with the spatial envelope for the ideal core. A plurality of motors may be utilized to move the core locating surfaces to desired locating positions. The actual core is positioned in engagement with the core locating surfaces and a flow of wax is conducted into the die. If desired, a best fit spatial relationship of the actual core to a die cavity may be determined, rather than a best fit with an ideal core.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of an apparatus for making an upper and a lower mold and the apparatus therefore that prevents a mold from having a wrap or a match plate from being damaged. The apparatus controls the forward movement of an upper and a lower squeeze member such that when each moves forward to the match plate by a squeeze device, the difference in the squeeze forces imparted to the upper squeeze member and the squeeze force imparted to the lower squeeze member, is kept within the predetermined tolerance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a production line for the production of cast parts (M) from a metallic melt, in particular a light molten metal, which takes place in a continuous cycle, comprising a plurality of functional units, including a core production unit (2) for the production of casting cores, a mould assembly unit (3) for assembling casting moulds (G) formed as core packages, a casting unit for filling the molten metal into the casting moulds (G), a cooling unit (5a) for cooling the molten metal respectively contained in the casting moulds (G), and a demoulding unit (5b) for destructive removal of the casting mould (G) from the cast part (M).

Abstract: A foam material comprises a liquid polymer and a liquid isocyanate which is mixed to make a solution that is poured, injected or otherwise deposited into a corresponding mold. A reaction from the mixture of the liquid polymer and liquid isocyanate inside the mold forms a thermally collapsible foam structure having a shape that corresponds to the inside surface configuration of the mold and a skin that is continuous and unbroken. Once the reaction is complete, the foam pattern is removed from the mold and may be used as a pattern in any number of conventional casting processes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sand casting molding machine for double indexing molds in a mold string. The machine can include a shot chamber having sand, a swingable squeeze head, a lateral squeeze head, a core setter, a mold hold down, a mold retention device and a mold string conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for producing a casting mold are provided, according to which the casting mold having a complex shape can be obtained with stable quality. The apparatus comprises a mold having a cavity therein, a steam supply unit, a steam supply passage connected to the cavity, steam discharge passages, flow regulators disposed in the steam discharge passages to regulate an amount of the steam discharged from the cavity, and a control unit for controlling the flow regulators. After a resin-coated sand prepared by coating a refractory aggregate with a binder resin is injected into the cavity of the heated mold, superheated steam is supplied into the cavity. At this time, the control unit controls the flow regulators such that the cavity is uniformly filled with the superheated steam.

Abstract: A monitor system for monitoring a molding machine that includes a vertically-movable supporting frame, a pattern carrier on which a pattern is placed, a flask placed on a leveling frame, a sand hopper provided with an optional an air-jet chamber, sand-charging nozzles disposed around a plurality of squeeze feet that is disposed at a lower end of the sand hopper, and a filling frame connected to filling-frame cylinders and surrounding the squeeze feet and the sand-charging nozzles from their outside, the filling frame to be placed on the flask when lowered, comprising at least one sensor connected to the molding machine, for detecting an attribute of the molding sand as required and data analyzing monitor means connected to the sensor, for receiving data that correspond to the attribute detected by the sensor and analyzing the attribute and displaying the results of the analysis.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in reclaiming particulate material from bonded particulate material comprises an outer compartment arranged substantially concentrically about an inner compartment, means in one compartment for breaking up the bonded particulate material and means in the other compartment for removing the binder, and means for transferring broken up material from one compartment to the other.

Abstract: An automatic molding machine has different operational molding stations in which at least two different safety zones are provided for the different molding stations. Such an automated machine includes a mold flask assembly including a drag flask, a cope flask and a pattern plate. An electronic controller controls the molding machine differently when different safety zones are breached.

Abstract: In a mold producing foundry machine generally according to the “Disamatic®”-principle a method of compensating for relatively slowly varying compaction properties of the mold particle material without compromising the geometrical requirements for repeatedly fixed placements of the pattern plates defining the mold chamber before the shot, comprises previous establishment of a beneficial set of starting parameters for shot and pressing of the mold to a fix terminating compaction force. The percentual volume reduction from the fixed starting volume to the terminating volume of the compacted mold—yielding the mold compressibility—is compared to the previously established beneficial reference value and the succeeding shots are adaptively controlled to compensate for the realised offset in compressibility by especially regulating the shot pressure, duration and fluidization parameters in a cyclic sequence securing steady reduction of the offset value to be within acceptable margins.

Abstract: An evaluation method in which a capacitive sensor is placed in a region of a container, into which a granular material is fed so as to contact the sensor, and the variation in the impedance of the sensor caused by feeding in the material is evaluated. The method is particularly useful for evaluating the compactness of sand in a formwork for making metal castings. The evaluation system includes a sensor defined by plates sensitive to the variation in the dielectric; and a conditioning and control circuit for indicating the variation in the capacitance of the plates, or more generally the total impedance of the system, when the granular material is fed into the container. In one embodiment, the plates of the sensor are defined by two combs made of conducting material, having two numbers of interlacing segments, and located on a rigid or flexible support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing heat-resistant casting molds from molding sand containing binder, particularly for producing an inner contour of casting molds for prototypes, large volumes and deep grooves often being produced especially in the machining of molds for rapid production of prototypes from casting materials. To increase efficiency, in a first step blocks of molding material are produced whose dimensions correspond to a mold cavity depth typically of 300 mm to 400 mm. The inner contour of the mold is then produced oversized with spacing close to the contour of the inner wall of the mold cavity by means of a roughing tool (4) that has an effective cutting diameter of 12 mm to 35 mm. The mold cavity is then machined by fast milling away of the oversize material following the contour, with a finishing cutter (3) that has a diameter-to-length ratio between 1:10 and 1:30.

Abstract: A process for forming a mould or a core for casting molten metal by machining (e.g. cutting or drilling) to the desired shape a bonded particulate refractory material wherein the shear strength of the refractory particles is less than the shear strength of the bonds between the particles. The preferred particulate is aluminosilicate microspherers (e.g. “flyash floaters”) and the binder is preferably based on silica (e.g. fumed silica/sodium hydroxide). The bonded particulate material is easily machined to form accurately dimensioned moulds or parts thereof.

Abstract: A method of automatically placing a core package (301) in a mold (505) is provided. Locators (501) and a cavity (503) designed to receive at least a part of the core package (301) are formed in the mold (505). The mold (505) is positioned such that the locators (501) may be illuminated and one or more images are obtained of the locators (501). The images are processed to determine a target location for the core package (301) in the cavity (503), and an automated device (303) places the core package (303) in the mold (505) at the target location.

Abstract: A monitor system for monitoring a molding machine that includes a vertically-movable supporting frame, a pattern carrier on which a pattern is placed, a flask placed on a leveling frame, a sand hopper provided with an optional an air-jet chamber, sand-charging nozzles disposed around a plurality of squeeze feet that is disposed at a lower end of the sand hopper, and a filling frame connected to filling-frame cylinders and surrounding the squeeze feet and the sand-charging nozzles from their outside, the filling frame to be placed on the flask when lowered, comprising at least one sensor connected to the molding machine, for detecting an attribute of the molding sand as required and data analyzing monitor means connected to the sensor, for receiving data that correspond to the attribute detected by the sensor and analyzing the attribute and displaying the results of the analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing mold parts (5) on a string molding apparatus comprising a molding chamber (1) between a squeeze plate (2) and a pivoted squeeze plate (3) in which both the squeeze plate (2) and the pivoted squeeze plate (3) can move in a direction towards each other and a direction away from one another comprising the steps of introducing a compressible particulate molding material (4) in the molding chamber (1) and then squeezing the molding material (4) by moving the squeeze plate (2) and the pivoted squeeze (3) towards one another wherein the velocity of the squeeze plate and the velocity of the pivoted squeeze plate are controlled independent from one another during the squeezing of the mold part (5).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for machining a mold material to produce a mold. By casting based on a cast mold model (15), a mold material (20) is produced in a form having a work margin. Thereafter, a shape of the mold material (20) is measured by a measuring device (16), and measurement data and an envelope model (M2) generated based on the measurement data are stored in a storage unit (12A) of a computer (12). Thereafter, a mold model (M1) based on mold design data and an envelope model (M2) are displayed on a display unit (12C), and the envelope model (M2) is linearly moved in direction of three axes X, Y and Z orthogonal to one another respectively and rotated around the three axes to bring a product forming plane (M2B) of the envelope model (M2) into close proximity of a product forming plane (M1B) of the mold model (M1).

Abstract: To provide a monitoring system for remotely monitoring the operation of a molding apparatus or an air-flow and press molding apparatus. The monitoring systems for monitoring a molding apparatus and an air-flow and press molding apparatus include sensors, a local unit, and a remote unit. The local unit transmits the signals associated with the required attributes, which are measured by the sensors, of the molding apparatus to the remote unit via the communication network. The remote unit is designed so that it receives the signals transmitted from the local unit; thereby the user can monitor the molding apparatus or the air-flow and press molding apparatus remotely at the production and operation by them.

Abstract: Techniques such as closed-loop direct metal deposition (CLDMD) and laser cladding are used to design and tailor tools and components for specific applications. Closed loop DMD in particular can achieve such changes on an existing tool with proper alloy matching (often referred as color matching in the die repair industry) and close dimensional tolerances. This process leads to cost and lead-time savings by reducing post processing cost and reconfiguring the original tool.

Abstract: An evaluation method in which a capacitive sensor is placed in a region of a container, into which a granular material is fed so as to contact the sensor, and the variation in the impedance of the sensor caused by feeding in the material is evaluated. The method is particularly useful for evaluating the compactness of sand in a formwork for making metal castings. The evaluation system includes a sensor defined by plates sensitive to the variation in the dielectric; and a conditioning and control circuit for indicating the variation in the capacitance of the plates, or more generally the total impedance of the system, when the granular material is fed into the container. In one embodiment, the plates of the sensor are defined by two combs made of conducting material, having two numbers of interlacing segments, and located on a rigid or flexible support.

Abstract: A method of forming prototype metal castings by forming and modifying one or more sand mold elements of a sand mold assembly. The method includes molding and patterning sand into shapes of the sand mold elements and then forming a first metal casting by filling the internal cavity of the first sand mold assembly with molten metal material. The first metal casting is evaluated for strength or other desirable characteristics. Once a defect is noted the sand mold elements are modified by machining sand away from at least one of the sand mold elements of a later formed sand mold assembly to modify the shape of the internal cavity between mold elements. Machining modifications are determined from evaluating the first metal casting. Then a modified metal casting is made by filling the modified internal cavity of the modified sand mold assembly with molten metal material.

Abstract: A method for producing casting molds, such as cores or core assemblies used in foundry practice, wherein molding material, preferably molding sand, is injected or shot into a molding chamber via a gaseous flow medium, preferably air, under a predeterminable pressure. The shot and resulting solidified mold is deaerated, then the tool is opened, and the solidified mold is removed. The shooting process and/or deaeration process are controlled via detected and, if need be, prepared process parameters according to a predeterminable specification.

Abstract: A new mold solves problems that arise from differential changes in geometry inherent to casting metal in a ceramic mold, by control of the internal morphology between the surfaces of the mold that face the casting, and that face the external environment. Layered fabrication techniques are used to create a ceramic mold. For example, an internal geometry composed of a cellular arrangement of voids may be created within the mold wall. Structures may be designed and fabricated so that the ceramic mold fails at an appropriate time during the solidification and/or cooling of the casting. Thus, the casting itself is not damaged. The mold fails to avoid rupture, or even distortion, of the casting.

Abstract: A method and system using a molding apparatus with frames by which the amount of molding sand that overflows the molding apparatus and that must be taken out of a mold that is prepared by a molding operation is minimized, and by which the density of the mold within a frame is substantially uniform. The molding sand filling cavity is defined by a pattern plate, a molding frame that can be put on the pattern plate, a filling frame that can be put on the molding frame, and a covering apparatus having a plurality of squeezing feet. The squeezing feet can enter the filling frame and can be temporarily held at certain positions where certain distances are kept between the lower ends of the squeezing feet and surfaces of the patterns on the pattern plate that are opposed to the lower ends. Molding sand is supplied to the molding sand filling cavity. Then, the molding sand is compressed by the squeezing feet.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a green-sand molding machine with the aid of a computer is provided. An input interface (2) receives the input data of a user that includes the type of a given green-sand molding process, the design condition of a pattern plate, the physical characteristics of the green sand, and the pressure of squeezing, for the machine (1). A calculating unit (3) calculates the charging of the green sand in a green-sand mold by analyzing the green-sand molding process based on the input data of the user from the input interface (2) before the mold has been actually produced. An output interface (4) provides the calculated results from the calculating unit (3) to the machine (1) so as to make the controlled amount for the machine (1) to follow the results calculated during an actual molding process that is carried out by the machine (1).

Abstract: For the working of walls which bound the cavity of a continuous casting [mould] mold, a machine is used which incorporates machining and/or polishing tools. The machine consists of a machine tool table with an arm introducible into the cavity for the supporting of the tools and a table for the clamping of the [mould] mold, as well as devices for generating a numerically controlled relative movement between the tools and the walls. In order to obtain a high accuracy in the working also in the case of a cavity with a conicity varying in longitudinal direction and/or along the peripheral line of a cross-section or in the case of a cavity with special comer configurations, it is proposed that a rotational movement of the tools about axes which are arranged substantially obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the arm be combined with a swivelling movement of the arm about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A molding material is forced by a shooting device (3) into an openable tool (4) and solidified therein to a component of a mold (2)—a core or shell. The mold component (2) is removed when the tool (4) is open, and subsequently handled in any desired sequence, transported, and, if need be completed to a core assembly (1). The tools (4) are measured in a noncontacting manner in the region of the shooting device (3) and/or manipulators (5) and/or processing stations (6) and/or storage areas (7) and/or conveying paths (8), that the measured data are supplied to a computer (9), if need be, processed therein, and compared with stored desired values, and that the tools (4) are identified as defective, when a predeterminable or definable deviation from the desired values is detected.

Abstract: An automatic machine is designed to test performances of green sand molding and composed of a machine support, a feeding device, a vibration device, a testing device, a detecting device, and a catching device. The green sand is extracted by the feeding device and then screened in the vibration device The selected green sand is received and carried by a test piece sleeve of the catching device. The test piece sleeve is driven to move to the testing device for testing the compatibility of the green sand, to the detecting device for testing the permeability of the green sand, and to the loadcell for testing the green compressive strength of the green sand.

Abstract: The method comprises the production of a first positive model of an item to be cast. The positive model is produced with a flange extending in an imaginary separation line of the item. The flange extends both inwardly in the item within an outer periphery of the item and outwardly outside the outer periphery of the item. The flange establishes an artificial increase of the thickness of the item. Through different intermediate steps at least a first mould part and a second mould part of a mould are produced. The first and the second mould part of the mould initially have a separation zone forming a contact surface between the first and the second mould part. The mould parts are treated in the separation zone so that the negative moulds of an upper and a lower surface of the part of the flange extending outside the item will subsequently form a contact surface of the first and the second mould part.

Abstract: The geometry of the cast part is provided as a digital pattern and an inverse pattern for the lost casting mold including any core is generated from the digital pattern. A layer of a particulate molding material is provided. The molding material is made of a first material and a second material. The first material is chemically inert when irradiated by electromagnetic radiation. The second material is curable by a chemical curing process that is initiated by electromagnetic radiation. The layer is scanned by irradiating electromagnetic radiation on places of the layer corresponding to the inverse pattern for the lost casting mold including any core. The irradiation is controlled to initiate the chemical curing process in the second material.

Abstract: A method of reclaiming foundry sand by (a) providing a treatment tower having a plurality of heat conductive tubes extending across the interior of the treatment tower, the tubes being arranged in rows and staggered with respect to tubes in adjacent rows to create close spacing therebetween sufficient to permit the sand to flow continuously and non-turbulently along the contours of the exterior under the influence of gravity before dropping to the next adjacent tube to thereby again flow continuously and non-turbulently in successive sequence downwardly of the tower; (b) quiescently heating the interior tower space and tubes to a temperature in excess of 1300.degree. F.