Method and apparatus for casting an electron beam melted metallic material in ingot form
US5273102A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 9, 1992 |
| Grant date | Dec 28, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 9, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB22D23/06
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method and apparatus for casting a molten metallic material in ingot form are provided wherein the molten metallic material is transported to the ingot mold and an upper surface temperature and temperature distribution of the molten metal pool in the casting mold are measured by an imaging radiometer which is disposed external to a vacuum chamber enclosing the ingot mold, and is disposed to view the ingot pool surface through a sight port. At least one electron beam gun is employed to direct a stream of electrons at the ingot pool surface, the intensity of which is selectively modulated and the impingement of the stream of electrons is simultaneously selectively positioned in order to maintain a desired preselected mold pool surface temperature and temperature distribution thereby yielding a preselected metallurgical structure in the solidified ingot. The imaging radiometer may provide a video signal as an output, and may be connected to a video analyzer and video monitor which are used to provide an image of the surface temperature and temperature distribution, enabling an operator to control the electron beam gun in performing the ingot casting method.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.