Method of using thermally reversible material to form ceramic molds
US5906781A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 11, 1996 |
| Grant date | May 25, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 11, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB33Y80/00
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for forming a ceramic mold comprises the step of placing a pattern having critical pattern surfaces in a flask having an open end. The critical pattern surfaces face upward toward the open end. Successive steps include adding a concentrated heat reversible gel solution to the flask to cover the critical pattern surfaces, and cooling the gel solution to form an elastic solid gel mold. The gel mold has critical gel mold surfaces inverse to the critical pattern surfaces. Further steps include removing the pattern from the elastic gel mold, casting a ceramic mold around the gel mold, and liquifying the gel mold to remove it from the ceramic mold. The ceramic mold has critical ceramic surfaces inverse to the critical gel mold surfaces, thereby accurately replicating the critical pattern surfaces.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.