Patent · US Expired

Directional solidification method and apparatus

US6276432A · kind A · utility

16Cited by
10References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 10, 1999
Grant dateAug 21, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 10, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB22D27/045
  • WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

Method as well as apparatus for DS casting using a multi-stage thermal baffle disposed proximate a lower end of a DS casting furnace. The thermal baffle comprises a fixed primary baffle disposed at the lower end of the casting furnace and a secondary baffle initially releasably disposed adjacent and below the primary baffle prior to withdrawal of the melt-filled mold from the casting furnace. The primary baffle includes a primary aperture oriented perpendicular to the mold withdrawal direction and having a cross-sectional configuration tailored to accommodate a relatively large exterior region or profile of the melt-filled mold, such as a relatively wide platform region of a mold for making a turbine blade or vane. The secondary baffle includes a secondary aperture also oriented perpendicular to the mold withdrawal direction and having a cross-sectional configuration tailored to accommodate a relatively smaller exterior region or profile of the melt-filled mold, such as a narrower airfoil region of a mold for making a turbine blade or vane. The secondary baffle remains adjacent and immediately below the primary baffle during withdrawal of the mold from the furnace until the relativ…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.