Howmet Turbine Components Corporation

Donald J Frasier

A method and a support structure for use in casting metal articles which define at least one internal passage and wherein the support structure is associated with a core or cores employed during the casting operation. In that operation, the cores are confined within a disposable pattern, and a ceramic mold is formed around the pattern. When the pattern material is removed, a mold cavity is provided with the core positioned in the cavity to form the desired opening in the cast article. The support structure for the core comprises a member positioned between the core surface and the opposing mold surface. This member is encompassed by the pattern material when the pattern material is formed around the core. During the subsequent removal of the pattern material and also during curing of the ceramic mold, the support member serves to hold the core in place so that the dimension of the casting wall surrounding the internal passage can be precisely maintained. The support is of a material which will be diffused into the casting alloy so that the casting properties will not be adversely affected. Furthermore, no significant surface finishing operations are required for the casting.

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Whitehall, MI, United States of America

Donald J Frasier