Precision Metalsmiths, Inc.

John H Simmons

Donald A Daugherty

Robert A Horton

Timothy R Bauer

Jerald J Seymer

An apparatus and method for automatically forming ceramic shell molds as part of an investment casting process. The apparatus includes structure defining a plurality of processing stations which together define a process line through which set ups are conveyed and coated with cermic material. The first station includes a pickup arm assembly operative to transfer a set up from a transfer cart to a slurry tank where it is released. A transfer arm forming part of a second station engages the set up rotates it within the slurry tank for a predetermined time, after which, the slurry transfer arm transfers it to a spin-off tank and releases it. A stucco transfer arm assembly forming part of a third station engages the set up and rotates it to spin-off excess slurry solution after which the stucco transfer arm transfers it to a stucco tank and releases it. A third transfer arm assembly forming part of a fourth station then re-engages the set up and rotates it in the stucco tank so that a uniform coating of stucco or refractory material is deposited. The set up is then transferred to a scraper unit where it is engaged by a final transfer arm assembly which rotates it within the scraper unit to scrape the slurry and stucco coating from predetermined portions of the set up and then transfers it to a discharge transfer cart.

Investment shell molding apparatus and method

A method of producing cast metal tooling, especially injection molds or dies, characterized by the steps of making a thin walled, investment cast shell which defines the functional cavity surface of the tooling, and casting a suitable backing metal against the shell to form a composite die or mold structure.

Method of making tooling

An apparatus for cutting off castings from investment cast set-ups comprising a mandrel assembly engageable with the inside of the center tree of the set-up to clamp it with its longitudinal axis in a horizontal plane, a vertically movable carriage support, a carriage movable along the support parallel to the longitudinal axis of the center tree, a cut-off assembly including a horizontal abrasive disc on the carriage, and structure permitting lateral adjustment of the cut-off assembly in a direction normal to that of carriage movement.

Casting cut-off machine

Method and apparatus are disclosed for cyclically metering charges of a granulated wax-like or resinous material from a bulk supply and feeding such metered charges into a heated, pressurized reservoir. Each charge of the granulated material is fluidized with a stream of air under pressure to insure flow of the granules. The stream of air also serves to pressurize the reservoir and prevent the escape of hot air therefrom. Cooling of the reservoir inlet to prevent agglutination of the granules also is contemplated.

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Lyndhurst, OH, United States of America

John H Simmons