Howmet Corporation

Howmet Research Corporation

Leonard L Ervin

Gregory N Colvin

Robert F Johnson

Method and apparatus for making a cast product shape using a die casting method wherein a molten metallic material is introduced into a shot sleeve having an end that is closed by a movable closure member. The molten metallic material is forced by movement of a plunger in the shot sleeve to the closed end of the shot sleeve where the plunger maintains pressure on the metallic material until it is at least partially solidified in the shot sleeve in the form of a cast product having a outer peripheral shape corresponding to the inner peripheral shape of the shot sleeve. The end of the shot sleeve then is opened by relative movement of the closure member and the shot sleeve, and the plunger is moved further to eject the product shape from the open end of the shot sleeve.

Die casting

For a steel mold, one or more titanium melt inlet-forming members are provided for cooperating with the steel mold members to form an melt ingate that communicates to the mold cavity for supplying the melt thereto in a manner to avoid harmful iron contamination of the melt during casting. The mold body-to-mold cavity volume ratio is controlled between 10:1 to 0.5:1 to minimize casting surface defects and mold wear/damage.

Permanent mold for casting reactive melt

Titanium based and nickel based castings are made by casting a suitable melt having a relatively low melt superheat into a mold cavity defined by one or more low carbon steel or titanium mold members where the melt solidifies to form the desired casting. The melt super-heat is limited so as not to exceed about 150.degree. F. above the liquidus temperature of the particular melt being cast. For a steel mold, one or more titanium melt inlet-forming members are provided for cooperating with the steel mold members to form an melt ingate that communicates to the mold cavity for supplying the melt thereto in a manner to avoid harmful iron contamination of the melt during casting. The mold body-to-mold cavity volume ratio is controlled between 10:1 to 0.5:1 to minimize casting surface defects and mold wear/damage.

Growing community of inventors

Whitehall, MI, United States of America

Leonard L Ervin