Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.

Hitchiner Manufacturing Co., Inc.

Mark Oles

Robert A Poole

Danny L Cargill

A system and method of drying casting molds for forming metal parts is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a casting mold comprised of a meltable pattern coated with a ceramic slurry containing a liquid solvent and a binder, placing the casting mold in a chamber, encapsulating the casting mold in a desiccant material, sealing the chamber sufficient to pull a vacuum in the chamber, and applying a variable vacuum to the chamber to dry the mold. In one embodiment, the vacuum is controlled and gradually increased over time from atmospheric pressure to a predetermined maximum vacuum pressure. The vacuum is preferably applied at a rate such that the meltable pattern has a temperature that does not decrease more than about 5 degrees F. from atmospheric pressure to maximum vacuum pressure in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the retained moisture level of the desiccant may be controlled to minimize temperature swings of the meltable pattern during the vacuum application.

Method and system for drying casting molds

Countergravity casting of metals and metal alloys provides for melting of the metallic material under subambient pressure, evacuation of a gas permeable or impermeable mold under subambient pressure, and controlled, rapid filling of the mold while it is maintained under the subambient pressure by applying gas pressure locally on the molten metallic material in a sealed space defined by engagement of a mold base and a melting vessel with a seal therebetween. The gas pressure applied locally in the sealed space establishes a differential pressure on the molten metallic material to force it upwardly through the fill tube into the mold.

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Francestown, NH, United States of America

Mark Oles