Howmet Turbine Components Corporation

Robert E Grunstra

Lamar Burd

Eugene J Carozza

Evan R Miller

A method and ceramic mold structure for use in producing articles having a predetermined crystalline orientation such as single crystals. The technique involves the use of a ceramic mold mounted on a chill plate with the mold defining a cavity tilted at an angle between about 5.degree. and 75.degree. relative to the vertical. One or more seed crystals are supported adjacent the chill plate and the orientation of the crystal is selected to provide a desired orientation in the resulting casting. The method results in improved solidification control, particularly with reference to avoiding defects caused by shrinkage.

Method of and apparatus for casting articles with predetermined

A mold construction and method for use in producing articles having a predetermined crystalline orientation including single crystals. The technique employs a seed holder or cradle that is inserted into a bottom aperture of a ceramic mold to permit the precise orientation of one or more seeds relative to the article cavity and to provide improved solidification process control. The technique also facilitates pattern assembly and pattern removal operations during fabrication of the ceramic mold.

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North Muskegon, MI, United States of America

Robert E Grunstra