Patent ID: 6676381
Filing Date: 2004-01-13
Classification: B22D,F01D,F05D,Y02T

Abstract:
An apparatus for casting an article, said apparatus comprising:(a) a means for forming a molten material, said molten material comprising at least one of a metal and an alloy; (b) a means for pouring said molten material from said means for forming said molten material, wherein said means for pouring said molten material includes a cup for receiving said molten material in a superheated state; (c) a mold assembly for receiving said molten material from said cup, said mold assembly comprising a solid shell for containing said molten material, the shell having a face coat, wherein said face coat is disposed on an inner surface that contacts said molten material such that said face coat is interposed between said solid shell and said molten material, said face coat comprising at least one of an oxide, a silicide, a silicate, an oxysulfide, and a sulfide and containing at least one of a rare earth metal, a refractory metal, and combinations thereof, and a heater assembly for maintaining said solid shell at a predetermined temperature, wherein said molten material solidifies within said solid shell to form a near-net shape of said article.