Patent ID: 6408931
Filing Date: 2002-06-25
Classification: B22D

Abstract:
A method of manufacturing a molten metal casting annulus that comprises an insert support and cooling frame which cross-section defines a plane, said frame further defining an annular face that is generally perpendicular to said plane, said plane and annular face defining an enclosed planar annular space such that said annular face faces said enclosed planar annular space, said frame further defining an annular groove adjacent said annular face, and a multiplicity of graphite casting annulus insert components supported on said insert support and cooling frame, said insert components being fitted edge to edge around said casting annulus to define said annulus, said insert components further comprising a lip snugly fitted in said annular groove for positioning and locking said insert components in said frame, said method comprising chilling the graphite casting annulus insert components before inserting the lip of the respective insert components into the annular groove in said frame and allowing said insert components to warm and thermally expand to lock the lip in position in said groove.