Patent ID: 7926542
Filing Date: 2011-04-19
Classification: B22C

Abstract:
1. A system comprising: a ceramic shell mold having a wall including a first portion and a second portion opposite the first portion, wherein water is present within the wall of the ceramic shell mold; a wax pattern located within the ceramic shell mold; and a heat source configured to receive the first portion of the wall of the ceramic shell mold therein and convert at least a portion of the water within the wall of the ceramic shell mold into steam for use in melting at least a portion of the wax pattern; and a pour cup engaging the ceramic shell mold and arranged such that melted wax of the wax pattern flows out of the ceramic shell mold and through the pour cup, wherein the first portion of the wall of the ceramic shell mold is proximate the pour cup and the second portion of the wall is spaced apart from the pour cup such that a direction of heat flow through the wall is from the first portion to the second portion.