Patent ID: 6364001
Filing Date: 2002-04-02
Classification: B22C

Abstract:
A method of forming a cast metal airfoil having an internal passage, said method comprising the steps of providing a core having a portion with a configuration which corresponds to the configuration of at least a portion of the passage, at least partially enclosing the core with a layer of wax, removing a portion of the wax layer from the core, said step of removing a portion of the wax layer from the core includes heating a tubular member, melting a portion of the wax layer by engaging the wax layer with the heated tubular member, and conducting melted wax away from the core through the heated tubular member, forming a mold by at least partially coating the wax layer with mold material which extends across the core where the melted wax was conducted away from the core, thereafter, removing the wax layer from the mold to form an airfoil mold cavity, filling the airfoil mold cavity with molten metal, engaging the core with the mold material during filling of the airfoil mold cavity with molten metal, and solidifying the molten metal in the airfoil mold cavity to form the cast metal airfoil.