Patent ID: 6446701
Filing Date: 2002-09-10
Classification: B22D

Abstract:
An apparatus for producing unidirectionally solidified components having a wide range of shapes and sizes from the smallest aero-engine turbine parts to the largest industrial gas turbine parts with improved quality and productivity, comprising:at least one first unit having: (i) at least one melting and casting chamber including an induction melting coil, an intermediate melt pouring funnel, and an intermediate melt pouring funnel indexing device, a mold, and a mold heating station; (ii) at least one mold charging compartment connected to the at least one melting and casting chamber, a movable chill block disposed within the at least one mold charging compartment, a seed crystal disposed within the movable chill block, an actuator connected to the movable chill block for raising and lowering the movable chill block, and a seed crystal ejector coaxially disposed within an actuating means so as to cause a displacement of the seed crystal independent to that of the movable chill block; (iii) at least one alloy-bar-stock charging compartment; (iv) an alloy-bar-stock melting crucible positioned to receive an alloy-bar-stock from the alloy-bar-stock charging compartment and adapted to be disposed within the at least one melting and casting chamber; (v) a vacuum pumping system connectable to the at least one melting and casting chamber for evacuating the at least one melting and casting chamber; and (vi) a mechanical vacuum pump connectable to the at least one alloy-bar-stock charging compartment and connectable to the at least one mold charging compartment.