Patent GB-601054-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in apparatus for making cast metal bodies
IPC: B22D11/00
Filed: 1944-09-13
Abstract: 601,054. Casting machines and processes. KELLOG CO., M. W. Sept. 13, 1!)44, No. 17495. Convention date, April 21, 1943. [Class 83 (i)] Apparatus for making semi-finished ferrous alloy or other metal bodies by electrically fusing raw materials, comprises a fusible electrode 15 and a mould 76 carried by means for moving it vertically and swinging it into and out of alignment with the electrode 15. This may be fed axially and means for cutting it to length may be provided. An indestructable electrode 93 may also be used for retarding solidification. Before starting operations the hollow electrode 15 is cut to length by cutter 100, Fig. 2, and a wad of steel wool or other arc starter is inserted in its end. The mould 76, in broken line position, is prepared for casting, the flow through its water jackets started and then it is swung about the shaft 29 to bring it into solid tine position and in line with the electrode 15 where it is held by a bolt 51 and socket 54. Granular metallic material is poured into the bottom of the mould and a motor 84, Fig. 1, started to lift the mould at a rapid rate by a cable 92, the carriage 56, which carries the mould parts 77, 81, being guided by wheels 61 running on rails 40 of the pivoted frame 26. A cam 99 then operates a switch 97 to stop the mould in correct relation to the cut end of the electrode 15. Flux is then placed in the mould and a flat strip 18 is fed down by a motor 17 and formed into the hollow electrode 15, granular raw materials in hoppers 12 being fed into it by metering devices in the housing 13. At the same time the A.C. or D.C. circuit through the electrode 15 and mould, connected at 22 and 80, is turned on so that the arc strikes and the electrode deposits metal in the mould. A motor 85 is then turned on to feed the mould slowly down at the same rate as it is filled with melted metal. When sufficient metal has been deposited the circuits of the electrode 15 and motors 17, 85 are opened. The circuit of the motor 84 is then closed to lower the mould rapidly and free it from the electrode 15. Then the frame 26 and mould are swung into the broken line position, Fig. 2, where they are held by the bolt 51 and a socket 54b. The motor 84 is then started to raise the mould rapidly until the flux therein approaches the tip of a water-cooled negative electrode 93 and then the motor 85 is used to raise the mould slowly. When a meter shows that a current of desired voltage flows from the electrode through the flux to the mould the motor 85 is stopped. When substantially all the metal has solidified the electrode current is turnedoff and the motor 84 energized to lower the mould until a cam 99b, Fig. 1, strikes a switch 97b and stops the motor. The mould parts 81 are then raised from the bottom 77 and separated by their swinging frames 82 and mechanism, not described, so that the casting can be removed. While this is being done the device 100 is moved to sever the end of the electrode 15 again and a second mould and support 26<SP>1</SP> is swung beneath it to be charged &c., in a similar manner. The sequence is continued indefinitely. Specification 536,470 and U.S.A. Specification 2,385,989 are referred to. Alloys of iron containing large proportions of chromium, nickel, manganese, vanadium, tungsten, molybdenum, silicon, columbium, or aluninium may be thus made.