Patent ID: 8349468

Claim:
A machine part for a casting machine for casting an article from a molten aluminum alloy, comprising: a steel base; a Ni alloy layer formed on a surface of the base; and titanium carbide (TiC) particles densely bonded in a particulate state only to the surface of the Ni alloy layer, wherein the TiC particles are partly exposed on the surface of the Ni alloy layer and thereby yield exposed surfaces of TiC material that protrude from the Ni alloy into contact with the molten aluminum alloy utilized in casting such that a contact angle between the molten aluminum alloy and the surface is provided as a function of contact of the molten aluminum with the exposed surfaces of TiC material; wherein a plurality of the exposed surfaces of TiC material protruding above the Ni alloy layer are provided, which repel the molten aluminum alloy; wherein, as a function of the exposed surfaces of the TiC particles protruding from the Ni alloy layer, the contact angle between the surface and the molten aluminum alloy is increased as compared to where the TiC particles are not exposed on the surface, thereby enhancing the surface's property of repelling the molten aluminum alloy; and wherein melting loss resistance of the Ni alloy layer is enhanced by reducing contact/reaction of the Ni alloy with the molten aluminum alloy.