EP0293960B1 - Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Metallgiessen - Google Patents
Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Metallgiessen Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0293960B1 EP0293960B1 EP19880200894 EP88200894A EP0293960B1 EP 0293960 B1 EP0293960 B1 EP 0293960B1 EP 19880200894 EP19880200894 EP 19880200894 EP 88200894 A EP88200894 A EP 88200894A EP 0293960 B1 EP0293960 B1 EP 0293960B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- mould
- chamber
- metal
- casting
- pressure
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 24
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 title claims description 13
- 238000005058 metal casting Methods 0.000 title description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 62
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 62
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 claims description 57
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 26
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 238000007711 solidification Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000008023 solidification Effects 0.000 claims description 13
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 230000008018 melting Effects 0.000 claims description 12
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910000601 superalloy Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical group [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 2
- PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nickel Chemical compound [Ni] PXHVJJICTQNCMI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 2
- 229910017052 cobalt Inorganic materials 0.000 claims 1
- 239000010941 cobalt Substances 0.000 claims 1
- GUTLYIVDDKVIGB-UHFFFAOYSA-N cobalt atom Chemical compound [Co] GUTLYIVDDKVIGB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims 1
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 claims 1
- 229910052759 nickel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 18
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 11
- XKRFYHLGVUSROY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Argon Chemical compound [Ar] XKRFYHLGVUSROY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 8
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 6
- 229910001338 liquidmetal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 229910052786 argon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 238000005275 alloying Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
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- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
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- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- MCMNRKCIXSYSNV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zirconium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Zr]=O MCMNRKCIXSYSNV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000001307 helium Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052734 helium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N helium atom Chemical compound [He] SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000011065 in-situ storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 2
- YPFNIPKMNMDDDB-UHFFFAOYSA-K 2-[2-[bis(carboxylatomethyl)amino]ethyl-(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]acetate;iron(3+) Chemical compound [Fe+3].OCCN(CC([O-])=O)CCN(CC([O-])=O)CC([O-])=O YPFNIPKMNMDDDB-UHFFFAOYSA-K 0.000 description 1
- 229910000838 Al alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000881 Cu alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- ZOKXTWBITQBERF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Molybdenum Chemical compound [Mo] ZOKXTWBITQBERF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- QXZUUHYBWMWJHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N [Co].[Ni] Chemical compound [Co].[Ni] QXZUUHYBWMWJHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium oxide Inorganic materials [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Al+3].[Al+3] PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000010953 base metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000498 cooling water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000013078 crystal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 238000003379 elimination reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- -1 for example Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910002804 graphite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010439 graphite Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001513 hot isostatic pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000011261 inert gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005495 investment casting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052750 molybdenum Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011733 molybdenum Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000009659 non-destructive testing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000377 silicon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003313 weakening effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B22—CASTING; POWDER METALLURGY
- B22D—CASTING OF METALS; CASTING OF OTHER SUBSTANCES BY THE SAME PROCESSES OR DEVICES
- B22D27/00—Treating the metal in the mould while it is molten or ductile ; Pressure or vacuum casting
- B22D27/09—Treating the metal in the mould while it is molten or ductile ; Pressure or vacuum casting by using pressure
- B22D27/13—Treating the metal in the mould while it is molten or ductile ; Pressure or vacuum casting by using pressure making use of gas pressure
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a process and apparatus for the casting of molten metal according to the preambles of the independent claims 1 and 8, respectively.
- EA equiaxed
- DS directionally solidified
- SX single or mono crystalline
- EA components were the first precision cast components to be used commercially in gas turbine engines. Both DS and SX components were later developments.
- the components often comprise a relatively thick and heavy root portion at one end, a somewhat less thick and heavy shroud portion at the other end and the two portions being joined by an often relatively long, thin sectioned airfoil portion.
- the component also has hollow passages therein which result in the wall section of the airfoil portion becoming even thinner.
- Chandley et al in US 3420291 upon which the preamble of claim 8 is based, proposes a method of reducing or eliminating residual porosity by pressurisation of the solidifying metal. He proposes a pressure vessel either within which the mould may be heated or within which a heated mould may be placed. The pressure vessel itself must be contained within a vacuum melting and casting chamber in the case of typical turbine component alloys. Molten metal is poured under vacuum into the mould after which a closure member on the pressure vessel is fixed into position and the vessel pressurized with a gas which is non-reactive with the molten metal. A pressure of from 1,000 to 4,000 p.s.i. (6.9 to 27.6 MPa) is specified with 2,000 to 3,000 p.s.i.
- the pressure vessel After the metal has been cast into the mould the pressure vessel requires to be sealed up and pressurised. With the vessel isolated in a vacuum chamber this is extremely difficult to do requiring complicated remote handling mechanisms passing through the walls of the vacuum chamber. The time to seal up the pressure vessel may be in excess of 3 minutes. The vacuum casting furnace is then occupied whilst the molten metal solidifies. It is very difficult, therefore, to achieve better than one or at most two casts per hour. Due to the relatively long time required to seal the pressure vessel the metal is partly solidified before the pressure is applied and thus to achieve a given result the pressure required to be applied is high; up to 4,000 p.s.i. The pressure vessel itself needs to be tested at pressures, perhaps several times the maximum projected operating pressure to ensure safety. An additional variable is that the pressure vessel itself heats up due to radiated heat from the mould or mould heating means thus weakening the material from which the vessel is constructed. There are, therefore, considerable safety hazards involved.
- DE-A-3 220 744 describes a vacuum casting furnace having an upper metal melting and pouring chamber and a lower mould cooling chamber, the two chambers being able to be isolated from each other by a valve.
- a mould transport system between the two chambers is provided but, however, the lower chamber is not able to be pressurized with an inert gas to the pressures necessary to reduce porosity formed during solidification and no means of heating the mould in the upper chamber is provided.
- GB-A-1356890 upon which the preamble of claim 1 is based, describes apparatus to produce DS castings.
- the apparatus has a moveable vacuum melting and casting chamber which services two or more cooling chambers in order to improve the utilization of the melting equipment.
- the apparatus does not, however, possess any means to pressurise the cooling chambers since the components are produced by the DS method and are, therefore, substantially free of porosity as explained above.
- GB-A-2163684 describes a method and apparatus for the treatment and casting of metals in a closed space.
- the apparatus concerned is primarily concerned with molten metals which are reacted with an alloying gas as part of the casting procedure.
- the base metal is melted together with any solid alloying additives in a pressurized chamber and then poured into an intermediate vessel which has a gas permeable base through which the alloying gas is bubbled to react with the molten metal in the intermediate vessel.
- the gas reacted metal is then poured via valve means into a mould in a second chamber which is then pressurized to prevent the reacted gas in the solidifying metal from being expelled.
- DS and SX components are produced by essentially the same types of vacuum furnace.
- the moulds are constructed upon a water cooled chill plate which is part of the end of a position and speed controllable ram.
- the moulds are uninsulated and preheated in situ in the casting chamber by radiant heating.
- the cold mould is raised to the casting position by the ram, heated in the casting position to the desired temperature by radiant heating means. Mould temperatures up to 1600°C may be attained.
- the molten metal is cast into the mould where it is maintained in the molten condition. Solidification is initiated by slowly withdrawing the mould on the ram from the radiant heating zone such that an essentially planar solid/liquid interface is produced.
- the solidifying metal is continually fed with liquid metal so that shrinkage or gas porosity is never able to form or become entrapped as there are no closed pockets of liquid metal within solidified metal.
- the effect of such a solidification method on the structure is to produce directionally orientated columnar grains in DS components or a single crystal in SX components where, in the latter, special initial additional steps are taken.
- DS and SX components are invariably sound with regard to porosity they are only used in very arduous applications in some parts of some engines because of the benefits which accrue from the metallurgical structure produced. DS and SX components are expensive to produce because of the relatively slow solidification rate.
- the apparatus comprises a casting chamber, metal melting and metal pouring means adapted to fill a mould in the casting chamber, a mould chamber adjacent the casting chamber and connected thereto by valve means of sufficient size to allow the filled mould to pass therethrough, vacuum pump means for producing a reduced pressure in the casting and mould chambers, mould moving means to transport the filled mould from the casting chamber to the mould chamber characterised by having mould heating means in the casting chamber and pressurising means connected to the mould chamber for pressurising the mould chamber independently up to a pressure of 7MPa with a gas.
- mould heating means by, for example, resistance heated molybdenum or induction heated graphite radiant heaters in the casting chamber, preclude the necessity of having external pre-heating furnaces and attendant mould insulation and allows higher temperature capability together with greater accuracy and flexibility of pre-heating temperatures.
- the mould chamber may also include internal variable thickness insulation to coincide with selected portions of a particular mould in order to achieve different cooling rates in selected portions of the filled mould.
- the mould chamber may also include radiant heating means for selectively heating parts of the filled mould.
- the mould chamber is situated below the casting chamber.
- the mould moving means may comprise a ram operated, for example, by hydraulic or electrical means and moving the mould vertically from the mould chamber to the casting chamber and back again via the valve means.
- the mould moving means may also comprise insulation between the mould and its seat on the mould moving means.
- insulation may be necessary to prevent excessively directional heat flow out of the mould by conduction.
- DS and SX components it will be necessary to have direct contact between the mould and cooling means associated With the mould moving means to promote directional heat flow out of the mould.
- the mould chamber is constructed as a pressure vessel and separated from the furnace chamber by valve means comprising a rapidly acting isolating valve.
- valve means comprising a rapidly acting isolating valve.
- the mould containing the cast molten metal may be rapidly retracted into the mould chamber, the isolating valve shut and the mould chamber pressurised with a fluid such as argon, for example.
- the mould may be retracted into the mould chamber, isolated and pressurised within approximately 10 to 20 seconds of the metal being poured. Due to this short time interval it has been found that the pressures required to achieve substantial reduction or elimination of residual porosity may be reduced to under 1,000 p.s.i. (6.9 MPa) in general and for most applications to less than 500 p.s.i. (3.45 MPa). This has advantages both in terms of saftey of the process due to lower pressures and in economic terms due to lower capital cost of equipment.
- the apparatus may, however, be constructed to withstand any desired pressure consistent with engineering and safety requirements. There is no reason, should it be so desired, why the mould chamber could not be constructed to withstand 35 MPa, for example.
- the apparatus may be used for the production of DS and SX components although the pressurisation facility is not necessary in the case of such components because of the solidification mechanism. This has the advantage, however, that complete flexibility is available to the manufacturer in that the casting apparatus may be used for the production of any type of component.
- mould chamber and its associated apparatus is relatively compact, two or more mould chambers may be serviced by one casting chamber. Greater output of castings may be achieved in this manner since the casting chamber is available whilst the castings in one mould chamber are solidifying.
- a process for the production of castings comprises the steps of melting a metal charge, pouring the metal into a mould which is in a casting chamber which has a reduced pressure atmosphere, withdrawing the filled mould into a mould chamber, isolating the mould chamber from the casting chamber with regard to pressure characterised by heating the mould in the casting chamber prior to casting the metal and pressurising the mould chamber after withdrawal of the filled mould thereinto with a gas up to a maximum pressure of 7 MPa for at least part of the time required for solidification of the metal in the mould.
- the time between the finish of pouring of the metal and the application of pressure may be less than 40 seconds. In a more preferred embodiment this time may be less than 20 seconds.
- the more quickly the pressure is applied to the cast metal after pouring the lower is the pressure required to effect a given reduction in porosity. This of course pre-supposes other constant parameters such as equal metal pouring temperatures, mould pre-heat temperatures, mould design and construction, for example.
- the apparatus and process of the present invention may be used to cast a wide variety of metals and alloys including, for example, copper and aluminium alloys as well as iron-, nickel- and cobalt-based superalloys.
- the apparatus includes a vacuum casting chamber 11 having a port 12 connected to a vacuum pump (not shown). Contained in the chamber 11 is a coil box assembly 13 having induction heating coils (not shown) and crucible 14; the assembly 13 being mounted such that it may be tilted to pour the molten metal 15 in known manner. Also included in the chamber construction is a port 16 and a vacuum lock 17 to enable the crucible 14 to be recharged with fresh metal whilst under vacuum. In the bottom wall 20 of the chamber 11 is an aperture 21 of sufficient size to allow a mould assembly 22 to pass therethrough.
- a mould heating chamber 23 which comprises an outer insulating box 24 having contained therein known radiant heating means 25 having appropriate power supply and control means (not shown) attached thereto.
- an aperture having a pouring tube 27 therein to guide the molten metal into the mould 22 on pouring.
- a mould chamber 30 below the vacuum chamber 11 is a mould chamber 30.
- the mould chamber 30 is attached in sealed engagement to the bottom wall 20 of the casting chamber 11.
- the chamber 30 may be isolated from the chamber 11 by means of the isolation valve 31 and seal 32.
- the valve 31 may be moved between the open position ( Figure 1) and the closed position ( Figure 2) by suitable known remotely operated control means (not shown). Cooling passages 33 are provided around the chamber walls.
- the chamber 30 has a door 34 in the one side wall to allow positioning and subsequent removal of the mould 22, the door 34 is sealable to the chamber wall 35. Also provided in the chamber wall 35 is a vacuum pumping port 36 connected to a vacuum pump (not shown) via a valve 37. A further port 38 in the wall 35 is provided to supply fluid under pressure from a fluid supply source (not shown) via a valve 39.
- the mould 22 is mounted on a table 40 but insulated therefrom by an insulation block 41.
- the table 40 is itself mounted on the top of a movable ram 43 which slides in sealed engagement through the bottom wall 44 of the chamber 30.
- the table 40 and ram 43 are provided with passages 45 for cooling water.
- the ram 43 is powered hydraulically but may be powered electrically and moves the mould 22 between the chambers 11 and 30.
- the chamber 11 is pumped down to a low pressure which is commensurate with the requirements of the alloy being cast.
- the valve 31 will be closed and the ram 43 and table 40 retracted to their lowest level.
- the metal in the crucible 14 will be melted down and the temperature raised and stabilised at that required.
- the mould 22 and insulation block 41 will be placed on the table 40 via the door 34 which is then closed and sealed, the chamber 30 then being evacuated to the same or similar pressure to that of chamber 11.
- the valve 31 is opened and the mould and associated supports raised by the ram into the mould heating chamber 23 ( Figure 1).
- the mould temperature is then raised by means of the radiant heaters 25 to the desired temperature.
- the metal is poured into the mould.
- the ram 43 is retracted into the chamber 30, the valve 31 is closed, valve 37 is also closed and valve 39 opened to admit pressurising fluid which may be argon gas, for example ( Figure 2).
- pressurising fluid which may be argon gas, for example ( Figure 2).
- the chamber is rapidly pressurised to a pressure less than 7 MPa.
- the molten metal is thus allowed to solidify under gas pressure which tends to preclude shrinkage porosity void formation by pressurisation, thus continuously feeding liquid metal between the randomly growing grains of the solidifying mass.
- the crucible 14 may be recharged with fresh metal via the port 16 and vacuum lock 17 and the metal melted ready for the next mould.
- a vacuum casting and pressure solidification apparatus is shown generally at 50.
- the apparatus comprises a melting and pouring chamber 51, a mould heating chamber 52 and a mould vacuum/pressurisation chamber 53. All three chambers may be mutually isolated by appropriate valves as will be described below.
- the melting and pouring chamber 51 includes a crucible 54 heated by induction coils 55. Metal may be charged into the crucible 54 by removal of the port cover 57.
- the chamber is evacuated via a duct 56 which is connected to both vacuum pump means (not shown) and to the mould vacuum/pressure chamber 53 via a manifold 66.
- the chamber 51 may be isolated from chamber 53 by a valve 58 in the duct 56.
- the chamber 52 is evacuated via duct 59 also connected to vacuum pump means (not shown).
- Chamber 51 may be isolated from chamber 52 by the swinging arm valve 60.
- Chamber 52 may be isolated from chamber 53 by the swinging arm valve 62.
- Chamber 52 houses mould heating means 63 which comprises insulation 64 and radiant heaters 65.
- the chamber 53 is held against the manifold 66 with an intervening seal 68.
- the manifold 66 is further provided with a conduit 69 and valve 70 to admit fluid under pressure from a source of pressurised fluid (not shown) such as bottled gas, for example.
- the chambers 52 and 53 are provided with external water cooling pipes 71,72 respectively.
- a mould 75 is supported on a table 76 via an insulating block 77, the table being mounted on a movable ram 78.
- the table 76 and ram 78 have water cooling passages 79 therein.
- the ram is in sealed sliding engagement with the bottom cover 80 of the chamber 53.
- the chamber 53 is itself movable relative to the manifold 66 by means of a hydraulically operated mechanism (not shown) on which the chamber 53 and the associated ram 78 is mounted. The mechanism moves the chamber 53 and associated apparatus in a downwardly and outwardly direction to allow access to the interior of the chamber 53.
- the chamber 51 is initially closed by the valves 60 and 68 from chambers 52 and 53 and evacuated via the duct 56.
- the mould 75 is placed into the chamber 53 and the chamber then placed against the seal 68.
- Evacuation of chamber 53 may proceed by opening of valve 58.Chamber 52 is also initially isolated from chamber 53 by valve 62 and is evacuated via duct 59.
- the valve 62 is opened and the mould elevated from chamber 53 to chamber 52 on the ram 78 and associated table 76 and insulation 77. Whilst the metal is being melted and stabilised at a desired temperature the mould is pre-heated by the radiant heating means 65 to a desired temperature. When the metal is near to its desired temperature the valve 60 is opened.
- the filled mould is immediately retracted into the chamber 53, the valves 58 and 62 closed and the valve 70 opened to allow pressurising fluid into the chamber 53 up to a maximum pressure of 7 MPa.
- the metal in the mould is thus allowed to solidify under isostatic gas pressure.
- Figure 5 shows a modification of the apparatus of Figures 3 and 4 where the chamber 53 may be separated from the chamber 52 and manifold 66 without breaking either the vacuum in chambers 51 and 52 or reducing the pressure in chamber 53.
- the apparatus 50 is essentially similar to that shown in Figures 3 and 4 but is further provided with a second manifold 90 which seals against the seal 68 of the manifold 66.
- the pressurised fluid conduit 69 and valve 70 are omitted from manifold 66 in this embodiment and are replaced with a vacuum duct 91 and valve 92 connected to vacuum pump means (not shown).
- the manifold 90 is provided with a vacuum duct 94 and valve 95 which are connected to vacuum pump means (not shown) for independently evacuating chamber 53.
- the chamber 53 seals against the manifold 90 by means of seal 100 and is held thereto by appropriate clamps 101.
- the chamber/manifold assembly 53, 90 etc. is movable as a unit and may be detached from the seal 68/ manifold 66 whilst still pressurised by means of a hydraulically or electrically operated mechanism (not shown) which moves the chamber and manifold assembly containing the filled mould metal away and which is replaced with a second, similar chamber and manifold assembly containing a fresh empty mould. In this manner the production rate may be increased since the casting apparatus is available whilst the metal is solidifying.
- Solidification of the metal in the mould occurs mainly through the mechanism of radiation to the walls of the mould chamber from where the heat is abstracted by the cooling passages 72. It may be desirable in some instances to prevent rapid heat extraction and to control the rate of cooling. This may be achieved as shown in Figure 6 by means of insulating members 110 positioned in the mould chamber. Such members 110 may vary in shape, thickness, material etc. depending inter alia upon the configuration and dimensions of the parts being cast. Materials may comprise stiffened ceramic fibre blankets of alumina, silica or zirconia, for example.
- the most common pressurising fluid may probably be argon; however, other gasses may be used including helium, nitrogen and air, the choice being mainly dictated by the materials being cast. Although more expensive than argon, helium may be used to accelerate the cooling rate if that is desirable in some circumstances.
- the various embodiments of apparatus described herein although primarily intended for the production of low porosity EA turbine components may also be utilised for the production of DS and SX components.
- the apparatus may be equipped with known microprocessor based control systems controlling the heating applied by the radiant heaters and the withdrawal rate of the ram etc.
- the insulation between the mould and the ram table is removed and the mould constructed directly on the water cooled ram table or on a separate chill plate to achieve directional heat abstraction and a subsequently planar solid/liquid interface by the slow, controlled withdrawal of the filled mould from the casting chamber.
- the technique and apparatus may be applied to the production of components other than those destined for gas turbine engines or turbochargers.
- components may be cast in materials which do not require a vacuum for protection.
- components may be cast in air and retracted into a pressure chamber for the solidification phase.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Manufacture And Refinement Of Metals (AREA)
- Molds, Cores, And Manufacturing Methods Thereof (AREA)
Claims (12)
- Vorrichtung zur Herstellung von Gußmetallteilen mit einer Gießkammer (11), mit Einrichtungen (13) zum Schmelzen und zum Vergießen des Metalls, die zum Füllen einer Form (22) in der Gießkammer eingerichtet sind, mit einer Formkammer (30) neben der Gießkammer und mit dieser durch eine Ventileinrichtung (31) ausreichender Größe verbunden, durch welche die gefüllte Form (22) hindurchführbar ist, mit einer Vakuumpumpe zum Erzeugen eines Unterdrucks in der Gieß- und in der Formkammer, mit einer Formverfahreinrichtung (43) zum Transport der gefüllten Form von der Gießkammer zur Formkammer, mit einer Formheizeinrichtung (23) in der Gießkammer und mit einer an die Formkammer angeschlossenen Druckerzeugungseinrichtung, mit der die Formkammer bis zu einem Druck von 7 MPa mit einem Gas unabhängig unter Druck gesetzt werden kann, gekennzeicht durch eine Isolierung (41) zwischen der Form und der Formverfahreinrichtung.
- Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Formkammer von der Gießkammer lösbar und durch eine zweite Kammer auswechselbar ist.
- Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, gekennzeichnet durch erste (62) und zweite (97) Ventileinrichtungen, die zwischen der Gießkammer (52) und der Formkammer (53) so angeordnet sind, daß die beiden Kammern getrennt werden können, während ein Unterdruck in der Gießkammer und ein Überdruck in der Formkammer aufrechterhalten werden.
- Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei der weiterhin Isoliereinrichtungen (10) in der Formkammer vorgesehen sind, um die Abkühlgeschwindigkeit in ausgewählten Bereichen der Form zu steuern.
- Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Formkammer auch Heizeinrichtungen zum wahlweisen Erwärmen von Teilen der gefüllten Form aufweist.
- Vorrichtung noch einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß eine getrennte Formheizkammer (52) vorhanden ist, die durch Ventile (60, 62) von der Metallschmelzkammer (51) und der Formkammer (53) isoliert werden kann.
- Verfahren zur Herstellung von Gußstücken mit den Verfahrensschritten Schmelzen einer Metallcharge, Aufheizen einer Form (22), die sich in einer Gießkammer (11) befindet, Vergießen des Metalls in die Form, wobei in der Gießkammer eine Atmosphäre mit Unterdruck herrscht, Zurückfahren der gefüllten Form in eine Formkammer (30), Druckisolieren der Formkammer gegenüber der Gießkammer, Unterdrucksetzen der Formkammer,nach dem Verfahren der gefüllten Form dorthinein,mit einem Gas bis zu einem maximalen Druck von 7 MPa für zumindest einen Teil der Zeitspanne, die zum Erstarren des Metalls in der Form erforderlich ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Form innerhalb von 40 Sekunden nach der Beendigung des Vergießens der Metallschmelze unter Druck gesetzt wird.
- Verfahren nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Formkammer innerhalb von 20 Sekunden nach der Beendigung des Vergießens der Metallschmelze unter Druck gesetzt wird.
- Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche 7 oder 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Form in der ersten Kammer auf eine Temperatur oberhalb des Schmelzpunktes der zu vergießenden Legierung erhitzt wird.
- Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche 7 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das zu vergießende Metall eine auf Eisen, Nickel oder Kobald basierende Superlegierung ist.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB878712742A GB8712742D0 (en) | 1987-05-30 | 1987-05-30 | Metal casting |
GB8712742 | 1987-05-30 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0293960A1 EP0293960A1 (de) | 1988-12-07 |
EP0293960B1 true EP0293960B1 (de) | 1992-08-26 |
Family
ID=10618176
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19880200894 Expired EP0293960B1 (de) | 1987-05-30 | 1988-05-06 | Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Metallgiessen |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0293960B1 (de) |
DE (1) | DE3873994T2 (de) |
GB (2) | GB8712742D0 (de) |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5261480A (en) * | 1990-12-13 | 1993-11-16 | Sulzer-Mtu Casting Technology Gmbh | Process and apparatus for repair of drive blades such as turbine blades |
DE4303434C1 (de) * | 1993-02-05 | 1994-08-18 | Austria Metall | Verfahren zum Herstellen von Metall-Matrix-Verbundwerkstoffen |
US5592984A (en) * | 1995-02-23 | 1997-01-14 | Howmet Corporation | Investment casting with improved filling |
DE10260535A1 (de) * | 2002-12-21 | 2004-07-08 | Mtu Aero Engines Gmbh | Verfahren zur Herstellung von aus Halbrohren oder Rohren bestehenden Wärmetauscherrohren für Rekuperativ-Abgaswärmetauscher |
DE10345937B4 (de) * | 2003-09-30 | 2008-02-14 | Ald Vacuum Technologies Ag | Vorrichtung für den Feinguß von Metallen |
CN111112587A (zh) * | 2019-12-30 | 2020-05-08 | 江苏奇纳新材料科技有限公司 | 减轻高温合金母合金二次缩孔的方法 |
CN113894266B (zh) * | 2021-09-16 | 2024-01-19 | 沈阳铸造研究所有限公司 | 一种多室半连续真空熔铸炉 |
CN117226076A (zh) * | 2023-11-16 | 2023-12-15 | 中国机械总院集团沈阳铸造研究所有限公司 | 适用于真空浇注铸件的加压凝固装置和加压凝固方法 |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE1483645C3 (de) * | 1965-06-11 | 1973-10-31 | Stahlwerke Suedwestfalen Ag, 5930 Huettental-Geisweid | Vorrichtung zur Herstellung von Gußblocken und Verfahren zum Betneb derselben |
DE1912371A1 (de) * | 1969-03-12 | 1970-10-01 | Ernst Huebers | Vorrichtung zur Bearbeitung von Gegenstaenden unter Druck |
DE2135159C3 (de) * | 1971-07-14 | 1975-11-13 | Leybold-Heraeus Gmbh & Co Kg, 5000 Koeln | Schmelz-, Gieß- und Kristallisationsanlage für den Betrieb unter Vakuum oder Schutzgas |
US3895672A (en) * | 1973-12-26 | 1975-07-22 | United Aircraft Corp | Integrated furnace method and apparatus for the continuous production of individual castings |
DE3220744A1 (de) * | 1982-06-02 | 1983-12-08 | Leybold-Heraeus GmbH, 5000 Köln | Schmelz- und giessanlage fuer vakuum- oder schutzgasbetrieb mit mindestens zwei kammern |
SE452860B (sv) * | 1984-08-29 | 1987-12-21 | Inst Po Metalloznanie I Tekno | Sett att behandla och gjuta metaller i ett slutet utrymme och anordning for genomforande av settet |
DE3603310A1 (de) * | 1986-02-04 | 1987-08-06 | Leybold Heraeus Gmbh & Co Kg | Verfahren und vorrichtung zum giessen von formteilen mit nachfolgendem isostatischen verdichten |
-
1987
- 1987-05-30 GB GB878712742A patent/GB8712742D0/en active Pending
-
1988
- 1988-05-06 DE DE19883873994 patent/DE3873994T2/de not_active Revoked
- 1988-05-06 EP EP19880200894 patent/EP0293960B1/de not_active Expired
- 1988-05-06 GB GB8810846A patent/GB2206512B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB8810846D0 (en) | 1988-06-08 |
DE3873994D1 (de) | 1992-10-01 |
GB8712742D0 (en) | 1987-07-01 |
GB2206512B (en) | 1991-06-19 |
GB2206512A (en) | 1989-01-11 |
EP0293960A1 (de) | 1988-12-07 |
DE3873994T2 (de) | 1993-04-08 |
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