System and method of forming a solid casting

摘要

A method and a system for forming a solid casting. A material is fed into a mold having a retractable bottom. A first portion of the material at a first, lower position within the mold is allowed to solidify to thereby form a portion of the casting. The retractable bottom is withdrawn downwards at a withdrawal rate. A second portion of the material at a second, upper position within the mold is maintained in a liquid state by application of heat thereto, using a plasma arc generated by a plasma arc torch. A voltage of the plasma arc is measured, and the withdrawal rate of the retractable bottom is controlled based on the voltage of the plasma arc.

主权项

1. A method of forming a solid casting, comprising:
feeding a material into a mold, the mold comprising a retractable bottom; allowing a first portion of the material at a first, lower position within the mold to solidify, to thereby form a portion of the casting; withdrawing the retractable bottom downwards at a withdrawal rate; maintaining a second portion of the material at a second, upper position within the mold in a liquid state by applying heat to the second portion of the material using a plasma arc generated by a plasma arc torch; measuring a voltage of the plasma arc; and controlling the withdrawal rate of the retractable bottom based on the voltage of the plasma arc.