Method for casting material

摘要

A casting system and method. The casting system can include an energy source and a hearth, which can have a tapered cavity. The tapered cavity can have a first end portion and a second end portion, and the tapered cavity can narrow between the first and second end portions. Further, the tapered cavity can have an inlet at the first end portion that defines an inlet capacity, and one or more outlets at the second end portion that define an outlet capacity. Where the cavity has a single outlet, the outlet capacity can be less than the inlet capacity. Where the cavity has multiple outlets, the combined outlet capacity can match the inlet capacity. Further, the cross-sectional area of the tapered cavity near the inlet can be similar to the cross-sectional area of the inlet.

主权项

1. A method for casting material, comprising:
passing a molten material through an inlet of a hearth, wherein the inlet comprises an inlet capacity; passing the molten material through a tapered cavity of the hearth; passing the molten material through a plurality of outlets of the hearth, wherein each outlet comprises an outlet capacity, wherein the sum of the outlet capacities substantially matches the inlet capacity, and wherein the tapered cavity narrows from the inlet to the plurality of outlets; and passing the molten material into a plurality of molds.