Metal Casting Methods in Microgravity and Other Environments

摘要

Apparatus and methods for creating cast metal objects in space and other environments. Molds are created using additive manufacturing and are injected with a castable metal having a melting point lower than a mold melting point. In some aspects, the additive manufacturing device and the metal casting unit are contained in the same unit.

主权项

1. A casting apparatus operable in a microgravity environment, configured to cast objects using a mold created by an additive manufacturing device, the casting apparatus comprising:
an additive manufacturing device comprising an additive manufacturing device feedstock source providing feedstock to the additive manufacturing device for making the mold; and a casting formation unit comprising:
an enclosure;an injector configured to inject a castable material into the mold;a castable material source supplying the castable material to the injector; anda mold retaining device configured to retain the mold and position the mold in fluidic contact with the injector; wherein the enclosure is configured to prevent contamination of an outside environment by the castable material and the feedstock.