METHOD OF UNIDIRECTIONAL SOLIDIFICATION OF CASTINGS AND ASSOCIATED APPARATUS

摘要

Molten metal is injected uniformly into a horizontal mold from a feed chamber in a horizontal direction at a controlled rate, directly on top of the metal already within the mold. A cooling medium is applied to the bottom surface of the mold, with the type and flow rate of the cooling medium being varied to produce a controlled cooling rate throughout the casting process. The rate of introduction of molten metal and the flow rate of the flow rate of the cooling medium are both controlled to produce a relatively uniform solidification rate within the mold, thereby producing a uniform microstructure throughout the casing, and low stresses throughout the casting.