Method and apparatus for use in casting articles.

摘要

An improved apparatus and method is used to cast a plurality of articles in a mold structure (30) having a plurality of article molds (32) disposed in an array having an open central portion. The article molds are filled with molten metal while the mold structure is supported on a chill plate. An inner baffle plate is disposed in the central portion of the array of article molds and retards the transfer of heat from the article molds to the chill plate. The inner baffle plate is supported by a support structure which extends through the chill plate (20). After the article molds have been filled with molten metal, the chill plate and mold structure are lowered relative to the inner baffle plate to increase the rate of heat transfer from the article molds to the chill plate through the open central portion of the array of article molds. Thereafter, the inner baffle (44) plate and support structure are lowered with the chill plate and mold structure. An outer baffle plate (46) extends around the outside of the mold structure and is supported by the support structure. The outer baffle plate may be pressed against the bottom of a furnace (14) to retard heat transfer between the inside and outside of the furnace along a path extending outside of the mold structure.