METHOD OF CASTING SINGLE CRYSTAL METAL ARTICLE

摘要

An improved method of casting a single crystal metal article includes providing a mold having starter, selector and article forming cavities which are connected in communication with each other. In accordance with a feature of the invention, initiation of the formation of metal crystals in the selector cavity is prevented so that a single crystal of metal can grow from the selector cavity into the article forming cavity. To prevent the initiation of crystal growth in the selector cavity, a layer of heat insulating material is applied over the portion of the mold in which the selector cavity is disposed. The layer of insulating material at least partially blocks the flow, of heat from the selector cavity in a direction which extends transverse to the desired path of crystal growth. This results in most of the heat from the selector cavity being conducted along the desired path of crystal growth.