摘要 |
The method and apparatus of the present invention substantially reduce the incidence of cracking, flaking, bulging and other mold defects which originate during the drying step of the investment mold formation process. Drying is conducted under conditions which enhance uniformity of drying and which preclude harmful increases in pattern temperature resulting from changes in the moisture removal kinetics of the slurry layer. In particular, during the drying process, drying air of different quality is provided during the different stages of moisture removal from the slurry layer. |