US 8181692 B2
A system for producing cast components from molten metal. One form of the present invention includes a system for the precision pouring of molten metal within a casting mold. The precision pouring system is driven by a pressure differential.
1. An apparatus for exchanging heat with a metallic starter seed during the directional solidification of a molten metal, comprising:
a grasping mechanism having a linkage and configured to engage the metallic starter seed, the grasping mechanism including at least one member having separable surfaces for mechanically gripping the metallic starter seed and maintaining a heat transfer path with the starter seed as the metal material solidifies, the separable surfaces mechanically coupled together via the grasping mechanism during a metal pour operation; and
a heat transfer sink connected with said at least one member for removing heat therefrom.
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20. An apparatus for transferring heat with a seed during the solidification of a molten metal in an investment casting process, the apparatus comprising:
a metallic seed coupling device having a first coupling portion movably connected via a mechanical interconnect arrangement to a second coupling portion such that the first coupling portion can be moved via the mechanical interconnect arrangement relative to the second coupling portion, the relative movement providing the capability of the first coupling portion and second coupling portion to engage different portions of a metallic starter seed; and
wherein the first portion includes a thermal device to actively affect a temperature gradient of the metallic starter seed as the molten metal solidifies.
21. An apparatus for transferring heat with a starter seed during the solidification of a molten metal in an investment casting process, the apparatus comprising:
a seed grappling device having a starter seed engagement portion and a moveable portion that are movingly coupled with a movement mechanism, the seed grappling device capable of being movingly engaged toward the starter seed engagement portion through the movement mechanism to capture the starter seed between the engagement portion and the moveable portion, the seed grappling device including a heat transfer mechanism oriented to transfer heat with the starter seed to affect a temperature gradient within the seed.
The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/633,439 filed Aug. 1, 2003 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,418,993, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/462,168 filed Jun. 16, 2003 now abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/444,155 filed Nov. 20, 1999 now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/322,863 filed May 28, 1999 now abandoned, which claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 60/109,298 filed Nov. 20, 1998, each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for the production of a cast component. More particularly, in one embodiment of the present invention, a single cast single crystal structure is formed by the directional solidification of a superalloy within a precision casting mold containing a starter seed. Although the invention was developed for casting gas turbine engine components, certain applications may be outside of this field.
The performance of a gas turbine engine generally increases with an increase in the operating temperature of a high temperature working fluid flowing from a combustion chamber. One factor recognized by gas turbine engine designers as limiting the allowable temperature of the working fluid is the capability of the engine components to not degrade when exposed to the high temperature working fluid. The airfoils, such as blades and vanes, within the engine are among the components exposed to significant thermal and kinetic loading during engine operation.
One cooling technique often utilized in a gas turbine engine component is an internal network of apertures and passageways. A flow of cooling media is passed through the internal passageways of the component, and exhausted onto the exterior surface of the component. The passage of the cooling media through the internal passageways provides for heat transfer from the component to the cooling media.
A process and apparatus are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,530, which is incorporated herein by reference, by which the production of a high temperature thin wall cast structure is described. The '530 patent describes a process of pouring a molten metal into a ceramic casting mold which is carried on a water-cooled chill plate within a vacuum furnace. The injection pressure of the molten metal can be varied over time so that the walls of the casting mold do not substantially distort during the process. Thereafter, the molten metal within the casting mold is directionally solidified.
Although the prior techniques can produce thin walled cast components with internal passageways and apertures, there remains a need for an improved method and apparatus for casting a component. The present invention satisfies this and other needs in a novel and unobvious way.
One form of the present invention contemplates an apparatus, comprising: a metallic seed applicable to grow at least one crystal by directional solidification of a molten metal, the starter seed has a portion for receiving the molten metal thereon and at least one internal passageway adapted for the passage of a heat transfer media.
Another form of the present invention contemplates a metallic seed crystal for the use in solidification of a molten metal to an article. The seed crystal, comprising: a metallic member having a melt end and a base end with a melt portion and a non-melt portion therebetween, the base end defines a first surface adapted to contact a heat sink to transfer heat from the member; and, the melt portion formed at the melt end and adapted for receiving molten metal thereagainst, the melt portion has an unmelted state with a cross sectional area less than the area of the first surface and a melted state wherein the melt portion has a cross sectional area substantially equal to the first surface so as not to restrict heat transfer to the base end.
Another form of the present invention contemplates an apparatus for exchanging heat with a metallic starter seed during the directional solidification of a molten metal. The apparatus, comprising: at least one member for mechanically gripping the metallic starter seed and maintaining a heat transfer path with the starter seed as the metal material solidifies; and a heat transfer sink connected with the at least one member for removing heat therefrom.
Yet another form of the present invention contemplates an apparatus, comprising: a crucible having a discharge; a vacuum furnace having the crucible positioned therein for melting metal material within the crucible; a metallic starter seed; a casting mold having an opening adapted to receive the starter seed and an internal cavity for receiving the molten metal material discharged from the discharge, the starter seed is positioned within the opening and contactable by the molten metal material received in the internal cavity; and, a heater coupled with the starter seed to selectively add energy to the starter seed during a first period, and wherein the starter seed is joined to the metal poured in the cavity and heat is withdrawn through the starter seed during the directional solidification of the metal material within the cavity.
Yet another form of the present invention contemplates an apparatus for pouring a molten metal. The apparatus, comprising: a crucible having a bottom wall member with an aperture formed therethrough; an upstanding first tube positioned within the crucible and having a first end located around the aperture and coupled to the bottom wall member and another second end that is closed, the first tube having at least one entrance for allowing the passage of molten metal from the crucible to the first tube; an upstanding second tube located within the first tube and having one end coupled to the bottom wall member and in fluid communication with the aperture and another end defining an inlet from the tube, the second tube has a first cavity adapted for receiving a volume of molten metal therein; and a passageway extending along the second tube for the passage of the molten metal from the at least one entrance to the inlet.
Yet another form of the present invention contemplates, a method for pouring molten metal into a casting mold within a furnace. The method, comprising: providing a crucible with a discharge aperture and a pour assembly located within the crucible, the pour assembly including an upstanding outer tube positioned around an upstanding inner tube, the inner tube is in fluid communication with the discharge aperture; melting a metal material within the crucible to a liquid state; flowing the liquid state metal from the crucible into a cavity defined between the outer tube and the inner tube; overfilling the cavity so that liquid state metal flows into and fills the inner tube; stopping the filling of the inner tube; and discharging the liquid state metal from the inner tube.
Yet another form of the present invention contemplates an apparatus for pouring a molten metal. The apparatus, comprising: a mechanical housing with a bottom wall member and an interior volume adapted to hold a molten metal; and a molten metal delivery member having a first molten metal inlet end adapted to receive molten metal from below the surface of the molten metal within the interior volume and a second molten metal outlet end with a passageway therebetween, at least a portion of the delivery member positioned within the mechanical housing, the passageway has a first passageway portion and a second passageway portion and a inflection portion wherein the direction of molten metal flow changes, in a first discharge mode a first direction of molten metal flow within the first passageway portion is from the molten metal inlet to the inflection portion and from the inflection portion through the second passageway portion in a second direction to said outlet.
Yet another form of the present invention contemplates a casting mold, comprising: a free form fabricated ceramic shell, the ceramic shell having a thin first outer wall defining a cavity therein that is adapted for receiving a molten metal; a container having a second outer wall with an inner surface, wherein the shell is positioned within the container and spaced from the inner surface; and at least one support member substantially filling the space between the first outer wall and the inner surface and reinforcing said shell.
Yet another form of the present invention contemplates a method, comprising: providing a mold having an internal cavity adapted for the receipt of molten metal therein, the cavity has a top portion, bottom portion and side portion, insulating the ceramic shell to minimize heat transfer through said side portion; placing the mold within an environmental control chamber; filling the cavity with molten metal to form a casting defined by the cavity; and directionally solidifying the molten metal within the mold by withdrawing energy from one end of the casting.
Yet another form of the present invention contemplates a method, comprising: providing a casting mold having a plurality of layers of a material bonded together to define a cavity for receiving a molten metal material therein and an exit in communication with the cavity; orienting the casting mold at an inclination; rotating the casting mold to free any material located within the cavity and not bonded to one of the plurality of layers of material; and passing the material located within the cavity out of the cavity and through the exit.
Yet another form of the present invention contemplates a method, comprising: building a integral ceramic casting mold shell by a free form fabrication technique, the casting mold shell has an internal cavity adapted to receive a molten metal; reinforcing the ceramic casting mold shell; positioning a metallic starter seed within the ceramic casting mold shell, the metallic starter seed is positioned to receive molten metal therein; filling the internal cavity with molten metal; and withdrawing heat through the metallic starter seed to directionally solidify the molten metal within the internal cavity.
One object of the present invention is to provide a unique system for production of a cast component.
Related objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description.
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
A gas turbine engine is equally suited to be used for an industrial application. Historically, there has been widespread application of industrial gas turbine engines, such as pumping sets for gas and oil transmission lines, electricity generation, and naval propulsion.
The compressor section 22 includes a rotor 25 having a plurality of compressor blades 26 coupled thereto. The rotor 25 is affixed to a shaft 27 that is rotatable within the gas turbine engine 20. A plurality of compressor vanes 28 are positioned within the compressor section 22 to direct the fluid flow relative to blades 26. Turbine section 24 includes a plurality of turbine blades 30 that are coupled to a rotor disk 31. The rotor disk 31 is affixed to the shaft 27, which is rotatable within the gas turbine engine 20. Energy extracted in the turbine section 24 from the hot gas exiting the combustor section 23 is transmitted through shaft 27 to drive the compressor section 22. Further, a plurality of turbine vanes 32 are positioned within the turbine section 24 to direct the hot gaseous flow stream exiting the combustor section 23.
The turbine section 24 provides power to a fan shaft 33, which drives the fan section 21. The fan section 21 includes a fan 34 having a plurality of fan blades 35. Air enters the gas turbine engine 20 in the direction of arrows A and passes through the fan section 21 into the compressor section 22 and a bypass duct 36. The term airfoil will be utilized herein to refer to fan blades, fan vanes, compressor blades, turbine blades, compressor vanes, and turbine vanes unless specifically stated otherwise in the text. Further details related to the principles and components of a conventional gas turbine engine will not be described herein as they are believed known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
With reference to
The methods and apparatuses of the present invention may be utilized to produce single piece single cast components or multi piece cast components having microstructures that are commonly categorized as equiaxed, directionally solidified or single crystal. The preferred casting mold system of the present invention is suitable for producing virtually any type of cast metallic product, however in a more preferred embodiment it is particularly useful for producing thin walled single crystal structures. The cast structures may have many different shapes, sizes, configurations, and can be formed of a variety of metallic materials. For example, the system of the present invention allows the casting of multi-wall structures with at least one wall having a thickness less than about 0.03 inches. Further, in a preferred embodiment there can be formed very thin passageways within the cast structure/component and in a more preferred embodiment the very thin passageways having a width of about 0.005 inches to about 0.015 inches. However, casting having passageways and wall thickness of other widths and/or sizes and/or thickness are contemplated herein.
Gas turbine engine components are preferably formed of a superalloy composition material. There are various types of superalloy compositions, such as but not limited to nickel based or cobalt based compositions, and the manufacture of such compositions are generally known to those skilled in the art. Most superalloy compositions of interest are complicated mixtures of nickel, chromium, aluminum and other select elements.
With reference to
With reference to
Integral mold 45 a is formed by the layerwise printing and binding of ceramic material, with each layer being bonded to an adjacent layer to form a ceramic shell for receiving molten metal therein. An apparatus 46 a deposits the layers of material and binder to form the integral mold 45 a based upon a design file. It is preferred that the design file be generated from a computer aided design of the component. Preferably, mold 45 a is a thin walled shell having a main body 47 a with an internal cavity for receiving molten metal to define a component upon solidification. A portion of the internal metal receiving cavity is depicted at 48 a. The integral mold 45 a includes a plurality of thin walls 48 a, internal mold cores 50 a, and the internal metal receiving cavity. In one embodiment, the thin wall 49 a has a thickness in the range of about 0.005 inches to about 1.50 inches, and more preferably the thin wall has a thickness of less than about 0.040 inches, and most preferably is about 0.020 inches. Integrally formed with the main body 47 a are a bottom support member 51 a, a fill tube 52 a, a support member 53 a, and a wall member 54 a. In a preferred embodiment, the wall member 54 a is defined by a web structure. Other integral mold styles are contemplated herein and the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific mold configuration and or material of
With reference to
Integral mold 45 is formed by photopolymerization of the ceramic filled resin into layers of ceramic particles that are held together by a polymer binder. However, the present invention is not limited to a ceramic filled resin and one alternate embodiment includes a metallic filled resin. Further, the utilization of other fillers are contemplated herein. In one embodiment a wall member layer is defined by a plurality of adjoining portions of ceramic material that are indicated schematically as lines 49 a, 49 b, 49 c, and 49 d. It is understood herein that the number of adjoining lines in a layer and the number of layers in the figure is purely representative and is not intended to be limiting herein. Preferably, an individual layer of the wall member is formed of between one and about five lines drawn by the energy beam in the ceramic resin. More preferably, an individual layer of the wall member is formed of two lines drawn by the energy beam in the ceramic resin. However, the present invention contemplates individual layers having other numbers of individual lines in a layer.
While the wall member layers have been illustrated as being formed of lines it is understood that in alternate embodiment the wall member is formed of layers of spaced dots, and/or linked dots. The lines as defined above for 49 a, 49 b, 49 c and 49 d could also be formed by a series of dots. The series of dots are spaced relative to one another to define a layer, and a plurality of layers is arranged to define a wall member. In one embodiment the wall member has a grid structure of spaced dots that can contain the molten metal poured into a casting mold. Further, in another embodiment the grid structure can contain the molten metal poured into the casting mold while allowing the venting of gases from the internal cavity in the mold through the wall member.
The width of the individual line(s) forming the layers is determined by the width of the energy beam, and more preferably a laser defines the energy beam. In one embodiment the width of energy beam is preferably in the range of about 0.005 inches to about 0.025 inches and more preferably is about 0.008 inches. However, an energy beams having a width of about 0.001 inches is contemplated herein for producing very fine detail in the casting mold system. Further, the ability to vary the width/size of the energy beam on command is also contemplated herein. More specifically, in one embodiment the size of the energy beam is variable within a specific layer and/or between layers within the component. In one commercially available stereolithography apparatus (SLA 250 from 3D Systems) the laser source is a He/Cd laser with 30 m watts of power at the surface of the ceramic resin. However, other stereolithography devices having different laser sources are contemplated herein.
The generation of the casting mold system 45 is controlled by a data file that defines the three dimensional shape of the casting mold system. With reference to
In a preferred embodiment a scanning laser beam 46 b is directed by a computer reading the data file and giving instructions to draw cross-sections of the three-dimensional shape on the quantity of ceramic filled resin to so as locally polymerize the monomer within the ceramic filled mixture. The irradiation of the monomer mixture with the laser forms a solid polymer gel. The integral mold 45 is preferably a thin shell having a main body 47 with an internal cavity for receiving molten metal therein for solidification to a product. A portion of the internal metal receiving cavity is depicted at 48. The integral mold 45 includes thin walls 49, internal mold cores 50, and an internal metal receiving cavity. In one preferred form the thin wall 49 has a thickness less than about 0.060 inches, and more preferably has a thickness in the range of about 0.015 inches to about 0.060 inches, and most preferably has a thickness of about 0.020 inches. However, casting molds having other wall thickness are contemplated herein. In one preferred casting mold there is formed with the main body 47, a bottom support member 51, a fill tube 52, a support member 53, and a wall member 54. In the one preferred embodiment, the wall member 54 is defined by a web structure. The illustrated casting mold of
With reference to
In a preferred form of the present invention the elevation-changing member 502 defines an elevator moveable to immerse the previously cured layers of the casting mold system 45 in the ceramic filled resin to a predetermined depth. The ceramic filled resin recoating the uppermost cured layer with a layer of uncured ceramic filled resin. In a more preferred embodiment the elevator is a computer controlled device that incrementally lowers the fabricated casting mold in the bath of ceramic filled resin in coordination with the rest of the process. In one embodiment, the nominal thickness of the uncured resin coating is about 0.004 inches to about 0.010 inches, and more preferably is about 0.004 inches. However, other layer thickness are contemplated herein. Further, the thickness of the individual layer can be made to vary between layers, or held to a substantially similar thickness between layers. It is preferred that the system have provisions to insure a substantially uniform recoat thickness for those resins with a rather low viscosity. The utilization of the following techniques are contemplated to level the resin: a time delay to allow the resin to self level; and/or ultrasonic processing to assist the resin in leveling; and/or a mechanically assisted process to assist the resin in leveling. The laser beam 46 b is driven by the data in the three-dimensional data file to draw cross-sections of the casting mold on the photocurable ceramic filled resin. The drawing and recoating acts are continued until the green ceramic part has been completed.
With reference to
In simple two dimensional shapes the build orientation is relatively easy to define; for example a hollow cylinder would be preferably built by fabricating a plurality of rings on each other. A hollow rectangular tube would be preferably built by fabricating a plurality of rectangular sections on each other to avoid having to build a relatively large unsupported ceiling. A complex shape, like a cored casting mold system for a gas turbine engine blade, requires an analysis of all the ceramic surfaces to calculate an optimum build orientation.
With reference to
The particle size for the individual ceramic particles 510 are preferably less than about 20 microns, and more preferably are within a range of about 0.1 microns to about 3.0 microns. The control of the particle size allows for the fabrication of finer detail and substantially smooth surfaces in comparison to other known techniques for making ceramic casting mold systems.
The casting mold system is a layered built structure and
The thickness of the layers depends upon the thickness of the recoated uncured layer and the depth of penetration of the laser beam. More specifically the cure depth is indicated as the cured layer thickness plus an overcure depth. In one embodiment the overcure depth is about 50% of the cured thickness layer directly beneath the layer being cured. In one embodiment a substantial overcure is required in the alumina filled resin to minimize the subsequent green delamination or layer separation. However, embodiments of the present invention utilize an overcure cure depth within a range of about 10% to about 150% of the cured layer. However, the present invention is not limited to the above cure depths and other cure depths are contemplated herein.
The ceramic filled resin includes a sinterable ceramic material, a photocurable monomer, a photoinitiator and a dispersant. The ceramic filled resin is particularly adapted for use in stereolithography to produce a green ceramic mold that resists cracking when sintered. The filled resin is prepared by admixing the components to provide a filled resin having viscosity of less than about 4,000 cPs, more preferable between about 90 cPs and about 3,000 cPs and most preferably between about 100 to about 1000 cPs. The resulting filled resin has a solids loading of about 40% to about 60% volume solids in the resin. Further, in one embodiment the filled resin has a density of between about 1.0 to about 4.0 g/ml, more preferable between about 1.5 and 2.5 g/ml.
The sinterable ceramic material for use in this invention can be selected from a wide variety of ceramic materials. Specific examples include alumina, yttria, magnesia, silicon nitride, silica and mixtures thereof. The sinterable ceramic material is included in the filled resin at about 50 volume percent (vol. %) based upon the total volume of the filled resin. Expressed in other terms, the filled resin includes about 50 to about 85 weight percent (wt %) of the sinterable ceramic material, most preferably about 65 to about 80 wt % based upon the total weight of the filled resin.
In one example silica is selected as the sinterable ceramic material. Silica can be provided as a dry powder having an average particle size suitable for sintering to provide a cured mold in accordance with this invention. Preferably the powdered silica is selected to have an average particle size of about 0.5 microns to about 20.0 microns and, more preferably about 1.0 micron to 20.0 microns, and most preferably about 1.0 micron to about 5.0 microns. Preferably, the amount of silica is between about 50.0 wt % and about 72.0 wt % based upon the total weight of the filled resin.
The monomer is selected from any suitable monomer that can be induced to polymerize when irradiated in the presence of a photoinitiator. Examples of monomers include acrylate esters and substituted acrylate esters. A combination of two or more monomers may be used. Preferably at least one of the monomers is a multifunctional monomer. By multifunctional monomer it is understood that the monomer includes more than two functional moieties capable of forming bonds with a growing polymer chain. Specific examples of monomers that can be used with this invention include 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA) and 2-phenoxyethyl acrylate (POEA). The photocurable monomers are present in an amount between about 10 to about 40 wt %, more preferably about 10 to about 35 wt %, and most preferably about 20-35 wt % based upon the total weight of the filled resin.
The dispersant is provided in an amount suitable to maintain a uniform colloidal suspension of the silica in the filled resin. The dispersant can be selected from a wide variety of known surfactants. Preferred dispersants include ammonium salts, more preferably tetraalkyl ammonium salts. The tetraalkyl groups can include a variety of substituents. Specific examples of dispersants for use in this invention include, but are not limited to: polyoxypropylene diethyl-2-hydroxyethyl ammonium acetate, and ammonium chloride. Preferably, the amount of dispersant is between about 1.0 wt % and about 10 wt % based upon the total weight of the ceramic within the filled resin.
The initiator can be selected from a number of photoinitiators known to those skilled in the art. The photoinitiator is selected to be suitable to induce polymerization of the desired monomer when irradiated. Typically the selection of a photoinitiator will be dictated by the wavelength of radiation used to induce polymerization. Preferred photoinitiators include benzophenone, trimethyl benzophenone, 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone, isopropylthioxanthone, 2-methyl-1-[4 (methylthio)phenyl]-2-morpholinoprophanone and mixtures thereof. The photoinitiator is added in an amount sufficient to rapidly polymerize the monomers when the filled resin is irradiated with radiation of appropriate wavelength. Preferably the amount of photoinitiator is between about 0.05 and about 5 wt % based upon the total weight of the monomer within the filled resin.
In an alternate form of the ceramic filled resin a quantity of a nonreactive diluent is substituted for a quantity of the monomer. Preferably, the amount of substituted nonreactive diluent is equal to between about 5% and about 20% (by weight or volume) of the monomer in the resin. An illustration of a given ceramic resin composition requires 100 grams of a monomer that in the alternate form will replace about 5-20 wt % of the monomer with a nonreactive diluent (i.e. 95-80 grams of monomer+5-20 grams of nonreactive diluent). The nonreactive diluent includes but is not limited to a dibasic ester or a decahydronaphthalene. Examples of dibasic esters include dimethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate, and dimethyl adipate, which are available in a pure form or a mixture.
The filled resin is prepared by first combining the monomer, the dispersant and the sinterable ceramic to form a homogeneous mixture. Although the order of addition is not critical to this invention typically, the monomer and the dispersant are combined first and then the sinterable ceramic is added. Preferably the sinterable ceramic material is added to the monomer/dispersant combination in increments of about 5 to about 20 vol. %. Between each incremental addition of the ceramic material, the resulting mixture is thoroughly mixed by any suitable method, for example, ball milling for about 5 to about 120 minutes. When all of the sinterable ceramic material has been added, the resulting mixture is mixed for an additional amount of time up to 10 hours or more. The photoinitiator is added and blended into the mixture just prior to irradiation of the resin, preferably not more than about 2 hour prior to irradiation.
A preferred silica filled resin comprises about 67.1 wt % silica, about 31 wt % monomer, about 1.37 wt % dispersant, and about 0.619 wt % photoinitiator. The wt % are based upon the total weight of the silica filled resin. A preferred alumina filled resin comprises about 78.2% alumina, about 20.1 wt % monomer, about 1.56 wt % dispersant, and about 0.101 wt % photoinitiator.
With reference to Table II there is set forth a preferred silica filled resin and a preferred alumina filled resin.
In an alternate embodiment, the ceramic filled resin is defined as a duplex curing resin. The duplex curing resin utilizes two types of initiators to cause the polymerization of the monomer. In a preferred form there is one photoinitiator for UV light curing, and another initiator for thermal curing. One example of an initiator for thermal curing is benzoyl peroxide or AIBN. AIBN comprises 2-2′-azo-bis-isobutyrylnitrile. However, the initiator for thermal curing can be selected from a number of other initiators known to those skilled in the art.
With reference to
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In one embodiment of the casting mold system 525 the core 527 is substantially hollow. A thin outer wall shell 540 has a plurality of spaced inner wall members 541 integrally formed therewith. It is contemplated herein that cores having a solid configuration and a substantially hollow configuration are within the contemplation of the present invention.
With reference to
A preferred firing schedule for an alumina based green ceramic mold system includes heating the mold within the furnace from a normal room temperature at a rate of about one degree centigrade per minute to a first temperature of about 300 degrees centigrade and holding at the first temperature for about four hours. Thereafter increasing the temperature from the first temperature to a second temperature of about 500 degrees centigrade at a rate of about one degree centigrade per minute. Holding at the second temperature for about zero hours. Increasing the temperature at a rate of about ten degrees centigrade per minute from the second temperature to a third temperature of about 1550 degrees centigrade. Holding at the third temperature for about two hours. The casting mold system is then cooled from the third temperature to room temperature at a rate of about five degrees centigrade per minute.
A preferred firing schedule for a silica based green ceramic mold system includes heating the mold within the furnace from a normal room temperature at a rate of about one degree centigrade per minute to a first temperature of about 300 degrees centigrade and holding at the first temperature for about four hours. Thereafter increasing the temperature from the first temperature to a second temperature of about 500 degrees centigrade at a rate of about one degree centigrade per minute. Holding at the second temperature for about zero hours. Increasing the temperature at a rate of about ten degrees centigrade per minute from the second temperature to a third temperature of about 1500 degrees centigrade. Holding at the third temperature for about two hours. The casting mold system is then cooled from the third temperature to room temperature at a rate of about five degrees centigrade per minute.
The integral casting molds 45 and 45 a are produced by different processes and while they do have different properties, they both form a ceramic shell for receiving molten metal therein. However, it is understood that in another form of the present invention the ceramics shell can receive other material for solidification besides molten material. While the forming of a ceramic mold by three-dimensional printing and selective laser activation have been discussed herein, the present casting inventions are not intended to be limited to these types of molds, unless specifically stated. For example, a mold produced with conventional techniques of cores and patterns which are shelled by dipping in a ceramic slurry, resin shell molds, or sand molds are also contemplated herein. Hereinafter, the term casting mold will be referred to generically as casting mold 45 and is intended to include all types of ceramic casting molds, unless specifically stated to the contrary.
With reference to
In one embodiment, the top member 77 defines a toothed ring or disk structure disk contactable with the container 80. Preferably, the integral mold 45 has been designed to minimize the quantity of material needed to produce it, and therefore its thin shell causes it to resemble the contour of the product being cast therein. In the present example, the mold 45 resembles a gas turbine blade, however, other shapes are contemplated. Further, the integral mold could be formed such that its outer surface does not conform to the shape of the product/component being cast within the internal cavity.
In the designing and forming of the integral mold 45 there are many parameters to consider including: (1) the desired strength and stiffness of the mold; (2) the speed at which the mold can be created; (3) the ability for the cores within the mold to crush as the metal solidifies; (4) the rate of the heating/cooling during the casting; (5) the removal/leach speed of the cores; and, (6) restraint of the casting during cooling after solidification. The crushability of portions of the mold as the molten metal solidifies around it can be addressed by the variation in densities, structures and the porosity of the components. For example with reference to
With reference to
In a preferred embodiment the mold container 80 is defined by an elongated cylindrical shaped tube. In one form the wall thickness for the outer wall member 82 is within a range of about 0.010 to about 1 inch, and more preferably is about 0.5 inches. However, other wall thickness are contemplated herein. The outer wall member 82 being formed of a ceramic material that has been selected for specific heat transfer requirements. In one embodiment, the member transfers the heat from its outer surface 82 a quickly so as to facilitate handling, while in another embodiment the member has been designed to insulate the integral mold 45. Materials such as, but not limited to, porous ceramics, ceramic fibermatts, metals, and metals with thermal barrier coatings are contemplated herein for the outer wall member 82.
At least one supporting members 83 is positioned within the space between the inner surface 84 of the outer wall 82 and the outer surface 45 a of the integral mold 45. The supporting member provides support for the thin walled integral mold 45 during the casting process. The reinforced mold container 80 allows the delivery of the molten metal at high pressures to a thin shell mold. In one embodiment molten metal pressures within the range of about three inches to about twenty-four inches of nickel are contemplated herein for use with the reinforced thin walled integral mold. However, other molten metal pressures are contemplated herein.
In a preferred embodiment, the supporting member 83 is defined by a plurality of supporting members, and more preferably is defined by a plurality of ceramic media members. In one embodiment, the plurality of supporting members having a size within the range of about 0.010 inches to about 0.100 inches and are defined as a spherical/ball. However, other sizes are contemplated herein. The plurality of supporting members fill the space within the mold container 80 and abut the outer surface 45 d of the integral mold. It is understood that the shape of the plurality of supporting members includes, but is not limited to, tablet, spherical, or fibrous. Moreover, in an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the supporting member within the mold container can be defined by: a continuous ceramic material formed between the inner surface 84 of the outer wall 82 and the outer surface 45 d of integral mold 45; a ceramic foam such as alumina, mullite, silica, zirconia, or zircon. The web structure 54 is designed and constructed to minimize the amount of material utilized to create a bottom wall member for preventing the passage of the plurality of support members 83 from the container 80. However, other structures such as but not limited to a solid wall are contemplated herein. The plurality of ceramic supporting media 83 are readily removable from the containers for reuse and/or recycling.
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With reference to
With reference to
The mold container 80 with integral mold 45 is positioned at an inclination angle .theta. and rotated about an axis Z. In the preferred embodiment, the angle .theta. is an acute angle within the range of about 5 to about 90 degrees, and more preferably, the angle .theta. is about 15 degrees. However, in the alternate embodiment the angle .theta. is variable. Rotation and movement of the integral mold 45 causes the unbonded material 400 to be dislodged from the walls defining the internal cavity and passed through an exit aperture 101 that is in communication with the internal cavity, and into a bin 104. In an alternate embodiment the integral mold has a plug (not illustrated) put into the exit aperture 101 after the unbonded material 400 has been removed from the internal cavity. In a preferred embodiment, the exit aperture 101 is sized to receive a metallic starter seed utilized during the casting operation to facilitate a specific crystallographic structure and/or speed solidification.
In one form, the sprocket 77 of the integral mold 45 is engaged with a drive 102. The drive 102 is driven such that the container is revolved at speeds in the range of about 0.1 to 2 revolutions per minute, and more preferably rotates at a speed of about ⅓ revolutions per minute, however, other speeds are contemplated herein. The dwell time for which the integral mold is subjected to rotation is in the range of about 15 minutes to about 2 days and more preferably is about 2 hours. However, other dwell times are contemplated herein. The containers 80 pass along a container support 103 in the direction of arrow P as they are rotated about axis Z. A container spacer 105 is positioned between pairs of mold containers 80 so as to prevent contact between the containers. Further, the containers 80 may be inverted as necessary to facilitate removal of the material 400 from the internal cavity, and a fluid scrubbing can be introduced into the internal cavity to facilitate material removal. The introduction of fluids within the internal cavity can occur in the normal or inverted state.
The integral mold 45 is subjected to a thermal processing operation prior to the receipt of molten metal within its internal cavity. The integral mold 45 whether formed by the three-dimensional printing or the selective laser activation process, has a green state strength that is not sufficient for the casting process and therefore to increase it's strength it has been fired as previously discussed. In some mold constructions it is necessary to burn out polymers and other materials present in the green state mold. More specifically, in the case of the integral mold which is formed by the selective laser activation process, it is necessary to burn out the polymers within the green phase mold. The mold produced by the three-dimensional printing techniques generally do not require the burn out process as there are not significant materials to be removed from the green state integral mold 45. Lastly, the mold must be preheated to the appropriate temperature, which is chosen to facilitate the growth of the microstructure desired. In the case of a columnar grain structure the temperature desired to preheat the mold is about 2700 degrees Fahrenheit and in the case of a single crystal casting the temperature desired for the mold preheat is about 2800 degrees Fahrenheit.
In one form of the present invention, it is preferred to have an integrated thermal processing operation for the integral mold 45. The integrated thermal processing will include firing the green state mold 45, burning out the unwanted materials in the green state mold, and preheating the mold to the desired temperature necessary for casting the desired microstructure. The molds after the firing and sintering operation are then cooled, inspected, repaired as necessary and prepared for casting. Thereafter, the mold is elevated to the temperature desired for preheating the mold. In a more preferred form, each of these steps occur in the same furnace in a substantially continuous fashion. Elimination of thermal cycling of the mold will enhance the ability to cast hollow structures with intricate/delicate passages.
With reference to
In one embodiment, the control chamber 109 is supplied with an inert gas 112 that forms a shield and/or membrane to slow surface vaporization of the molten metal within the crucible 111. Dispensing of the molten metal is controlled by a pressure differential between the molten metal delivery system 106 and the mold 80. In one embodiment, the discharge of molten metal is controlled by the application of a positive pressure to the surface of the molten metal, which in turn drives a quantity of molten metal from the crucible 111 into the mold 80. The mold 80 is positioned within a second chamber of the vacuum furnace and is at a lower pressure than the molten metal delivery system 106.
With reference to
A metal material feeder 120 allows for the introduction of unmelted metal material 137 into the melting crucible 122 located within upper chamber 117. In one form of the present invention, the unmelted metal material 137 is in bar form and is passed into the crucible without interrupting the operation of the casting apparatus 115. In the preferred embodiment, the melting crucible 122 defines a refractory crucible in which the metal material is inductively heated by an induction heater 123. It is understood that other forms of heaters, such as but not limited to levitation and resistant, are contemplated herein for melting and elevating the temperature of the metal material within the crucible 122. The crucible 122 is designed and constructed to hold a quantity of molten metal from, which is removed smaller charges of molten metal to fill the individual molds. The quantity of molten metal that the crucible can hold is preferably in the range of about 5-200 pounds, and more preferably is about 50 pounds. However, as discussed previously the crucible can have sufficient capacity for a continuous process or be sized for an individual single pour. In one embodiment, the crucible holding a reservoir of molten metal reduces temperature fluctuations related to the delivery of charges of molten metal and the introduction of unmelted metal material into the crucible for melting. The molten metal 124 within the melting crucible 122 passes into a molten metal dispensing system. In one embodiment, the molten metal dispensing system defines an apparatus for the precision pouring of molten metal through a nozzle 253 to a precision located input 78 of the fill tube 52. A more detailed description of the molten metal dispensing system 125 and alternate embodiments for dispensing molten metal from the crucible 122 will be discussed below.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the rotatable fixture 121 is liquid cooled and located within the lower chamber 118 of the vacuum furnace. The heat transfer system is coupled with each of the casting molds 45 and maintains a heat transfer pathway during the solidification of the molten metal. The rotatable fixture includes a plurality of mold container holders 129. In the embodiment of
With reference to
With reference to
Each of the pair of jaws 152 has an internal cooling passageway 530 therein for receiving a quantity of heat transfer media 161 therethrough to change the temperature of the starter seed 151. While the heat transfer apparatus 150 utilizes an active cooling system the present disclosure also contemplates a passive cooling system. Preferably, the heat transfer media 161 is a coolant/sink for withdrawing energy/heat from the metallic starter seed 151. The heat is passed by conduction from the molten metal solidifying within the mold cavity to the starter seed. Thereafter the passage of cooling media through the jaws 152 causes heat transfer through the starter seed to cause a thermal gradient and directional solidification of the molten metal within the mold cavity. Further, many types of cooling media may be used. The simplest type being solids whose heat capacity and/or phase changes make them attractive, such as but not limited to copper. A fluid, such as water and/or argon may also define the cooling media. Further, heat transfer cooling media with higher heat transfer capacity or heat transfer include liquid metals like aluminum, tin, or mercury.
With reference to
With reference to
The heat transfer apparatus 191 includes a pair of arms 193 and 194 that are moveable into a position to abut and maintain contact with a surface 198 of the starter seed 188. The abutting relationship of the heat transfer apparatus 191 and the starter seed 199 is maintainable until the arms 193 and 194 are positively released from the starter seed 188. A precision locating member 192 contacts a bottom surface 188 b of the starter seed 188 so as to precisely locate the vertical height of the melt surfaces 188 a within the molten metal receiving cavity 186. A cooling media passageway 197 is formed in each of the pair of arms 193 and 194 for the passage of cooling media therethrough. The molten metal within the cavity 185 transfers heat to the starter seed 188 which in turn transfers the heat through the surfaces 198 to the chilled pair of arms 193 and 194. The cooling media flowing through the passageways 197 removes the heat from the arms 193 and 194. Thus a temperature gradient is created through the starter seed 188 to cause directional solidification of the molten metal within the cavity 186.
With reference to
The bearing surface 206 and a corresponding surface on each of the couplers 205 creates a substantially fluid tight seal to prevent the leakage of the cooling media around the joint. Further, in one embodiment, the bearing surface 206 defines an electrical contact such that upon the pair of couplers 205 being mated with the heat transfer apparatus 201 a circuit is completed and current can be passed through the heat transfer apparatus 201 to create a heater for heating the seed portion 202. The heat transfer apparatus 201 allows for the localized heating of the starter seed portion 202 and the withdrawal of energy from the molten metal solidifying in the mold on the starter seed portion 202.
With reference to
With reference to
In one embodiment of the present invention a meltable member 220 is positionable within the casting mold 210 such that the flow of molten metal melts the member 220 and delivers the material comprising the meltable member along with the molten metal into the mold cavity 212. The meltable member 220 is positioned within a portion of the pour tube 211. However, the placement of the meltable member 220 may be in other places such as the diffuser 211 a. In a preferred form, the member 220 is a wire or mesh that does not substantially impede the flow of molten metal through the fill tube 211 and is readily melted by the heat of the molten metal. The meltable member 220 is melted and mixes with the molten alloy and imparts properties to the cast component such as, but not limited to improved ductility and/or oxidation resistance. In one form the meltable member 220 is formed of a reactive metal such as, but not limited to a rare earth elements.
With references to
With reference to
With reference to
The molten metal delivery passageway 232 includes a positive molten metal flow control feature. In one embodiment the portion 232 a of the passageway 232 functions as a flow control means. Upon the application of sufficient pressure to the molten metal within the crucible the passageway 232 is filled with molten metal. Upon releasing the applied pressure molten metal will return to the crucible and be maintained at a height within the passageway substantially equal to the height of the molten metal within the crucible. In one form, the delivery of molten metal from portion 232 a and out nozzle 600 will have a predetermined pressure and velocity controlled by the height “C” plus the pressure difference between chamber 117 and chamber 118. The activation energy necessary to fill the passageway 232 is indicated by “D”.
In a preferred form of the apparatus the discharge of molten metal is controlled by the application of pressure to the molten metal within the crucible 231. As discussed previously, the pressure applied to the molten metal can be created by advancing the metal stock 137 into the molten metal and/or by applying pressure to the surface of the molten metal with an inert gas. Upon the increase in pressure on the surface of the molten metal, additional molten metal is forced through the input end 233 and up through the delivery passageway 232 to the output end 234. At the output end 234 the molten metal passes through a nozzle 600 to the mold container inlet. Upon release of the pressure on the molten metal, the molten metal beyond point 235 is delivered, and the remaining molten metal within the passageway remains there and/or is returned to the crucible 231. Therefore, the delivery of molten metal to the mold container 80 is controlled by the difference in pressure between chamber 117 and 118. In an alternate embodiment, the passage of molten metal to the mold container 80 could be effectuated by lowering the pressure around the container instead of raising the pressure on the molten metal.
With reference to
With reference to
In one embodiment, a heat shield and/or heater 254 is spaced from and positioned around the nozzle 253 to mechanically guard the nozzle and reduce heat loss therefrom. The nozzle 253 passes through the aperture 700 in the crucible and has a discharge aperture designed to provide a concentrated stream of molten metal. In one form the stream of molten metal is discharged substantially vertical, however in alternate embodiments the stream is discharged in other relative directions. In one embodiment the discharge aperture has a diameter of about 0.125 inches, however, other sizes are contemplated herein. Further, the nozzle is self cleaning in that it purges itself every time the discharge of molten metal is completed. More specifically, in one embodiment the nozzle 253 has a pointed end 253 a.
The structure of the molten metal dispensing system 125 preferably includes an outer member 257 having the plurality of inlet fill holes 252 formed therethrough with an inner member 256 spaced therefrom. The inner member 256 and the outer member 257 are preferably formed of alumina or other suitable ceramics, and the outer member includes four equally spaced inlet fill holes 252, however other numbers and spacing of inlet holes is contemplated herein. The inner and outer members being coupled to the base of the crucible 122. More preferably, the dispensing system 125 defines a first upstanding outer tube 257 that is closed at one end and a second upstanding inner tube 256 spaced inwardly therefrom. The inner tube 256 and outer tube 257 are coupled to the bottom wall member 701 of the crucible 122 and positioned around the aperture 700. In a preferred embodiment the inner tube 256 defines a metering cavity for holding a predetermined volume of molten metal therein.
With reference to
In a preferred form of the molten metal dispensing system 650 the passageways have substantially upstanding portions that meet with the inflection portion to form a substantially U shape passageway. Further, it is preferred that the inflection portion is above the molten metal height within the mechanical housing/crucible 651. In one form a portion of the passageway varies in cross-sectional area between the molten metal inlet and the molten metal outlet. In a more preferred form at least a portion of the passageway tapers prior to the inflection portion, and more preferably defines a passageway having a frustum-conical shape. In one embodiment the passageway 654 has a vent 700 disposed in fluid communication therewith. However in an alternate embodiment the passageway does not have the vent 700 connected therewith. The vent has utilization for venting the passageway and allowing the purging of the passageway with a pressurized fluid. The present invention contemplates other geometric shapes and sizes for the components of the molten metal dispensing system.
With reference to
The additional force can be applied by the continued advancement of the unmelted metal material 137 into the quantity of melted metal within the crucible. A second method for increasing the pressure on the molten metal 124 within the crucible is to introduce a pressurized inert gas against the surface of the molten alloy. The additional pressure on the molten metal will cause the continued flow of molten metal through the filling apertures 252. Subsequent overflowing of the molten metal from the outer passageway 250 to the inlet end 251 a of the inner passageway. The filling of the inner passageway is a relatively quick process as the filling apertures 252 have been sized to allow an inflow of material that is significantly greater than the nozzle 253 can discharge from the inner passageway. Upon the inner passageway 251 being substantially filled with molten metal, the pressure applied to the surface 124 a is removed such that the inner passageway 251 no longer receives molten metal from the outer passageway 250 and the inner passageway discharges its charge of molten metal through the nozzle 253 in a concentrated stream.
In one embodiment of the molten metal dispensing system, a sensor 800 (
With reference to
With reference to
Subsequent to the hot isostatic pressing operation, the component is subjected to a homogenizing operation that causes diffusion between the elements that may have separated during the solidification process and is designed to raise the incipient melting point of the cast structure. The homogenizing cycle is concluded by subjecting the component to a quenching step and subsequent tempering operations.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the three post casting operations are combined into a sequential process within the furnace 801. The hot isostatic pressing operation is performed within the furnace 801 by raising the temperature and pressure within the furnace 801 for a period of time so as to reduce the porosity in the casting. Thereafter, the temperature within the furnace 801 is raised to a value within about 25 degrees Fahrenheit of the incipient melting point of the material forming the component 30. Preferably the temperature within the furnace 801 is raised to within 5.degree. Fahrenheit of the melting point of the material for a period of time. After the completion of the homogenizing operation, the quenching operation is undertaken by the high pressure transfer of a cold inert gas into the furnace 801. The aging of the cast component can continue under vacuum or pressure as desired.
A preferred form of the casting operation allows the growth of a single crystal at a rate up to about 100 inches per hour and more preferably at a rate of about 60 inches per hour. However, other growth rates are contemplated herein. The ability to grow the crystal at these rates minimizes the segregation of elements in the alloy that occur during slower solidification processes. Due to the decrease in segregation of the elements in the alloy, the homogenizing cycle of the post casting operation can be accomplished in about 24 hours, and more preferably is accomplished in about 2 hours. The utilization of a high thermal gradient and a relatively short starter seed lead to faster processing; lower shrinkage, which gives improved fatigue properties; and lower segregation, which facilitates higher stress rupture strength.
With reference to
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.