Thermal isolation for casting articles
First Claim
1. A system for casting an article, comprising:
- a mold defining a mold cavity comprising an inner surface; and
at least one thermal blanket, the at least one thermal blanket comprising a layer of thermally insulating material;
said layer of thermally insulating material further comprising at least partially sintered ceramic fibers;
wherein the at least one thermal blanket is configured to isolate a molten material introduced into the mold cavity from the inner surface of the mold cavity such that the molten material within the mold cavity remains in a molten state at least until the molten material fills the mold cavity; and
wherein the at least one thermal blanket is positionable in one piece within the mold cavity prior to casting.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Some embodiments provide methods and systems for casting articles. One example of a method includes providing and positioning a thermal blanket within a mold cavity and then introducing a molten material into the mold cavity and into contact with the thermal blanket. The method allows the molten material to remain in a molten state during a dwell time that extends from the introduction of the molten material at least until the mold cavity is filled. In another example, a method of using a thermal blanket includes keeping a molten material in a molten state during a dwell time extending from first introduction of the molten material until pressurization. Systems including a variety of mold types, one or more thermal blankets, and in some cases preforms and/or inserts are also provided. Also described is a novel thermal blanket and method of manufacturing the same.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A system for casting an article, comprising:
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a mold defining a mold cavity comprising an inner surface; and at least one thermal blanket, the at least one thermal blanket comprising a layer of thermally insulating material; said layer of thermally insulating material further comprising at least partially sintered ceramic fibers; wherein the at least one thermal blanket is configured to isolate a molten material introduced into the mold cavity from the inner surface of the mold cavity such that the molten material within the mold cavity remains in a molten state at least until the molten material fills the mold cavity; and wherein the at least one thermal blanket is positionable in one piece within the mold cavity prior to casting. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A system for casting an article, the system comprising:
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a mold defining a mold cavity having an inner surface; and at least one thermal blanket, the at least one thermal blanket comprising a layer of compressed thermally insulating material; said layer of thermally insulating material further comprising at least partially sintered ceramic fibers; wherein the at least one thermal blanket is configured to isolate a molten material introduced into the mold cavity from the inner surface of the mold cavity for a dwell time of at least 30 seconds; and wherein the at least one thermal blanket is positionable in one piece within the mold cavity prior to casting.
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Specification