Component casting

Abstract

A deflector element 3,13 is provided, in order to improve temperature interface control with respect to directional solidification of a component casting. This deflector element 3,13 is formed during the mould making process and is arranged to be positioned with respect to a part 6 of a principal mould formation 2,12 within which the final cast component is produced. The deflector element 3,13 ensures a uniform temperature throughout the component cross-section relative to other parts of the component as it is solidified.

1 . A method of component casting comprising forming a mould with a displaced deflector element adjacent to a part of a principal mould formation whereby the deflector element controls the rate of heat loss from that part of the principal mould formation.  
     
     
         2 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the mould is formed by a lost wax process or stereo lithographic process.  
     
     
         3 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  or  claim 2  wherein the displaced deflector element is secured to a downpole of the mould.  
     
     
         4 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  or  claim 2  wherein the displaced deflector element is secured to a separate upstanding leg to present the deflector element to the principal mould formation.  
     
     
         5 . A method as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the deflector element is coated for improved radiation with a low emission material.  
     
     
         6 . A method as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the defector element is coated with a magnesium oxide coating.  
     
     
         7 . A mould for component casting comprising a principal mould formation and a displaced deflector element immediately adjacent a part of the principal mould formation to control in use the rate of heat loss from that part of the principal mould formation.  
     
     
         8 . A mould as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the mould includes a downpipe from which the displaced deflector element is secured.  
     
     
         9 . A mould as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the mould includes an upstanding leg to present the deflector element to the principal mould formation.  
     
     
         10 . A mould as claimed in any of  claims 7  to  9  wherein the displaced deflector is coated with a low emission material.  
     
     
         11 . A mould as claimed in  claim 10  wherein the low emission material is a magnesium oxide coating.  
     
     
         12 . A mould as claimed in any of  claims 7  to  11  wherein the displaced deflector element is approximately 2 mm to 3 mm thick.  
     
     
         13 . A mould as claimed in any of  claims 7  to  12  wherein the displaced deflector element has a configuration such that there is at least a 15 mm wide overlap with the principal mould formation.  
     
     
         14 . A mould as claimed in any  claims 7  to  13  wherein the mould is formed from a ceramic material located about a wax perform of a desired component casting.  
     
     
         15 . A method of component casting substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.  
     
     
         16 . A mould substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.  
     
     
         17 . A component casting formed by a method as claimed in any  claims 1  to  6  or  claim 15 .  
     
     
         18 . A component casting formed using a mould as claimed in any of  claims 7  to  14  or  claim 16 .  
     
     
         19 . An engine incorporating a component casting formed by a method as claimed in any of  claims 1  to  7  or  claim 15 .  
     
     
         20 . An engine incorporating a component casting formed using a mould as claimed in any of  claims 7  to  14  or  claim 16 .  
     
     
         21 . Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as an˜ of the preceding claims.