Centrifugal casting device

Abstract

A centrifugal casting method and apparatus for casting molten metal into a mold. The casting apparatus includes a housing provided with a bottom surface and a retaining wall for minimizing a number of projectiles that escape the housing during casting operations. A prime mover is provided for imparting a centrifugal force on the molten metal, and an arm is coupled to the prime mover adjacent to a proximate end to be rotated about a rotational axis and to support a cradle for receiving the mold adjacent to a distal end. A crucible is to be coupled to the arm for supporting the molten metal to be cast into the mold, while a catch surface is disposed between the arm and the bottom surface of the housing to collect molten metal that is cast but not received within the mold.

1 . A centrifugal casting apparatus for casting molten metal into a mold, the casting apparatus comprising: 
 a housing comprising a bottom surface, and a retaining wall for minimizing a number of projectiles that escape the housing during casting operations;    a prime mover for imparting a centrifugal force on the molten metal;    an arm coupled to the prime mover adjacent to a proximate end to be rotated about a rotational axis and supporting a cradle for receiving the mold adjacent to a distal end;    a crucible to be coupled to the arm for supporting the molten metal to be cast into the mold; and    a catch surface disposed between the arm and the bottom surface of the housing to collect molten metal that is cast but not received within the mold.    
   
   
       2 . The casting apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising ventilation means for drawing vapors from casting operations in a direction generally away from a user interface.  
   
   
       3 . The casting apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising a safety fence to be placed between an operator and the arm while in motion.  
   
   
       4 . The casting apparatus according to  claim 3  further comprising an aperture formed in the safety fence to permit access to the cradle while the arm is stationary.  
   
   
       5 . The casting apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the prime mover is an electric motor.  
   
   
       6 . The casting apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the prime mover is a spring.  
   
   
       7 . The casting apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the arm is recessed beneath an uppermost surface of the housing.  
   
   
       8 . The casting apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the arm is separated from the catch surface by a distance of about 24 inches or less.  
   
   
       9 . The casting apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the arm is separated from the catch surface by a distance of about 20 inches or less.  
   
   
       10 . The casting apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the arm is separated from the catch surface by a distance of about 16 inches or less.  
   
   
       11 . The casting apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the arm is separated from the catch surface by a distance of about 12 inches or less.  
   
   
       12 . The casting apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the arm is separated from the catch surface by a distance of about 10 inches or less.  
   
   
       13 . The casting apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the arm is separated from the catch surface by a distance of about 8 inches or less.  
   
   
       14 . The casting apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the arm is separated from the catch surface by a distance of about 4 inches or less.  
   
   
       15 . The casting apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising a counterweight to approximately balance the arm during rotation.  
   
   
       16 . The casting apparatus according to  claim 15 , wherein the arm is articulated at a location between the cradle and the counterweight.  
   
   
       17 . The casting apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising a source of thermal energy for melting the metal supported by the crucible.  
   
   
       18 . A centrifugal casting apparatus for casting molten metal into a mold, the casting apparatus comprising: 
 a base for supporting the centrifugal casting apparatus,    a housing comprising a retaining wall for minimizing a number of projectiles that escape the housing during casting operations;    a prime mover for imparting a centrifugal force on the molten metal;    an arm coupled to the prime mover adjacent to a proximate end to be rotated about a rotational axis, the arm supporting a cradle for receiving the mold adjacent to a distal end;    a crucible to be coupled to the arm for supporting the molten metal to be cast into the mold; and    a catch surface disposed between the arm and base to collect molten metal that is cast but not received within the mold.    
   
   
       19 . A method of minimizing a loss of metal experienced during a casting operation, the method comprising the steps of: 
 melting the metal in a crucible coupled to a rotational arm;    imparting a centrifugal force onto the molten metal in the crucible to cast the molten metal into a suitably-positioned mold; and    catching metal that has been cast but not received in the mold within a distance of about 24 inches or less from the arm.    
   
   
       20 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein the step of catching the metal comprises catching metal that has been cast but not received in the mold within a distance of about 20 inches or less from the arm.  
   
   
       21 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein the step of catching the metal comprises catching metal that has been cast but not received in the mold within a distance of about 16 inches or less from the arm.  
   
   
       22 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein the step of catching the metal comprises catching metal that has been cast but not received in the mold within a distance of about 12 inches or less from the arm.  
   
   
       23 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein the step of catching the metal comprises catching metal that has been cast but not received in the mold within a distance of about 8 inches or less from the arm.  
   
   
       24 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein the step of catching the metal comprises catching metal that has been cast but not received in the mold within a distance of about 4 inches or less from the arm.  
   
   
       25 . The method according to  claim 19  further comprising the step of drawing vapors from casting operations in a direction generally away from a user interface.