Temperature Controlled Casting Process

Abstract

A method of casting is provided, wherein a molten material is introduced into a mould such that the molten material flows out of the mould, wherein once a desired temperature of the mould is achieved, the molten material is prevented from flowing out of the mould such that the molten material at least partially fills the mould.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method of casting, comprising:
 a. heating a mould to a predetermined temperature by introducing a molten casting material into the mould such that the molten casting material flows through and out of the mould;   b. subsequently, during the heating of the mould by the molten casting material flowing through and out of the mould, determining that the predetermined temperature of the mould is achieved and in response preventing the molten casting material from flowing out of the mould such that the molten casting material at least partially fills the mould.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein determining that the predetermined temperature of the mould is achieved comprises measuring a temperature of the mould. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the temperature of the mould is measured in the proximity of a surface within the mould. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the molten casting material that flows out of the mould is collected in a container. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein determining that the predetermined temperature of the mould is achieved comprises determining that a predetermined quantity of the molten casting material has flowed out of the mould. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the molten casting material that flows out of the mould is collected in a container. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the container is a sump of a fixed volume, wherein when the sump is filled with molten casting material, the molten casting material in the mould is prevented from flowing out of the mould. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein a predetermined quantity of the molten casting material in the container is measured so as to determine that the predetermined temperature of the mould is achieved. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising controlling the flow of the molten casting material using a valve downstream or upstream of the mould. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising controlling the flow of the molten casting material using a valve upstream of the mould. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the mould contains a second material before the flow of molten casting material is introduced into the mould. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the second material is an interstitial material. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32 , further comprising providing at least one retainer within the mould. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the at least one retainer is suitable for retaining the interstitial material within the mould. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the at least one retainer retains the interstitial material in a location within the mould. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein when the molten casting material is introduced into the mould, heat energy is conducted from the molten casting material to the interstitial material. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the predetermined temperature is a temperature for causing sintering of at least a part of the interstitial material. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the retainer comprises openings, wherein the openings are dimensioned so as to prevent the transport of the interstitial material through the openings, but so as to allow the transport of molten casting material through the openings. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the molten casting material that flows out of the mould is reheated and then reintroduced to the mould. 
     
     
         40 . A mould for use in a temperature-controlled casting process as described in  claim 21 , the mould including interstitial material and a retainer for retaining the interstitial material within the mould.