The device can accommodate a 50 mm disc-shaped investment shell specimens of varying thicknesses. The specimen is automatically brought into direct symmetrical contact with a hot surface. The machine applies a ramping force to the specimen which represents a hydrostatic head pressure experienced by an investment shell wall during filling. Further, the machine maintains a constant force signifying filled mold through casting solidification. During this time the instrumentation is designed to capture the thermal gradient, the longitudinal and the radial movement in the specimen in real-time.
Measurement data from an investment shell material was collected and analyzed. The results are thermal distortion curves (TDC) that reveal dynamic behavior of the specimen that is critical in achieving sound dimensional characteristics in investment castings. The methodology can be used to establish a process control program and for predicting the behavior of the investment casting shell materials.