Uni-Cast has developed a new technology for rapidly solidifying liquid aluminum alloys cast in ceramic shell molds. The process, named SPARK,has been designed to rapidly solidify the liquid alloy and control the rate of solidification which allows the process to produce complex castings with predictable compact fine grained microstructures repeatedly and consistently.
In this paper we will demonstrate the effects of our new process on the:
We will also compare the above data to the respective data obtained from the conventional investment casting processes.
In this work, the technical benefits of the SPARK process will be demonstrated by presenting a case study that will compare a component produced in the traditional investment casting process with one produced by Uni-Cast’s SPARK process.
The paper will conclude by illustrating that a fine grained microstructure is one of the key factors for enhancing casting quality and integrity. Developing techniques to produce complex castings with predictable and repeatable fine microstructures combined with specific control of chemistry and heat treatment allows for the production of complex aluminum components with advanced mechanical properties.