Fluid-Soluble Pattern Material for Investment Casting Process, and Methods for Using Same
The present invention is directed to a water-soluble pattern material for an investment casting process, and methods of using same. In one illustrative embodiment, the method involves providing a master die with an interior cavity defining exterior surfaces of the water-soluble pattern, mixing granular sugar and a non-water-soluble binder material to form a pattern material, introducing the pattern material into the interior cavity of the master die, allowing the pattern material to cure within the master die to thereby define the water-soluble pattern comprised of the pattern material, and removing the water-soluble pattern from the master die. In another illustrative embodiment, the present invention is directed to a water-soluble pattern for use in investment casting processes wherein the pattern is comprised of a granular sugar and a non-water-soluble binder material.
1 - 36 . (canceled)
37 . A device, comprising:
a water-soluble pattern for use in investment casting comprising a mixture of a water-soluble material and a non-water-soluble binder, the binder comprising a mixture of two resins and a hardener, wherein the pattern is encapsulated by an investment formed of ceramic particles.
38 . The device of claim 37 , wherein said water-soluble material is sugar.
39 . The device of claim 37 , wherein said water-soluble material is salt.
40 . The device of claim 37 , wherein said non-water-soluble binder is present in said water-soluble material at a weight ratio of approximately 4-5%.
41 . (canceled)
42 . The device of claim 37 , wherein said water-soluble pattern is configured in the shape of a rolling cutter for a drill bit.
43 . The device of claim 37 , wherein said mixture is adapted to be at least partially dissolved by contact with water.
44 . A device, comprising:
a water-soluble pattern for use in investment casting comprising a mixture of grannular sugar and a non-water-soluble binder, the binder comprising a mixture of two resins and a hardener, wherein the pattern is encapsulated by an investment formed of ceramic particles.
45 . The device of claim 44 , wherein said non-water-soluble binder is present in said gannular sugar at a weight ratio of approximately 4-5%.
46 . (canceled)
47 . The device of claim 44 , wherein said water-soluble pattern is configured in the shape of a rolling cutter for a drill bit.
48 . The device of claim 44 , wherein said mixture is adapted to be at least partially dissolved by contact with water.
49 . A device, comprising:
a fluid-soluble pattern for use in investment casting comprising a mixture of a fluid-soluble material and a non-water-soluble binder, the binder comprising a mixture of two resins and a hardener, wherein the pattern is encapsulated by an investment formed of ceramic particles.
50 . The device of claim 49 , wherein said fluid-soluble material is sugar.
51 . The device of claim 49 , wherein said fluid-soluble material is salt.
52 . The device of claim 49 , wherein said non-water-soluble binder is present in said fluid-soluble material at a weight ratio of approximately 4-5%.
53 . (canceled)
54 . The device of claim 49 , wherein said fluid-soluble pattern is configured in the shape of a rolling cutter for a drill bit.
55 . The device of claim 49 , wherein said mixture is adapted to be at least partially dissolved by contact with fluid.