Method and apparatus for removal of flashing and blockages from a casting

Abstract

Various systems and apparatuses for processing a metal casting are provided.

1 . A system for processing a metal casting having a core aperture comprising: 
 a pouring station for forming the casting;    a core opening station comprising a core opening device for clearing a blockage from the core aperture;    a heat treatment station downstream from the core opening station; and    at least one process temperature control station comprising an energy source for maintaining the casting at a temperature at or above a process control temperature for the metal between the pouring station and the heat treatment station.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a heat source for pre-heating the mold to a temperature of at least about the heat treatment temperature for the metal.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the core opening device comprises a punch, mill, drill, laser, blade, or blasting nozzle.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the core opening device comprises an urging element.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the urging element includes a temperature measuring device.  
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the heat treatment station comprises a casting rejection zone.  
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the casting rejection zone comprises: 
 a casting temperature measuring device; and    a transfer mechanism in communication with the temperature measuring device, the transfer mechanism adapted to remove the casting prior to entry into the furnace upon detection of a rejection temperature by the temperature measuring device.    
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the process control temperature station further comprises a temperature sensing device in communication with the energy source heat source and the transfer mechanism.  
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the process control temperature station further comprises a controller in communication with the temperature sensing device and the heat source, the controller controlling the amount of energy applied to the casting.  
   
   
       10 . A system for processing a metal casting comprising: 
 a first heat source for pre-heating a mold to a temperature of at least about the heat treatment temperature for a molten metal to be poured;    a pouring station for pouring the molten metal into the pre-heated mold;    a first process control temperature station downstream from the pouring station, the first process control temperature station including a second heat source for maintaining the metal at or above a process control temperature as the metal at least partially solidifies and forms a casting having a core aperture;    a casting removal station for removing the casting from the mold;    a core opening station comprising a core opening device for clearing a blockage from the core aperture;    a second process control temperature station integral with the core opening station, the second process control temperature station including a second heat source for maintaining the metal at or above a process control temperature as the core aperture is cleared; and    a heat treatment station.    
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the core opening device comprises a punch, mill, drill, laser, blade, blasting nozzle, or urging element.