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Casting
is a process in which molten material is solidified in a mould to produce
an ingot or a shape that is close to that of a finished product (near net
shape). Material may be introduced into the mould under gravitational forces,
a process commonly used to produce ingots of the material that will be
further processed. To produce a near net shape component, pressure die
casting is frequently employed. In this process molten material is forced
into the mould under pressure and allowed to solidify, sometimes assisted
by water cooling.
If
the direction of heat removal from the mould is controlled, the material
may be solidified from one end to produce a single crystal with the shape
of the mould. Gas turbine blades are produced in this manner. |
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