Quote:
Originally Posted by freebeard
So how do they put in the tiny little holes?
|
The interior passages are created by a ceramic core (which is injection molded). The core goes into the wax injection die. Wax is injected into the die around the core. That wax part is then dipped in various ceramic slurries that dry to create a ceramic shell around the wax part. Then the wax is melted out leaving a ceramic mold. Titanium super alloy is then poured in while the mold is inside a vacuum chamber. After the pour the outside shell is broken away and the inside shell is dissolved. That leaves the part with internal cooling passages. Then it goes on to finishing operations.
Quote:
Originally Posted by freebeard
Is it cost competitive with 3D printing?
|
Not even close. Each part has millions of dollars in tooling. Precision Castparts in the Portland area makes these types of aerospace parts. I worked for their primary competitor - Howmet.
It was fun to work on things like this - years before they were known to the general public. Still by far the most technically challenging job I've worked.
X-47B
