Innovative Hybrid Molding Casting Technology

This SBIR Phase I effort proposes to develop a more affordable casting technology for discrete manufacturing based on innovative hybrid molding technologies. Rammed graphite molding is a lower-cost casting process not traditionally used to manufacture aerospace titanium components, while hybrid molds are a combination of two or more non-traditional molding technologies. The new process is expected to yield sufficient microstructure, mechanical properties as compared with the current investment casting method, with sufficient part geometrical complexity capability and surface finish when supplemented with added-value fabrication methods.