Micro-casting using molds with gradient cooling characteristics

The concept of molds with gradient cooling characteristics is introduced to actively control the microstructure and, thereby, the physical properties of micro-castings. Such molds are composed of materials with different thermal properties arranged in different geometric configurations imposing varying cooling rates at each point of the casting. To ascertain the feasibility of this concept, molds made of materials with different thermal conductivities were used and their cooling properties were measured. The changes in the microstructure of the castings depending on their location in relation to the mold's body were evaluated. The results confirm the plausibility of microstructure control with such molds.