DE102020205545A1 - Method for manufacturing a material cartridge, container for use in a corresponding method, material cartridge and method for manufacturing a cast product using the material cartridge, and a corresponding cast product - Google Patents

Abstract

The present application relates to a method for producing a material cartridge for preserving a material mixture which is susceptible to corrosion from air, in particular a molten metal. A container having an opening for receiving the mixture of materials is provided. Before a material mixture is poured into the container, the container is purged with an inert gas. A material mixture, in particular a melt, is poured in through the opening of the container. The material mixture is preferably filled into the container in the absence of air, in particular in a protective gas atmosphere. The opening of the container is closed in a gas-tight manner after the material mixture has been filled. Furthermore, the present application relates to a container for use in such a method for producing a material cartridge and to the material cartridge produced, comprising the container. The application also relates to a method for producing a cast product using the material cartridge and a corresponding cast product.

Description

The present application relates to a method for producing a material cartridge for preserving a material mixture which is susceptible to corrosion from air, in particular a molten metal.

The present application also relates to a container for use in such a method for producing a material cartridge and the produced material cartridge, comprising the container.

The application also relates to a method for producing a cast product using the material cartridge and a corresponding cast product.

Mixtures of materials that react with air are used in a wide variety of fields of application, particularly in foundries. Defined material mixtures, such as alloys, are essential, especially when there are high demands on material properties. Reactions of the defined material mixtures with constituents of the air lead to changes in the composition of the material mixtures, which results in a loss of quality.

This problem is particularly prevalent in foundries, especially when using alloys.

The processes here are typically designed for precisely defined alloys with predetermined material proportions. This defined alloy is then produced in several process steps that are connected with transport steps. For this purpose, the solid alloy components are preheated, the main alloy component is melted in a melting furnace and the alloy is precisely adjusted in a liquid state by adding the individual alloy components, for example by diffusion or active mixing. The liquid alloy is then transferred to transport containers and taken to a pouring device. A further transfer to a holding furnace, which keeps the alloy melt at a desired casting temperature, typically takes place there. Typically, the alloy melt is now removed in batches from the holding furnace, for example by means of a pouring spoon, transported to a casting mold, for example with a robot arm, and there it is poured into the provided casting mold, for example a metallic permanent mold with inserted sand cores.

Adjusting the alloy composition therefore requires a large number of measuring and testing equipment and foundries have to accept costly purchases of plant technology in the form of furnaces, transport containers, casting systems and logistics areas.

During the alloy preparation, a significant surface area of the alloy comes into contact with the ambient air. The alloy degrades on contact with the ambient air. Exchange processes such as reactions of alloying elements with the constituents of the air, for example oxidation by the oxygen in the air, absorption of hydrogen from the water dissolved in air or even direct evaporation of alloying elements into the ambient atmosphere, lead to a changing alloy composition. Among other things, this can result in defects in the cast product, such as lower strengths, imperfections, gas bubbles, voids or premature solidification.

Another disadvantage of the prior art is that storage and transportability is restricted by the risk of degradation or corrosion. In the heated or liquid state of material mixtures, especially alloys, the degradation takes place within a short time, i.e. minutes to hours. However, even in the solid, solidified state of the material mixture, degradation continues to take place, which, although reduced, can result in significant material losses, as described above.

In the case of the transportability of hot, liquid material mixtures, in particular alloys, for example molten metal, there are also dangers due to the high heat capacity, which make transport expensive, require high safety precautions and make cost-effective and fast processes more difficult.

Known transport containers also have the disadvantage that cleaning after use is time-consuming. Slag residues contained in the container can lead to contamination of the material mixture when the transport container is used again and thus also cause defects in the end product, for example in the cast product.

Another disadvantage arises from the loss of energy due to heat dissipation to the environment through thermal radiation and convection, which must be compensated for by constantly keeping warm or reheating or overheating the material mixture, in particular a molten metal, during transport and the provision of the material mixture.

Another disadvantage arises from the known system technology in foundries, since minimum quantities of filling material are required in order to function reliably, so that minimal batch sizes are specified. To counteract the time-dependent degradation of the material mixture, in particular the molten metal, a significantly larger alloy volume must be processed compared to an exchange surface, since the degradation is slowed down in relation to the total amount. Precise adjustment of an alloy is also more difficult for small quantities, since overdosing can no longer be compensated for by adding compensating material, and this requires more complex system technology.

The present application therefore has the task of at least partially solving the problems described above and proposing a material cartridge and a corresponding method for producing the material cartridge for material mixtures susceptible to corrosion, in particular molten metal. Furthermore, it can be the object of the present application to propose a container for use in the corresponding manufacturing method and a method for manufacturing an improved cast product.

These objects are achieved by a method according to claim 1, a corresponding material cartridge, a container and a method according to the independent claims. Advantageous further developments of the invention are described in the subclaims.

The method for producing a material cartridge for preserving a material mixture that is susceptible to corrosion by air, in particular a molten metal, can include the following steps.

First, a container is provided with an opening for receiving the material mixture.

Before a material mixture is poured into the container, the container is purged with a protective gas.

A material mixture, in particular a melt, is poured in through the opening of the container. The material mixture is preferably filled into the container in the absence of air, in particular in a protective gas atmosphere.

The opening of the container is closed in a gas-tight manner after the material mixture has been filled.

In the present case, a material mixture is to be understood as meaning both a mixture of different constituents and a material in its pure form. In particular, the material mixture is a defined mixture of different components. For example, the material mixture is an alloy. The alloy preferably comprises metallic and / or non-metallic substances. The alloy may have a main component. The minimum weight fraction of the main constituent is typically material-dependent. The main constituent can, in particular in the case of nickel-based alloys, comprise at least 40 percent by weight, preferably at least 45 percent by weight, particularly preferably at least 50 percent by weight of the material mixture. The main constituent, in particular in the case of bronze-based alloys, can comprise at least 45 percent by weight, preferably at least 50 percent by weight, particularly preferably at least 60 percent by weight of the material mixture. The main constituent, in particular mixtures based on iron or aluminum, can comprise at least 60 percent by weight, preferably at least 70 percent by weight, particularly preferably at least 80 percent by weight of the material mixture. The constituents of the material mixtures are typically metallic. Additionally or alternatively, the material mixture can comprise transition metals. The material mixture can include, for example, aluminum, tin, steel, manganese, lithium, scandium, magnesium, cobalt and / or vanadium, this being a non-exhaustive list. In addition to the main component aluminum, material mixtures based on aluminum typically have at least silicon as a non-metallic component. These mixtures of materials are typically susceptible to nitrogen or oxide contamination. In addition to the main component aluminum, material mixtures based on iron typically have at least carbon as a non-metallic component. These material mixtures are typically susceptible to contamination by oxides and / or nitrates and / or nitrites. Mixtures of materials comprising sand / binder mixtures typically have quartz sand and / or organic binder constituents, for example hydrocarbon-based resins.

The material mixture as a whole or components of the material mixture typically react with components of the air on contact with ambient air, i.e. they typically corrode and / or change their composition. In the case of a material mixture in the form of an alloy, this typically degrades on contact with ambient air.

The material mixture can be in both solid and liquid form. The mixture of materials is typically introduced into the container in liquid form. The material mixture can be cooled in the container so that it solidified therein. The material mixture can be in liquid form, in particular in the form of a melt, preferably in the form of a metal melt. The temperatures of the melt can be defined by the material properties of the material mixture components, in particular their melting temperatures. The material mixture can for example comprise a solid powder, for example comprising calcium. When introduced into the container, this material mixture can, for example, have a temperature of at least -196 ° C., preferably at least -78 ° C., particularly preferably 20 ° C., or can be heated and / or cooled to this temperature in the container. When introduced into the container, this material mixture can for example have a temperature of at most 1000 ° C., preferably at most 100 ° C., particularly preferably at most 40 ° C., or it can be heated and / or cooled to this temperature in the container.

The material mixture can, for example, comprise a molding material / binder mixture, for example comprising a quartz sand with an organic binder. When introduced into the container, this material mixture can, for example, have a temperature of at least -196 ° C., preferably at least -78 ° C., particularly preferably 20 ° C., or can be heated and / or cooled to this temperature in the container. When introduced into the container, this material mixture can, for example, have a temperature of at most 100 ° C., preferably at most 60 ° C., particularly preferably at most 25 ° C., or it can be heated and / or cooled to this temperature in the container.

The material mixture can comprise a tin alloy, for example. When introduced into the container, this material mixture can, for example, have a temperature of at least 250 ° C., preferably at least 280 ° C., particularly preferably 300 ° C., or can be heated and / or cooled to this temperature in the container. When introduced into the container, this material mixture can, for example, have a temperature of at most 750 ° C., preferably at most 700 ° C., particularly preferably at most 680 ° C., or it can be heated and / or cooled to this temperature in the container.

The material mixture can for example comprise a magnesium alloy. When introduced into the container, this material mixture can, for example, have a temperature of at least 600 ° C., preferably at least 620 ° C., particularly preferably 650 ° C., or can be heated and / or cooled to this temperature in the container. When introduced into the container, this material mixture can, for example, have a temperature of at most 750 ° C., preferably at most 700 ° C., particularly preferably at most 680 ° C., or it can be heated and / or cooled to this temperature in the container.

The material mixture can comprise an aluminum alloy, for example. When introduced into the container, this material mixture can, for example, have a temperature of at least 665 ° C., preferably at least 680 ° C., particularly preferably 700 ° C., or can be heated and / or cooled to this temperature in the container. When introduced into the container, this material mixture can for example have a temperature of at most 1000 ° C., preferably at most 800 ° C., particularly preferably at most 750 ° C., or it can be heated and / or cooled to this temperature in the container.

The material mixture can comprise a copper alloy, for example. This material mixture can have a temperature of at least 800 ° C., preferably at least 1000 ° C., particularly preferably 1100 ° C., when it is introduced into the container. When it is introduced into the container, this material mixture can, for example, have a temperature of at most 1400 ° C, preferably at most 1300 ° C, particularly preferably at most 1150 ° C.

The material mixture can for example comprise an iron alloy. When introduced into the container, this material mixture can, for example, have a temperature of at least 1150 ° C., preferably at least 1200 ° C., particularly preferably 1250 ° C., or can be heated and / or cooled to this temperature in the container. When introduced into the container, this material mixture can, for example, have a temperature of at most 1400 ° C., preferably at most 1350 ° C., particularly preferably at most 1300 ° C., or it can be heated and / or cooled to this temperature in the container.

The material mixture can for example comprise an iron alloy, in particular comprising steel. When introduced into the container, this material mixture can for example have a temperature of at least 1500 ° C., preferably at least 1550 ° C., particularly preferably 1590 ° C., or can be heated and / or cooled to this temperature in the container. When introduced into the container, this material mixture can, for example, have a temperature of at most 1700 ° C., preferably at most 1650 ° C., particularly preferably at most 1600 ° C., or it can be heated and / or cooled to this temperature in the container.

The material mixture can include, for example, high-melting substances such as tungsten. When introduced into the container, this material mixture can for example have a temperature of at least 2000 ° C., preferably at least 2500 ° C., particularly preferably 3480 ° C., or it can be heated and / or cooled to this temperature in the container. When introduced into the container, this material mixture can, for example, have a temperature of at most 3600 ° C., preferably at most 3550 ° C., particularly preferably at most 3500 ° C., or it can be heated and / or cooled to this temperature in the container.

The material mixture can be filled in in a filling room. The filling space can have a protective gas atmosphere. The filling space can in particular be hermetically or essentially airtightly sealed off from the surroundings, a material mixture arranged in the filling space not or essentially not coming into contact with air. In this way, for example, filling under the exclusion of air can be made possible. This has the advantage that a reaction of the material mixture with the air can be reduced, preferably prevented.

In one embodiment of the method, the previously introduced protective gas can be displaced when the material mixture is poured in. The previously introduced protective gas can be completely displaced, in particular at least 95% displaced, preferably at least 99% displaced, particularly preferably 99.9% displaced. In particular, it can be provided that the container interior is essentially exclusively filled with material mixture after a gas-tight closure, with at least 95% of the container interior, preferably at least 99%, particularly preferably at least 99.9% of the container interior being filled with material mixture.

For filling the material mixture in a filling space, a filling device with at least one material tank can be arranged in the filling space. The filling device can contain an already defined material mixture in the material tank. The defined material mixture can then be filled into the container by the filling device. It is also possible for the filling device to have different material tanks and for the material mixture to be defined by filling the container with defined amounts of the respective material from the corresponding material tank. In this way, the materials of the material mixture can only be mixed in the container.

The filling device can also be arranged in a filling space which comprises air. The material tank or tanks can be hermetically sealed. The interior of the container can be connected to the material tank or tanks via lines of the filling device. It can be provided that the material tanks with the lines and the container form a space that is hermetically sealed from the environment. A protective gas atmosphere can be set in the essentially airtight space.

It can be provided that an airtight or gas-tight lockable bell encloses the filling device and / or the container. A protective gas atmosphere can be set in the bell.

In the present case, a protective gas atmosphere can be understood to mean that a protective gas is predominant in an environment and has essentially displaced the ambient air. A protective gas atmosphere can be understood as an essentially non-reactive / inert gaseous environment with respect to the material mixture, with reactive components only being present in an insignificant proportion, in particular less than 0.1 percent by volume, particularly preferably less than 0.005 percent by volume, very particularly preferably 0.001 percent by volume are. A protective gas atmosphere can also represent a vacuum.

The protective gas can comprise argon, helium, xenon, nitrogen, hydrogen and / or mixtures of nitrogen and hydrogen. The protective gas can also consist of argon, helium, xenon, nitrogen, hydrogen and / or mixtures of nitrogen and hydrogen.

The container can be purged with the protective gas. For this purpose, protective gas can be introduced into the container, for example injected. The air present in the container can be displaced from the container. The container can then be closed in a substantially gas-tight or airtight manner. The opening of the container can be closed, for example, by a gas-tight stopper and / or cover. It can thus be ensured that no or essentially no air penetrates into the container. The lid and / or stopper can be opened to pour the material mixture into the container. It can also be provided that the container is not closed between the flushing with protective gas and the filling of the material mixture. The filling of the material mixture and the filling of the protective gas can take place through the same opening of the container. However, several openings can also be provided through which the protective gas or the material melt is filled.

An overpressure can prevail in the container after the material mixture has been filled in and after the opening of the container has been closed. The overpressure can be at least 1 bar, preferably at least 2 bar, particularly preferably at least 3 bar. The overpressure can be at most 10 bar, preferably at most 8 bar, particularly preferably at most 6 bar. An overpressure in the container can have the advantage that the container can be emptied with respect to the environment solely by pressure equalization.

It can be provided that an ambient pressure prevails in the container during the gas-tight closure. The container and / or the interior of the container can be cooled after the closure. This can lead to a negative pressure in the container.

The material mixture can be filled in by means of a metallostatic pressure difference. The filling by means of a metallostatic pressure difference can take place against the force of gravity. Filling can take place in the removal area of an alloy furnace.

Of course, the material mixture can be poured into the container passively by gravity.

Alternatively, a pressure prevailing in the container can be reduced. In this way, a pressure difference can be generated, by means of which the material mixture is introduced into the container, in particular is injected. For this purpose, the pressure in the container can be reduced compared to a pressure in a tank in which the material mixture to be filled is arranged before it is filled into the container. In this case, for example, the pressure of the protective gas contained in the container can be reduced. It is also conceivable to lower a pressure of the already filled, liquid material mixture, preferably the molten metal. A vacuum can also be generated in the container.

A pressure can be increased in the alloy furnace so that there is a pressure gradient in relation to the pressure in the interior of the container. In this way, a material mixture from the alloy furnace can be poured into the container.

A negative pressure can be generated during filling and can be maintained until it is gas-tight. It is also possible, for example by means of a valve, to generate a negative pressure after the gas-tight sealing. It can thus be achieved that there is a negative pressure in the closed container. This can further reduce degradation of the material mixture.

After the material mixture has been filled in, protective gas can be introduced into the container in order to displace air contained in the container, for example in the form of a protective gas surge. The protective gas can preferably be introduced with an excess pressure compared to the pressure prevailing in the container of at least 1 bar, particularly preferably of at least 2 bar, very particularly preferably of at least 4 bar. The protective gas can be introduced with an overpressure of at most 20 bar, particularly preferably at most 10 bar, very particularly preferably at most 6 bar overpressure. Introducing protective gas into the container at increased pressure can reduce or essentially prevent evaporation of constituents of the material mixture, in particular evaporation of alloy elements, due to the counter pressure of the protective gas.

After the material mixture, in particular the molten metal, has been filled in, the container can be closed in a gas-tight manner. The opening of the container can be closed by means of a form fit and / or friction fit and / or material fit. The opening can be closed, for example, by putting on a cover. The lid and / or the container can / can have sealing elements. The sealing elements are preferably heat-resistant, particularly preferably up to temperatures which the introduced material melt can have. The lid can be releasably attached to the container, for example by means of clamps and / or clamps and / or presses and / or by means of locking pins. The cover can be attached to the container in a detachable and frictional manner, for example by means of screws and / or by pressing in a stopper. The cover can close the opening by means of a form fit, for example analogous to a crown cap. The materials can be selected to be heat-resistant in such a way that they withstand the above-mentioned temperatures that the material melt can assume. The cover can be designed as an attachment cover which closes the opening in a gas-tight manner by means of flanging. The cover can also be designed as a stopper which is pressed into the opening so that a frictional connection is created. The lid can be welded to the container in such a way that the opening is closed in a gas-tight manner.

The at least essentially gas-tight closing of the opening can take place under a protective gas atmosphere or in ambient air. The introduction of protective gas after filling in the material mixture can take place before and / or after the gas-tight closure. For filling in protective gas after the gas-tight closure, a valve can be provided on the container, via which protective gas can be introduced.

If the material mixture is filled into the container with ambient air and if protective gas is introduced after the material mixture has been filled in and before the container is closed, then it is advantageous to close the container promptly in order to avoid or at least reduce the penetration of air. In particular, the container can be closed within a maximum of 60 seconds, preferably a maximum of 20 seconds, particularly preferably a maximum of 5 seconds.

Air can be pumped out of the container. This can be done through the opening before the opening is closed. An additional valve for pumping out air can also be provided on the container. The valve can additionally or alternatively be designed for the introduction of protective gas. Air is preferably pumped out after the material mixture, in particular the molten metal, has been filled into the container and before the container is closed. Air can also be pumped through the valve after the container has been closed. After air has been pumped out, protective gas can be introduced into the container again, for example via the additional valve. In order to avoid negative pressure, protective gas can be filled into a previously evacuated container.

The container and / or the contents of the container can be cooled. In particular, the container and / or the contents of the container can be cooled in stages. Air can flow around the container. The air flow around it can be natural or forced. For this purpose, the air flowing around can in particular have been cooled and / or have a temperature which is lower than the container and / or the container interior and the material mixture contained therein, in particular the molten metal contained therein. For cooling, the container can be immersed in a heat exchange medium, for example in water. The container can comprise an integrated heat exchanger system, in particular a heating / cooling system for cooling and / or heating the container and / or the interior of the container. In particular, the heating / cooling system can have lines which are filled with a heat exchange medium or can be filled with a heat exchange medium. The heat exchange medium can be, for example, water or an oil. The heat exchange medium can comprise at least one gas, for example helium, CO 2, nitrogen and / or air, these preferably each having been compressed upwards at 10 bar. The heat exchange medium can include solid or liquid metal, for example lead and / or sodium and / or solid or liquid salts, for example sodium chloride, and / or heating agents based on hydrocarbons of different composition, for example HC, HFC, CFC, HFC, HCFC. The heat exchange medium can be or comprise water. The heating / cooling system can be connected to an external heating and / or cooling source that cools or heats a heat exchanger medium and introduces the heat exchanger medium into the lines provided on the container and removes it again after the heat exchanger medium has passed through the lines. For this purpose, a heating / cooling system can comprise an input connection and an output connection. The heating / cooling system can additionally or alternatively comprise a cooling device and / or heating device arranged on the container for heating and / or cooling the heat exchanger medium and / or the container and / or the interior of the container. In particular, the container and / or the container interior can be cooled in such a way that the liquid material mixture contained therein, in particular the hot metal melt contained therein, solidifies. The container and / or the container interior can in particular be cooled to room temperature, for example approximately 21 degrees Celsius. The container and / or the container interior can be cooled to a temperature of at most 300 degrees Celsius, preferably at most 100 degrees Celsius, particularly preferably at most 20 degrees Celsius. The container and / or the container interior can in particular be cooled to a temperature of a minimum of -196 degrees Celsius, preferably a minimum of -78 degrees Celsius, particularly preferably a minimum of 20 degrees Celsius. The dissipated heat can be recovered. As described above, cooling can take place in stages. This can be advantageous in order to recover heat at different temperature levels.

For example, a three-stage cooling can be carried out. This is described below by way of example for a container that is at least partially filled with a liquid aluminum alloy. The first stage of cooling can take place from around 700 ° C to 500 ° C in a closed cooling section with an air flow. Hot air with temperatures of up to 600 ° C or even higher can be generated. A gas turbine, for example, can thus be drivable. A second stage of cooling can also take place with air or steam. The container can be cooled from 500 ° C to 200 ° C, for example. The resulting heated air flow can be used to operate a low-pressure steam turbine or to preheat melt material. The container can then be cooled to below 200 ° C by means of an air stream. This can be used to dry the material to be melted or to generate steam for the second cooling stage.

Additionally or alternatively, heat pumps can be operated with the thermal energy during cooling, which mean increased efficiency for heat applications, for example for buildings or a.

Possible embodiments of a container that can be used in the method are described in more detail below.

The container includes a support structure. The support structure can form an interior space. The interior can be designed to accommodate a material mixture with a temperature of up to 800 degrees Celsius, preferably up to 1000 degrees Celsius, particularly preferably up to 1600 degrees Celsius. For this purpose, the interior space can comprise protective layers which line the interior space at least in some areas.

The support structure can be cylindrical and hollow, with the upper base surface of the cylinder being at least partially designed as a filling opening. In one embodiment, the support structure can be pot-shaped.

The container comprises a first opening for filling and / or emptying the material mixture, preferably a metal melt, into the interior or from the interior of the container.

The container is preferably designed in such a way that it withstands a hot mixture of materials that has been filled in, preferably a molten metal. Withstand is to be understood here that the container for at least 3 minutes, preferably at least 15 minutes, particularly preferably at least 60 minutes, a mixture of materials, preferably a metal melt at a temperature of up to 800 degrees Celsius, preferably up to 1000 degrees Celsius, particularly preferably up to Can absorb 1600 degrees Celsius without being destroyed or damaged in such a way that the protective gas and / or material mixture contained therein escapes and / or the container can no longer be sealed gas-tight. If the material mixture, preferably the molten metal, comprises aluminum, the container preferably withstands a temperature of at least 800.degree. If the material mixture, preferably the molten metal, comprises steel, the container preferably withstands a temperature of at least 1600 ° C.

The material mixture, preferably the molten metal, can be cooled in the container, as described above. The container is preferably designed in such a way that it can withstand the stress caused by cooling and the accompanying expansion of the material mixture, preferably the molten metal. Furthermore, the container can be designed in such a way that, after the material mixture, preferably the metal melt, has solidified, it withstands renewed heating of the material mixture, preferably the metal melt, so that it assumes a liquid state again. The container can comprise a support structure, the metal, for example tinplate, steel, in particular structural steel, stainless steel, iron, in particular iron-based materials and / or nickel-based materials and / or tungsten, in particular powder-metallurgically formed and / or ceramics, for example graphite, aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide and / or Boron nitride and / or glass, for example silicate glass, borate glass, borosilicate and / or phosphatic glasses.

The interior of the container can, at least in some areas, be lined with a separating layer, preferably a ceramic separating layer, for example comprising a ceramic size. The separating layer can have an insulating effect and, for example, protect the support structure from a hot mixture of materials that can be introduced into the container. The separating layer can additionally or alternatively be designed in such a way that it comprises materials that react little or not chemically with a material mixture that can be filled.

The container can have additional thermal insulation. The thermal insulation can be designed as an insulation layer which at least partially lines the interior of the container or is arranged between the interior of the container and the separating layer. The thermal insulation can be arranged on the outside of the support structure. The thermal insulation in the form of an insulation layer at least partially cover an outer wall of the container. The insulation layer can comprise glass wool and / or insulation foams and / or gases and / or vacuum. Additionally or alternatively, thermal insulation can be designed as an intermediate layer. Additionally or alternatively, thermal insulation can be arranged in an intermediate layer between a separating layer and the support structure.

The first opening of the container can be closed in a gas-tight manner. The opening can be designed in such a way that a material mixture, in particular a hot metal melt, can be filled through the opening. The opening can be closed in a gas-tight manner by means of a cover. The container can have a container lid for gas-tight sealing of the first opening. The container lid can comprise sealing elements for gas-tight closing of the container opening. The cover can comprise a clamping lock and / or screws and / or clamps and / or similar locking mechanisms that are customary for a person skilled in the art. The opening can be covered with a lid. The lid can be welded to the container in this way. The cover can be designed as a stopper which frictionally closes the opening.

The cover and the support structure are typically frictional by press fitting made thicker than with a welding. In the case of welding, the cover can be made thinner. If the lid is closed with the container by crimping, the material thickness can be less than when welding. It is possible for the container to have a shoulder so that the lid can be pressed onto the container with clamps. The seal can be made by metal and / or a sealing ring, preferably a copper sealing ring.

The cover can have one or more of the described separating layers and / or thermal insulation layers and / or chemical insulation layers.

The container can have at least one further opening. The container can have an opening for emptying and an opening for filling the container. The openings can be closable in a gas-tight manner.

The container can have at least one one-way valve and / or at least one two-way valve for controlling a gas pressure in the container interior. For example, air can be sucked out of the container through the one-way valve. The one-way valve can alternatively be designed in such a way that protective gas can be introduced into the container interior through the one-way valve. The two-way valve can be designed to suck air from the interior of the container. The two-way valve can be designed to be able to introduce protective gas into the interior of the container. A one-way valve and / or a two-way valve can be arranged on an upper side of the container. A one-way valve and / or a two-way valve can / can be arranged on the cover.

The container can have a slide which enables the interior of the container to be enlarged or reduced. By reducing the size of the interior of the container, a pressure in the interior of the container can be increased. This can be advantageous in order to discharge a material mixture contained in the container, in particular a metal melt, in a defined manner from the container interior when the opening is open.

The container can comprise a thermocouple for monitoring the temperature in the container interior. The thermocouple can be arranged in a protective tube. The protective tube can protrude into the interior of the container. The thermocouple can additionally or alternatively be arranged on the bottom of the container interior and / or on a container interior wall.

The container can have a predetermined breaking point for opening the container in a destructive manner. The predetermined breaking point can be arranged in an area of low wall thickness of the support structure. The support structure there can have a wall thickness of at most 10 mm, preferably at most 2 mm, particularly preferably at most 0.5 mm. In the area of the predetermined breaking point, the support structure can comprise a different material and / or a different composition than the rest of the support structure. The support structure can comprise one or more of the materials listed above with regard to the support structure. The support structure can have a wall thickness of at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.2 mm, particularly preferably at least 0.4 mm, in the area of the predetermined breaking point. Of course, the selection of the wall thickness depends on the material of the support structure, is familiar to a person skilled in the art and can deviate from these values.

The predetermined breaking point can be designed as a push-in opening and / or a pulling opening. The predetermined breaking point can have a circular shape so that it can be pierced. The predetermined breaking point can also have an elongated shape, or the shape of an imperfect ellipse or a circular arc, so that it can be pulled open like a can from the food industry. The predetermined breaking point can have a material that can be melted through locally, for example with an oxygen lance.

The container can comprise a heating and / or cooling system for heating and / or cooling the interior of the container.

As already described with regard to the method for producing a material cartridge, the container can comprise an integrated heat exchanger system, in particular a heating / cooling system for cooling and / or heating the container and / or the container interior. The heating / cooling system can be designed as a line system for receiving a heat exchanger medium, in particular in the form of a heat exchanger tube protruding into the interior of the container and / or in the form of lines that rest in a container wall, on the support structure and / or in the support or partition structure are embedded.

The heat exchanger tube can be arranged centrally in the container. The container can have connections which can in particular be arranged on an outside of the container. An external cooling and / or heating device can be connected to these connections for transporting a heat exchanger medium through the heat exchanger tube. In addition or as an alternative, material that conducts heat well, for example aluminum and / or copper and / or hot-work steel with a high Thermal conductivity coefficient be appropriate. The surface of the heat exchanger tube can have a meandering shape or the shape of a snow crystal, at least in some areas. In this way, the surface can be increased so that cooling and / or heating speeds can be increased.

The heating / cooling system lines can have lines which are filled with a heat exchange medium or can be filled with a heat exchange medium. The heating / cooling system can be connected to an external heating and / or cooling source for this purpose. The external heating and / or cooling source can cool or heat a heat exchange medium and introduce the heat exchange medium into the lines provided on the container and remove the heat exchange medium again after the heat exchange medium has passed through the lines. For this purpose, the heating / cooling system can comprise an input connection and an output connection. The heating / cooling system can additionally or alternatively comprise a cooling device and / or heating device arranged on the container for heating and / or cooling the heat exchanger medium and / or the container and / or the interior of the container. In particular, the heating / cooling system can be designed such that the container and / or the container interior is heated or cooled in such a way that a material mixture that can be filled therein can be brought from a solid state to a liquid state and / or from a liquid state by heating can be brought into a solid state by cooling.

The heating / cooling system can be designed in such a way that the container and / or the container interior can be heated or cooled to a temperature which corresponds to the temperatures specified above, in particular material-dependent.

The heating and / or cooling system can comprise heating elements for heating the container interior by means of induction or microwaves. The heating elements can be coupled in electromagnetically by means of induction or microwaves. The heating elements can also be designed as a magnetically coupled layer. Heating elements can be arranged between the support structure and the separating layer. The heating elements can be arranged in the separating layer.

The heating and / or cooling system can be designed as an electrical heating system with heating wires. The heating wires can run between a separating layer and the support structure and / or run in the support structure and / or bear against it and / or run in the separating layer and / or bear against it.

The container can have a battery or an accumulator which is connected to the heating wires.

The heating and / or cooling system can be designed as a chemical heating means. The heating and / or cooling system can in particular be designed as a heating powder or heating gel, which can be activated for heating the container interior by means of an exothermic reaction. The heating and / or cooling system can be arranged in an intermediate layer between the support structure and the separating layer or in the separating layer and / or in a thermal insulation layer.

The container can have at least one receiving device for automatic material flow systems. In particular, the container can have a receiving device for receiving it in magazines for die casting.

The receiving device can be arranged on an outside of the container, preferably on the support structure. Additionally or alternatively, the container can have stacking feet for stacking in transport racks. The container can furthermore have one or more receiving devices for the manual or robot-assisted, safe lifting of individual or several containers and / or for safe transport on pallets. The container preferably comprises an essentially flat and / or flat top and / or bottom for easier stacking. Furthermore, the container can have lashing eyes for safe transport and / or hooks and / or eyes for engaging in transport systems.

The application also relates to a material cartridge for preserving a material mixture. The material cartridge can in particular be produced by a method described above. The material cartridge is particularly suitable both for a material mixture in the form of a hot metal melt and for the solid form of the material mixture, preferably in the form of a cooled, solidified metal melt.

The material cartridge comprises a container according to an embodiment described above. Furthermore, the material cartridge comprises a material mixture, preferably in liquid or solid form, in particular a molten metal present in liquid or solidified form, and preferably a protective gas arranged in the container. The features described above in relation to the method of manufacturing the material cartridge and in relation to the container can also be applied to the material cartridge and vice versa and are not listed again for the sake of clarity.

In one embodiment, the material cartridge can be designed such that the container interior is completely filled with material mixture, in particular at least 95% of the container interior, preferably at least 99% of the container interior, particularly preferably at least 99.9% of the container interior is filled with material mixture.

In the present case, a material cartridge can be understood to mean a closed container filled with a solid or liquid pure substance and / or a solid and / or at least partially liquid material mixture. For example, a material cartridge can be an alloy cartridge. An alloy cartridge typically includes a container and a metallic alloy contained therein. The alloy can be in the liquid and / or solid state. The material cartridge can also be a molding material / binder cartridge. Typically, a molding material / binder cartridge comprises a container and a non-metallic mixture of molding materials with a binder filled therein.

The present application furthermore comprises a method for producing a cast product from a material mixture. The material mixture is in particular taken from at least one material cartridge as described above. The material mixture, preferably a molten metal, can be poured into a casting mold from the material cartridge.

The container can be emptied at least partially, preferably in a mold, by increasing the pressure in the container, preferably by introducing protective gas into the container and / or by minimizing the volume of the container, for example by means of a slide.
The container can additionally or preferably alternatively be opened in a destructive manner. For this purpose, for example, a predetermined breaking point can be opened, a hole can be pierced or the container can be melted through locally. An overpressure can prevail in the container. Then the container can be emptied by pressure equalization when the container is opened.

Before the container is emptied, the casting mold into which the material mixture is poured can be filled with protective gas and / or flushed.
Before emptying the container, the gas pressure in the casting mold can be reduced, preferably in such a way that a vacuum of preferably a maximum of 100 mbar, particularly preferably a maximum of 10 mbar, very particularly preferably a maximum of 1 mbar, prevails in the casting mold. The casting mold can also first be flushed with a protective gas and then a vacuum can be set.

In one embodiment of the method, several material cartridges are received in a material cartridge magazine of a die-casting system. In a preferred embodiment, the material mixture of a single material cartridge is used per casting cycle. The material mixture of a single material cartridge can also be used for each casting. Alternatively, several cast products can be poured from one material cartridge. For this purpose, an opening in the container can be closed between the casts.

Alternatively, multiple containers can be used for one pour of a serial type using a pouring pool or in parallel using multiple sprues.

The pouring pool can form a reservoir on top of the mold from which the melt flows into the mold. In this way, several transport containers can be emptied into the pool one after the other without the mold filling being broken off, since the pool fulfills a buffer function while the transport containers are being changed.

In addition or as an alternative, several filling openings can be provided so that, for example, two pouring spoons can be emptied into the mold at the same time.

The material cartridge can be heated before casting, preferably via radiation, convection, conduction, microwaves, induction and / or electrical heating systems. For this purpose, it can be arranged in an external heating device and / or heated via a heating system integrated in the material cartridge

The heating device can heat the container from the outside by means of radiation, for example by means of heating coils.

The container can be heated from the outside through the container by means of convection (hot gas). The container can be designed in such a way that it conducts heat well, in particular through the use of materials that conduct heat well Copper, aluminum, steels (especially hot-work steels). The container is preferably designed in such a way that it withstands temperatures of up to 1600 degrees Celsius, at least up to 750 degrees Celsius, at least until the end of an emptying process.

Additionally or alternatively, the heating device can heat the container and its interior via conduction (heat bath). The container can be designed in such a way that it conducts heat well, in particular through the use of materials that conduct heat well, such as copper, aluminum, steels (in particular hot-work steels). The container is preferably designed in such a way that it withstands temperatures of up to.

The heating device can heat the container and / or the container interior via electromagnetic fields (microwaves or induction). The container can be permeable to electromagnetic fields or, in the case of a poorly coupled alloy to be melted, has a well coupled inner coating which heats the alloy to be melted via heat conduction and, as soon as the alloy to be melted is liquid, via convection.

The present application also relates to a cast product which has been produced according to a method described above. The features described above can be transferred to the cast product.

The fluid cartridge container can be reused. The container can be returned after the pouring, so that it can be filled again with the material mixture, preferably the same material mixture. Alternatively, the parts of the container that have come into contact with the material mixture can be exchanged so that the container can be used for a different alloy. Wear parts damaged by contact can be exchanged and reused.

For example, the inner separating layer can at least partially be removed after the material cartridge has been used. A new separating layer can at least partially be introduced back into the container.

The area of the opening can also be repaired and / or replaced. For example, an area can be provided that has been opened in a destructive manner. This area can be removed and given a new cover. Parts of the at least destroyed cover can be reused. For example, valves can be reused. For reuse, the support structure can alternatively or additionally be separated from an inner wear insert. The wear insert can be provided in the container interior. A heating / cooling device, if the container comprises such a device, can preferably be separated from the container and reused. For this purpose, the heating / cooling device is preferably of modular design. The heating / cooling device can be detachably connected to the container.

Additionally or alternatively, a destroyed opening of the container can be repaired again, for example by replacing a broken opening unit with a new unit with an intact opening. Destructive opening systems can also be used in the reusable system.

Alternatively, the container can be reduced to a small volume by crushing it and sent for disposal / recycling.
As described at the beginning, alloys can represent a defined mixture of different metals and non-metals. The described embodiments of the invention can therefore be applied analogously to the use of sand-binder systems mixed in a defined manner, as used in foundries. These also degrade under certain conditions and are therefore mixed in many cases shortly before use. The use of sand-binder mixtures with controlled properties can offer process engineering advantages by avoiding degradation. The explanations described can also be expanded to include additives in the foundry industry, which usually have to be mixed in the foundry promptly for use, since they are subject to degradation over time due to contact with the ambient air.

In one embodiment of the invention, the container can be arranged in an automated manner, for example by means of an industrial robot, in a bell of a filling device. A cover to be described in more detail can be arranged next to the filling device. After positioning the container and the lid, the bell can be closed in a gas-tight manner. The bell can have a line for introducing protective gas. In this way, a protective gas atmosphere can be set in the bell. The container can be purged with protective gas. The bell can comprise a further line via which the material mixture, preferably a defined molten metal, can be introduced into the container. After filling in the material mixture, the container can be closed gas-tight with the lid. The protective gas atmosphere in the bell can then be removed.

In a material flow system, the container can be placed under a gas nozzle. Protective gas can be introduced into the container through the gas nozzle, air contained in the container being at least partially displaced. The container is then placed on a material mixing tank, for example under an alloy tank, so that the material mixture can be poured into the container. Then the container can another station can be arranged at which the container is sealed gas-tight.

• 1 (a) zeigt eine Materialpatrone in einer schematischen Querschnittsansicht, ,
• 1 (b) zeigt eine Materialpatrone gem. 1 (a) mit elektromagnetisch einkoppelbaren Heizelementen,
• 1 (c) zeigt eine Materialpatrone gem. 1 (a) mit einem Leitungssystem in Form von in eine Behälterwand integrierten Leitungen zum Aufnehmen eines Wärmetauschermediums
• 1 (d) zeigt eine Materialpatrone gem. 1 (a) mit einem Leitungssystem in Form eines in den Behälterinnenraum hineinragenden Wärmetauscherrohrs.
• 1 (e) zeigt eine Materialpatrone gem. 1 (a) mit einem Leitungssystem in Form eines in den Behälterinnenraum hineinragenden Wärmetauscherrohrs sowie in eine Behälterwand integrierten Leitungen zum Aufnehmen eines Wärmetauschermediums
• 1 (f) zeigt eine Materialpatrone gem. 1 (a) mit einem elektrischen Heizsystem mit Heizdrähten.
• 2 (a) und (b) zeigen eine Materialpatrone, die im Wesentlichen einer Materialpatrone gemäß 1 entspricht, wobei die Materialpatronen der 2 (a) und (b) jeweils ein Ventil umfassen.
• 3 zeigt eine Materialpatrone mit einem Behälter mit einem Behälterdeckel, der mittels Bördeln an dem Behälter befestigt ist.
• 4 zeigt eine Materialpatrone mit einem Behälter mit einem an die Behälteröffnung geschweißten Behälterdeckel.
• 5 zeigt eine Materialpatrone gemäß 4, wobei die Materialpatrone einen zusätzlichen Außentopf umfasst.
• 6 zeigt einen Einzelgussvorgang mit einer Materialpatrone gemäß einer der vorherigen Figuren.
• 7 zeigt einen Einzelgussvorgang, der in den Wesentlichen Merkmalen dem der 6 entspricht, wobei ein Gießtümpel eine serielle Anwendung von Patronen ermöglicht.
• 8 zeigt ein Materialpatronenmagazin.
• 9 zeigt einen Gießvorgang bei dem parallel aus zwei Materialpatronen Materialmischungen entnommen werden.
• 10 zeigt eine Abfüllvorrichtung und eine Verschlussstation zum Herstellen einer Materialpatrone.
• 11 zeigt eine Materialpatrone mit einem Innenschieber.
• 12 zeigt eine Materialpatrone mit einem Schmelzplättchen.
• 13 zeigt eine Materialpatrone mit einem Plättchenverschluss.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the figures.

• 1 (a) shows a material cartridge in a schematic cross-sectional view,
• 1 (b) shows a material cartridge according to. 1 (a) with electromagnetically coupled heating elements,
• 1 (c) shows a material cartridge according to. 1 (a) with a line system in the form of lines integrated into a container wall for receiving a heat exchanger medium
• 1 (d) shows a material cartridge according to. 1 (a) with a line system in the form of a heat exchanger tube protruding into the interior of the container.
• 1 (e) shows a material cartridge according to. 1 (a) with a line system in the form of a heat exchanger tube protruding into the container interior and lines integrated into a container wall for receiving a heat exchanger medium
• 1 (f) shows a material cartridge according to. 1 (a) with an electric heating system with heating wires.
• 2 (a) and (b) show a material cartridge substantially similar to a material cartridge according to FIG 1 corresponds to the material cartridges of 2 (a) and (b) each comprise a valve.
• 3 Figure 10 shows a material cartridge having a container with a container lid flanged to the container.
• 4th Figure 13 shows a material cartridge having a container with a container lid welded to the container opening.
• 5 shows a material cartridge according to FIG 4th , wherein the material cartridge comprises an additional outer pot.
• 6th shows a single casting process with a material cartridge according to one of the previous figures.
• 7th shows a single casting process, the essential features of which are the 6th corresponds, wherein a pouring pool enables a serial application of cartridges.
• 8th shows a material cartridge magazine.
• 9 shows a casting process in which material mixtures are taken from two material cartridges in parallel.
• 10 shows a filling device and a closing station for producing a material cartridge.
• 11 shows a material cartridge with an inner slide.
• 12th shows a material cartridge with a melt platelet.
• 13th shows a material cartridge with a wafer lock.

Recurring features are preferably provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

In 1 (a) is one possible embodiment of a material cartridge 1 shown. The material cartridge includes a container 10 with a cup-shaped support structure 101 who have favourited a container interior 102 forms. The support structure 101 the 1 has a circular base 103 and side walls that are correspondingly arched outwards, so that the support structure has the shape of a hollow cylinder that is open upwards. The support structure 101 includes, for example, graphite, aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide and / or boron nitride, glass, for example silicate glass, borate glass, borosilicate and / or phosphatic glasses. Additionally or alternatively, the support structure includes tinplate, steel (structural steel), stainless steel, iron, iron-based materials and / or nickel-based materials and / or tungsten (formed by powder metallurgy).

The container includes a lid 105 , the one upward-facing container opening 106 closes gas-tight. That's what the lid is for 105 designed as a stopper, which the container opening 106 frictionally locked. The container lid 105 has the shape of a downwardly tapering truncated cone. The container opening has one opposite the perpendicular L. inclined side wall 107 on that with the shape of the container opening 106 corresponds. The lid 105 closes the container opening 106 by means of an interference fit.

The container interior 102 , limited at the top by the lid 105 , laterally limited by the side walls of the container 10 and limited at the bottom by the floor area 103 , is with a separating layer 104 lined. The separating layer is designed as a ceramic separating layer and comprises boron nitride, Teflon, titanium nitride, graphite, silicone-containing separating agents, agents containing mineral oil, agents containing wax and / or separating agents comprising R-polysiloxanes. The separation layer 104 is heat and cold resistant and protects the support structure 101 from thermal influences. The container 10 is partially with a mixture of materials 108 , in the present example with a steel alloy. Furthermore is a Protective gas 109 , in the present case argon, in the interior of the container 102 arranged.

In the area of the floor area 103 of the container 10 is a predetermined breaking point 110 intended. In the area of the predetermined breaking point 110 a material thickness of the support structure is reduced, so that the predetermined breaking point 110 has a thickness reduced by at least 20 percent, preferably at least 30 percent reduced, particularly preferably at least 50 percent reduced thickness, at least in some areas with respect to the side wall and / or with respect to the further bottom surface. At the predetermined breaking point 110 the container can be opened in a destructive manner, for example by piercing. In the embodiment of 1 the area of the predetermined breaking point is essentially circular. The material thickness of the predetermined breaking point 110 takes from an outer circle area to a circle center 111 the predetermined breaking point 110 continuously so that the center of the circle 111 forms the area of the lowest material thickness. In other exemplary embodiments, the predetermined breaking point 110 have a different shape. Additionally or alternatively, instead of or in addition to a continuous decrease in the material thickness, a sudden decrease in the material thickness can be provided.

The support structure 101 shows, except in the area of the predetermined breaking point 110 , in the present case a material thickness of at least 1 mm, preferably at least 2 mm, particularly preferably at least 5 mm. The support structure 101 shows, except in the area of the predetermined breaking point 110 , in the present case a material thickness of at most 20 mm, preferably at most 10 mm, particularly preferably at most 6 mm. In the area of the predetermined breaking point 110 , especially in the area of the lowest material thickness of the predetermined breaking point 110 , here in the center of the circle 111 , the support structure has a material thickness of at least 0.5 mm, preferably at least 1 mm, particularly preferably at least 2.5 mm and / or a material thickness of at most 10 mm, preferably at most 5 mm, particularly preferably at most 3 mm.

The container 10 can be a heating and / or cooling system for heating and / or cooling the interior of the container 102 include.

In 1 (b) is the material cartridge according to 1 (a) shown, the separating layer 104 Heating elements 112 for heating the container interior by means of induction or microwaves. The heating elements 112 can be coupled in electromagnetically by means of induction or microwaves. The heating elements 112 are in an enlargement of a section of the separating layer 104 shown as an example.

In 1 (c) is the material cartridge according to 1 (a) shown, wherein the material cartridge comprises a line system. That's what lines are for 113 into the support structure 101 , here in the container wall and the container base 103 , integrated. The lines 113 have connections (not shown) through which a heat exchange medium enters the lines 113 can be pumped in and pumped out again. The material cartridge can further comprise a heating-cooling device. The heating / cooling device can comprise the heat exchange medium. The heating / cooling device can be designed in such a way that it can heat and / or cool the heat exchange medium, for example by means of gas or electricity. The heating / cooling device can have a pump to circulate the heat exchange medium through the lines 113 to transport.

In 1 (d) is the material cartridge according to 1 (a) shown, wherein the material cartridge is a line system in the form of a in the container interior 102 protruding heat exchanger tube 114 includes. The heat exchanger tube 114 has connections (not shown) through which a heat exchanger medium enters the heat exchanger tube 114 can be pumped in and pumped out again. The material cartridge can further comprise a heating-cooling device. The heating / cooling device can comprise the heat exchange medium. The heating / cooling device can be designed in such a way that it can heat and / or cool the heat exchanger medium, for example by means of gas or electricity. The heating / cooling device can have a pump to circulate the heat exchanger medium through the heat exchanger tube 114 to transport.

In 1 (e) is the material cartridge according to 1 (c) shown, wherein the line system also includes a in the container interior 102 protruding heat exchanger tube 114 according to 1 (d) includes. Line system, 113, 114 has connections (not shown) through which a heat exchange medium enters the lines 113 and the heat exchanger tube 114 can be pumped in and pumped out again. The material cartridge can further comprise a heating-cooling device. The heating / cooling device can comprise the heat exchange medium. The heating / cooling device can be designed in such a way that it can heat and / or cool the heat exchanger medium, for example by means of gas or electricity. The heating / cooling device can have a pump to circulate the heat exchanger medium through the heat exchanger tube 114 and the lines 113 to transport.

In 1 (f) is the material cartridge according to 1 (a) shown, the container 10 a heating and / or cooling system for heating and / or cooling the interior of the container 102 includes. The heating and / or cooling system is available as an electrical heating system Heating wires 115 formed, which are embedded in the support structure. The heating wires can additionally or alternatively between the separating layer 104 and the support structure 101 run and / or be embedded in the separating layer. The material cartridge according to 1 (f) can be connected to an external power supply, for example have a power plug, or comprise a battery and / or a rechargeable battery (not shown) with which the heating / cooling system can be operated.

The material cartridges of the 1 (a) until 1 (f) can have a chemical heating means in addition or as an alternative to the heating / cooling systems described. This can in particular be designed as a heating powder or heating gel and can be activated for heating the interior of the container by means of an exothermic reaction. The chemical heating agent is preferably in an intermediate layer between the support structure 101 and release layer 104 arranged.

The material cartridges of the 1 (a) until 1 (f) can comprise a thermocouple arranged in a protective tube for monitoring the temperature in the interior of the container. The thermocouple can also be arranged in the separating layer.

The containers 10 the 1 (a) until 1 (f) can have at least one receiving device for automatic material flow systems. In particular, the respective container 10 have a receiving device for receiving in magazines for die casting.

The receiving device can be on an outside of the container, preferably on the support structure 101 be arranged. Additionally or alternatively, the container can have stacking feet for stacking in transport positions. The container 10 can also have one or more holding devices for the manual or robot-assisted, safe lifting of one or more containers 10 and / or for safe transport on pallets. Preferably the container comprises 10 via an essentially flat and / or flat top and / or bottom for easier stacking. Furthermore, the container can have lashing eyes for safe transport and / or hooks and / or eyes for engaging in transport systems.

the 2 (a) and 2 B) each show a material cartridge 1 , which is essentially the material cartridge of the 1 (a) is equivalent to. The material cartridge of the 2 may also include some or all of the features, in particular the features relating to the heating / cooling systems of the 1 (b) - 1 (f) exhibit.

The lid 105 of the container 10 the 2 (a) includes a valve 201 , preferably designed as a gas valve. Via the valve 201 shielding gas can enter the interior of the container 102 introduced and / or drained. Furthermore, through the valve 201 Air from the interior of the container 102 be pumped out. The valve 201 has a valve actuator 202 and is designed as a cylinder valve for turning. Other valves can also be provided to feed protective gas and / or air into the container 10 to bring in and / or to remove.

The container of the 2 B) includes a lid 105 , which is fastened to the container by means of knurls and thus the container opening 106 closes gas-tight. The lid 105 has a two-way valve 203 on. Via the valve 203 shielding gas can enter the interior of the container 102 introduced and / or drained. Furthermore, through the valve 201 Air from the interior of the container 102 be pumped out. The support structure of the container comprises holding devices 204 as a receiving device to improve the portability of the container or the material cartridge.

the 3 Figure 13 shows a material cartridge comprising a container 10 with a lid 105 . The main features of the container 10 the 3 correspond to those of the previous figures. The lid 105 as well as a container bottom 105 ' are attached to the container side walls by means of flanges. The support structure 101 of the container and the lid 105 and the floor 105 ' are made of sheet metal. The lid 105 as well as the floor 105 ' have gas-tight joints opposite the container side walls 301 on. The mix of materials 108 fills at least 95%, preferably at least 99%, particularly preferably 99.9% of the interior of the container 102 the end. The container interior 102 comprises a protective gas residue which fills a maximum of 5%, preferably a maximum of 1%, particularly preferably a maximum of 0.1% of the interior volume of the container.

the 4th Figure 13 shows a material cartridge comprising a container 10 with a lid 105 . The main features of the container 10 the 4th correspond to those 1 until 2 , with the lid 105 of the container of the 4th the opening 106 of the container 10 firmly closed. The support structure 101 as well as the lid 105 are made of steel. The lid 105 has a centering shoulder 401 on, which rests against the outer wall of the container. The lid 105 can in this way when placed on the container opening 106 be centered on the opening to close the container. The lid 106 is such with the support structure 101 welded that opening 106 of the container 10 through the weld 402 is sealed gas-tight.

the 5 shows a material cartridge 1 with a container according to 4th . The material cartridge of the 5 further comprises an outer pot 501 , which is designed as a hollow cylinder and has an opening on its upper side 502 for receiving the container according to 4th having. The outside pot 501 comprises an intermediate layer 503 that are in the side walls of the hollow cylinder of the outer pot 501 is arranged. The intermediate layer can be designed as a heat insulation layer. Alternatively, the intermediate layer can comprise a heating powder for heating the container. The heating powder can perform an exothermic reaction after activation, so that the container 10 is heated. On an underside of the outer pot 501 is an opening 504 intended. This lower opening 504 of the outer pot 501 is with a lid 505 lockable. The lid 505 can for example in the opening 504 be screwed in. The cover serves in particular as a protective cover to protect the predetermined breaking point 110 against damage and / or as protection against heat / heat exposure from hot material mix 108 inside the container 10 .

6th shows a single casting process with a material cartridge 1 according to 2 (a) . The material cartridge 1 is in one by the arrow 603 marked direction in a piercing device 601 put on. The piercing device 601 includes a spike 602 , which is the predetermined breaking point 110 the material cartridge pierces. This will make the container 10 open at its bottom. To the valve 201 a protective gas source is connected, so that protective gas, represented by the arrow 604 into the interior of the container 102 over the valve 201 is injected. This increases the pressure in the direction of 605 in the container 10 so that the one in the fluid cartridge 1 material mixture contained 109 through an opening in the spike 602 in a sprue 607 a mold 606 is introduced. The controlled injection of the protective gas empties the material cartridge evenly, air turbulence at the sprue is reduced or even prevented. The material mixture flow direction is shown schematically by the arrow 611 shown. The piercing spike closes with the pierced opening in the container, preferably in a gas-tight manner, so that the material mixture does not come into contact, or only slightly, with ambient air when it is introduced into the casting mold. In addition, the piercing device is connected to the casting mold in a manner that closes it as tightly as possible, so that the material mixture does not come into contact, or only slightly, with ambient air. That about the valve 201 injected protective gas causes the material mixture to be transported through a pouring runner 608 the mold 606 in a casting cavity 609 the mold 606 . Air contained in the casting cavity or, in the case of a casting mold flushed with inert gas, inert gas contained therein represented by the arrows 612 , can through degassing holes 610 escape. The casting cavity 609 can by controlled injection of the protective gas through the valve 201 thus controlled with material mixing 109 from the material cartridge 1 be filled.

7th shows a single casting process, the essential features of which are the same as those of 6th corresponds to a pouring pool 701 a serial application of material cartridges 1 enables. The piercing device 603 the 7th has an opposite of the piercing device 6th higher lateral guidance. So can the material cartridge 1 are better supported along their side surface. Above the sprue 607 indicates the mold 606 the 7th a pouring pond 701 on to buffer the material mix. So can a material cartridge 1 can be changed without air entering the runner during a casting process 608 device and thus influences the quality of the cast part. The amount of material mixture required to cast a cast part, ie to fill the casting cavity 609 , can thus be made from one or more material cartridges. The material cartridge 1 is made by means of a slide 702 in the direction of the arrow 703 pressed together. Thus, the volume in the container interior 102 reduced and material mix 109 is through the opening in the spike 602 pressed into the pouring pool. The material mixture flows out of the pouring pool 109 further through the pouring runner 608 into the casting cavity 609 , from the contained gases through degassing holes 610 can escape, as already with regard to 6th described.

8th shows a material cartridge magazine 801 for holding multiple material cartridges 1 . In this example there are four material cartridges 1 in the material cartridge magazine 801 arranged, of course there are different numbers of material cartridges depending on the mold and application 1 possible. The material cartridges 1 correspond to one of the material cartridges described above 1 . The material cartridge magazine 801 includes vertically movable dividers 802 , on which material cartridges can be arranged and transported in the vertical direction. The material cartridges 1 of the above drawings are rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise, creating the breaking point 110 pointing to the right. The material cartridges are one on top of the other for each movable floor 802 in the material cartridge magazine 801 arranged. For filling the casting cavity 609 the mold 606 becomes a material cartridge 1 that are located at the height of a sprue opening 803 located, from a pressure stamp 804 pushed in the horizontal direction to the right against a stop. The stamp 804 preferably runs in a guided tour 805 . The stamp 804 is after the stop of the material cartridge 1 on a protrusion of the fluid cartridge magazine 801 or an emptying device is moved further to the right, so that the material cartridge is compressed. By squeezing it becomes that Volume inside the material cartridge is reduced, so that the internal pressure rises and the predetermined breaking point 110 is broken up. Alternatively, a spike can also be used 602 or a similar piercing device 601 to open the predetermined breaking point 110 be provided. The material mixture is created by the increased pressure in the gate 803 and into the casting cavity 609 driven. After emptying the material cartridge 1 can have an ejector flap 806 be opened so that the material cartridge from the emptying device 807 falls. The stamp 804 moves back to the left starting position. The vertically movable floors 802 move another material cartridge down to the level of the sprue opening 803 so that the stamp 804 move it to the right again at night to empty it and then squeeze it. In this way, automated casting can be simplified.

9 shows a casting process in which material mixtures are removed from two material cartridges in parallel, in order to put them into a single casting cavity 609 a mold 606 bring in. The material cartridges 1 correspond to those of 2 (a) . The characteristics of the pouring device of the 6th as well as the corresponding process sequence are analogous to the casting device of 9 transferable, with two material cartridges at the same time 1 be emptied.

10 shows a filling device 901 and a locking station 912 . The filling device 901 is movable in the vertical direction. The filling device 901 includes a material mix tank 902 in the material mixture 109 , for example a metal alloy, is arranged. The mix of materials 109 is in liquid form. The material mixing tank 902 the 10 has a lid 903 an interior of the material mixing tank 902 seals gas-tight. This ensures that the material mixture contained 109 comes into contact with the ambient air as little as possible, thereby reducing degradation. In other embodiments, the material mixing tank 902 alternatively no lid 903 or a lid 903 have, which is not closed or closable gas-tight. The filling device 901 is moved to an upper position so that a container is under the filling device 901 can be arranged. A container 10 according to one of the above, under the material mixing tank 902 arranged. The filling device 901 is moved to a lower position. The container opening 106 faces up towards the material mix tank 902 . A filler pipe 904 of the material mixing tank 902 protrudes into the interior of the container 102 and connects the material mixing tank interior to the container interior 102 . The filling device 901 includes a bell 905 who have a room 906 between the container 10 and the material mixing tank 902 seals gas-tight. Via a gas pipe 907 going through a side wall of the bell 905 runs and into the container 10 protrudes into it, is shielding gas, exemplified by the arrow 908 , introduced so that the container interior 102 is purged with protective gas. Via another line or the same line 907 can air in the direction of the arrow 908 ' displaced and / or pumped out. In the interior 906 the bell 905 a protective gas atmosphere can be set in this way.

A vertically movable stopper 909 closes an exit opening 910 of the material mixing tank 902 . Will the stopper 909 moved upwards, becomes the exit opening 910 released and the liquid material mixture 109 passes through the filler tube 904 and is in the interior of the container 102 brought in. A filling process can be controlled by moving the stopper. After filling the material mixture 109 the filling device is moved upwards. The one with mixed materials 109 filled container is, for example, on a conveyor belt 911 , to a locking station 912 brought, represented by the arrow 913 . The locking station 912 comprises a vertically movable holding device 914 for a lid 105 . One lid 105 is in the holding device 914 arranged. The one with mixed materials 109 filled containers 10 is under the holding device 914 arranged. The retainer 914 is moved down and the opening 106 of the container 10 comes with the lid 105 sealed gas-tight. The locking station 912 for example a press-in punch 915 include that of the lid 105 into the container opening 106 press-fit. In other exemplary embodiments, the cover can be used at the closing station 105 otherwise gas-tight with the container opening 106 get connected. For example, the lid 105 welded or jammed. Reference is made in particular to the above statements in the general part of the description. After closing the container opening 106 with the lid 105 is a material cartridge 1 manufactured according to the above. As described above, protective gas can again be injected into the material cartridge and / or air can be pumped out. The material cartridge 1 can be cooled so that the material mixture 109 frozen in it. The material cartridge 1 can be stored. The material cartridge 1 can also be taken directly to a casting station.

In one embodiment, the filling device and the closing station can be arranged in a space 916 which can be sealed in a gas-tight manner. A protective gas atmosphere can be set in the space 916 so that a degradation of the material mixture during the transport to the sealing station is avoided or even prevented.

the 11 until 13th show further embodiments of material cartridges 1 . The material cartridges described there 1 can for example in a single casting process according to 6th or 7th , in a material cartridge magazine according to 8th , according to a casting process 9 or in a filling device according to. 10 be used.

The ones in the 1 until 13th The features described can be combined with one another as required. The exemplary embodiments shown are not to be understood as restrictive.

11 shows a material cartridge 1 , which in their essential characteristics with the material cartridges described above 1 matches. The lid 105 the material cartridge 1 the 11 is by means of clamps 1001 connected to the support structure to the container interior 102 , especially the container opening 106 to close gas-tight. The material cartridge 1 the 11 (a) is with a mixture of materials 109 almost completely filled. The material cartridge 1 comprises a vertically movable inner slide 1002 with an actuator rod. In the 11 (a) is the inside slider 1002 arranged in an uppermost position. In 11 (b) is the inside slider 1002 compared to the in 11 (a) shown arranged in a downward shifted position.

For filling the material cartridge 1 becomes the material cartridge 1 with an opening 1003 into a liquid mixture of materials 109 immersed or on a filler neck directly above the liquid material mixture 109 put on. The inside slider 1002 is then pulled up from a lowest position. This arises in the interior of the container 10 a negative pressure and the material cartridge 1 becomes with material mixture 109 filled. the material cartridge fills 1 . With a locking slide 1004 can the material cartridge 1 be closed .. The closing slide is used for emptying 1004 moved horizontally so that the opening 1003 is opened again. The inside slider 1002 can be pushed down from the top position so that material mixes 109 through the opening 1003 is pressed.

After material residues have melted out in the material cartridge 1 can this be reused.

12th shows a material cartridge 1 in the essential characteristics of the material cartridge 1 the 1 (a) or one of the following fluid cartridges 1 matches. Instead of a predetermined breaking point as described above, the material cartridge comprises 1 the 12th a lower opening 1003 that are in the 12 (a) is closed by a melting plate 1101. In the 12 (b) is the lower opening 1003 opened. The melting platelet comprises the same material as the material mixture 109 or a higher-melting material mixture of the same base material (for example, high-melting aluminum alloy as melting platelets 1101 in the case of a low-melting aluminum alloy as content) or another base material (iron base in the case of an aluminum material mixture).

The enamel platelet 1101 melts from a melting temperature and becomes soft or liquid. The internal pressure of the cartridge destroys the melting platelet, so that the opening 1003 is practically pushed on. A melting / opening when filling the material mixture 109 into the material cartridge 1 can be prevented or reduced by active cooling of the cartridge in this area or by rapid cooling of the entire cartridge. A seal in the solid state is carried out by an internal pressure. The internal pressure can correspond to the values described above with regard to the filling by means of excess pressure. The material cartridge can 1 cleaned and then reused.

The enamel platelet 1101 can be inserted before filling. The manufacture of the material cartridge 1 corresponds to the manufacture of one of the material cartridges described above. An enamel platelet as in 12th can be described with the material cartridges described above 1 or features of these are combined.

13th shows a material cartridge 1 which are analogous to the material cartridges described above 1 can be formed.

The material cartridge 1 the 13th includes a lower opening 1003 with a plate lock 1201 .

In the example shown, the platelet lock 1201 two platelets arranged one above the other 1201 ' and 1201 " on. In another embodiment, the platelet seal 1201 have a different number of platelets, preferably a maximum of ten, particularly preferably a maximum of five platelets, very particularly preferably a maximum of one platelet. The locking plates 1201 ' and 1201 " before filling the container 10 with a mixture of materials 109 inserted. The filling process with material mixture 109 corresponds to one of the above with regard to the other material cartridges 1 described filling processes. The top closure plate, here 1201 ', typically has a separating layer analogous to the separating layer 104 in the interior of the container.

For emptying the material cartridge 1 can the material cartridge 1 on a pressing device 601 be set. As in 13 (b) shown, a spike moves the platelets 1201 ' and 1201 " so that the opening 1003 is released and material mix 109 can emerge.

The material cartridge can 1 cleaned and then reused.

List of reference symbols

1

Material cartridge

10

container

101

Support structure

102

Container interior

103

Floor area

104

Separating layer

105

lid

105 '

Container bottom

106

Container opening

107

Side wall of the container opening

108

Material mix

109

Protective gas

110

Predetermined breaking point

111

Center of circle

112

magnetically coupled heating elements

113

cables

114

Heat exchanger tube

115

Heating wires

201

Valve

202

Valve actuators

203

Valve

204

Holding device

301

gastight joints

401

Centering shoulder

402

Weld

501

Outside pot

502

upper opening outer pot

503

Intermediate layer

504

lower opening outer pot

505

Lid outside pot

601

Piercing device

602

Spike

603

Touchdown direction

604

Injection of protective gas

605

Print direction

606

mold

607

Sprue

608

Pouring runner

609

Casting cavity

610

Degassing hole

611

Material mix flow direction

612

escaping gas

701

Pouring pond

702

Slider

703

Compression direction

801

Material cartridge magazine

802

vertically movable dividers

803

Sprue opening

804

Stamp

805

Ram guide

806

Ejection flap

807

Emptying device

901

Filling device

902

Material mixing tank

903

lid

904

Filler pipe

905

Bell jar

906

Bell interior

907

Gas pipe

908

Inert gas injection

908 '

Deflate

909

Plug

910

Exit opening

911

Conveyor belt

912

Locking station

913

Conveying direction

914

Holding device

915

Press-in punch

1001

Clamp

1002

Inside slider

1003

lower opening

1004

Locking slide

1101

Enamel platelets

1201

Platelet closure

1201 '

first plate

1201 "

second plate

L.

Plumb lines

Claims (27)

Method for producing a material cartridge (1) for preserving a material mixture (109) which is susceptible to air corrosion, in particular a molten metal, comprising the following steps - providing a container (10) with an opening (106) for receiving the material mixture (109), - filling the material mixture (109), in particular with the exclusion of air, through the opening in the container (10), - gas-tight closing of the opening of the container (10), characterized in that the container (10) before the material mixture (109) is poured into the container (10) is purged with a protective gas. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective gas comprises argon and / or xenon and / or helium and / or nitrogen and / or hydrogen. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material mixture (109) is filled in by means of a metallostatic pressure difference or by lowering a pressure prevailing in the container (10). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the material mixture (109) is poured in, the previously introduced protective gas is displaced, in particular at least 95% displaced, preferably at least 99% displaced, particularly preferably 99.9% displaced . Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after the material mixture (109) has been filled in, protective gas is introduced into the container (10) in order to displace air contained in the container (10), the protective gas preferably having an overpressure of at least 1 bar, particularly preferably at least 2 bar, very particularly preferably at least 4 bar and / or preferably the protective gas is introduced with an overpressure of at most 20 bar, particularly preferably at most 10 bar, very particularly preferably at most 6 bar. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after the material mixture (109), in particular the molten metal, has been filled, the container (10) is closed in a gas-tight manner by means of a form fit and / or friction fit and / or material fit. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that air is pumped out of the container (10), preferably after the material mixture (109) has been poured into the container (10) and / or before the container (10) is closed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (10) and / or the contents of the container (10) are / are cooled, preferably in stages, are / are cooled, in particular by air flow around them or by immersion in a heat exchanger medium and / or is / is cooled by a heat exchanger system integrated in the container (10), preferably cooled in such a way that the material mixture (109) solidifies. Container (10) for use in a method according to one of Claims 1 - 8th , comprising - a support structure forming an interior, the interior being designed to receive a material mixture (109) with a temperature of up to 3500 degrees Celsius, preferably up to 1600 degrees Celsius, particularly preferably up to 900 degrees Celsius, - a first opening for Filling and / or emptying the material mixture (109), in particular the molten metal, into / from the interior of the container (10). Container (10) Claim 9 , characterized by a container lid (105) for gas-tight sealing of the first opening (106). Container (10) Claim 9 or 10 , characterized in that the container interior (102) is at least partially lined with a separating layer (104), preferably a ceramic separating layer. Container (10) according to one of the Claims 9 - 11 , characterized by a thermal insulation which is arranged on the outside of the support structure (101) and / or in an intermediate layer between a separating layer (104) and the support structure (101). Container (10) according to one of the Claims 9 - 12th , characterized in that the container (10) comprises a heating and / or cooling system for heating and / or cooling the container interior (102), wherein the heating and / or cooling system preferably arranged in the separating layer (104) for heating the container interior by means of induction or microwaves, wherein the heating elements can be coupled in electromagnetically by means of induction or microwaves and / or is designed as a line system for receiving a heat exchanger medium, in particular in the form of a heat exchanger tube protruding into the container interior (114) and / or in the form of lines (113) integrated into a container wall for receiving a heat exchanger medium and / or as an electrical heating system with heating wires (115), which preferably run between a separating layer (104) and the support structure (101) and / or run in the support structure (101) and / or in the separating layer (104) and / or is designed as a chemical heating medium, in particular as a heating powder or heating gel, which can be activated by means of an exothermic reaction and preferably to heat the container interior (102) in an interim is arranged between the support structure (101) and the separating layer (104). Container (10) Claim 13 , characterized by a battery or an accumulator which is connected to the heating wires (115). Container (10) according to one of the Claims 9 - 14th , characterized by a one-way valve and / or a two-way valve for controlling a gas pressure in the container interior (102). Container (10) according to one of the Claims 9 - 15th , characterized by a thermocouple arranged in a protective tube for monitoring the temperature in the container interior (102). Container (10) according to one of the Claims 9 - 16 , characterized by a slide (702) which enables the interior of the container (102) to be enlarged or reduced. Container according to one of the Claims 9 - 17th , characterized by a predetermined breaking point (110) for the destructive opening of the container (10). Container (10) according to one of the Claims 9 - 18th , characterized by at least one receiving device (204) for automatic material flow systems, in particular for receiving in magazines for die casting. Container (10) according to one of the Claims 9 - 19th , characterized in that the container (10) is wholly or partially reusable. Material cartridge (1) for preserving a material mixture (109), preferably a molten metal, comprising a container (10) according to one of the preceding claims, a material mixture (109) arranged in the container (10) and a protective gas arranged in the container (10) . A method for producing a cast product from a material mixture (109), wherein the material mixture (109) consists of at least one material cartridge (1) according to Claim 21 is removed. Procedure according to Claim 22 , characterized in that several material cartridges (1) are received in a material cartridge magazine (801) of a die-casting system, the material mixture (109) of a single material cartridge (1) preferably being used per casting cycle, in particular per casting part. procedure Claim 22 or 23 , characterized in that the material cartridge (1) is heated, preferably via radiation, convection, conduction, microwaves, induction and / or electrical heating systems, in particular in a heating device and / or via a heating system integrated in the material cartridge. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (10) by increasing the pressure in the container (10), preferably by introducing protective gas into the container (10) and / or by minimizing the volume of the container (10), is emptied at least partially, preferably into a mold (606) and / or that the container (10) is opened in a destructive manner, in particular by opening a predetermined breaking point (110), by piercing a hole or by local melting. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a casting mold (606) is filled with protective gas before the container (10) is emptied or the gas pressure in the casting mold (606) is reduced, preferably in this way, before the container (10) is emptied that a vacuum of preferably a maximum of 100 mbar, particularly preferably a maximum of 10 mbar, very particularly preferably a maximum of 1 mbar, prevails in the casting mold. Cast product produced in a method according to one of the Claims 22 until 26th .

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