|
Robocast LATTICETM
Filters are engineered structures
exhibiting high strengths, reproducible
tortuous pathways, thermal shock
resistance, and introduce no debris into
the filtrate. High surface areas, no line-of-site pathways, and consistent flow improve performance.
MATERIALS
Robocasting's method of
manufacturing allows for almost any material to be formed into our
lattice structure. Our current experience encompasses over 30 materials ranging from alumina to
zirconia. SHAPES
There are endless possibilities. Multi-sided polygons and circular cross-sections are the most popular. The lattice structure can be incorporated into many geometric shapes with or without walls. CUSTOMIZATION of Lattice
structures includes:
Overall Dimensions (height, length/width, ,taper, diameter, etc)
Gap (or Pore) Between
Rods (a small gap is less than 0.1 mm,
large gaps are several mm)
Rod Size (small
rods less than 0.1 mm, large rods are several mm)
Flow Rates (tuned by altering the rod sizes, gaps, and orientation of rods)
|
|
|
L ATTICETM
filters can be made from many ceramic, metal and polymeric materials. Three-inch-diameter Silica, Mullite,
Zirconia-Toughened Mullite, and Ca-Stabilized-Zirconia, are shown
here (clockwise from top left). |
|
|
LATTICETM
filters may be able to filter a range of materials (aluminum and
carbon steel are shown here). Thermal mass can be reduced to
help prevent freezing. The superior strengths of LATTICETM filters may
allow for more-desirable gating configurations. |
|
|
LATTICETM
filters have superior strengths and therefore have a high
thermal-shock resistance. After being subjected to this 3600 F (1980 C) torch, some of the rods in this alumina Lattice cracked but structural integrity remained and no debris were produced. |
|
|
LATTICETM
filters can be made into many shapes and sizes. The alumina
lattices shown here range from 2 to 8
inches. |
|
|
LATTICETM
filters can also be fabricated as a one-piece tundish nozzle and
filter combination (shown on the far
left). |
|
|
LATTICETM
filters can have varying porosity through the thickness of the
Lattice. The top section of this 1"-thick filter has half
the PPI of the middle section, and the bottom section of
the filter has twice the PPI of the middle section, giving this
filter three graded zones of porosity through the thickness.
This is good for trapping large and small
inclusions. |
|
|
LATTICETM
filters can be integrated with other part of the casting
system. These Lattices comprise ~0.5 inches of the bottom of
this funnel. |
|
|
Robocasting is always expanding its design boundaries.
Current limitations are ~8 inch LATTICETM filters. However, when inserted
into a supporting structure, larger filters can be effectively
created by using many smaller filters
together. |
|
|
LATTICETM
filters can be made into many shapes. Five and six-sided
polygons are shown here. These smaller lattices can be
assembled to approximate a larger circular
cross-section. |
|
|
Laminar flow can be obtained when using L ATTICETM filters. Click on image to see how tracer
particles emulate fluid flow as the lattice changes the flow from
turbulent to
laminar. |