Method for filling internal casting voids

Abstract

A method for filling an internal void in a metal component. After internal voids in the metal component are detected and mapped, the metal component is positioned such that an internal void is between two electrodes. The metal component is compressed by the electrodes and an electrical current is applied across the electrodes and the intervening metal component. Suitable selection of electrode compression force, electrical current, and time of application of each will collapse the internal void and cause it to migrate to at least one surface of the metal component where it will appear as a dimple in the surface. The dimple is then metallurgically filled so as to provide the desired surface characteristics and contour of the metal component. The electrical current density in areas adjacent the internal voids is higher than elsewhere in the metal component and thus causes melting of the metal in those areas. Compression of the metal component simultaneously with application of the electrical current across the electrodes enables application of a lower electrical current than would be required without the metal compression.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.