Cast titanium compressor wheel

A cast titanium centrifugal compressor wheel comprising:

• an annular hub defining an axis of rotation, and
• a plurality of backswept aerodynamic blades, each of said blades including a leading edge, an outer edge adapted for close passage to a compressor housing, and a trailing edge,
• wherein said leading edge is substantially a straight edge,
• wherein said blades are designed such that a single solid die insert defining the space between adjacent blades can be inserted between adjacent blades and retracted along a radial or curved path.

A cast titanium centrifugal compressor wheel comprising:

• an annular hub defining an axis of rotation, and
• a plurality of backswept aerodynamic blades, each of said blades including a leading edge, an outer edge adapted for close passage to a compressor housing, and a trailing edge,
• wherein said leading edge is substantially a straight edge,
• wherein said blades are designed such that a compound die insert comprising first and second solid die inserts defining one air passage between adjacent blades can be inserted between said adjacent blades, and wherein said first and second die inserts can be retracted along a radial or curved path without deformation of said blades or dies.