A tool for reforming a core pattern. A method of reforming a core pattern comprises opening a core reformer tool. The core reformer tool has a first portion and a second portion facing the first portion. The first portion includes a concave member and a first adjustable pin. The second portion includes a convex member and a second adjustable pin. The method includes positioning the core pattern in the core reformer tool and closing the core reformer tool. The method comprises adjusting at least one of the first adjustable pin and the second adjustable pin to alter a surface of the core pattern. The method includes directing cooling air through the core reformer tool to solidify the core pattern and opening the core reformer tool to remove the core pattern.

In one exemplary embodiment, an airfoil includes pressure and suction side walls that extend in a chord-wise direction between leading and trailing edges. The pressure and suction side walls also extend in a radial direction to provide an exterior airfoil surface. A cooling passage is arranged between the pressure and suction walls. The cooling passage has a first width in the chord-wise direction near the suction side wall. A second width is in the chord-wise direction near the pressure side wall. A third width is between the pressure and suction side walls. The third width is smaller than the first and second widths.

Provided is a core manufacturing apparatus including: a storage unit configured to store core sand; a kneading vessel configured to be fed with the core sand; a kneading rod configured to knead the core sand; and a piston configured to eject the kneaded core sand. The kneading vessel is capable of transitioning between a horizontally lying state and a vertically standing state and configured to be fed with the core sand in the horizontally lying state. The piston is configured to eject and pack the core sand into a mold with the kneading vessel in the vertically standing state. The storage unit is turnably coupled to the kneading vessel and configured to remain coupled to the kneading vessel in the same posture while the kneading vessel turns.

Provided is a core manufacturing apparatus including: a storage unit configured to store core sand; a kneading vessel configured to be fed with the core sand; a kneading rod configured to knead the core sand; and a piston configured to eject the kneaded core sand. The kneading vessel is capable of transitioning between a horizontally lying state and a vertically standing state and configured to be fed with the core sand in the horizontally lying state. The piston is configured to eject and pack the core sand into a mold with the kneading vessel in the vertically standing state. The storage unit is turnably coupled to the kneading vessel and configured to remain coupled to the kneading vessel in the same posture while the kneading vessel turns.

Provided is a core manufacturing apparatus including: a storage unit configured to store core sand; a kneading vessel configured to be fed with the core sand; a kneading rod configured to knead the core sand; and a piston configured to eject the kneaded core sand. The kneading vessel is capable of transitioning between a horizontally lying state and a vertically standing state and configured to be fed with the core sand in the horizontally lying state. The piston is configured to eject and pack the core sand into a mold with the kneading vessel in the vertically standing state. The storage unit is turnably coupled to the kneading vessel and configured to remain coupled to the kneading vessel in the same posture while the kneading vessel turns.

Provided is a core manufacturing apparatus including: a storage unit configured to store core sand; a kneading vessel configured to be fed with the core sand; a kneading rod configured to knead the core sand; and a piston configured to eject the kneaded core sand. The kneading vessel is capable of transitioning between a horizontally lying state and a vertically standing state and configured to be fed with the core sand in the horizontally lying state. The piston is configured to eject and pack the core sand into a mold with the kneading vessel in the vertically standing state. The storage unit is turnably coupled to the kneading vessel and configured to remain coupled to the kneading vessel in the same posture while the kneading vessel turns.

A core pattern reformer system for adjusting and setting a core pattern for use in casting a gas turbine blade has a first portion having a first internal face with a concave portion. The first portion is coupled to a second portion. The second portion has a second internal face with a convex portion. A plurality of adjustable pins is positioned along the internal faces of the first portion and the second portion. The pins have a height that is adjustable with respect to the internal faces. A locking mechanism is included for securing the first portion to the second portion. The system includes one or more air inlets and one or more air exits and a source of cooling air coupled to the one or more air inlets.

In one exemplary embodiment, an airfoil includes pressure and suction side walls that extend in a chord-wise direction between leading and trailing edges. The pressure and suction side walls also extend in a radial direction to provide an exterior airfoil surface. A cooling passage is arranged between the pressure and suction walls. The cooling passage has a first width in the chord-wise direction near the suction side wall. A second width is in the chord-wise direction near the pressure side wall. A third width is between the pressure and suction side walls. The third width is smaller than the first and second widths.

A core pattern reformer system for adjusting and setting a core pattern for use in casting a gas turbine blade has a first portion having a first internal face with a concave portion. The first portion is coupled to a second portion. The second portion has a second internal face with a convex portion. A plurality of adjustable pins is positioned along the internal faces of the first portion and the second portion. The pins have a height that is adjustable with respect to the internal faces. A locking mechanism is included for securing the first portion to the second portion. The system includes one or more air inlets and one or more air exits and a source of cooling air coupled to the one or more air inlets.

A core molding method capable of satisfactorily exhausting a gaseous body such as gas or water vapor that is generated inside an outer shell layer when a raw material is cured is provided. A core molding method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a molding method of a core formed of a raw material including a binder and sand, and includes: filling a cavity of a molding die with the raw material; curing the raw material to form an outer shell layer; inserting a tip end part of an exhaust pipe having an internal pin inserted therein and an exhaust hole closed by the internal pin into a part surrounded by the outer shell layer through an opening provided in the molding die; and moving the internal pin and opening the exhaust hole.