Methods and systems for creating a mold for a cast memorialization product are described herein. In a process for creating a mold, a three-dimensional (3D) model of a product design is generated. The product design includes customized features for a memorialization product. A mold design is generated based upon the 3D model of the product design. Printing instructions for creating the mold are generated and accessed by a processing device. The mold is created according to the printing instructions. A product, such as a bronze memorialization product, can be cast using the mold.

Methods and systems for creating a mold for a cast memorialization product are described herein. In a process for creating a mold, a three-dimensional (3D) model of a product design is generated. The product design includes customized features for a memorialization product. A mold design is generated based upon the 3D model of the product design. Printing instructions for creating the mold are generated and accessed by a processing device. The mold is created according to the printing instructions. A product, such as a bronze memorialization product, can be cast using the mold.

A process for the manufacture of metal products includes the steps of providing a mold including a first portion made of an aggregate and a binder, delivering a molten metal into the mold, removing a first portion of the mold with a fluid and solidifying at least one targeted portion of the molten metal which will form the metal product with the fluid. A flow of fluid to the mold is stopped for a period of time. Subsequently, a remaining portion of the molten metal is solidified to form the metal product. The at least one targeted portion of the metal product has better mechanical properties than does a remaining portion of the metal product. A unitary, one-piece aluminum alloy component with differing mechanical properties is also disclosed.

A process for the manufacture of metal products includes the steps of providing a mold including a first portion made of an aggregate and a binder, delivering a molten metal into the mold, removing a first portion of the mold with a fluid and solidifying at least one targeted portion of the molten metal which will form the metal product with the fluid. A flow of fluid to the mold is stopped for a period of time. Subsequently, a remaining portion of the molten metal is solidified to form the metal product. The at least one targeted portion of the metal product has better mechanical properties than does a remaining portion of the metal product. A unitary, one-piece aluminum alloy component with differing mechanical properties is also disclosed.

A method for manufacturing a cylinder block for a vehicle integrates a cylinder liner with the cylinder block. The method includes steps of: preparing a molded material having a cylinder liner shape; fixing the prepared molded material to an inside of a mold for the cylinder block; and casting the cylinder block integrated with the molded material by injecting casting molten metal for the cylinder block into the mold for the cylinder block to which the molded material is fixed.

A method for manufacturing a cylinder block for a vehicle integrates a cylinder liner with the cylinder block. The method includes steps of: preparing a molded material having a cylinder liner shape; fixing the prepared molded material to an inside of a mold for the cylinder block; and casting the cylinder block integrated with the molded material by injecting casting molten metal for the cylinder block into the mold for the cylinder block to which the molded material is fixed.

A method for casting an article comprises a first region and a second region. The method comprises casting an alloy in a shell, the shell having a casting core protruding from a first metal piece; and deshelling and decoring to remove the shell and core and leave the first region formed by the first piece and the second region formed by the casted alloy.

A method for casting an article comprises a first region and a second region. The method comprises casting an alloy in a shell, the shell having a casting core protruding from a first metal piece; and deshelling and decoring to remove the shell and core and leave the first region formed by the first piece and the second region formed by the casted alloy.

Described are fittings, components, and associated tools for use in coupling pipe or tubing. The described fittings generally include a unitary body having an outer surface and an inner lumen forming a void within said unitary body. The lumen is configured to receive threads for mating with the threads of a female sub end of a pipe or tube. The outer surface includes at least one aperture for receiving a tool that can be inserted within said aperture so as to rotate the fitting about an axis that extends through the lumen of the unitary body. The at least one apertures provide a safe and convenient way to tighten and loosen the fitting during the process of coupling pipe or tubing.

A method for fabricating three-dimensional microstructures is presented. The method includes: disposing a substantially planar reflow material between two molds; heating the reflow material while the reflow material is disposed between the two molds; and reflowing the reflow material towards the bottom surface of one of the molds by creating a pressure gradient across the reflow material. At least one of molds includes geometrics features that help to shape the reflow material and thereby form a complex three-dimensional microstructure.