Abstract
The CaO crucible is expected to serve as a useful tool for melting Ti and its alloys due to its thermodynamic stability. However, tjere still remain problems that need to be resolved in the melting of Ti and its alloys to enable commerical use. The cause of the defects of Ti-6AI-4V alloy castings melted in the CaO crucible were examined and compared with induction skull melting. The key factors of the melting technique using the CaO crucible, affecting the quality of Ti-6AI-4V alloy castings, were investigated. Defects of the Ti-6AI-4V alloy castings are caused by the chemical reduction of CaO by Ti. Pressurizing with argon gas in a vacuum induction chamber is effective for reducing the defects. Preheating of the charged material in the crucible and quick pouring into a mold of lower temperature, just after melting down, are important for produsing sound Ti-6AI-4V castings.