One of the most dramatic applications for the use of investment castings began when a customer ap- proached our company requesting help on the de- sign of a scuba-mask, used by divers exploring the unknown depths of the seas.


Designer Charles Hawley of Visioneering Unlimited asked our assistance on the production of the uniquely designed mask he had invented.


Hawley was already familiar with the distinct ad- vantages of investment casting. As such, he made contact with us early; in fact while he was still working on the production model. He felt that our design department could offer valuable assist- ance in solving several basic design and production problems.


The prototype Hawley discussed was a full face mask in which the mask itself is an air reservoir. As the diver breathes, the water pressure against the face plate depresses it against the valve allowing air to refill the mask.


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"There are two critical parts you should be able to help me with" said Hawley. He then presented his problem point by point: "I need a specialized "Valve Body" and a "Valve Head" strong enough to hold that valve in place on the rubber mask".


We reviewed each part individually. A standard valve body was available, but as Hawley explained, "in this application the standard valve just doesn't work satisfactorily. We need a valve that will not only start and stop the flow of air but diffuse it as well".


The body had to mate accurately with the head used to hold it in place. Machining was not possible since it would price the mask out of the market.


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