Abstract: An improved method of making a lithoplate from a 5XXX type alloy which includes controlling the composition and casting practices to eliminate forming a pine tree metal structure in an ingot used for rolling a workpiece to be made into lithoplate. The method also includes homogenizing and hot rolling the ingot at a controlled initial temperature to produce a desired grain and metal microstructure in the sheet rolled from the ingot which is suited for providing a surface having substantially uniform and evenly distributed craters produced by an electrochemical method of graining.

Abstract: An improved method of making a lithoplate from a 5XXX type alloy which includes controlling the composition and casting practices to eliminate forming a pine tree metal structure in an ingot used for rolling a workpiece to be made into lithoplate. The method also includes homogenizing and hot rolling the ingot at a controlled initial temperature to produce a desired grain and metal microstructure in the sheet rolled from the ingot which is suited for providing a surface having substantially uniform and evenly distributed craters produced by an electrochemical method of graining.

Abstract: An improved method of making a lithoplate from a 5XXX type alloy which includes controlling the composition and casting practices to eliminate forming a pine tree metal structure in an ingot used for rolling a workpiece to be made into lithoplate. The method also includes homogenizing and hot rolling the ingot at a controlled initial temperature to produce a desired grain and metal microstructure in the sheet rolled from the ingot which is suited for providing a surface having substantially uniform and evenly distributed craters produced by an electrochemical method of graining.

Abstract: A method for introducing grain refiners into molten media, such as molten aluminum, utilizes a chamber having a discharge immersed in the molten media and having a plasma therein extending from the molten media at the chamber discharge to a site above the discharge. Grain refiner is provided to said site and converted into a superheated spray for introduction into the media. An alternate embodiment includes supplying one or more constituents of a grain refiner compound to the plasma for reaction to form the grain refiner. A gas exits the chamber and enhances introduction into the media.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy consisting essentially of about the following percentages of materials:Si=14 to 18Fe=0.4 to 2Cu=4 to 6Mg=up to 1Ni=4.5 to 10P=0.001 to 0.1 (recovered)remainder grain refiner, Al and incidental impurities.