Publication number: 20090107293
Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for forming flakes, especially metal flakes. The method comprises producing a heated stream of molten material, feeding the stream in a substantially vertically downward direction, receiving the downwardly directed stream and forming flakes therefrom, and effecting a change in the temperature of the stream subsequent to the production thereof whereby flakes of a desired thickness are obtained. The present invention is applicable to any metal which melts when heated and is capable of being formed into flakes. Examples of metals are Al, Cu, Mo, V, Ag, Cr, Zr, Nb, Ni, Fe, Co, Ti, Au, Pd, W, Hf, Rh, Ir, Pt, Cd or alloys thereof, such as chromium-nickel, iron-nickel, iron-chromium and nickel-cobalt, wherein Cu, Ag, Ti, or Al, or alloys thereof are preferred and Al, or Ag, or alloys thereof are most preferred.
Type:
Application
Filed:
October 9, 2006
Publication date:
April 30, 2009
Inventors:
Patrice Bujard, Peter Simmendinger