Abstract: A method for manufacturing aluminum alloy sheet stock including two sequences of continuous, in-line operations. The first sequence includes the continuous, in-line steps of hot rolling, coiling, coil self-annealing and the second sequence includes the continuous, in-line steps of uncoiling, quenching without intermediate cooling, cold rolling, and coiling.

Abstract: A steel workpiece reheating apparatus and method for raising the temperature of a thin continuously-cast hot workpiece to a required working temperature without causing harm to the workpiece. The apparatus includes a high intensity heating chamber provided at the charging end of a reheat furnace structure which briefly and intensely heats the workpiece above its melting temperature before it enters the remainder of the reheat furnace. The provision of the high intensity heat chamber at the charging end of the reheat furnace structure permits substantial reduction in the length normally required of the reheat furnace to raise the workpiece to the desired working temperature and thus reduces the time spent by the workpiece in the reheat furnace. The high intensity heating chamber uses in its combustion process combustion air preferably preheated by a heat recovery system associated with the heat derived from the combustion occurring within other portions of the reheat furnace.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy is formed by continuously casting an aluminum alloy having a magnesium concentration of at least about 4.7 percent. Controlled forming and annealing steps in conjunction with the alloy form an aluminum sheet product that is useful for forming beverage container ends and tabs.

Abstract: A method of producing a support for a planographic printing plate, which reduces the scattering in the material of the aluminum support, improves the yield of the electrolytic surface graining treatment, and is able to produce lithographic printing plates having superior surface graining aptitude. Aluminum material with a width of 1000 mm and a thickness of 6 mm is formed in the continuous casting twin-roller thin plate device. It is then cold rolled to a plate thickness of 3 mm, and after conducting annealing at 400.degree. C., cold rolling (including correction) is further conducted to bring it to 0.3 mm and form the samples. The temperature distribution of the molten metal at the outlet of the molten metal supply nozzle is kept within a predetermined range.

Abstract: The strip is cast on a chilled casting surface of a rotating drum from a pool of the molten metal contained in a tundish having a graphite lip insert seated therein cooperating with, the casting surface adjacent to the tundish to form and contain the pool of the molten metal. The tundish preferably contains a feed chamber, a return chamber, and a diverting chamber, the feed chamber and the diverting chamber effectively removing turbulence from the molten feed and the return chamber having a vertically adjustable weir dividing the return chamber from the diverting chamber for controlling the surface level of the pool of molten metal in the diverting chamber and the lip insert and for diverting a flow of molten metal to the return chamber. A preferred lead alloy is a low antimony-lead alloy which is cast into strip and is subjected to a heat treatment to permit expansion and shaping in subsequent production of expanded mesh battery grids.

Abstract: Method for producing a magnetic steel strip having a thickness of less than 5 mm and containing, in composition by weight, more than 2% silicon, less than 0.1% carbon and a suitable amount of secondary recrystallization inhibiting elements, the balance being iron, obtained by a direct casting on one roll or between two rolls, characterized in that it comprises creating a crystallization structure comprising oriented grains {110} <001> in the skin, i.e. on the surface of a quench zone, by the sudden cooling of the steel in contact with the roll or rolls whose surface temperature is lower than 400.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention aims to prevent the occurrence of flaws in an Fe-Cr-Al alloy steel sheet, thereby improving the yield. In the present invention, a cast slab comprising an outer layer and an inner layer with the concentration of at least one element selected from Cr, Al and REM (REM being at least one element selected from the group consisting of rare earth elements including Y of lanthanoids) in the outer layer being 70% or less of that of the inner layer, is provided, heated, hot-rolled and cold-rolled to produce a steel sheet or a foil material.

Abstract: An alloy ingot for permanent magnet consists essentially of rare earth metal and iron and optionally boron. The two-component alloy ingot contains 90 vol % or more of crystals having a crystal grain size along a short axis of 0.1 to 100 .mu.m and that along a long axis of 0.1 to 100 .mu.m. The three-component alloy ingot contains 90 vol % or more of crystals having a crystal grain size along a short axis of 0.1 to 50 .mu.m and that along a long axis of 0.1 to 100 .mu.m. The alloy ingot is produced by solidifying the molten alloy uniformly at a cooling rate of 10.degree. to 1000.degree. C./sec. at a sub-cooling degree of 10.degree. to 500.degree. C. A permanent magnet and anisotropic powders are produced from the alloy ingot.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing aluminum alloy can body stock including two sequences of continuous, in-line operations. The first sequence includes the continuous, in-line steps of hot rolling, coiling, coil self-annealing and the second sequence includes the continuous, in-line steps of uncoiling, quenching without intermediate cooling, cold rolling, and coiling.

Abstract: A twin roll-type sheet continuous casting apparatus includes a nozzle for supplying molten metal; a pair of casting rolls for casting the molten metal supplied from the nozzle into a sheet, the casting rolls being horizontally disposed in parallel relation to each other, being cooled, and rotated in opposite directions, respectively; a coiler; and a support sheet extending generally horizontally below the pair of casting rolls for receiving the cast sheet and transferring it to the coiler, and being taken up by the coiler along with the cast sheet placed therein. Since tension is not applied to the cast sheet, even a brittle material can be continuously cast into a sheet. Also, a dummy sheet requested for starting the casting of the sheet becomes unnecessary, and even when a rupture of the sheet occurs, the apparatus can be continuously operated without stopping the operation.

Abstract: A method of producing a planographic printing plate support in which after aluminum is continuously cast directly from molten aluminum into a thin aluminum plate, the aluminum thin plate is subjected to cold rolling, heat treatment and flattening to obtain an aluminum support. The aluminum support is then subjected to surface toughening. The components of the aluminum support areFe: 0.4%-0.2%,Si: 0.20%-0.05%,Cu: not larger than 0.02%, and the Al purity is not smaller than 99.5%. After continuous casting, Fe in a range of from 20% to 90% of the Fe total content exists in a grain boundary and the rest of Fe exists as a solid solution in grains. In this case, it is preferable that in a section perpendicular to the direction of continuous casting, the grain size is in a range of from 2 .mu.m to 500 .mu.m.

Abstract: Multiple pairs of pinch rolls are used to advance a rod product along a pathway following a continuously casting and rolling system. Each pinch roll pair exerts a force normal to the rod of less than the amount necessary to substantially degrade the yield strength characteristics of the finished rod. Multiple driven pinch roll pairs cooperate to advance the rod by compressive engagement and accomplish the work of one or two pairs of pinch rolls to minimize work hardening and/or plastic deformation, which can result in an increase in yield strength. Yield strength characteristics are thus improved while the continuous rod product is still advanced and guided at very high speed along a pathway from a horizontal to a vertical direction.

Abstract: A continuously cast slab of Fe-Ni series alloy comprising 30-50 wt % of Ni or further 0.001-0.03 wt % of B and the balance of Fe is controlled to an eqiaxial crystal ratio of 20% or 30% in accordance with the existence or nonexistence of B content in the continuous casting and, if necessary, subjected to an electromagnetic stirring treatment or the like for controlling the eqiaxial crystal ratio and then heated at a temperature of not lower than 950.degree. C., 1000.degree. C. and 1100.degree. C. to economically produce Fe-Ni series alloys having improved effect for restraining streaks during etching.

Abstract: Magnesium hydroxide is added to aqueous sprays used in the cooling of steel produced by continuous casting to reduce the corrosion of ferrous metals in contact with these sprays. The magnesium hydroxide when added to aqueous sprays used in the cooling of steel produced by continuous casting further reduces the potential for calcium fluoride scale formation by reducing the fluoride content of the system water.

Abstract: A long-life bearing steel and a long-life rolling bearing made of the steel are disclosed. In the steel, the number of oxide or oxide-based inclusion particles in a given unit area A of 160 mm.sup.3 with an average particle size of 3 to 30 .mu.m is 80 or less and an abundance of oxide or oxide-base inclusion particles with 10 .mu.m or more average particle size to oxide or oxide-based inclusion particles having an average particle size of 3 to 30 .mu.m is below 2%. An electron beam melting extraction evaluation method irradiating electron beam under the following condition guarantees the cleanness of the steel: 350 V+100.ltoreq.J.ltoreq.700 V+200, wherein J represents electric charge power in W provided by electron beam and V represents a sample volume in cm.sup.3.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an austenitic stainless steel sheet having reduced minute surface concavities and convexties ropings and gloss unevenness and a manufacturing system for carrying out the same are provided. The method comprises (a) a casting process of casting a molten austenitic (.gamma.) stainless steel into a thin cast plate by a twin-roll thin plate casting method employing a pair of cooled rolls disposed opposite to each other, (b) a cooling process of cooling the cast thin plate in a single phase state of the .gamma. phase, (c) a cast plate in a dual phase state of the .delta. and .gamma. phase or a single phase state of the .delta. phase and then cooling the thin cast plate to restore the single phase state of the .gamma. phase, and (d) a cold-rolling process of cold-rolling the heat-treated thin cast plate.

Abstract: A process for producing individual eccentric cams of cast material for assembled camshafts, in which a bar having the cross-section of a cam is produced by continuous casting and where individual cams are separated from the solidified bar.

Abstract: Soft magnetic alloy comprising Fe, a vitrifying element (Si and B), and Cu, and containing a crystalline phase shows a low magnetic permeability of up to 3,000 at 100 kHz. Magnetic cores formed therefrom have low permeability, a wide unsaturation region, and iso.permeability without forming a gap and find application in choke coils and transformers.

Abstract: A method of guiding and transferring a rapidly quenched metallic tape includes steps of peeling the rapidly quenched metallic tape produced by solidification through rapid quenching on a circumferential surface of a single cooling roll rotating at a high speed, introducing the metallic tape into a cylindrical transfer guide to a pinch roll unit arranged at a terminal end of the transfer guide to catch the metallic tape by the pinch roll unit, and moving the pinch roll unit to a winder for the metal tape. The metallic tape is fed in the transfer guide substantially without being in contact with the transfer guide.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for joining conveyed steel pieces in a hot rolling mill are disclosed. A joining apparatus having a series of fusing torches extending laterally across the steel path is used, either before a rough rolling stage or between rough rolling and finish rolling. The fusing torches which operate at the side edges of the pieces to be joined are controlled to have independent movement by a controller, in such a way that the time elapsing between fusing and pressing together of portions at the lateral edges of the join line does not exceed a critical time for regrowth of oxide scale. Various mounting and control techniques for the fusing torches are proposed, including the possibility of two independently-driveable sets the controller can base its control of the torches on steel strip width information obtained from the processing path.

Abstract: Drag cast coils of aluminum metal are homogenized to achieve grain refinement by cooling said coil initially from a temperature of around 900.degree. F. to ambient temperature under controlled conditions at a cooling rate ranging from about 5.degree. F. per hour to 90.degree. F. per hour.

Abstract: An Fe-base soft magnetic alloy having the composition represented by the general formula:(Fe.sub.1-a M.sub.a).sub.100-x-y-z-.alpha.-.beta.-.gamma. Cu.sub.x Si.sub.y B.sub.z M'.sub..alpha. M".sub..beta. X.sub..gamma.wherein M is Co and/or Ni, M' is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Nb, W, Ta, Zr, Hf, Ti and Mo, M" is at least one element selected from the group consisting of V, Cr, Mn, Al, elements in the platinum group, Sc, Y, rare earth elements, Au, Zn, Sn and Re, X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of C, Ge, P, Ga, Sb, In, Be and As, and a, x, y, z, .alpha., .beta. and .gamma. respectively satisfy 0.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.0.5, 0.1.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.3, 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.30, 0.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.25, 5.ltoreq.y+z.ltoreq.30, 0.1.ltoreq..alpha..ltoreq.30, .beta..ltoreq.10 and .gamma..ltoreq.10, at least 50% of the alloy structure being fine crystalline particles having an average particle size 1000 .ANG. or less.

Abstract: A metal matrix composite is produced by forming a rapidly solidified aluminum base alloy into wire. The wire is arc sprayed onto at least one substrate having thereon a fiber reinforcing material to form a plurality of preforms. Each of the preforms has a layer of the alloy deposited thereon, and the fiber reinforcing material is present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to 75 percent by volume thereof. The preforms are bonded together to form an engineering shape.

Abstract: Air-hardenable steels of duplex bainite/martensite microstructure consisting essentially of 0.10 to 0.7% C, 0.1 to 2% Si, 2.1 to 3.5% Mn, 0.0005 to 0.005% B, up to 3.5% Cr and preferably containing Cr in amount of at least 0.1%, balance Fe except for incidental impurities. Optional elements are up to 1.5% W, 1.0% Mo, 0.15% V, 0.2% S, 0.1% Ca, 0.1% Pb, 0.1% Ti and 0.2% total rare earths. At least 1.0% Cr is especially preferred and if below such amount, total Mn and Si is at least 3% and in such case, if C is under 0.47%, at least 0.6% Si is present. The steels are hardenable to R.sub.c 2o to R.sub.c 58 and have a hardenable diameter in the range between 35 mm and 80 to 100 mm by air-cooling only, together with good strength, toughness and fatigue- and wear-resistance.

Abstract: In a continuous hot rolling system, at least one melt-cut torch is set in a predetermined positional relationship with respect to a trailing end of a preceding hot material and a leading end of an adjacent succeeding hot material. An injected flow of cutting gas from the melt-cut torch is blown against a portion of at least one of the trailing end of the preceding material and the leading end of the succeeding material to melt-cut the portion. The portion extends from an end surface of the one end over a predetermined length. The trailing end of the preceding material and the leading end of the succeeding material are forced against each other and are butt-joined to each other. By doing so, there are produced joining surfaces superior in surface accuracy and high in temperature, to allow joining to be high in accuracy and strength. This joining may be made with respect to slabs before rough rolling, or may be made with respect to bars after rough rolling.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for forming a high magnetic parameter ferromagnetic material. The material has a distribution of magnetic parameters as solidified, and is separated into a first fraction having relatively high magnetic parameters and a second fraction having relatively low magnetic parameters. The method comprises applying a magnetic field to the materials, the magnetic field being high enough to magnetize the low magnetic parameter fraction, but low enough to avoid substantially magnetization of the high parameter fraction. Thereafter the fractions of material are magnetically separated.

Abstract: The cast metal strip is retained on both sides between supporting and conveying elements, the supporting and conveying elements comprising on one side a group of wire cables 6, 12, 18, 27 and on the other side either a similar group of wire cables 5, 24 or a cooling roller 11, 17 or a coiler 23. The wire cables 5, 6, 17, 18, 24 and 27 ensure that the cast metal strip 4 is guided with as small a contact area as possible, so that on the one hand the strip is less stressed and on the other hand can irradiate heat.

Abstract: A support for a planographic printing plate is produced by continuously performing casting and hot-rolling from molten aluminum to form a hot-rolled coil of a thin plate, transforming the hot-rolled coil into an aluminum support through cold-rolling, heat-treatment and correction, and finally, graining the aluminum support.

Abstract: A manufacturing line for making hot rolled steel strip including a mold for the continuous casting of steel strip, a strip guidance device located downstream from the mold for the diversion of the cast strip into a horizontal plane, a crosscutting device, a temperature equalization furnace, and a rolling mill. To reduce capital costs, energy consumption and space requirements, and to avoid metallurgical errors in processing, a curved temperature equalization furnace surrounds the strip guidance device. A straight temperature equalization furnace horizontally adjoins the curved temperature equalization furnace, and includes a means for crosscutting the strip prior to its exit from the temperature equalization environment for subsequent rolling.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing a thin grain oriented electrical steel sheet having a final thickness of 0.05 to 0.25 mm from a silicon steel cast strip having a thickness of 0.2 to 5 mm and directly obtained from the molten steel by the synchronous continuous casting machine, in which the speed of movement of the strand relative to the inner wall surface of the casting mold is the same, and by which the traditional hot rolling process can be omitted, comprising 0.050 to 0.120% by weight of C, 2.8 to 4.0% by weight of Si and 0.05 to 0.25% by weight of Sn, wherein the starting silicon cast strip further comprises up to 0.035% by weight of S and 0.005 to 0.035% by weight of Se, with the proviso that the total amount of S and Se is in the range of 0.015 to 0.060% by weight, 0.050 to 0.090% by weight of Mn, with the proviso that the Mn content is in the range of {1.5.times.[content (% by weight) of S+content (% by weight) of Se]} to {4.5.times.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for producing a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet by means of a rapid quench-solidification process, for example, a continuous casting by a twin roll strip caster. The feature of the present invention resides in quenching to solidify molten steels into a thin cast sheet of 0.7 to 3.0 mm thickness, at a cooling rate of greater than 50.degree. C./sec. in the central portion along the direction of thickness of the thin cast sheet, cooling the sheet at a cooling rate of greater than 10.degree. C./sec. in a temperature range between 1300.degree. to 900.degree. C. and then applying cold rolling for once or twice or more annealing the thin cast steel for a period between 30 seconds and 30 minutes in a temperature range between 950.degree. and 1,200.degree. C. and subsequently including intermediate annealing under a final cold rolling reduction rate of not less than 80%.

Abstract: In the manufacture of formable steel in the form of a strip with a final thickness of between 0.5 and 1.5 mm, in a number of continuous successive process stages, molten steel is continuously cast into a slab of less than 100 mm thickness and the slab is rolled into the strip. To simplify the apparatus required, and improve process control, the slab is cooled down to a rolling temperature of between 300.degree. C. and a temperature T.sub.t at which at least 75% of the material is converted into ferrite, and the rolling of the slab into strip comprises at least one reduction stage with a thickness reduction of over 30%. The rolling exit speed is less than 1000 m/min. After recrystallization, the strip is coiled.

Abstract: A method for continuous casting of thin slab ingots with reduced thickness following immediately the casting particularly of steel under utilization of a mold which is open at the bottom and under further utilization of roller pairs arranged along the withdrawal path, at least some of them are driven and at least some of the rollers are hydraulically adjustable perpendicular from the path so as to act as ingot deforming rolls. The invention is further improved by determining the speed of driven rollers, and the pressure force of adjustable roller pairs acting against the ingot and providing feedback control for the speed and the force. Additionally, providing a master control action for the speed control such that a point of solidification is dynamically maintained in a particular geometric position as far as the passing ingot is concerned; and by limiting the adjustment of rollers as far as the gap between pairs of such rollers is concerned downstream from that point.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making non-oriented high Si steel sheet without problems during the sequence from the step of making molten steel to the step of rolling to final sheet thickness. An ingot (or a continuously cast piece) of high Si steel (containing 4.0 to 7.0% Si and specified with Al, Mn, C and P) is subjected to slabbing-hot rolling (or else directly slab rolling-hot rolling) and subsequently the hot rolled steel is reduced to thin thickness. The steel material is maintained at temperature of more than a determined temperature from the step of making molten steel to the step of hot rolling. In the step of hot rolling, information regarding finish rolling conditions and coiling conditions is used to provide structure suitable for the subsequent thin rolling. The hot rolled steel is then warm-rolled to the required thickness.

Abstract: A method for the in-line homogenization and recrystallization of a continuous casting product by providing a continuous casting product including an alloy having a plurality of phases therein disposed proximate to the surface of the product and forming a plurality of voids at least near the surface by superficially cold-working the product. The surface is homogenized by heat treating and substantially reducing at least one of the phases whereby a portion of the voids assist in accelerating the diffusion of a portion of the voids into the alloy.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for continuously reducing oxides which form on the surface of copper bar and rod during casting including means for collecting cleaning mixture vapors; means for raising the temperature and pressure of the collected vapor; means for lowering the temperature of the collected vapor below the temperature at which the vapor will condense without lowering the system pressure; and means for separating condensed cleaning mixture from uncondensed vapor as the uncondensed vapor is being conveyed to a furnace or other means for oxidizing residual vapor.

Abstract: Integrated plant (10) to convert a metallic charge continuously into semi-finished products such as billets, blooms, slabs, bars or ingots, which comprises in close cooperation a chamber (14) to pre-heat a controlled metallic charge, the chamber (14) including a burner (15) and a terminal feeder (16) feeding an electric furnace (17) with a controlled flow, and comprises also the electric furnace (17), a continuously functioning transformer (26), a multifunction manipulator (20) with two independent arms able to rotate circumferentially and to move vertically to handle two ladles (18) at one and the same time at least between a tapping station of the electric furnace (17) and a casting and tapping station (21), and at least one casting and tapping station (21) served by a tundish feeding liquid metal continuously, a station to refine the liquid metal in the ladle (18) being located between the tapping station of the furnace (17) and the tapping and casting station (21).

Abstract: The flow rate of melt flowing through each end face of a core toward the inner surface of a side dam in opposed relationship with each end face is variable by a side-dam-wise flow passage defined within the core, whereby various problems caused at the so-called triple-point zones can be substantially solved.

Abstract: In a continuously cast piece of austenitic stainless steel having a large amount of Mo, segregation of alloy elements such as Mo and Cr is caused at the center part in the thickness direction of the slab, and the .sigma.-phase is precipitated during the step of cooling the cast piece. When a heavy plate or hot coil is prepared from this cast piece as the starting material, cracking occurs in the hot-working step and the corrosion resistance of the final product is degraded. According to the present invention, at the cast piece-forming step, the super-heating degree of the molten steel is controlled to at least 25.degree. C., whereby the equiaxed zone ratio is controlled to below 25%. When the heating times at the soaking and hot rolling treatments and the conditions for annealing the obtained steel sheet are controlled, the pitting resistance of the steel plate is greatly improved and cracking is prevented at the hot-working step.

Abstract: An anisotropic magnetic material formed from iron, boron and a rare-earth metal is prepared by the rapid solidification of an alloy melt of the desired composition and subsequently treated to generate magnetic anisotropy. The materials attain comparatively higher coercivity field strengths. A preliminary alloy is first prepared with the material components and cobalt is added to the alloy in such an amount that the crystallization temperature of the corresponding amorphous material system is below the Curie temperature of the crystallizing SE.sub.2 (Fe, Co).sub.14 B- phase. An intermediate product with amorphous structure is then developed from the melt of the preliminary alloy using a rapid solidification technique. Thereafter, a crystallization of the intermediate product is performed using a heat treatment at a temperature that is above the crystallization temperature but below the Curie Temperature in the presence of an external d-c magnetic field to generate the magnetic anisotropy.

Abstract: A method of producing steel plate with good low-temperature toughness comprises the steps of casting a steel melt consisting of 0.001-0.300 wt % C, not more than 0.8 wt % Si, 0.4-2.0 wt % Mn, not more than 0.007 wt % Al, 0.0010-0.0100 wt % O and the remainder of iron and unavoidable, impurities, and subjecting the cast steel either as it is or after rolling at a small reduction ration to accelerated cooling. In the cooling step, a fine-grained acicular ferrite texture having oxide-system inclusions as the nuclei develops radially and provides the resulting steel plate with excellent low-temperature toughness.

Abstract: A method of refining steel utilizing induction melting furnaces sized for use in micro mills consists of charging a medium frequency induction melting furnace having a maximum production rate of about 50 tons per hour with pre-refined steel, and melting steel in the furnace. The melted steel is transferred to a refining vessel, the refining vessel has a high free board, induction heating and stirring capacity and apparatus for supplying blasts of gas. The refined steel is then transferred to a tundish for a continuous casting operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for separating initially non-magnetized ferromagnetic material. The material has a distribution of magnetic parameters, and is separated into a first fraction having relatively high magnetic parameters and a second fraction having relatively low magnetic parameters. The method comprises applying a magnetic field to the materials, the magnetic field being high enough to magnetize the low magnetic parameter fraction, but low enough to avoid substantial magnetization of the high parameter fraction. Thereafter the fractions of material are magnetically separated.

Abstract: Continuous casting of metal is optimumly practiced by pouring a casting configured with a trapezoidal cross-section, which issues from the bottom of a mold curvilinearly directed to horizontal extension where it is passed between vertically aligned squeeze rolls which compressively deform and narrow the cross-sectional configuration from trapezoidal to rectilinear and thereby straighten and true the casting for being pinched-off and sectioned to length while the core of the casting is molten. The inventive method and means avoids tensilely stressing the casting, lessening the risk that the skin of the casting will rupture from being stretched and that molten metal from the core of the casting will spill endangering personnel and equipment and ruining the casting.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an improved titanium alloy composite consisting of at least one high strength/high stiffness filament or fiber embedded in an alpha-beta titanium alloy matrix which comprises the steps of providing a rapidly-solidified foil made of a lean metastable beta titanium alloy, fabricating a preform consisting of alternating layers of the rapidly-solidified foil and the filamentary material, and applying heat and pressure to consolidate the preform, wherein consolidation is carried out at a temperature below the beta-transus temperature of the alloy.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and apparatus for thermally treating cast-iron pipes formed in a continuous casting die. The pipe or tube undergoes tempering by passing through a vat which is located downstream from the continuous casting die. The vat contains a continuously cooled bath of fluidized sand or the like which lowers the temperature of the tube in a uniform manner and makes it possible to obtain a very precise and homogeneous tube structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for the in-line annealing of amorphous strip includes feed rolls for substantially continuously feeding the strip during annealing. The strip is first fed into a nip of cooperating heated pressure rolls. The heated pressure rolls rapidly heat the strip to an annealing temperature at a rate of substantially 10.sup.2 -10.sup.4 .degree.C./second while also subjecting the strip to localized plastic deformation. Where multiple ribbons are being fed simultaneously through the heating pressure rolls, bonding occurs to produce a composite strip. The strip is fed from the pressure rolls through an in-line annealer immediately downstream from the pressure rolls. During annealing, the strip is continuously fed and maintained under tension by operation of a winding roll. The strip is annealed at a temperature of between 420.degree.-510.degree. C. for 0.01-10.0 minutes.

Abstract: A process for producing copper rod having an improved surface smoothness and substantially no surface oxides, which rod is suitable for drawing or rolling into wire, is disclosed. The process comprises the steps of forming a bath of molten pure copper, casting the molten copper into a cast bar, conditioning the bar for hot-rolling, hot-rolling the bar to form a hot-rolled rod, cooling the hot-rolled rod and chemically shaving and pickling the hot-rolled rod. The chemical shaving and pickling step is performed with a solution containing controlled concentrations of sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide. Both the solution and the rod are maintained at elevated temperatures and the duration of the reaction is controlled. The interrelated process variables are regulated so that substantially all of the surface oxides and a desired amount of copper are removed from the surface of the hot-rolled rod.

Abstract: A method is provided for continuously casting aluminum alloys having more than two percent total alloying elements by a combination of casting at thinner gauges and much higher speeds than usual. Since remelting in the caster is avoided, sheet quality is vastly improved, surface ripples are avoided, and casting rate increased as much 50%. The method is characterized by the thickness of the cast sheet being in the range of from 4 to 5.8 millimeters and the casting rate being in the range of from 1.3 to 1.9 meters per minute. Chlorides in the molten metal are coalesced and oxides filtered to keep the inclusion rate in the cast sheet very low.

Abstract: Molten metal is continuously teemed from a ladle into a tundish. The latter feeds a continuous stream of the molten metal to a cooled mold having opposite open ends connected by a casting passage. The molten metal enters the mold at one end and partially solidifies in the casting passage to form a continuously cast strand which is withdrawn from the mold at its other end. The strand initially consists of a thin shell of solidified metal, and a molten core which is confined by the shell. Upon leaving the mold, the strand is conveyed through a bath of molten metal. The metal of the bath has a lower melting point than, and a specific gravity comparable to that of, the metal being cast. The bath functions to cool the strand uniformly so that the quality of the strand is maintained. The bath further counteracts the tendency of the molten core to cause bulging of the solidified shell which also serves to enhance the quality of the strand.