Abstract: The invention relates to aluminium alloy parts having an improved fatigue strength and to their production process. These parts are made from an alloy containing by weight 11 to 22% silicon, 2 to 5% iron, 0.5 to 4% copper, 0.2 to 1.5% magnesium and having the characteristic of containing 0.4 to 1.5% zirconium. The process for obtaining the same consists of subjecting the alloy in the molten state to fast solidification, shaping, a heat treatment at between 480.degree. and 530.degree. C., hardening with water and tempering at between 150.degree. and 200.degree. C. These parts are more particularly used as rods and piston pins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for sand molding composite articles formed of a light alloy metal and fibrous insert. A sand mold is formed containing a fibrous preform separated from the walls of the mold cavity. The mold is fed by means of a tube dipping into a liquid metallic bath therebelow. In the molding process, the pressure in the mold cavity and above the bath are reduced, and the pressure above the bath is increased to create a positive pressure differential .DELTA.P, thereby forcing molten metal from the bath into the mold cavity. The pressure in the mold cavity and above the bath are then increased to above atmospheric, and the pressure differential .DELTA.P is maintained until the metal in the mold cavity solidifies.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aluminum alloy for thin metal sheets suitable for the production of can lids and bodies, and to a process for manufacturing such metal sheets. The alloy contains, in percent by weight:from 0.8 to 1.8 manganesefrom 1 to 2 siliconfrom 0.7 to 3 magnesiumless than 0.7 ironless than 0.5 copperless than 0.5 chromium; andremainder aluminium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting the level of the line of contact between the mold and the free surface of the metal in the vertical continuous casting of products of any cross-section in an ingot-mold, which includes the step of applying to the solidifying metal, by means of an electric circuit surrounding the mold, a periodic magnetic field of variable intensity having a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the mold. According to the invention, the magnetic field applied to the mold is varied over a portion of the periphery of the metal. This can be done by modifying the distance between electric circuit creating the magnetic field and the mold, by changing the vertical positioning of the circuit, or by varying the shape of the profile of the circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to aluminum based alloys essentially containing Cu, Li and Mg, which have very high specific mechanical strength and can be used particularly to obtain heat treated articles of complex shapes. The analyses are as follows (as % by weight): Cu 2.4 to 3.5%, Li 1.9 to 2.7%; Mg from 0 to 0.8%; and up to: 0.20% Fe; 0.10% Si; 1% Mn; 0.30% Cr; 0.2% Zr; 0.1% Ti 0.02% Be preferably with the following limitation: 4.8.ltoreq.% Cu+% Li+% (Mg/2).ltoreq.6.0. In the treated state the alloys have very high specific mechanical strength (Vickers hardness/density>70), even in the absence of any plastic deformation between quench and temper, thus justifying their use inter alia for components of complex shapes such as cast or stamped parts.

Abstract: A connection between a circular cylindrical tube and a plate or sleeve includes a housing extending along an axis from an inlet opening in a surface of the plate or sleeve and a circular cylindrical tube having an end fittable in the housing. The housing includes a first cylindrical truncated cone extending to the inlet opening and having a vertex angle .beta. with respect to the axis of between 5.degree. and 20.degree., and a second oval truncated cone coaxial with the first cone and connected thereto. The second cone has generatrices forming an angle .alpha. of between 0.5.degree. and 5.degree. with respect to the axis.

Abstract: In a continuous vertical casting operation carried out in a mould 3, a coil 7 applies a periodic magnetic field of variable strength whose direction is substantially parallel to the axis of the mould 3 to the liquid 5 as it solidifies, in order to regulate the level of the line of contact of the free surface of the metal 5 with the mould 3. The height of the contact of the metal with the mould can be reduced from h.sub.1 to h.sub.2 by applying the magnetic field, and the strength of the field is adjusted in dependence on the desired level. The procedure is used in casting semifinished metallurgical products, in particular in aluminium and its alloys, in which there is a wish to obtain a cortical region of zero thickness, a fine grain without the preliminary addition of refining agents, and an absence of pitting.

Abstract: The invention concerns Al-base alloys with substantial proportions of Li and Si, containing, by weight:from 3.6 to 8% Lifrom 5 to 14% Sifrom 0 to 1% of each of the following optional elements: Fe, Co, Ni, Cr, Mn, Zr, V, Ti, Nb, Mo, O.sub.2, Sc, andfrom 0 to 2% of each of the optional elements Cu, Mg and/or Zn, the total amount of the optional elements being less than 5%, and the balance being Al and impurities, each impurity.ltoreq.0.05%, with total impurities.ltoreq.0.15%. The products are obtained by rapid solidification processes and contain from 15 to 60% by volume of phase T (Al, Si, Li), in the form of particles of from 0.01 to 10 .mu.m.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for casting in a pit, without risk of explosion, of aluminum and its alloys, particularly with lithium.It comprises placing an elastic shield (3) around the cast product in order to stop the cooling water and any liquid metal outpouring, the water and metal being collected by flowing over the shield, into inclined channels (5 to 14), where the water forms a film and the metal is stopped in portionwise manner by strips (19) located at appropriate distances within the channels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Al-base alloys essentially containing additions of Li, Mg and Cu and possibly minor additions of Cr, Zr, Ti and Mn, which have high specific mechanical characteristics, a low density and good resistance to corrosion.The alloys according to the invention contain (in % by weight): Li 1.8 to 3.5; Mg 1.4 to 6.0; Cu 0.2 to 1.6 with Mg/Cu.gtoreq.1.5; Cr up to 0.3; Mn up to 1; Zr up to 0.2; Ti up to 0.1 and/or Be up to 0.02, Fe up to 0.20; Si up to 0.12; Zn up to 0.35%.The homogenization and solution treatments must be taken to a sufficiently advanced stage to dissolve the quaternary intermetallic phases (Al, Li, Mg, Cu) which are larger than 5 .mu.m in size. Such alloys present a compromise between their mechanical characteristics and their density, which is higher than that of the knwn Al Cu Mg alloys, and alloys containing Li.

Abstract: A non-contacting, eddy current, measuring method for determining the thickness and temperature of a moving metal sheet as in a metal rolling operation. Two separate magnetic fields are generated by applying two voltages of differing frequencies to a primary winding on one side of the sheet to induce two voltages in an opposed secondary winding on the other side of the sheet. The generated voltages are used to determine the calibration constants required to calculate the thickness and temperature of the moving sheet.

Abstract: Castings made from aluminum and its alloys have at least one face including at least one region of wear-resistant zones. These castings are formed by a controlled distribution of zones hardened by local melting effect. The zones, no matter what their length and shape, have a width and depth between 3 and 150 .mu.m and the surface fraction or percentage of the zones for the wear-resistant region is between 5 and 60%.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for lubricated forward extrusion of metals and alloys with radial forward removal of an outer shell or sheath. The method according to the invention consists of forming a gap in the form of a plane or slightly truncated cone-shaped circular outer ring having a constant thickness (j) and span (h) and open to the atmosphere between the end of the container adjacent to its bore and the assembly of extrusion tools situated opposite thereto. To facilitate the formation and especially the extraction of the outer shell, the extrusion apparatus comprises several knives situated in the above described gap, having their cutting edge directed towards the axis of the container and dividing the outer shell into as many "petals" in the course of extrusion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mould for vertical casting of molten metal and including a means for regulating the level at which the inner surface of the mould contacts the free surface of the metal being cast. The mould is formed at least in its lower part of metal, and the means for regulating the level comprises an electrically insulating material intentionally coated onto the inner surface of the mould, an insert of electrically insulating material disposed along at least one generatrix of the mould, over the entire height and thickness of the mould, and two terminals for connection to a source of alternating current provided on the outer surface of the mould at its lower part, with one terminal provided on each side of the insert. The mould finds application in the casting of metallurgical semi-finished products, in particular of aluminum and aluminum alloys.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for regulating the level of the line of contact of the free surface of the metal with the mould in vertical casting. It comprises a mould formed by a material having a level of resistivity of higher than 5 .mu..omega..cm, surrounded by an annular coil in which at least one alternating electrical current flows. It finds application in the casting of metallurgical semi-manufactured products, in particular of aluminium and alloys thereof, such as for example lithium-bearing alloys, and in which there is a wish to have both a cortical zone of virtually zero thickness, a fine grain without the previous addition of refining agents, and an absence of pitting.

Abstract: A connector for scaffolding or similar structure permitting vertical poles to be connected to longitudinal transverse members or bars includes a star-shaped portion with a central bore having a plurality of arms which at their ends each carry a pyramid-conical opening into which engages a pyramid-conical or conical hook. A clip which is movable about a horizontal axis makes it possible to avoid accidental dismantling of the assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for casting a sacrificial anode having a tubular steel insert bonded over its length to a dissimilar metal by casting and solidifying molten dissimilar metal on the steel insert in a vertical ingot mold having a movable base. A cooling fluid is passed through a pipe means located internal to the insert, to the level of solidification of the molten dissimilar metal, and the cooling fluid is then applied to the internal surface of the insert at the level of solidification. The level of solidification is raised by the cooling fluid relative to the level without cooling by a height equal to between about 1/4 and 3/4 of the maximum height of molten metal in the mold. The bond strength between the steel insert and the dissimilar metal is improved by this method.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously brushing and lubricating rolls of rolling mills for rolled flat products without pollution of said products by the lubricant used; it can be used in hot or cold rolling, in particular for Al or alloys thereof.An enclosure of general parallelepipedic shape which is open on one face and whose opposite sides which are adjacent to the opening are delimited by a circular arc, the radius of which is substantially equal to that of the roll, is applied thereto by way of a continuous resilient peripheral seal. The enclosure which contains the rotary brushes is lubricated by oil circulation and is under a slight depression.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for producing products of Al-base alloys essentially containing Li, Mg and Cu as main alloy elements and having a high level of ductility and isotropy. The process comprises subjecting the homogenized product to a "tepid" transformation operation at from 100.degree. to 420.degree. C. The intermediate annealing operations, if required, are carried out in the range of from 200.degree. to 550.degree. C. The rate of cooling after the intermediate annealing operations is generally kept at from 1500.degree. C./second to 30.degree. C./hour. The isotropy and ductility of the resulting products are considerably improved in comparison with the prior art processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to acrylic telomers with grafts which can be cross linked by light, methods of synthesizing them and their applications. The telomers comprise a telogen of the mercaptan family, in particular dodecanethiol, and links of a taxogen of the acrylic family, some of which are grafted. The telomers are synthesized semi-continuously by radical initiation in the presence of initiators such as azobisisobutyronitrile, at a temperature below 75.degree. C., making it possible to obtain a number of links adapted to the desired applications. Grafting is carried out by means of glycidyl and aziridinyl groups.