Abstract: A method for reducing target surface features in continuously cast articles is described. The method can remove a target surface feature, such as a compositional variation or casting defect, from the continuously cast article by removing, before cold rolling, material from the continuously cast article surface.

Abstract: A pre-lubricated stock sheet and a method and system for making the same are described. The pre-lubricated stock is generally in a coil wound form. The stock sheet can have opposing first and second sheet surfaces joined together by opposing side edges and opposing ends. Typically, the first and second sheet surfaces are substantially smooth and planar, wherein the sheet has 3 mg/foot2/side to about 200 mg/foot2/side of a solid lubricant having a melting temperature from about 80 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, the opposing side edges usually are substantially free of the solid lubricant. In some configurations, the stock sheet is an aluminum stock sheet, more particularly an aluminum can stock sheet. Furthermore, the lubricant can be in some configurations a food grade lubricant, that is qualifies a low volatile organic compound under one or more of municipal, state and federal governing authorities.

Abstract: A method for reducing target surface features in continuously cast articles is described. The method can remove a target surface feature, such as a compositional variation or casting defect, from the continuously cast article by removing, before cold rolling, material from the continuously cast article surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for continuously casting aluminum alloys and improved aluminum alloy compositions. The process includes the steps of continuously annealing the cold rolled strip in an intermediate anneal using an induction heater and/or continuously annealing the hot rolled strip in an induction heater. The alloy composition has mechanical properties that can be varied selectively by varying the time and temperature of a stabilizing anneal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for continuously casting aluminum alloys and improved aluminum alloy compositions. The process includes the steps of continuously annealing the cold rolled strip in an intermediate anneal using an induction heater and/or continuously annealing the hot rolled strip in an induction heater. The alloy composition has mechanical properties that can be varied selectively by varying the time and temperature of a stabilizing anneal.

Abstract: A brush dislodges unwanted matter from a moving mold in a continuous caster. An enclosure contains the dislodged matter and a vacuum collects the dislodged matter. A high pressure fluid removes any left over unwanted matter from the moving mold.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for continuously casting aluminum alloys and improved aluminum alloy compositions. The process includes the steps of (a) heating the cast strip before, during or after hot rolling to a temperature in excess of the output temperature of the cast strip from the chill blocks and (b) stabilization or back annealing in an induction heater of cold rolled strip produced from the cast strip. The alloy composition has a relatively low magnesium content yet possesses superior strength properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for continuously casting aluminum alloys and improved aluminum alloy compositions. The process includes the step of heating the cast strip before, during or after hot rolling to a temperature in excess of the output temperature of the cast strip from the chill blocks. The alloy composition has a relatively low magnesium content yet possesses superior strength properties.

Abstract: A block assembly is secured to a support beam and the block assembly is adjusted relative to the support beam. The block assembly is secured to the support beam by actuating at least some of a plurality of discrete fixing devices by application of a force to single point. The block assembly can be adjusted relative to the support beam in the z-direction, the x-direction and/or the y-direction.

Abstract: The continuous block caster includes a block assembly, a support beam and an apparatus for securing the block assembly to the support beam. The securing apparatus includes a plurality of discrete fixing devices actuated simultaneously by applying a force to a single point.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for continuously casting aluminum alloys and improved aluminum alloy compositions. The process includes the steps of continuously annealing the cold rolled strip in an intermediate anneal using an induction heater and/or continuously annealing the hot rolled strip in an induction heater. The alloy composition has mechanical properties that can be varied selectively by varying the time and temperature of a stabilizing anneal.

Abstract: A roll support for use in transporting a support beam along a track having two opposed surfaces. Such roll support is particularly useful for transporting a support beam in a continuous block caster for casting metal. The invention can include mechanisms for adjusting the support beam on the roll support, devices for driving the support beam along the track and apparatus for meshing the roll support with the devices for driving.

Abstract: The physical position of a block assembly on a support beam in a continuous block caster is adjusted and maintained. In particular, the apparatus includes at least one device for adjusting and maintaining the physical position of the blocks in a beam chain.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy sheet and a method for producing an aluminum alloy sheet. The aluminum alloy sheet is useful for forming into drawn and ironed container bodies. The sheet preferably has an after-bake yield strength of at least about 37 ksi and an elongation of at least about 2 percent. Preferably the sheet also has earing of less than about 2 percent.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy sheet and a method for producing an aluminum alloy sheet. The aluminum alloy sheet is useful for forming into drawn and ironed container bodies. The sheet preferably has an after-bake yield strength of at least about 37 ksi and an elongation of at least about 2 percent. Preferably the sheet also has earing of less than about 2 percent.

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: An aluminum alloy that can be fabricated into aluminum sheet having novel properties is provided. The strip stock is suitable for the fabrication of both container ends and container bodies in thinner gauges than are typically presently employed, has low earing characteristics and may be derived from recycled aluminum scrap. The alloy preferably has a magnesium concentration of from about 2 to about 2.8 weight percent and a manganese concentration of from about 0.9 to about 1.6 weight percent. The process preferably includes continuous chill block casting the alloy melt into a strip, hot rolling the strip to a first thickness, annealing the hot rolled strip and then cold rolling the annealed strip to a final thickness. Cold rolling preferably includes two stages with an intermediate anneal step between the two stages. The process increases tensile and yield strength while decreasing earing percentage, even in very thin gauges, such as 0.010 inches.

Abstract: A process for the production of strip stock from an alloy is provided. The strip stock produced from the alloy is suitable for the fabrication of both container ends and container bodies in thinner gauges than are typically employed, has low earing characteristics and may be derived from recycled aluminum scrap. The alloy preferably has a magnesium concentration of from about 2 to about 2.8 weight percent and a manganese concentration of from about 0.9 to about 1.6 weight percent. The process preferably includes continuous chill block casing the alloy melt into a strip, hot rolling the strip to a first thickness, annealing the hot rolled strip and then cold rolling the annealed strip to a final thickness. Cold rolling preferably includes two stages, with an intermediate anneal step between the two stages. The process increases tensile and yield strength while decreasing earing texture, even in very thin gauges, such as 0.010 inches.

Abstract: An aluminum sheet having novel properties is provided. The strip stock is suitable for the fabrication of both container ends and container bodies in thinner gauges than are typically employed, has low earing characteristics and may be derived from recycled aluminum scrap. An alloy particularly suited to the fabrication of the aluminum sheet preferably has a magnesium concentration of from about 2 to about 2.8 weight percent and a manganese concentration of from about 0.9 to about 1.6 weight percent. A process particularly suited to the fabrication of the aluminum sheet preferably includes continuous chill block casting the alloy melt into a strip, hot rolling the strip to a first thickness, annealing the hot rolled strip and then cold rolling the annealed strip to a final thickness. Cold rolling preferably includes two stages with an intermediate anneal step between the two stages. The process increases tensile and yield strength while decreasing earing percentage, even in very thin gauges, such as 0.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing aluminum-containing strip stock which is suitable for drawing and ironing and has reduced earing. A continuously-cast, aluminum-containing strip is introduced into a hot-mill operation to provide a thickness reduction of at least 70 percent with the exit temperature of the strip being minimized. The strip is allowed to crystallize to form grain having an annealed texture. This strip is then subjected to cold rolling to reduce the thickness at least 30 percent. The cold-rolled strip is annealed at an intermediate annealing temperature. The annealed strip is then subjected to further cold rolling sufficient to optimize the balance between the 45.degree. earing and yield strength.