Abstract: Methods and systems for sorting mixed metal scrap may first determine a sorting attribute of each article of metal scrap, and subsequently mark each article with a machine-readable or visually identifiable mark according to the sorting attribute. The articles of mixed metal scrap can be sorted along a high throughput conveyance using a series of sensors to scan the articles for the machine-readable marks, and rapidly sorting marked articles to appropriate sorting destinations based on detecting the machine-readable marks, and without requiring repeat identification by metal analyzers at the sorting step.

Abstract: A method of texturizing a casting mold of a continuous belt casting system includes providing at least one endless belt having an elongated belt surface. The elongated belt surface includes at least a first region and at least a second region adjacent to the first region across a width of the elongated belt surface, and the elongated belt surface is configured to at least partially define a casting cavity of the continuous belt casting system. The method includes texturizing the elongated belt surface by applying a predetermined texture to the first region.

Abstract: A method of rolling a metal substrate 104 with a rolling mill 100 includes receiving a historical parameter from a previous rolling operation and receiving substrate information about the metal substrate 104 to be rolled before rolling the metal substrate 104. The method also includes, before rolling the metal substrate 104, predicting a start parameter for the rolling mill 100 based on the historical parameter and the substrate information. The method may include rolling the metal substrate 104 with the rolling mill 100 by controlling the rolling mill based on the predicted start parameter at least during a start of the rolling of the metal substrate 104. A rolling mill 100 for a metal substrate 104 may include at least one work stand 102A, 102B and a controller 116 for predicting a start parameter for the rolling mill 100 based on the historical parameter and the substrate information before rolling of the metal substrate 104.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel, high-forming multi-layer aluminum alloy packages that include a core layer and one or more cladding layers. The alloy packages have excellent bake-hardening properties and are highly recyclable. The packages also display exceptional bendability and elongation properties. Also provided herein are novel aluminum alloy compositions for use as cladding layers. The compositions contain up to 0.6 wt. % Fe and one or more of Mn, Ni, Ti, Co, Nb, Cr, V, Zr, Hf and Ta.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for an event detection system that captures data associated with events while a DC casting system forms an ingot, determines characteristics of the events, and improves the casting system based on the events. Example systems and methods may include initiating a casting operation using one or more pieces of equipment of a casting system including a casting apparatus; capturing sensor data associated with one or more acoustic signals captured relative to the one or more pieces of equipment performing the casting operation; comparing the sensor data with a set of acoustic profiles; determining whether a particular type of event has occurred; causing an adjustment to the casting system or to the casting operation based on whether the particular type of event has occurred; and initiating a second casting operation using the adjusted casting system or casting operation.

Abstract: A continuous casting and rolling line for casting, rolling, and otherwise preparing metal strip can produce distributable metal strip without requiring cold rolling or the use of a solution heat treatment line. A metal strip can be continuously cast from a continuous casting device and coiled into a metal coil, optionally after being subjected to post-casting quenching. This intermediate coil can be stored until ready for hot rolling. The as-cast metal strip can undergo reheating prior to hot rolling, either during coil storage or immediately prior to hot rolling. The heated metal strip can be cooled to a rolling temperature and hot rolled through one or more roll stands. The rolled metal strip can optionally be reheated and quenched prior to coiling for delivery. This final coiled metal strip can be of the desired gauge and have the desired physical characteristics for distribution to a manufacturing facility.

Abstract: Provided herein are new aluminum alloy products and methods of making these alloys. The aluminum alloy products are age-hardenable, display high strength and formability, and allow for the use of recycled scrap. The aluminum alloys can serve as the core in a clad aluminum alloy product. The alloy products can be used in a variety of applications, including automotive, transportation, and electronics applications.

Abstract: A cooling system includes a sensor and a cooling conveyor. The sensor measures a dust characteristic of dust discharged from a dust cyclone of a decoating system. The cooling conveyor receives the dust from the dust cyclone and cools the dust at a cooling rate, and the cooling rate may be controlled based on the measured dust characteristic. A method of cooling dust from a dust cyclone of a decoating system with a cooling system includes measuring a dust characteristic of the dust discharged from the dust cyclone and into a cooling conveyor of the cooling system. The method also includes advancing the dust along the cooling conveyor and cooling the dust at a cooling rate based on the measured dust characteristic.

Abstract: Systems and methods directed to rolling mill coilers are disclosed. Systems and methods are disclosed for a control scheme to maintain a constant force between a roll and a coil's surface. Example systems and methods may include forming a portion of a coil, capturing a first coil data corresponding to force of the coil while the strip of metal is being rolled into the coil, capturing second coil data corresponding to position of the coil while the strip of metal is being rolled into the coil, determining a signal that corresponds to a roll force of the roll and a position of the protrusion, and transmitting the signal to a hydraulic cylinder coupled to the roll, the hydraulic cylinder causing the roll to exert the roll force counter to the radial force of the coil.

Abstract: A method of processing a metal substrate may include receiving the metal substrate and additively depositing metal particles on the metal substrate by cold spraying the metal particles to generate a cold spray coating adhered to the metal substrate. The method optionally may include rolling the metal substrate after depositing the metal particles to form the cold spray coating or before depositing the metal particles to form the cold spray coating. The method optionally may include heating the metal substrate before cold spraying. A metal processing system may include a cold spray system for additively deposing the metal particles on the metal substrate, and at least one piece of equipment for further processing the metal substrate.

Abstract: A metal casting system includes a master conveyor, a slave conveyor, a cutting device, and a control system. The master conveyor includes a first belt and a first motor, and the slave conveyor is separated from the master conveyor and includes a second belt and a second motor. The cutting device is between the master conveyor and the slave conveyor and selectively cuts a metal product that is conveyed by the master conveyor and the slave conveyor. The control system includes a sensor that detects ends of sections of the metal product as the sections of the metal product move in a downstream direction. The control system also includes a controller communicatively coupled with the sensor. The controller selectively controls at least one of the first motor or the second motor based on the detected ends from the sensor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sorting mixed metal scrap may first determine a sorting attribute of each article of metal scrap, and subsequently mark each article with a machine-readable or visually identifiable mark according to the sorting attribute. The articles of mixed metal scrap can be sorted along a high throughput conveyance using a series of sensors to scan the articles for the machine-readable marks, and rapidly sorting marked articles to appropriate sorting destinations based on detecting the machine-readable marks, and without requiring repeat identification by metal analyzers at the sorting step.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cooling system (104) and method for a metal processing system (100). The cooling system (104) includes a cooling header (114), an exhaust system (118), a temperature sensor (128), and a controller (130). The cooling header (114) selectively dispenses a coolant onto a metal substrate (110), and the exhaust system (118) removes heated coolant from the metal substrate (110). The temperature sensor (128) is downstream from the cooling header (114) and detects a temperature profile of the metal substrate (110) across a width of the metal substrate. The controller (130) is communicatively coupled to the cooling header (114) and the temperature sensor (128), and the controller (130) controls the cooling header (114) based at least on a detected temperature profile.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for an event detection system that captures data associated with events while a DC casting system forms an ingot, determines characteristics of the events, and improves the casting system based on the events. Example systems and methods may include initiating a casting operation using one or more pieces of equipment of a casting system including a casting apparatus; capturing sensor data associated with one or more acoustic signals captured relative to the one or more pieces of equipment performing the casting operation; comparing the sensor data with a set of acoustic profiles; determining whether a particular type of event has occurred; causing an adjustment to the casting system or to the casting operation based on whether the particular type of event has occurred; and initiating a second casting operation using the adjusted casting system or casting operation.

Abstract: Described herein is a continuous heat treatment process for metals, where a strip of a metal, e.g., a heat treatable alloy, is solutionized, rapidly cooled, thermally spiked at elevated temperature, and coiled. The continuous heat treatment process does not involve or need batch aging treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for making a metal product, comprising—a lubrication source (225) for applying a first lubricant (235) on a punch side of a sheet metal blank (205);—a controllable current source (250) for applying different amounts of current; and—a punch (215) and a die (220) for drawing the sheet metal blank (205) into a metal product, wherein the controllable current source (250) is electrically coupled to one or more of the punch (215), the die (220), or a contact point for applying current through the first lubricant (235) while the sheet metal blank (205) is drawn by the punch (215) and the die (220) into the metal product and while the metal product is being ejected from the punch (215). The application further relates to a method for making a metal product with a such system.

Abstract: A cooling pad for a belt casting system includes a first nozzle arrangement and a second nozzle arrangement. In some embodiments, the first nozzle arrangement includes an elongated nozzle assembly that includes a base defining a receiving area, a first insert positionable within the receiving area, and a second insert positionable within the receiving area. The first insert and the base together define a first elongated dispensing slot. The second insert is adjustable relative to the first insert, and the second insert and the base together define a second elongated dispensing slot. In various embodiments, the second nozzle arrangement includes a plurality of multi-position nozzles, each movable between a base position and an offset position such that the heat transfer rate may be locally controlled across the cooling cavity.

Abstract: Methods and metal products are described for simultaneously performing a solution heat treatment operation or continuous annealing operation and surface treatment operation using super-heated steam to produce a processed metal product. An elongated metal substrate can be subjected to a solution heat treatment operation or a continuous annealing operation. Additionally, the elongated metal substrate can be subjected to a surface treatment operation. The solution heat treatment operation or continuous annealing operation and the surface treatment operation can be performed simultaneously using super-heated steam to produce the processed metal product.

Abstract: A self-piercing riveting system includes a localized melting system that locally melts a target location on a metal substrate and a driver that drives a rivet into to the metal substrate after the target location is locally melted. A method of forming a joint with a self-piercing riveting system includes locally melting a target location on the at least two metal substrates. The method also includes driving a rivet into the target location, optionally with a driver, after locally melting the target location such that the rivet pierces the at least two metal substrates at the target location.

Abstract: Systems and methods may utilize magnetic rotors to heat molten metal in the corner regions of a mold during casting (e.g., casting of an ingot, billet, or slab). The magnetic rotors are positioned adjacent to the corners of the mold and heat the molten metal in the corner region to increase the temperature of the molten metal adjacent the corners. The increased temperature of the molten metal in the mold corners can prevent intermetallics from forming in the molten metal or otherwise reduce such formation.