Abstract: An apparatus (10) and a method for reducing inclusions, shrinkage blowholes, porosity and segregation in metal castings during the casting process, and for improving the grain structure, mechanical properties and yield of ingots and other castings. The apparatus (10) comprises: At least one electrode (14) for forming a moving electric arc (16) over the upper surface (18) of a metallic casting (12) being cast and a stand (20) for suspending the electric arc electrode (14) over the upper surface (18) of the metallic casting (12) during or after pouring and a second electrode (24) attachable to a metallic surface (26) of the mold (28) being used for casting, for completion of an electric circuit (30) including the electric arc (16) and electronic controls (32) connected between the apparatus (10) and a power supply (34).

Abstract: A method of depositing an anti-wear coating on a mechanical part by thermal spraying of the AC-HVAF type, said coating being made of a copper-based alloy containing 30% to 42% by weight of nickel and 4% to 6% by weight of indium.

Abstract: A main electrode (2, 20, 30, 44, 127) for plasma arc generator, a generator (50, 70, 80, 126) comprising same and a process for treatment of solidifying liquid metal by the mentioned generator, wherein the main electrode in association with a counter electrode (15, 28, 42, 54, 73, 86, 122) provides a two-rail structure capable of generating a plasma arc discharge displaceable along a closed path uninterruptedly. The uninterrupted movement of the arc discharge is achieved by a specific design of the main electrode. The electrode comprises an essentially tubular body having a first rim (3, 24, 33, 89) usually connected to a d.c. power source via at least one connector site (12), and a second, working rim (4, 27, 34, 46, 63, 78, 90) serving for the electric arc discharge. The tubular body is divided by at least one slot (gap) (6, 22, 32, 49, 52, 88) associated with one connector site and extending between the first and second rims so that it forms at the second rim region a second rim gap.