Abstract: A method is disclosed for the welding of two or more glassy metallic ribbons into a monolithic or composite glassy metallic body. The method includes the step of drawing the ribbons in converging fashion through a nip between two high speed rotating rollers. A heat source is generated with a series of laser beams focused at spaced intervals along the nip between the converging and contacting ribbon surfaces prior to compressing the ribbons together. The welded body is internally cooled at a rate sufficient to retain the ribbons and the weld zone therebetween in a glassy metallic state following welding. The parameters of temperature, ribbon speed, exposure time, laser beam power and ribbon thickness for the process are disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, full width welding in a narrow rectangular area adjacent the line of convergence is generated to provide a monolithic body; whereas, in an alternative embodiment strip/spot welding is provided between the ribbons.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus and related method for a continuous casting apparatus includes a series of spray nozzles for spraying a coolant against one surface of a moving chill substrate. The invention apparatus includes an enclosure having vacuum applied thereto for preventing migration of the sprayed coolant from the surface against which it is sprayed to the surface contacting the molten solidifying material. Any coolant having a tendency to escape along sealed edges of the enclosure is forced back into the enclosure by the pressure gradient. The edges are sealed by elongated plastic rods. Additionally, scrapers are provided for removing remanent coolant from the sprayed surface. The coolant is sprayed at a high velocity to increase its heat transferring efficiency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a cast metal ribbon with a slit along the ribbon length includes the step of or a means for generating a controlled disturbance of the cast ribbon along a defined and localized width. The disturbance may be generated by a highly defined, needle-sized stream of gaseous media into the ribbon prior to complete solidification, or alternatively, a needle-like ceramic stylus. The dynamic pressure of the gaseous media or depth of stylus may be adjusted to completely penetrate the ribbon, severing the ribbon into multiple ribbons in a single casting; or alternatively, to only partially penetrate the ribbon, forming a score line of weakening and producing multiple ribbons readily detachable from each other along adjoining edges.