Abstract: An apparatus for continuous or semi-continuous low pressure casting of metal, in particular directly-cooled (DC) casting of extended objects such as a rods, bars or billets of aluminium. The apparatus includes a frame construction with at least one chill or mould having a mould cavity that is provided with an upwardly open inlet and an outlet with cooling means. The inlet of the mould is connected to a distribution chamber receiving liquid metal from a metal store such as a holding furnace via a metal supply channel or launder. A flexible launder section is provided between the launder and the metal distribution chamber whereby the frame construction with the moulds and distribution chamber can be raised and lowered to enable complete filling of metal to the moulds. Subsequently it is possible to control the metal level in each respective mould cavity in relation to the metal level in the launder and thereby controlling the low pressure casting.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous or semi-continuous low pressure casting of metal, in particular directly-cooled (DC) casting of extended objects such as a rods, bars or billets of aluminium. The apparatus includes a frame construction with at least one chill or mould having a mould cavity that is provided with an upwardly open inlet and an outlet with cooling means. The inlet of the mould is connected to a distribution chamber receiving liquid metal from a metal store such as a holding furnace via a metal supply channel or launder. A flexible launder section is provided between the launder and the metal distribution chamber whereby the frame construction with the moulds and distribution chamber can be raised and lowered to enable complete filling of metal to the moulds. Subsequently it is possible to control the metal level in each respective mould cavity in relation to the metal level in the launder and thereby controlling the low pressure casting.

Abstract: Equipment for the semi-continuous direct chill (DC) casting of sheet ingot or slabs of different dimensions, in particular for rolling purposes. The equipment includes a mold frame (2) with a pair of facing long side walls (3) and a pair of facing short end walls (4) where the walls define an upwardly open inlet for the supply of metal and a downwardly facing outlet. The outlet is provided with a starter block (6) on a movable support, which prior to each casting, closes the opening. The equipment includes a device for changing the mold dimensions where at least one end wall can be displaced to enable casting of different size ingots. The equipment further includes an arrangement for indirect and direct cooling of the metal during casting. The starter block is provided with short end walls (11) and long side walls (9). At least one short end wall is movable relative to the mold.