Abstract: A process for preparing molten metals for casting at a low to zero superheat temperature involves the steps of placing a heat extracting probe into the melt and at the same time vigorous convection is applied to assure nearly uniform cooling of the melt. Then, the heat extraction probe is rapidly removed when a low or zero superheat temperature is reached. Finally, the rapidly cooled melt is quickly transferred to a mold for casting into parts or a shot sleeve for injection into a die cavity. The process may be carried out so as that small amounts of solid form in part of the melt. In this case, a key aspect of the invention is to carry out the process rapidly in order to maintain the particles in a fine, dispersed state that will not impede flow and will improve the quality of the metal parts produced. Cost of the metal parts produced is lowered due to longer die life and shorter cycle time.

Abstract: A process for preparing molten metals for casting at a low to zero superheat temperature involves the steps of placing a heat extracting probe into the melt and at the same time vigorous convection is applied to assure nearly uniform cooling of the melt. Then, the heat extraction probe is rapidly removed when a low or zero superheat temperature is reached. Finally, the rapidly cooled melt is quickly transferred to a mold for casting into parts or a shot sleeve for injection into a die cavity. The process may be carried out so as that small amounts of solid form in part of the melt. In this case, a key aspect of the invention is to carry out the process rapidly in order to maintain the particles in a fine, dispersed state that will not impede flow and will improve the quality of the metal parts produced. Cost of the metal parts produced is lowered due to longer die life and shorter cycle time.

Abstract: A method of forming a metal part includes heating a metal alloy composition to form a liquid that is substantially free of metal solids. The liquid is cooled to form a semi-solid metal alloy slurry having a low weight percentage of substantially non-dendritic solids. The semi-solid metal alloy slurry is transferred to a mold at a low pressure and is cooled to cast a substantially solid part.