Abstract: A continuous casting nozzle for controllably casting an elongated ribbon has a discharge slot extending completely across an exterior surface of the nozzle in fluid communication with an internally disposed through flow passage. Refractory insert material compatible with the nozzle material, such as refractory cement, is filled into the longitudinal ends of the discharge slot to define the width of a centrally disposed discharge slot for the nozzle. The continuous groove with insert material allows for economy and flexibility in the nozzle manufacturing process and results in a nozzle having an adjustable discharge slot width less susceptible to stress cracks.

Abstract: A continuous casting nozzle for controllably casting an elongated ribbon has a discharge slot extending completely across an exterior surface of the nozzle in fluid communication with an internally disposed through flow passage. Refractory insert material compatible with the nozzle material, such as refractory cement, is filled into the longitudinal ends of the discharge slot to define the width of a centrally disposed discharge slot for the nozzle. The continuous groove with insert material allows for economy and flexibility in the nozzle manufacturing process and results in a nozzle having an adjustable discharge slot width less susceptible to stress cracks.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for taking up and winding a strip of material which is advancing at a selected velocity from a moving casting surface. Generally stated, the apparatus includes a take-up web supply mechanism for supplying a flexible, take-up web, and a winding mechanism, which has a reel for taking up and concentrically winding the strip and take-up web thereon in a laminated configuration. A connection mechanism connects the take-up web to the reel, and a reel drive mechanism rotates the reel to provide a peripheral velocity at a winding surface on the reel that substantially matches the velocity of the advancing strip. A directing mechanism directs the advancing strip onto the take-up web for transport to a winder nip region between the take-up web and the winding surface of the reel means to initiate winding.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting metal strip includes a nozzle having an orifice for depositing a stream of molten metal onto a casting region of a moving chill surface. A conditioning shoe is located generally upstream from the nozzle in a direction opposite to the direction of chill surface movement to delimit a conditioning chamber. The conditioning chamber communicates directly with the nozzle orifice and borders at least three sidelines of the chill surface casting portion. A shield for minimizing an intrusion of ambient atmosphere into the conditioning chamber and for deflecting an entrained gas boundary layer carried along by the chill surface is cooperatively connected to the conditioning shoe. Gas control provides a selected, low density atmosphere, such as a partial vacuum, within the conditioning chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for taking up and winding a strip of material which is advancing at a selected velocity from a moving casting surface. Generally stated, the apparatus includes a take-up web supply mechanism for supplying a flexible, take-up web, and a winding mechanism, which has a reel for taking up and concentrically winding the strip and take-up web thereon in a laminated configuration. A connection mechanism connects the take-up web to the reel, and a reel drive mechanism rotates the reel to provide a peripheral velocity at a winding surface on the reel that substantially matches the velocity of the advancing strip. A directing mechanism directs the advancing strip onto the take-up web for transport to a winder nip region between the take-up web and the winding surface of the reel means to initiate winding.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for planar flow casting of metal ribbon. The apparatus comprises a movable chill surface, a reservoir for holding molten metal and a slotted nozzle whose lips are located close to the chill surface. In operation, molten metal is forced through the nozzle onto the chill surface to form a melt puddle. Rapid cooling of the molten metal results in the formation of a continuous ribbon. The nozzles of this invention provide a planar bottom surface which includes the leading edge of the first lip and the side edges at the bottom of the lips and which is as close or closer to the chill surface than is any other point on the lips. The nozzle reduces air flow around the melt puddle and thereby improves ribbon uniformity.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for planar flow casting of metal ribbon. The apparatus comprises a movable chill surface, a reservoir for holding molten metal and a slotted nozzle whose lips are located close to the chill surface. In operation, molten metal is forced through the nozzle onto the chill surface to form a melt puddle. Rapid cooling of the molten metal results in the formation of a continuous ribbon. Ribbon contour is controlled through the use of nozzle designs that provide reproducible configuration of the melt puddle and reduce turbulent air flow over the molten metal surface.