Abstract: Molten metal of a first composition is fed into a mold cavity, via a first control apparatus, wherein the control apparatus is open, wherein the feeding comprises flowing out of a first feed chamber. The first control apparatus is closed. A second control apparatus is opened. Molten metal of a second composition is fed into the mold cavity, via the second control apparatus, wherein at least a portion of the metal of the first composition in the mold cavity is sufficiently molten so that an initial feed of molten metal of the second composition mixes with the molten metal of the first composition in the mold cavity, wherein the feeding comprises flowing out of a second feed chamber, wherein the second composition is different from the first composition.

Abstract: Molten metal of a first composition is fed into a mold cavity, via a first control apparatus, wherein the control apparatus is open, wherein the feeding includes at least flowing out of a first feed chamber. The first control apparatus is closed. A second control apparatus is opened. Molten metal of a second composition is fed into the mold cavity, via the second control apparatus, wherein at least a portion of the metal of the first composition in the mold cavity is sufficiently molten so that an initial feed of molten metal of the second composition mixes with the molten metal of the first composition in the mold cavity, wherein the feeding includes at least flowing out of a second feed chamber, wherein the second composition is different from the first composition.

Abstract: Molten metal of a first composition is fed into a mold cavity, via a first control apparatus, wherein the control apparatus is open, wherein the feeding comprises flowing out of a first feed chamber. The first control apparatus is closed. A second control apparatus is opened. Molten metal of a second composition is fed into the mold cavity, via the second control apparatus, wherein at least a portion of the metal of the first composition in the mold cavity is sufficiently molten so that an initial feed of molten metal of the second composition mixes with the molten metal of the first composition in the mold cavity, wherein the feeding comprises flowing out of a second feed chamber, wherein the second composition is different from the first composition.

Abstract: The shot sleeve of the invention is used in a die casting machine and defines a bore for containing molten metal to be injected into a die. At least one passageway disposed generally parallel to the bore for containing a first fluid having a fluid temperature and a fluid flow rate is provided, whereby substantially uniform temperatures can be maintained across the width of the shot sleeve by controlling the fluid temperature of the fluid flow rate or both the fluid temperature and the fluid flow rate. A die casting machine and an associated method are also disclosed.