Abstract: A method of texturizing a casting mold of a continuous belt casting system includes providing at least one endless belt having an elongated belt surface. The elongated belt surface includes at least a first region and at least a second region adjacent to the first region across a width of the elongated belt surface, and the elongated belt surface is configured to at least partially define a casting cavity of the continuous belt casting system. The method includes texturizing the elongated belt surface by applying a predetermined texture to the first region.

Abstract: A continuous casting and rolling line for casting, rolling, and otherwise preparing metal strip can produce distributable metal strip without requiring cold rolling or the use of a solution heat treatment line. A metal strip can be continuously cast from a continuous casting device and coiled into a metal coil, optionally after being subjected to post-casting quenching. This intermediate coil can be stored until ready for hot rolling. The as-cast metal strip can undergo reheating prior to hot rolling, either during coil storage or immediately prior to hot rolling. The heated metal strip can be cooled to a rolling temperature and hot rolled through one or more roll stands. The rolled metal strip can optionally be reheated and quenched prior to coiling for delivery. This final coiled metal strip can be of the desired gauge and have the desired physical characteristics for distribution to a manufacturing facility.

Abstract: A cooling pad for a belt casting system includes a first nozzle arrangement and a second nozzle arrangement. In some embodiments, the first nozzle arrangement includes an elongated nozzle assembly that includes a base defining a receiving area, a first insert positionable within the receiving area, and a second insert positionable within the receiving area. The first insert and the base together define a first elongated dispensing slot. The second insert is adjustable relative to the first insert, and the second insert and the base together define a second elongated dispensing slot. In various embodiments, the second nozzle arrangement includes a plurality of multi-position nozzles, each movable between a base position and an offset position such that the heat transfer rate may be locally controlled across the cooling cavity.

Abstract: A cooling pad for a belt casting system includes a first nozzle arrangement and a second nozzle arrangement. In some embodiments, the first nozzle arrangement includes an elongated nozzle assembly that includes a base defining a receiving area, a first insert positionable within the receiving area, and a second insert positionable within the receiving area. The first insert and the base together define a first elongated dispensing slot. The second insert is adjustable relative to the first insert, and the second insert and the base together define a second elongated dispensing slot. In various embodiments, the second nozzle arrangement includes a plurality of multi-position nozzles, each movable between a base position and an offset position such that the heat transfer rate may be locally controlled across the cooling cavity.

Abstract: Provided herein are continuously cast aluminum alloy products exhibiting uniform surface characteristics. The aluminum alloy products have a first surface comprising a width, wherein the first surface comprises an average of 50 exudates or less per square centimeter across the width of the first surface. Also provided herein are methods of making aluminum alloy products having improved surface characteristics. Further provided are methods and systems for manufacturing aluminum alloy products, such as sheets, having reduced surface defects.

Abstract: Described are nosetips for continuous casting of a metal alloy. The nosetip may include a first portion having a first surface parallel to a second surface opposite the first surface. The nosetip may include a second portion having a third surface directed toward an extended first surface. The extended first surface may be in a common plane with the first surface. The nosetip may include a third portion having an arcuate surface connecting the third surface to the extended first surface. The arcuate surface may include a point of curvature at a vertical distance from the extended first surface. The vertical distance may be configured to limit a maximum meniscus height for liquid metal, cast using the nosetip, between the nosetip and a continuous casting surface. Also described are methods of continuous casting a metal alloy at a casting speed of greater than 12 m/min.

Abstract: Provided herein are continuously cast aluminum alloy products exhibiting uniform surface characteristics. The aluminum alloy products have a first surface comprising a width, wherein the first surface comprises an average of 50 exudates or less per square centimeter across the width of the first surface. Also provided herein are methods of making aluminum alloy products having improved surface characteristics. Further provided are methods and systems for manufacturing aluminum alloy products, such as sheets, having reduced surface defects.

Abstract: A cooling pad for a belt casting system includes a first nozzle arrangement and a second nozzle arrangement. In some embodiments, the first nozzle arrangement includes an elongated nozzle assembly that includes a base defining a receiving area, a first insert positionable within the receiving area, and a second insert positionable within the receiving area. The first insert and the base together define a first elongated dispensing slot. The second insert is adjustable relative to the first insert, and the second insert and the base together define a second elongated dispensing slot. In various embodiments, the second nozzle arrangement includes a plurality of multi-position nozzles, each movable between a base position and an offset position such that the heat transfer rate may be locally controlled across the cooling cavity.

Abstract: Described are processes for continuously casting aluminum alloys, wherein the alloys comprise or are modified to comprise Mg. The processes involve adding Ca to the molten aluminum alloy prior to casting in order to decrease surface defects and exudates in the cast aluminum alloys.

Abstract: Provided herein are ultra-high strength aluminum alloys and products prepared therefrom, along with methods of processing the ultra-high strength aluminum alloys. The aluminum alloys described herein are high solute alloys, including significant amounts of zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), and other elements in addition to aluminum. The aluminum alloys described herein are amenable to post-aging processing without cracking.

Abstract: A continuous casting and rolling line for casting, rolling, and otherwise preparing metal strip can produce distributable metal strip without requiring cold rolling or the use of a solution heat treatment line. A metal strip can be continuously cast from a continuous casting device and coiled into a metal coil, optionally after being subjected to post-casting quenching. This intermediate coil can be stored until ready for hot rolling. The as-cast metal strip can undergo reheating prior to hot rolling, either during coil storage or immediately prior to hot rolling. The heated metal strip can be cooled to a rolling temperature and hot rolled through one or more roll stands. The rolled metal strip can optionally be reheated and quenched prior to coiling for delivery. This final coiled metal strip can be of the desired gauge and have the desired physical characteristics for distribution to a manufacturing facility.

Abstract: A continuous casting and rolling line for casting, rolling, and otherwise preparing metal strip can produce distributable metal strip without requiring cold rolling or the use of a solution heat treatment line. A metal strip can be continuously cast from a continuous casting device and coiled into a metal coil, optionally after being subjected to post-casting quenching. This intermediate coil can be stored until ready for hot rolling. The as-cast metal strip can undergo reheating prior to hot rolling, either during coil storage or immediately prior to hot rolling. The heated metal strip can be cooled to a rolling temperature and hot rolled through one or more roll stands. The rolled metal strip can optionally be reheated and quenched prior to coiling for delivery. This final coiled metal strip can be of the desired gauge and have the desired physical characteristics for distribution to a manufacturing facility.

Abstract: Provided herein are high performance aluminum alloy products having desirable mechanical properties and methods of making the same. The high performance aluminum alloy products described herein contain a high content of recycled material and are prepared by casting an aluminum alloy to form a cast aluminum alloy product and processing the cast aluminum alloy product. The method of processing the cast aluminum alloy product can include two hot rolling steps.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for casting high-strength and highly formable metal products from recycled metal scrap without the addition of substantial or any amounts of primary aluminum. Additional alloying elements, such as magnesium, can be added to metal scrap, which can be cast and processed to produce a desirable metal coil at final gauge having desirable metallurgical and mechanical properties, such as high strength and formability. Thus, inexpensive and recycled metal scrap can be efficiently repurposed for new applications, such as automotive applications and beverage can stock.

Abstract: A continuous casting and rolling line for casting, rolling, and otherwise preparing metal strip can produce distributable metal strip without requiring cold rolling or the use of a solution heat treatment line. A metal strip can be continuously cast from a continuous casting device and coiled into a metal coil, optionally after being subjected to post-casting quenching. This intermediate coil can be stored until ready for hot rolling. The as-cast metal strip can undergo reheating prior to hot rolling, either during coil storage or immediately prior to hot rolling. The heated metal strip can be cooled to a rolling temperature and hot rolled through one or more roll stands. The rolled metal strip can optionally be reheated and quenched prior to coiling for delivery. This final coiled metal strip can be of the desired gauge and have the desired physical characteristics for distribution to a manufacturing facility.

Abstract: A continuous casting and rolling line for casting, rolling, and otherwise preparing metal strip can produce distributable metal strip without requiring cold rolling or the use of a solution heat treatment line. A metal strip can be continuously cast from a continuous casting device and coiled into a metal coil, optionally after being subjected to post-casting quenching. This intermediate coil can be stored until ready for hot rolling. The as-cast metal strip can undergo reheating prior to hot rolling, either during coil storage or immediately prior to hot rolling. The heated metal strip can be cooled to a rolling temperature and hot rolled through one or more roll stands. The rolled metal strip can optionally be reheated and quenched prior to coiling for delivery. This final coiled metal strip can be of the desired gauge and have the desired physical characteristics for distribution to a manufacturing facility.

Abstract: A continuous casting device having multi-stage convergence control is disclosed. Cooling surfaces of the continuous casting device can be articulated in stages, providing individual convergence control to longitudinally spaced-apart regions of the casting cavity. In a proximal region, during which the molten metal exhibits solidification shrinkage, a first convergence profile can be used to optimally account for the solidification shrinkage. In a subsequent distal region, a second convergence profile can be used, such as to provide optimal control of exit temperature of the continuously cast article. Multi-stage convergence control can be achieved through individually articulatable cooling pads or other supports positioned opposite the cooling surfaces from the casting cavity to displace the cooling surfaces and thereby adjust the convergence profile of the casting cavity.

Abstract: Provided herein are ultra-high strength aluminum alloys and products prepared therefrom, along with methods of processing the ultra-high strength aluminum alloys. The aluminum alloys described herein are high solute alloys, including significant amounts of zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), and other elements in addition to aluminum. The aluminum alloys described herein are amenable to post-aging processing without cracking.

Abstract: Provided herein are continuously cast aluminum alloy products exhibiting uniform surface characteristics. The aluminum alloy products have a first surface comprising a width, wherein the first surface comprises an average of 50 exudates or less per square centimeter across the width of the first surface. Also provided herein are methods of making aluminum alloy products having improved surface characteristics. Further provided are methods and systems for manufacturing aluminum alloy products, such as sheets, having reduced surface defects.

Abstract: A continuous casting device having multi-stage convergence control is disclosed. Cooling surfaces of the continuous casting device can be articulated in stages, providing individual convergence control to longitudinally spaced-apart regions of the casting cavity. In a proximal region, during which the molten metal exhibits solidification shrinkage, a first convergence profile can be used to optimally account for the solidification shrinkage. In a subsequent distal region, a second convergence profile can be used, such as to provide optimal control of exit temperature of the continuously cast article. Multi-stage convergence control can be achieved through individually articulatable cooling pads or other supports positioned opposite the cooling surfaces from the casting cavity to displace the cooling surfaces and thereby adjust the convergence profile of the casting cavity.