Abstract: A process for producing an enhanced friction reducing surface by bonding a dry lubricant to a substrate by way of high velocity mechanical impact and low temperature diffusion bonding, and the friction-reduced surface produced thereby. A process for bonding the dry lubricant by peening and concurrently obtaining a desired dimpling or surface texturizing by appropriate selection of peening particle size and hardness relative to the substrate, as well as impact velocity against the substrate, is also provided.

Abstract: A process for producing an enhanced friction reducing surface by bonding a dry lubricant to a substrate by way of high velocity mechanical impact and low temperature diffusion bonding, and the friction-reduced surface produced thereby. A process for bonding the dry lubricant by peening and concurrently obtaining a desired dimpling or surface texturizing by appropriate selection of peening particle size and hardness relative to the substrate, as well as impact velocity against the substrate, is also provided.

Abstract: A mould for horizontal casting of molten metal comprising a mould body forming an open-ended mould cavity having an inlet end and an outlet end. An annular permeable wall member is mounted in the mould body adjacent the inlet end of the mould cavity with an inner face thereof forming an interior face of the mould. A refractory transition plate is mounted at the inlet end of the mould cavity, this transition plate providing a mould inlet opening having a cross-section less than that of the mould cavity. This provides an annular shoulder at the inlet end of the cavity. Means are provided for feeding molten aluminum through the inlet opening. Separate conduits are also provided for feeding a gas into the shoulder and via the permeable wall means for providing a layer of gas between the metal and the inner face of the mould. A gas that is more reactive with molten aluminum is fed into the shoulder and a less reactive gas is fed via the permeable wall.

Abstract: A trough is described for carrying molten metal, comprising an outer shell defined by a bottom wall and two side walls, an insulating layer filling the outer shell and a conductive U-shaped refractory trough body for carrying molten metal, the trough body being embedded in the insulating layer. At least one heating element is positioned in the insulating layer, adjacent to but spaced apart from the trough body, to provide an air gap between the heating element and the trough body.

Abstract: A mould for horizontal casting of molten metal comprising a mould body forming an open-ended mould cavity having an inlet end and an outlet end. An annular permeable wall member is mounted in the mould body adjacent the inlet end of the mould cavity with an inner face thereof forming an interior face of the mould. A refractory transition plate is mounted at the inlet end of the mould cavity, this transition plate providing a mould inlet opening having a cross-section less than that of the mould cavity. This provides an annular shoulder at the inlet end of the cavity. Means are provided for feeding molten aluminum through the inlet opening. Separate conduits are also provided for feeding a gas into the shoulder and via the permeable wall means for providing a layer of gas between the metal and the inner face of the mould. A gas that is more reactive with molten aluminum is fed into the shoulder and a less reactive gas is fed via the permeable wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for continuous casting of metal billets comprising a horizontal casting mould having and inlet end and an outlet end. It includes a feed trough for feeding molten metal to the mould inlet end and a horizontal conveyor for receiving a cast billet from the mould outlet end. A moveable cutting saw is operable to move synchronously with the conveyor for cutting a continuous billet into lengths while supported on the conveyor. The billet is resiliently supported and the saw mechanism is isolated so as to minimize transmission of low and high frequency vibrations from the cutting and conveying operations to the mould.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for starting and stopping a horizontal casting machine, e.g. a caster for continuous casting of metal ingots. The caster comprises a feed trough for carrying molten metal, at least one casting mould and a connecting trough separately connecting each casting mould to the feed trough. A shutoff gate is associated with each connecting trough and movable between an open position and a closed position. Each connecting trough includes a drop-down portion located between the shutoff gate and the casting mould, this drop-down portion being adapted to swing downwardly and thereby rapidly drain molten metal from the connecting trough and an entrance of the mould. The apparatus may also include an elongated starter block, adapted to be inserted into the casting mould and having a threaded recess formed therein for receiving molten metal. An O-ring is fitted to the starter block to seal the block against the casting mould.