Abstract: Metal fibers are produced in a magnetic field by generating magnetic flux lines which extend normal to a planar supporting surface located in an enclosed space. Metallic substances are fed into the enclosed space for travel lengthwise of the flux lines and normal to the supporting surface. The space is heated to a decomposition temperature at which the substances undergo thermal decomposition and liberate metal atoms which agglomerate under the influence of the flux lines on the supporting surface and form thereon metal fibers which project from the supporting surface in direction normal thereto. The supporting surface is then moved in the direction of travel of the incoming metallic substances past a fiber transporting device, and when it has moved to a position downstream of the fiber transporting device, the fiber transporting device engages the fibers and effects their further transportation.

Abstract: A magnetic field is generated whose flux lines extend normal to a planar supporting surface which is located in an enclosed annular space. Carbonyls of metallic material are fed into the enclosed space so that they travel lengthwise of the flux lines and normal to the plane of the supporting surface. The space is then heated to a decomposition temperature at which the carbonyls undergo thermal decomposition and liberate metal atoms which agglomerate under the influence of the flux lines on the supporting surface and form on the latter metal fibers which project from the supporting surface in a direction normal thereto, i.e., opposite to the direction of travel of the carbonyls themselves.