Abstract: A method for shaping a blank comprising a metal includes a step of loading the blank onto a first die, a step of bringing the first die and a second die together, a step of forming a seal around the blank, and a step of injecting a pressurized molten salt into a space in the blank to supply a hydraulic pressure to the blank.

Abstract: A system for descaling a strip of metal includes a nozzle assembly mounted within a spray box for spraying descaling product on the strip. The nozzle assembly includes a spray chamber; nozzles mounted directly to the spray chamber; and a heater for heating the chamber, the descaling product in the chamber, and the nozzles by conduction through the chamber. The nozzles are oriented to direct the descaling product in a spray against the upper and lower surfaces of the metal strip for an amount and a time sufficient to descale the metal strip. The nozzle assembly is attached to the spray box and can be easily removed therefrom for inspection.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of floatingly supporting a metallic strip in a direct firing type continuous heat treating furnace accommodating a plurality of floater nozzles. In this method, furnace gas is initially supplied to and pressurized by a plurality of multistage booster fans. The temperature of the furnace gas to be supplied to the booster fans is less than a critical temperature of the fans. When the temperature of the furnace gas is less than the temperature of the material of the strip, the temperature of the furnace gas is raised to a temperature near the material temperature in combustion chambers provided with respective direct firing type burners. The furnace gas is then supplied to the floater nozzles, the internal pressure of which is controlled prior to being jetted.