Abstract: An apparatus and method for extending service life of a shot chamber and for seasoning a molten alloy are provided. The apparatus can be placed on a shot chamber of a die casting machine, absorbing the impact of the molten alloy during pouring, delivering the molten alloy smoothly into a shot chamber, and seasoning the molten alloy so that the alloy can be die cast at temperatures below its liquidus. The use of such an apparatus is expected to significantly increase the service life and a shot chamber in addition to improve the mechanical properties of the resultant cast component.

Abstract: A stacking storage arrangement that includes multiple container receiving spaces; a loading space located below the container receiving spaces; and a frame arrangement arranged between the container receiving spaces and the loading space.

Abstract: A method of vacuum arc remelting an ingot provided in a crucible assembly having an electrode includes generating a rotating magnetic field normal to a longitudinal axis of the ingot and localized to an arc region during remelting. The rotating magnetic field interacts with a melting current to produce a rotating arc directed radially outward.

Abstract: The invention provides a casting equipment (1) for casting melt (15) into a cast product (80) comprising a supply reservoir (10) for supplying the melt (15), a distribution reservoir (20), a casting apparatus (25) having a melt inlet connected to the distribution reservoir (20) for producing the cast product (80), a supply conduit (30) fluidly connecting the supply reservoir (10) and the distribution reservoir (20), an electromagnetic pump (35) provided on the supply conduit (30) and operable to generate a force in the melt (15) in the supply conduit (30), a level sensor (40) for measuring a level of the melt (15) in the distribution reservoir (20) and/or in the supply reservoir (10), a controller operably connected to the pump (35) and the level sensor (40), wherein the supply conduit (30) is sealed or sealable from a pressure of the atmosphere, wherein the controller is configured to control an operation of the pump (35) based on a level signal from the level sensor (40), and wherein, at least during a stea

Abstract: The invention relates to systems for transferring molten metal from one structure to another. Aspects of the invention include a transfer chamber constructed inside of or next to a vessel used to retain molten metal. The transfer chamber is in fluid communication with the vessel so molten metal from the vessel can enter the transfer chamber. A powered device, which may be inside of the transfer chamber, moves molten metal upward and out of the transfer chamber and preferably into a structure outside of the vessel, such as another vessel or a launder.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems for transferring molten metal from one structure to another. Aspects of the invention include a transfer chamber constructed inside of or next to a vessel used to retain molten metal. The transfer chamber is in fluid communication with the vessel so molten metal from the vessel can enter the transfer chamber. A powered device, which may be inside of the transfer chamber, moves molten metal upward and out of the transfer chamber and preferably into a structure outside of the vessel, such as another vessel or a launder.

Abstract: A device is provided for controlling the advancing movement of a casting plunger in a casting chamber of a cold-chamber die casting machine by way of an actuating signal, the advancing movement comprising a chamber filling movement phase from a partial filling position, with a partially filled casting chamber starting volume, to a full filling position, with a filled casting chamber remaining volume. In the device, a respective associated progression of an actuating signal is provided for different specified sets of values of a plurality of process parameters that influence the movement of the molten material in the casting chamber during the chamber filling movement phase, which progression is defined as the most suitable actuating signal progression for the particular set of parameter values.

Abstract: A degassing and grain refinement system for a cast aluminum-based component and a method of achieving both hydrogen gas presence reduction and grain size reduction in a cast aluminum-based component. Ultrasonic vibrations are imparted to both the liquid metal travel path from its source to the mold to achieve the reduction in hydrogen gas in the molten metal, as well as to one or more locations within the mold to achieve relatively small and equiaxed grains in the component upon solidification.

Abstract: A puller head mold for receiving molten metal or alloy during the casting of an ingot, the puller head mold having a tapered screw thread structure. The tapered threaded puller head is used to pull and withdraw a cast ingot from a casting furnace, and can be particularly useful for the handling of ingots having a relatively narrow diameter. The tapered threaded puller head profile provides for full release of the tapered threaded puller head from a cast ingot in a fraction of a turn. The size and profile of the cast ingot formed with the tapered threaded puller head is resilient to thermal gradients while cooling.

Abstract: A method for casting a cast part according to the tilt pouring principle includes pouring a molten metal from at least one tiltable casting vessel into a casting mold including a mold cavity which forms the cast part. The molten metal is ladled directly out of a bale-out furnace using the casting vessel, and a metal oxide skin forms in the casting vessel on the surface of the molten metal. The casting vessel containing the molten metal and the metal oxide skin floating thereon is brought to the casting mold. The molten metal is poured from the casting vessel into the casting mold by a common rotation of the casting vessel and casting mold about an axis of rotation. The metal oxide skin rises to the top of the molten metal during the pouring process, floating predominantly on top and on the surface of the molten metal.

Abstract: A casting mold is pivoted about a horizontal pivot axis for casting cast parts in a casting machine. The casting mold has a lid and a reference side wall. A main plane is placed into the reference side wall. A tundish is coupled to the casting mold and the casting mold is then pivoted into a pouring-in position. The tundish filled with a molten metal portion is pivoted with the casting mold about the pivot axis, so that the molten metal flows into the casting mold. An angle ?1 enclosed between the main plane of the reference side wall and a bath level of the molten metal portion in the tundish is constantly <180° until the melt hits the bottom of the casting mold.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a melt launder to be used for transferring molten phase such as slag, matte, or metal formed in a process for the production of metals. The invention also relates to a melt launder to be used for transferring molten phase such as slag, matte, or metal formed in a process for the production of metals. The melt launder comprises a launder body of metal, a flow channel for molten phase, a refractory lining for lining the launder body of metal so that the refractory lining at least partly forms a flow surface for molten phase in the flow channel for molten phase, and a layer of steel between the launder body of metal and the refractory lining.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bolster of a railway car truck includes providing a drag portion and a cope portion of a mold. In a main body section of the mold, a parting line that separates the drag portion from the cope portion is substantially centered between portions of the mold that define brake window openings in sides of the bolster. One or more cores are inserted into the mold and a molten material is poured into the mold to thereby case the bolster.

Abstract: A process for casting a piston for an internal combustion engine including tilting, the mould portions which define the casting cavity through at least 45 degrees about a horizontal axis after filling and before solidification in such a manner that the axis of rotation of the component moves in the direction of the vertical. A casting mould for casting a piston for an internal combustion engine includes mould portions which define the casting cavity that are tiltable through at least 45 degrees about a horizontal axis after filling and before solidification in such a manner that the axis of rotation of the piston moves in the direction of the vertical.

Abstract: BMG may be squeeze cast in a squeeze cast machine. The squeeze cast machine may have a vacuum chamber, a transfer sleeve entirely located inside the vacuum chamber, and a plunger inside the transfer sleeve. The transfer sleeve may be configured to receive BMG feedstock from outside the vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber may prevent contamination of a BMG in a molten state. The plunger may push a BMG in a molten state into a mold.

Abstract: A device for casting components preferably made of light metal, according to the tilt-casting principle, has a casting mold that can be tilted about its longitudinal axis, a casting channel that is disposed on the casting mold, in the longitudinal direction of the casting mold, the longitudinal side of which, facing the casting mold, has at least two outlets to the mold cavity, or at least one outlet, in each instance, to at least two mold cavities that are disposed next to one another and do not stand in a flow connection with one another. The casting channel has a subdivision device that is configured in such a manner that when the casting mold, together with the casting channel, is tilted, predetermined volumes of the casting melt flow through the outlets.

Abstract: A method for producing articles in a mold includes bringing a material into a free-flowing state, introducing the material into the mold via a bottom-casting principle, and solidifying being carried out according to a top-casting principle. The material, viewed in a flow direction of the material, is first introduced into a pouring basin of a runner, then flows through the runner, thereafter through a storage space that is located upstream from a cavity and that is arranged underneath the cavity, and from there into the cavity. Thereafter the mold including the sub-parts of the mold is pivoted so that the storage space takes over the function of a feeder or riser.

Abstract: A pipe with a rib includes a pipe portion, and a rib portion formed inside the pipe portion. The rib portion includes a plurality of bent portions in accordance with bending of the pipe portion.

Abstract: A method for producing an amorphous alloy foil strip having a large sheet thickness in an industrial scale includes: a pair of cooling rolls; a driving unit configured to rotate the pair of cooling rolls; and a crucible configured to supply a molten alloy sequentially to an outer circumferential surface of the pair of cooling rolls. The crucible is movable along a moving unit. A molten alloy is supplied alternately to the pair of cooling rolls while rotating and water-cooling the pair of cooling rolls.

Abstract: A ladle for a molten metal includes a main body having a hollow interior and an opening for receiving the molten metal. The main body has a sidewall with a nozzle formed therein. The nozzle defines an axis of rotation for the main body. The nozzle contacts, seals and is in fluid communication with the mold. The nozzle is configured to deliver the molten metal to a mold when the main body is rotated from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: A method of forming a casting using a casting apparatus is disclosed, the method including the steps of lowering a ladle having a hollow interior into a source of molten material and an aperture facilitating flow into the hollow interior, filling the interior of the ladle with the molten material through the aperture, introducing an inert gas into a portion of a nozzle, removing the ladle from the source of molten material, causing the nozzle to contact a casting mold, and pressurizing the hollow interior with an inert gas to cause the molten material to flow into the casting mold.

Abstract: An automatic pouring method whereby a tilting automatic pouring device can pour at high speed, accommodating high-speed molding on a high-speed molding line. The method includes: a step wherein a pouring hopper, which can hold an amount of molten metal sufficient for multiple pours, is tilted forward, thereby pouring the molten metal from the hopper into a casting mold; a step wherein the pouring hopper is tilted backward, thereby stopping the aforementioned pouring into the casting mold; and a step wherein a set of casting molds, including the casting mold for which the aforementioned pouring has been completed, are moved at intervals. During the period from the beginning of the step in which molten metal is poured into the casting mold to the end of the step in which the set of casting molds is moved at intervals, whenever the weight of molten metal in the pouring hopper is less than a prescribed weight, molten metal is continually supplied to the pouring hopper by tilting a holding furnace forward.

Abstract: An automatic pouring method without using a servomotor having a vertical output shaft, establishing the pouring at a low level, eliminating the unstable pouring, sand inclusion, and gaseous defects. An automatic pouring method using a ladle to be tilted for pouring molten metal into a pouring cup of a flaskless or tight-flask mold in at least one pouring device movable along an X-axis parallel to a molding line in which the mold is transferred, wherein the ladle is moved along a Y-axis perpendicular to the molding line in a horizontal plane and is tilted about a first axis of rotation and further about a second axis of rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for producing an amorphous alloy foil strip, which are capable of producing an amorphous alloy foil strip having a large sheet thickness in an industrial scale, are provided. A production apparatus 101 for an amorphous alloy foil strip S includes: a pair of cooling rolls 113a and 113b; a driving unit 111 configured to rotate the cooling rolls; and a crucible 114 configured to supply a molten alloy sequentially to an outer circumferential surface of the cooling roll 113a and an outer circumferential surface of the cooling roll 113b. The crucible 114 is movable along a moving unit 116. A molten alloy is supplied alternately to the cooling roll 113a and the cooling roll 113b while rotating and water-cooling the cooling rolls 113a and 113b.

Abstract: A casting apparatus and a method of forming a casting using the casting apparatus is disclosed, the casting apparatus comprising a ladle having a hollow interior adapted to receive a molten material therein; a nozzle in fluid communication with the hollow interior, the nozzle having a first portion disposed outside of the ladle and a second portion disposed within the hollow interio; an additive feeder in fluid communication with the hollow interior of the ladle; and a gas conduit in fluid communication with the hollow interior of the ladle.

Abstract: A method and a device for casting a cast part from a metal melt. A casting mould in a pivoted mounting comprising a mould cavity shaping the cast part, a feed system and a pour channel, is rotated into a fill position and filled with metal melt. Due to the effect of gravity, the melt flows through the pour channel, wherein the main flow direction of the melt makes an angle relative to the acting direction of gravity. Filling is continued until the casting mould, including the pour channel, is completely filled. Then, the casting mould is sealed with a stopper and rotated into a solidification position, in which the melt in the feed system is pushed against the melt in the mould cavity. The casting mould is held in the solidification position until the metal melt has reached a solidification state in which the cast part can be de-moulded.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for quiescently filling of a ladle with molten material and transferring of the molten material from the ladle is disclosed, wherein the molten material is transferred from the ladle to a casting mold to minimize turbulence in the molten material to minimize defects in a desired cast object.

Abstract: A gravity casting method includes: situating a molding die having a feeder portion in communication with a cavity above the cavity to a horizontal state and pouring a molten metal from a runner in communication with the cavity; putting the molding die to a state inclined at a predetermined angle during pouring of the molten metal from a stage where the molten metal is filled in the runner and prevailing the molten metal while pouring to the inside of the cavity and the feeder portion; and returning the molding die to the horizontal state after the molten metal has been poured completely, and solidifying the molten metal.

Abstract: Alloy cast iron for a seal, a seal, and a method of manufacturing the seal are provided. The alloy cast iron for a seal includes 3.8 wt % to 4.2 wt % of carbon, 3.3 wt % to 4.7 wt % of nickel, 2 wt % to 5 wt % of molybdenum, 1.2 wt % to 2.0 wt % of silicon, 16 wt % to 18 wt % of chrome, 0.8 wt % to 1.5 wt % of manganese, and the remaining of iron. Therefore, a seal can be produced using a centrifugal casting method and thus productivity of the seal is improved and the seal having excellent abrasion resistance is produced.

Abstract: An automatic pouring method without using a servomotor having a vertical output shaft, establishing the pouring at a low level, eliminating the unstable pouring, sand inclusion, and gaseous defects. An automatic pouring method using a ladle to be tilted for pouring molten metal into a pouring cup of a flaskless or tight-flask mold in at least one pouring device movable along an X-axis parallel to a molding line in which the mold is transferred, wherein the ladle is moved along a Y-axis perpendicular to the molding line in a horizontal plane and is tilted about a first axis of rotation and further about a second axis of rotation.

Abstract: A process and a device for easily and rapidly producing a metal sample for analysis for determining the content of impurities in a molten metal with high accuracy. More particularly, according to the metal sample production process, a metal sample for high accuracy analysis is produced by solidifying a collected molten metal without segregating impurities contained in a molten metal, by rapidly cooling a collected molten metal using a metal sample production device having a thin-walled mold having a thin sample collection space for collecting a molten metal, and an opening/closing operation part with which the mold can be freely opened/closed.

Abstract: In a casting method for producing a cast part, a melt to be cast is filed into a container and the mold is connected seal-tightly to the container. The mold and the container are rotated together so that the melt flows from the container into the mold. The mold and the container are separated from another and the cast part is removed from the mold. The casting plant for performing the method has a mold that is pivotably supported about a first axis of rotation to perform a first movement that is a pivot movement in a first movement direction. A container is pivotably supported about a second axis of rotation. The mold is supported so as to be movable by a second movement in a second movement direction.

Abstract: The invention makes it possible to manufacture high-quality cast parts in a productive manner in that a casting mould with a filling opening pointing in the direction of gravity is provided during the casting of molten metal. The casting mould with the filling opening is coupled to a melt container containing the molten metal, and the molten metal is conveyed from the melt container into the casting mould counter to the direction of gravity. The casting mould is sealed directly after filling with molten metal using a locking means which is at least temporarily connected to the casting mould in a fixed manner, in that the casting mould is decoupled from the melt container directly after closure of the casting mould and in that the casting mould is rotated about a horizontal axis of rotation, wherein the casting mould remains in a sealed position with respect to the locking means.

Abstract: The invention concerns a casting apparatus which includes a crucible support and induction heating means (14, 16, 18) arranged to receive and support a crucible (10) containing material which is to be melted and poured from an outlet (38). The outlet is positioned on a vertical axis (40). The support and induction heating means also operates to apply induction heating to the material to melt it in the crucible. There is also a translation mechanism which tilts the crucible while the crucible is still supported and while heat is continuously applied to it. This mechanism operates in such a way that during tilting, the outlet of the crucible is maintained on the vertical axis so that the molten material pours from the outlet on the vertical axis. In the embodiments described, the crucible is simultaneously moved vertically towards the mould into which the melt pours.

Abstract: A die cast mold release lubricant comprises a silicone compound. A method of application of the lubricant to a die cast mold as a release agent is disclosed where a die casting machine has a mold with mold halves forming a mold cavity when the mold halves abut against one another, a shot sleeve and a plunger which pushes molten material through the shot sleeve and into the mold cavity. The mold release agent is placed into the shot sleeve remote from the mold cavity, molten material is introduced into the shot sleeve, and the molten material and the mold release agent are forced into the mold cavity by movement of the plunger into the shot sleeve. The silicone compound preferably has a melting point of about 90-220° F., and a molecular weight of about 5500-50,000.

Abstract: A system for transferring molten metal from a vessel and into one or more of a ladle, ingot mold, launder, feed die cast machine or other structure is disclosed. The system includes at least a vessel for containing molten metal, an overflow (or dividing) wall, and a device or structure, such as a molten metal pump, for generating a stream of molten metal. The dividing wall divides the vessel into a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein part of the second chamber has a height H2. The device for generating a stream of molten metal, which is preferably a molten metal pump, is preferably positioned in the first chamber. When the device operates, it generates a stream of molten metal from the first chamber and into the second chamber. When the level of molten metal in the second chamber exceeds H2, molten metal flows out of the vessel and into another structure, such as into one or more ladles and/or one or more launders.

Abstract: Apparatus for gravity flow and feeding of alloy in a casting operation has a supply vessel for holding a supply of alloy, a furnace in which the vessel is contained and in which the vessel is heatable to maintain the supply of alloy at suitable casting temperature, and a die mounted laterally outwardly from the vessel in relation to the furnace. A conduit provides communication between the vessel and the die. The apparatus further includes means for reversibly tilting an assembly including the furnace, the vessel and the die about a substantially horizontal axis to enable or prevent the flow of the alloy from the vessel to a die cavity defined by the die.

Abstract: An automatic pouring method without using a servomotor having a vertical output shaft, establishing the pouring at a low level, eliminating the unstable pouring, sand inclusion, and gaseous defects. An automatic pouring method using a ladle to be tilted for pouring molten metal into a pouring cup of a flaskless or tight-flask mold in at least one pouring device movable along an X-axis parallel to a molding line in which the mold is transferred, wherein the ladle is moved along a Y-axis perpendicular to the molding line in a horizontal plane and is tilted about a first axis of rotation and further about a second axis of rotation.

Abstract: A die-casting machine using an electric servo motor as a driving source for injecting/filling molten metal into a cavity of a mold through an injection sleeve. The molten metal in the injection sleeve is injected/filled into the cavity by an injection member. During the course between the stage when the molten metal has not reached a gate of the mold yet and the stage when the molten metal begins to pass the gate of the mold, the speed of the injection member is controlled to be accelerated in a smooth speed characteristic curve which does not have a broken-line characteristic. Thus, rising to a high injection speed can be attained rapidly and smoothly.

Abstract: The present invention has an object of preventing segregation during the casting of Mg alloy or the like containing additive elements having a great difference of specific gravity to obtain a cast having a good quality. A casting mold 1 having a molten metal received therein is rotated in one direction by a rotary device 7 with the vertical axis as a rotary axis while solidifying the molten metal for a predetermined period of time, and, after the predetermined period of time is lapsed, the casting mold 1 is rotated in the direction opposite the direction of rotation for a predetermined period of time, and the rotation in the opposing directions is repeated so that the molten metal is solidified. The molten metal can be shaken and agitated without roughening the surface of the molten metal to uniformalize the distribution of temperature of the molten metal in the casting mold. The production of segregates can be minimized and a fine homogenous structure can be obtained.

Abstract: A process for counter gravity sand casting including providing precision cores in a sand mould supported in a casting machine for rotation about a horizontal axis through the center of the mould, providing primary casting risers fed by a launder section, a pressure riser connected to the launder section and the primary risers, rising upwardly beside the mould, whereby on rotation the molten metal in the pressure riser will maintain an internal constant pressure in the mould until the casting risers are upper most, so as to maintain the internal pressure during the cooling of the mould.

Abstract: In a method for pouring several moulds in a mould-string plant in the pouring operation, the moulds are produced by compression of sand or similar mould material in a pressing chamber comprising pattern plates 3, 4 for providing impressions in the surfaces of the mould parts for forming the mould cavities 11 and inlet runners 8. The moulds are advanced to a pouring track or guideway, on which the casting moulds are formed by positioning the mould parts close together and the advancement of the casting moulds is stepwise through a pouring station, in which the moulds are filled with molten metal. By providing at least one runner 7 for mutually connecting at least two inlet runners 8 for consecutive mould cavities 11, the mutually connected mould cavities can be filled through a single pouring inlet 8, and unused pouring inlets 8 may be plugged by a suitable plug 14 in order to minimise the amount of molten metal needed to fill the mould cavities 11.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing the caliper body of a vehicular disc brake by the gravity casting method. The caliper body is used for the vehicular disc brake wherein a pair of frictional pads are disposed opposite to each other with a disc rotor held therebetween. The caliper body has a cylinder disposed on one side of the disc rotor, a reaction pawl disposed on the other side of disc rotor, and a bridge for coupling the cylinder and the reaction pawl on the outer peripheral side of the disc rotor. A sprue is provided in the bottom portion of the cylinder, and the caliper body is cast by a cavity with the side of molding the bottom portion of the cylinder disposed in the upper part of and in the vertical direction of the cavity and with the side of molding the reaction pawl disposed in the lower part of and in the vertical direction thereof.

Abstract: An injection apparatus in a cold chamber die casting molding machine, where a melting device of the injection apparatus includes a billet supplying device for replenishing a light metal material in the form of a billet, a melting cylinder for melting the billet from its front end and forming a molten metal for several shots, an inserting device for inserting a billet into the melting cylinder, and a plunger injection device. The amount of a molten metal for one shot is measured via an opening and shutting device of a molten metal feeding member and is fed from the melting device to the plunger injection device. In particular, the sealing of the molten metal in the melting cylinder is achieved by the contact of the side surface of a portion of the billet having an enlarged diameter with the hole of the cylinder, or by the contact of a circular solidified material formed in a circular groove in a cooling sleeve with the billet.

Abstract: A process for counter gravity sand casting including providing precision cores in a sand mould supported in a casting machine for rotation about a horizontal axis through the center of the mould, providing primary casting risers fed by a launder section, a pressure riser connected to the launder section and the primary risers, rising upwardly beside the mould, whereby on rotation a the molten metal in the pressure riser will maintain a internal constant pressure in the mould until the casting risers are upper most, so as to maintain the internal pressure during the cooling of the mould.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the weight-accurate filling of ingot molds in a non-iron casting machine, e.g. a copper anode casting machine or a zinc anode casting machine, which is configured in the form of casting wheels that are use for production in a fully mechanized casting operation and are provided with the ingot molds. The aim of the invention is to obtain the desired precise-weight quality of a piece and exact plane parallelism of the bordering surfaces thereof. Said aim is achieved by carrying out the following steps: first, a liquid metal is introduced into an intermediate trough (4, 4?) at a regulated mass flow rate, the continuous dynamic weight increase being simultaneously determined; second, liquid metal is fed into a dosing trough (4, 4?) which is located on each side of the intermediate trough (4, 4?) by alternately tilting the intermediate trough (4, 4?) on one side followed by the other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the quiescent-fill dip of a foundry ladle and the transportation of molten material from a crucible to a mold through a foundry pour basin. Advantages from this process include, among others, a design which minimizes or eliminates turbulence in the molten material, especially in regard to the folding of one stream of molten material into another, as a means to provide undamaged metal to casting molds.

Abstract: A molten metal feed apparatus of a die casting machine preventing shortening of the lifetime of a sleeve due to local heating of the sleeve, provided with a ladle having a receptacle for holding the molten metal and a conveyor system for conveying the ladle to a predetermined feed position of the sleeve of the die casting machine and tilting the ladle to pour the scooped up molten metal into the sleeve, wherein the position of a front end of a pouring spout of the ladle with respect to the sleeve is changed in accordance with a change in posture of the ladle while pouring the molten metal into the sleeve.

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.

Abstract: A method for casting articles from metal foam includes a molten metal bath and a foam forming means. The foam is drawn into a ladle, within a heated chamber, which transports a foam sample to a mold. The ladle deposits the foam sample into the mold and the mold is closed. Once cooled and hardened the formed article is removed. The system of the invention comprises a molten metal bath, a heated foam collecting chamber, a ladle for drawing a sample of the foam and for transporting the sample to a mold. The present invention provides an apparatus for carrying out.