Abstract: In combination with a rotating casting drum and a tundish for feeding molten metal to the surface of said drum, a pair of rotating brushes in tandem which rotate in the opposite direction to the drum rotation to clean the casting surface prior to the deposit of molten metal from the tundish.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for casting rapidly solidified metallic strip includes a nozzle mechanism which has an orifice for directing a stream of molten metal onto a movable quench surface. An upstream constraint mechanism constrains an upstream portion of a melt puddle formed on the quench surface by molten metal from the molten metal stream. A side constraint mechanism constrains two, opposite side portions of the melt puddle, and a downstream constraint mechanism provides a selected gas pressure, constraining force against a downstream, top surface of the melt puddled.

Abstract: Juxtaposed nozzle openings apply the same or different melts to the surface of a moving cooler surface for producing thin metal strips or foils with a considerable width. The nozzle openings can be staggered in the direction of movement of the cooler surface and apply different materials to produce a metal strip with juxtaposed and sharply defined regions with different characteristics. Amorphous or mixed amorphous/crystalline, or solely crystalline material structures can also be produced. Alternatively, different cooling capacities on different cooler surface areas and different structuring of different cooler surface areas permit the melt to solidify on the cooler surface such that the strips or foils obtained have adjacent regions with different metallic and/or geometrical structures. By geometrical configuration of the cooler surface, foils with a structured surface or with shape-limited individual regions can be used for mass production of small parts from sheet or strip material.

Abstract: Rods are placed into axially arranged grooves of the roll core. These rods protrude radially from the roll surface and the roll shell is shrink-fitted onto the rods. Due to the creeping movement of the roll shell which is a result of periodical heating and cooling thereof, the inside surface of the shell and the interfacing outside surface of each rod are subject to wear. Whenever this wear has proceeded beyond a tolerable limit the rods are replaced, whereafter a new shell with a normal inside diameter is again shrink-fitted onto the rods. Thereby the rod's and the shell's dimensions must never be changed. The roll core is not subject to wear. Stock-keeping and fabrication are particularly simplified due to the fact that the dimensions of the replacement parts never change.

Abstract: Net shape or near net shape metal rod or wire 3 is rapidly solidified. Molten metal 7 is delivered to a semi-cylindrical casting channel 2 in a chill block 1 from a tundish 4 through a critically-designed metering system comprising a drain 6, an orifice formed of the casting channel 2 and a complementary volume control channel 5, and a barrier 8 which directs molten metal to the volume-control orifice.

Abstract: An improved melt drag metal strip casting apparatus and process in which molten metal is delivered from a supply thereof into contact with a cooled casting surface driven at a predetermined linear rate to quench and withdraw a continuous strip of metal from the molten metal supply. An air knife is employed to direct an elongated narrow jet of gas into contact with the top surface of the strip and with the molten metal supply as the strip is withdrawn to impart the desired shape and finish to the top surface of the strip and to control the amount of liquid metal adhering to the top surface as it is withdrawn to thereby control the thickness of the strip.

Abstract: A continuous metal caster cooling system is provided in which water is supplied in jets from a large number of small nozzles 19 against the inner surface of rim 13 at a temperature and with sufficient pressure that the velocity of the jets is sufficiently high that the mode of heat transfer is substantially by forced convection, the liquid being returned from the cooling chambers 30 through return pipes 25 distributed interstitially among the nozzles.

Abstract: Metal strip 3 may be cast directly from molten metal in an open tundish 2 onto a chill roll 1. Strip thickness is controlled by contouring the tundish lip 14 with an offset 10 near the casting wheel. This can be used remedially to offset the natural tendency for the strip to be thicker near the edges, which is undesirable for cold rolling, or it may be used creatively to produce contoured strip.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously sizing, preforming or forming metal objects includes a plurality of molds arranged in a substantially vertical column and which collectively define a mold cavity. Each mold is separable into at least two mold sections. A retaining mechanism retains the molds in the vertical column. A first and second screw arm assembly separates the bottom mold into sections and removes the mold sections from the bottom of the mold with a horizontally operable screw arm mechanism. The arm assemblies then move the mold sections from a bottom position to an uppermost position with a vertically movable screw arm mechanism. The horizontally movable screw arm mechanism then moves the mold sections to an uppermost position on the vertical mold column to form a top mold.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously casting metal for obtaining a substantially flat casting includes a vessel having a bottom opening defined by side walls and by a rear wall and a tiltable front wall, the rear and front walls ending at different levels so that the bottom opening has a horizontal as well as a vertical component; a planar metal, endless belt is disposed underneath the opening and defines a casting gap together with the front wall, the more downwardly extending rear wall in conjunction with that casting gap deflects casting material from a down flow directly into the horizontal; a meniscus seals the rear wall against the belt; the belt is spray cooled from below.

Abstract: During the melt spinning process for producing metal foils having an amorphous structure, molten metal is cast through a slot-like nozzle onto a surface or wall which is rapidly moved past the nozzle. A particularly rapid quenching and cooling rate of the solidifying melt is achieved by providing cooling support elements which are supplied with a cooling pressure medium, on one side of the moved surface or wall and which aide is located opposite to or remote from the nozzle. Advantageously, the surface or wall is constructed as a thin-walled cylindrical shell or tube which is elastically deformable to some extent. In its shell interior, there are provided a number of rows of cooling support elements which may be controlled by thickness sensors and temperature profile sensors. There is thus rendered possible, the continuous production of amorphous metal foils.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting magnesium based alloy containing dispersed magnesium intermetallic phases comprises scraping means and shielding means to form a semi-closed chamber around a casting nozzle. Gas supply means is provided for supplying inert gas to the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved rapid solidification casting system which employs one or more metal conditioning brushes. The casting surface is cleaned by the brushes and the pressure on the brushes is adjusted so as to deposit a layer of the brush metal onto the casting surface, the casting surface so conditioned increases the quality of the resulting cast material.

Abstract: An improved integrated system is provided for horizontally-longitudinally cast-forming a continuous length of metal ingot. An ablative material is fed lengthwise and introduced as a lining on a continuous, forwardly moving, heat-resistant flexible belt. The ablative material and the belt are shaped into a composite, forwardly moving, open top, trough-like shape into which molten metal is introduced by a ladle that is rotated at a desired supplying rate. The ablative is charred by the molten metal to provide an initial cooling action on the metal as received and to thereafter protect it and the belt while the composite and the metal are forwardly advanced along a channel-shaped, longitudinally extending, metal ingot-forming, casting station.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuous casting of a thin metallic plate which includes a movable mold 2 arranged for movement in a specified direction, and a melt receiver 5 disposed on the movable mold 2 for storing molten metal in coopertion therewith, whereby molten metal within the melt receiver 5, through its contact with the surface of the movable mold 2, will be cooled and formed into a casting shell, the casting shell being drawn by the movable mold 2 in the form of a thin metallic plate, wherein at least the lower end portion of the melt receiver 5 is movable along the withdrawal path of the casting shell, and wherein a mover mechanism 7 is provided for moving the lower end portion of the melt receiver 5.

Abstract: Apparatus for production of semiconductor ribbon materials of the type in which molten material is brought into contact with the surface of a rotating cool wheel or drum wherein the cooling surface of the drum is textured to form a plurality of discrete contacting points to enhance growth of large crystal grains.

Abstract: This invention relates to a roller for continuous casting between rollers, with circulation of cooling fluid. In this roller, comprising a cylindrical body surrounded by an envelope, the cooling fluid circulation channels disposed circumferentially between the body and the envelope, are constituted by groups of grooves on the inner surface of the envelope extending over arcs of circumference, and organizing the circulation in distinct angular sectors corresponding to each group. Axial throats are provided between the body and the envelope at the ends of each sector, and into which open out, on the one hand, radial fluid admission and return pipes passing through the body, and, on the other hand, the grooves of a group by one of their ends, the throats being in a number double that of the angular sectors.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for continuously sizing, preforming or forming metal objects include a plurality of molds arranged in a substantially vertical column and which collectively define a mold cavity. Each mold is separable into at least two mold sections. A retaining mechanism retains the molds in the vertical column. A mechanism separates the bottom mold into sections and removes the mold sections and positions the sections on a top mold of the column to form a new top mold. Preferably, the mechanism includes first and second arms which are rotatable between the bottom and the top mold positions and which grasp and move the mold sections from the bottom of the column to the top of the column.

Abstract: An apparatus for casting metal strip includes a nozzle having an orifice for depositing a stream of molten metal onto a casting region of a moving chill surface. A conditioning shoe is located generally upstream from the nozzle in a direction opposite to the direction of chill surface movement to delimit a conditioning chamber. The conditioning chamber communicates directly with the nozzle orifice and borders at least three sidelines of the chill surface casting portion. A shield for minimizing an intrusion of ambient atmosphere into the conditioning chamber and for deflecting an entrained gas boundary layer carried along by the chill surface is cooperatively connected to the conditioning shoe. Gas control provides a selected, low density atmosphere, such as a partial vacuum, within the conditioning chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reliably casting a continuous metal filament include a moving casting surface and an extrusion means for depositing a stream of molten metal onto the casting surface to form the filament. A metallic mesh hugger belt, at least a portion of which is adapted to move at a velocity substantially equal to the velocity of the casting surface, entrains the filament against the casting surface to maintain cooling contact therewith. A force mechanism urges the hugger belt toward the filament and casting surface to provide an entraining, hugger pressure which is sufficient to substantially prevent relative movement of the filament with respect to the casting surface and hugger belt. A regulator mechanism controls the hugger pressure to prevent the imposition of excessive forces within the filament during the cooling thereof.

Abstract: A system for casting liquid metals is provided with an electromagnetic pump which includes a pair of primary blocks each having a polyphase winding and being positioned to form a gap through which a movable conductive heat sink passes. A solidifying liquid metal sheet is deposited on the heat sink and the heat sink and sheet are held in compression by forces produced as a result of current flow through the polyphase windings. Shaded-pole interaction between the primary windings, heat sink and solidifying strip produce transverse forces which act to center the strip on the heat sink.

Abstract: Material is supplied from a pressure hopper made to have an inert gas atmosphere to each of a plurality of melting furnaces one after another in a predetermined amount each time. The interior atmosphere of each melting furnace is replaced by an inert gas, and the material is melted in the melting furnace by heating. The resulting molten metal is supplied from one of the melting furnaces after another to a discharge container having a discharge nozzle and made to have an inert gas atmosphere, and is continuously discharged from the discharge nozzle against a rapid quenching device.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for continuous casting of amorphous or polycrystalline metal strip from a melt. The molten metal is delivered from a reservoir (2) to a moving chill surface, preferably a cylindrical roll (1) through an orifice (3) in the reservoir (2). The gap between the reservoir (2) and the chill surface (1) is not fixed as in prior methods but is variable due to a resilient bias on the reservoir toward the chill surface. A pivot (10) and counterweight (11) are convenient apparatus for resiliently biasing the reservoir. The small portion of the reservoir (2) therefore rides lightly upon the molten metal film delivered to the chill surface or upon the solidified metal strip. The variable gap allows better control over the process and better quality surfaces on the metal strip.

Abstract: Cold-hearth melt-spinning apparatus for adapted improved continuous casting of refractory and reactive alloys possesses (1) a cold crucible having a selectively grooved surface operative to reduce both melt "freezing" at the melt/crucible interface and input heating power requirements, and (2) a replaceable nozzle of a refractory material that is friction-fit in an aperture provided therefor in the crucible. The confronting nozzle/crucible walls define a thermally impeding interface which maintains the nozzle at a temperature sufficient to substantially eliminate melt "freezing" in and across the nozzle orifice. The melt is ejected as a molten jet from the crucible by pressure, rapidly quenched on a suitably configured spinning disk into either filaments or flakes, and passed to an environmentally protected processing compartment. Arc heating of the melt is provided by a water-cooled and selectively movable electrode.

Abstract: A thin metal wire having a circular cross section is produced by a method which comprises spouting molten metal through a spinning nozzle and bringing the resultant flow of molten metal into contact with a layer of liquid cooling medium formed on a grooved conveyor belt in motion thereby quenching and solidifying the flow of molten metal. This method is capable of continuously producing a thin metal wire of high quality economically on a commercial scale. It is highly effective in directly producing a thin metal wire having an amorphous, non-equilibrium crystalline, or microcrystalline structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously casting small shapes of ferroalloys, slags and like remelt metals in multi-cavity iron or steel moulds wherein the mass of the mould is about 6 to 25 times greater than the mass of the castings. The molten metal or metallic slag is poured into the moving train of moulds which have been previously spray coated with a refractory slurry. The moving train of moulds is subjected to water sprays shortly after pouring to quench the castings and to stabilize the mould temperature below 500.degree. C. High production yields and improved mould life are obtained.

Abstract: A casting assembly for controllably depositing an elongated, thin cast ribbon on a substrate includes a means for magnetically retaining the ribbon on the substrate. A relatively thin spacer leaf is secured in contacting relationship with the substrate to separate the substrate and the magnets. The spacer is flexible and resilient both in the direction of substrate movement and across the width of the substrate to accommodate irregularities in the surface and movement of the substrate, reducing belt wear and power requirements and improving smoothness of substrate movement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously casting a filament within a region of preselected vacuum and passing the filament to ambient region of higher pressure include a rotating casting wheel which has an annular peripheral quench surface. A guide housing encloses the casting wheel to separate the wheel from the ambient region and to delimit a guide region which is adapted to pass the filament therethrough to an exit region communicating into the ambient region. An extrusion housing delimits an extrusion chamber which communicates with the guide housing and has a portion of the quench surface disposed therein. An extrusion mechanism located in the extrusion chamber extrudes molten metal onto the quench surface to form the filament, and an extrusion vacuum mechanism provides a preselected vacuum in the extrusion chamber. A fluid jet mechanism disposed in the guide housing reduces the pressure in the extrusion chamber and directs the filament through the guide region.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing amorphous metal ribbons by ejecting molten metal through a nozzle attached to a tundish onto a rapidly moving cooling body, the molten metal is suppled to the tundish by first pouring the molten metal from a ladle into an intermediate vessel and then by supplying the molten metal from the intermediate vessel to the tundish through a gas-lift pump. An apparatus for supplying molten metal to a tundish comprises an intermediate vessel adjacent to the tundish and a gas-lift pump to supply the molten metal from the intermediate vessel to the tundish. The molten metal is poured from a ladle into the intermediate vessel. The gas-lift pump has a pump proper that is placed over the intermediate vessel and tundish so that its inlet and outlet open in the intermediate vessel and tundish, respectively. Bubbles are suppled into the pump proper through its inlet.

Abstract: A cooling apparatus and related method for a continuous casting apparatus includes a series of spray nozzles for spraying a coolant against one surface of a moving chill substrate. The invention apparatus includes an enclosure having vacuum applied thereto for preventing migration of the sprayed coolant from the surface against which it is sprayed to the surface contacting the molten solidifying material. Any coolant having a tendency to escape along sealed edges of the enclosure is forced back into the enclosure by the pressure gradient. The edges are sealed by elongated plastic rods. Additionally, scrapers are provided for removing remanent coolant from the sprayed surface. The coolant is sprayed at a high velocity to increase its heat transferring efficiency.

Abstract: A unitary-layer partially metallic, suitably adherent, mechanically and thermally durable, non-wetting, fusion-bonded matrix coating on endless, flexible metallic casting belts for continuous casting machines is described. This fusion-bonded matrix coating is also advantageous for coating other molten-metal-contacting surfaces, in continuous casting machines, such as edge-dam blocks that define moving side walls of a mold cavity. The fusion-bonded matrix (or reticulum) coating provides advantageous accessible porosity throughout the coating and comprises a nonmetallic refractory material interspersed substantially uniformly throughout a matrix of heat-resistant metal or metal alloy, for example nickel or nickel alloy, which is fusion-bonded to the grit-blasted surface of the belt and anchors and holds the nonmetallic material. The coating is applied by thermally spraying a powdered mixture directly on the roughened surface.

Abstract: A continuous casting apparatus for the production of cast sheets having a casting space defined by a pair of opposed endless belts and a pair of side plates arranged near the side edge portions of the belts while being brought into intimate contact therewith and designed to be converged toward a drawing direction. In this apparatus, a filmy water flow-forming pad arranged behind each of the belts, and each of the side plates are so profiled that the casting space inclusive of the tapered portion depicts a smooth curve at at least a transition area from the taper end portion to a constant thickness portion.

Abstract: A casting assembly has a casting nozzle for dispensing a melt puddle upon a casting surface of a continuously moving chilled substrate. A vibratory support contacts the chilled substrate opposite the casting nozzle and includes an ultrasonic transducer for exciting the substrate. The support applies ultrasonic vibrations through the substrate to the melt puddle prior to the critical period of solidification for enhancing wetting of the substrate and improving heat transfer between the melt puddle and the chilled substrate.

Abstract: A metal strip casing system is provided with an electromagnetic pump which includes a pair of primary blocks having a graded pole pitch, polyphase ac winding and being arranged on opposite sides of a movable heat sink. A nozzle is provided for depositing liquid metal on the heat sink such that the resulting metal strip and heat sink combination is subjected to a longitudinal electromagnetic field which increases in wavelength in the direction of travel of the heat sink, thereby subjecting the metal and heat sink to a longitudinal force having a magnitude which increases in the direction of travel.

Abstract: Metallic filament is continuously cast by directing a stream of molten metal onto the quench surface of a rotating quench wheel. Expansion mechanisms disposed about the quench wheel and between the quench surface and quench wheel drive shaft allow unrestrained radial and lateral thermal growth of the hoop-like quench surface while maintaining concentricity of the quench surface with the shaft. Crowning or thermal bowing of the quench surface is minimized and a transverse cross-sectional uniformity of the cast filament is maintained.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for continuously casting a metal strip are disclosed. In the invention, a molten metal is supplied, by a forcible circulation, into a casting cavity defined between an outer peripheral surface of rotating cooled casting roll and an inner peripheral surface having a substantially U-shaped cross-section of a refractory inner vessel disposed to oppose to said outer peripheral surface with a predetermined gap left therebetween. The molten metal is supplied in such a manner that it flows in the same direction as the direction of rotation of said cooled casting roll so that the molten metal contacts only with the outer peripheral surface of the cooled casting roll over a predetermined circumferential length. As a result, the molten metal is solidified on the outer peripheral surface of the cooled casting roll to form a metal strip.

Abstract: A plurality of discrete small cooling surfaces are arrayed on the surface of a movably received heat extracting member in both the axial and rotational directions. The discrete small cooling surfaces are formed by a plurality of one set of parallel grooves formed obliquely to and between the two axial ends of the heat extracting member and are crossed by a plurality of another set of parallel grooves formed in a similar manner but in different direction. An opening of a nozzle is directed toward the outer peripheral surface of the heat extracting member. A continuing stream of molten material is projected upon the discrete small cooling surfaces of the rotating heat extracting member such that the heat of the molten material is extracted by each of the discrete small cooling surface to solidify the molten material into flake particles. Accordingly, the molten material can be applied concurrently onto a plurality of discrete small cooling surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for permitting long-term continuous casting provides a plurality of orifices. By temporarily casting simultaneously from two adjacent orifices, it becomes possible to replace orifices without interrupting the casting process. Thus, the duration of continuous casting is not limited by the useful lifetime of a single casting orifice. Among the applications of the invention is the long-term continuous casting of metallic ribbon, such as amorphous metal ribbon.

Abstract: A machine for casting battery grids continuously includes a rotary, cylindrical drum in the outer peripheral surface of which the battery grid cavity is machined in the form of a plurality of intersecting axially and circumferentially extending grooves. A shoe is arranged in close fitting, mating engagement with an arcuate segment of the peripheral surface of the drum. The shoe has a molten lead passageway therein which communicates with the peripheral surface of the drum by means of an orifice slot extending lengthwise of the shoe and across the drum. Molten lead under superatmospheric pressure is directed into a tube extending lengthwise within the lead passageway in the shoe and provided with a plurality of openings spaced lengthwise of the tube. The lead is discharged through these openings into the lead passageway, through the orifice slot and against the surface of the drum.

Abstract: A machine for casting battery grids in a continuous manner includes a rotary cylindrical drum in the outer peripheral surface of which the battery grid pattern is machined as a cavity. A shoe is arranged against an arcuate segment of the peripheral surface of the drum. An orifice slot in the shoe has an opening at the peripheral surface of the drum. Molten lead under superatmospheric pressure is directed into the orifice slot in an amount in excess of that required to fill the grid cavity on the drum through the opening in the orifice slot as the drum rotates. Means are provided in the shoe for maintaining the molten lead in the orifice slot in a highly fluid condition and for causing the lead filling the grid cavity to solidify rapidly as it advanced beyond the opening of the orifice slot.

Abstract: The invention provides a chilled casting wheel. An annular wheel core member has axially extending channels formed about a circumferential, outer peripheral surface thereof and is adapted to rotate about a concentric axis of rotation. A cylindrical, axially extending wheel rim member concentrically connected to the core peripheral surface has a preselected interference fit therewith to provide a preselected residual, circumferential stress within the rim. A coolant mechanism directs a fluid coolant to the interior surface of the rim and through the channels.

Abstract: A machine for casting battery grids in a continuous manner includes a rotary cylindrical drum in the outer peripheral surface of which the battery grid pattern is machined as a cavity. A shoe is arranged against an arcuate segment of the peripheral surface of the drum. An orifice slot in the shoe has an opening at the peripheral surface of the drum. Molten lead under superatmospheric pressure is directed into the orifice slot in an amount in excess of that required to fill the grid cavity on the drum through the opening in the orifice slot as the drum rotates. Means are provided in the shoe for maintaining the molten lead in the orifice slot in a highly fluid condition and for causing the lead filling the grid cavity to solidify rapidly as it advanced beyond the opening of the orifice slot.

Abstract: A thin strip of metal or alloy is subjected to rapid solidification as it is ejected under pressure in a molten state from a crucible onto a cold, continuous band moving at high speed beneath the crucible's opening, in order to form metal strips in the vitreous state. An atmosphere under reduced pressure surrounding the zone of impact of the molten metal on the band is provided by a partially evacuated housing having opposed narrow inlet and outlet openings through which the band passes. The band is cooled and precisely positioned, and its vibration is minimized, by ejecting fluid from openings in the bottom of the housing, over which the band passes in closely parallel fashion. A pressurized gas at low temperature, ejected through these openings in the direction of the band, creates a fluid cushion between the band and the bottom of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement over, and an adaptation to continuous casting, of known processes in which a molten metal such as steel is atomized under non-oxydizing conditions and projected at high velocity against a suitable target. The distance to the target is such that the atomized particles solidify on their way and hit the target in a solid, yet still plastic, state to be welded onto said target by their kinetic energy. Applicant has found a way to adapt such process to continuous operation, and more particularly, to production of wide slabs of great length and relatively small thickness, say, typical 1.5".times.60" section and achieving that at great speeds of operation, such as 100 to 500 tons per hour which speed makes it possible to place it upstream of a continuous hot strip mill and thus produce, say, 0.060".times.60" strips in one continuous operation, from molten metal. (Such mills cannot maintain their thermal balance if the speed of the workpiece is too slow).

Abstract: A machine for casting battery grids in a continuous manner includes a rotary cylindrical drum in the outer peripheral surface of which the battery grid pattern is machined as a cavity. A shoe is arranged against an arcuate segment of the peripheral surface of the drum. An orifice slot in the shoe has an opening at the peripheral surface of the drum. Molten lead under superatmospheric pressure is directed into the orifice slot in an amount in excess of that required to fill the grid cavity on the drum through the opening in the orifice slot as the drum rotates. Means are provided in the shoe for maintaining the molten lead in the orifice slot in a highly fluid condition and for causing the lead filling the grid cavity to solidify rapidly as it advanced beyond the opening of the orifice slot.

Abstract: A continuous casting machine for battery grids includes a rotary drum on the outer peripheral surface of which the battery grid pattern is formed by a series of grooves. The peripheral surface of the drum mates with a shoe through which molten lead is directed into the grooves as the drum rotates. The outer periphery of the drum is a shell that is connected to rotary side plates by means of roll pins that enable the shell as a whole to expand and contract independently of the side plates. The drum is maintained at a desired temperature to solidify the molten lead directed into the grooves of the battery grid pattern by circulating a heated liquid through the drum.

Abstract: A strip casting apparatus is disclosed comprising a tundish for receiving and holding molten metal and an orifice passage defined between two spaced lips through which the molten metal is delivered to a casting surface located within about 0.120 inch of the orifice passage and movable past the orifice passage at a speed of from 200 to 10,000 linear surface feet per minute. In the apparatus of the present invention at least one lance is disposed with a tip of the lance directed toward a cavity in the tundish adjacent at least a portion of the material defining at least one of the lips of the orifice passage. Equipment is provided for delivering reactive gases through the lance and into the cavity, and at least one aperture is provided through which combustion products from the reactive gases escape the cavity in the tundish. One lip defining the orifice passage of this invention may comprise a molten metal resistant plate.

Abstract: A rapidly quenched, cast metallic strip is disclosed comprising a plurality of dissimilar portions, each portion metallurgically alloy-bonded during casting to adjacent portions along the longitudinal extent of the strip. In the method and apparatus for producing such strip a stream of molten metal is delivered onto a casting surface from a first crucible and at least one additional dissimilar stream of molten metal is delivered onto the casting surface such that a peripheral edge of the dissimilar stream contacts a peripheral edge portion of adjacent dissimilar metal to create a metallurgical alloy-bond therebetween during casting.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously casting strip material onto a casting surface includes a tundish for receiving and holding molten metal having a nozzle therein. The nozzle comprises an orifice passage defined between a first inside surface and a second inside surface, wherein at least a portion of at least one inside surface comprises an insert disposed against the tundish. A nozzle gap of at least 0.010 inch is maintained, an outer portion of the insert is able to be disposed to within 0.120 inch of the casting surface, and at least a portion of the outside surface of the tundish at the orifice of the nozzle is able to be disposed to within at least about 0.020 inch of the casting surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously casting metallic strip material includes a tundish, and a nozzle comprising a curvilinear element, with an orifice passage in the element having substantially uniform cross-sectional dimensions throughout the longitudinal extent thereof. Disposed outside the nozzle is a cooled casting surface movable past the nozzle in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the orifice passage. First and second inside surfaces of the element define the orifice passage through which molten metal is fed to the casting surface.