Abstract: A method and a casting nozzle for starting the casting of a metal strip close its final dimensions. The method includes leading a melt via a melt-feed vessel into a pouring chamber of a siphon vessel. The melt from the pouring chamber is led onto a cooled transport belt via casting nozzle and a main chamber of the siphon vessel which can be put under vacuum. The pouring chamber and the main chamber of the siphon vessel are filled with the melt up to a top of the siphon. Before the melt flows over the top of the siphon a vacuum is induced in the main chamber by actuating a vacuum device connected to the main chamber. After the melt has flowed over the top of the siphon the melt stream is led through the casting nozzle so that the nozzle cross-section closes in the manner of a plug. The vacuum is increased depending on position of the plug in the casting nozzle until there is in the melt stream a hydraulic connection between the steam inlet and the stream outlet.

Abstract: A continuous casting method and apparatus in which a distributor deposits a strand of molten steel upon a cooled surface of casting roll to a thickness of 1.0 to 6.0 mm, the cooling strand passes through the nip or gap between a fist counterroll and the casting roll and hardening strip is then passed through at least a first further nip between one or more further counterrolls and the surface of the casting roll. The height of the molten metal in the distributor is controlled to be constant by detecting the surface of the melt and regulating the outflow from an intermediate receptacle into the distributor and/or from the casting ladle into the intermediate receptacle so that the peripheral speed of the casting roll is matched to the speed with which the strand emerges from the distributor onto the casting roll.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling and coating a mold in a continuous caster. The cooling of the mold is controlled in at least one of the x- or y-directions. The coating of the mold is accomplished subsequent to the cooling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strip casting plant with side limits arranged closely adjacent to a carrying belt. The side limits, and preferably the supply device for molten metal, are capable of vibrating and are connected to a device for producing vibrations. The adhesion of solidified material can thus be prevented.

Abstract: A caster including a device for delivering a gas into a space created by the apparatus that define the mold of the caster and the nozzle of the caster. Introducing a gas into the space resists backflowing and freezing of the molten metal to the nozzle. An associated method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for casting metal ingots comprises a series of ingot moulds (12) mounted along an endless conveyor (11) which is arranged to be driven around spaced-apart rotatable members (15) and (17). A molten metal supplying device (20) has a discharge member for supplying molten metal to empty moulds (12) moving along an upper run (14) of the conveyor (11) from a supply end (16) to a discharge end (18) of the upper run (14) of the conveyor (11). A casting hood (13) overlies at least a portion of the moulds (12) on the upper run (14) of the conveyor (11). Adjacent moulds (12) of the portion of moulds are closely contiguous during passage beneath the casting hood (13) whereby passage of protective gas between said adjacent moulds is minimized. The casting hood (13) and the portion of moulds (120) form a substantially gas-tight enclosure above the portion of moulds (12) into which gas can be introduced. The enclosure houses the discharge member of the molten metal supplying device (20).

Abstract: A substrate system for receiving a deposit of sprayed metal droplets including a movable outer substrate on which the sprayed metal droplets are deposited. The substrate system also includes an inner substrate disposed adjacent the outer substrate where the sprayed metal droplets are deposited on the outer substrate. The inner substrate includes zones of differing thermal conductivity to resist substrate layer porosity and to resist formation of large grains and coarse constituent particles in a bulk layer of the metal droplets which have accumulated on the outer substrate. A spray forming apparatus and associated method of spray forming a molten metal to form a metal product using the substrate system of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: A metal alloy is melted in a crucible and ejected from the bottom of the crucible as a descending stream of molten metal. The descending stream is impacted with a plurality of primary inert gas jets surrounding the molten metal stream to produce a plume of atomized molten metal droplets. An inert gas is blown onto a lower portion of the plume with a plurality of auxiliary inert gas jets to deflect the plume into a more restricted pattern of high droplet density, thereby substantially eliminating unwanted overspray and resulting wasted material. The plume is projected onto a moving substrate to form a monolithic metallic product having generally parallel sides.

Abstract: A brush dislodges unwanted matter from a moving mold in a continuous caster. An enclosure contains the dislodged matter and a vacuum collects the dislodged matter. A high pressure fluid removes any left over unwanted matter from the moving mold.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a chilling block and temperature measuring devices disposed in different positions. The output from the temperature measuring devices can be employed to provide ongoing control of cooling of the chilling block in x-, y- and/or z-directions.

Abstract: Method of casting steel strip in which molten steel solidifies as a shell on a chilled casting surface (100). The casting surface (100) has a texture (101) formed by a regular pattern of surface projections (103) and depressions (102) and the steel chemistry is selected to generate in the casting pool deoxidation products which form on the casting surface (100) a layer of less than 5 microns thickness a major proportion of which is liquid during cooling of the steel to below its liquidus temperature in the formation of said solidified shell. The substantially liquid layer suppresses the formation of surface defects in the solidifying metal surface due to early deposition of solid oxides on the casting surface.

Abstract: The method includes the start up parameters are inputted into a device which controls the caster. Molten metal is cast in a moving mold and cooled by extracting heat from the moving mold, which in turn extracts heat from the molten metal. Casting parameters are obtained for a casting cycle and sent to the device which controls the cooling of the metal being cast. Data from one cycle is compared to data from a previous cycle and the cooling of the metal being cast is automatically controlled in response to the comparison of data.

Abstract: A continuous chain caster has upper and lower mold assemblies comprising endless belts and chains traveling at synchronized speeds. The mold assemblies meet to form a mold channel which is filled with molten metal from a headbox and feed tip. As the molten metal passes through the mold channel, the metal solidifies into the shape of the mold channel. Each belt is positioned outside the corresponding chain so that the smooth surface of the belt defines the surface of the mold channel thereby preventing the formation of fins between mold blocks which make up the chain, protecting the chain blocks, and neutralizing deformations in the chain blocks. The upper and lower blocks of the chains have protrusions at opposite ends which engage the opposing blocks to form the sides of the mold channel. By sliding the chains relative to each other, the width of the mold channel is adjustable.

Abstract: A block assembly is secured to a support beam and the block assembly is adjusted relative to the support beam. The block assembly is secured to the support beam by actuating at least some of a plurality of discrete fixing devices by application of a force to single point. The block assembly can be adjusted relative to the support beam in the z-direction, the x-direction and/or the y-direction.

Abstract: A high speed tool steel and a manufacturing method therefor are disclosed, in which carbides are formed in the matrix in a uniform manner, thereby obtaining a high toughness and a high abrasion resistance. The high speed tool steel according to the present invention includes a basic composition of W.sub.a Mo.sub.b Cr.sub.c Co.sub.d V.sub.x C.sub.y Fe.sub.z where the subscripts meet in weight %: 5.0%.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.7.0%, 4.0%.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.6.0%, 3.0%.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.5.0%, 6.5%.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.9.5%, 2.2%.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.8.3%, 1.1%.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.2.18%, and 66.52%.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.73.7%. The final structure has carbides uniformly distributed within a martensite matrix, which are mainly MC and M.sub.6 C carbides. The method includes the steps of melting the above-defined alloy composition, gas spraying the melted alloy to form a bulk material, heat treating the bulk material to decompose the M.sub.2 C carbides to stabilize M.sub.6 C carbides and hot working the heat treated bulk material to a desired shape.

Abstract: The continuous block caster includes a block assembly, a support beam and an apparatus for securing the block assembly to the support beam. The securing apparatus includes a plurality of discrete fixing devices actuated simultaneously by applying a force to a single point.

Abstract: A rare earth metal-nickel hydrogen storage alloy having a composition represented by the formula (1)(R.sub.1-x L.sub.x)(Ni.sub.1-y M.sub.y).sub.z (1)(R: La, Ce, Pr, Nd; L: Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Y, Sc, Mg, Ca; M: Co, Al, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zr, Ti, Mo, Si, V, Cr, Nb, Hf, Ta, W, B, C; 0.01.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.1; 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.5; 4.5.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.5.0), the alloy including in an amount of not less than 10 volume % and less than 95 volume % thereof crystals each containing not less than 2 and less than 20 antiphase boundaries extending perpendicular to C-axis of a crystal grain of the alloy per 20 nm along the C-axis, not less than 60% and less than 95% of added amount of said element represented by L in the formula (1) being arranged in antiphase areas, a method for producing the same, and an anode for a nickel-hydrogen rechargeable battery. The anode for a nickel-hydrogen rechargeable battery can improve initial activity, battery capacity, and battery life all at the same time.

Abstract: Metal strip close to its final dimensions is cast using a strip-casting apparatus provided with a melt-holding vessel and a conveyor belt, in which a metal melt, in particular steel, flows out of a casting nozzle of a closable pouring chamber which can be put under vacuum and is connected via a siphon to a main chamber which can be put under pressure. The casting nozzle is inclined by about 45.degree. and is of trumpet-like configuration in the region of the orifice on the inside of the nozzle wall remote from the main chamber. Additionally, a shut-off element which can be opened in a slit-shaped manner is provided near the orifice of the casting nozzle.

Abstract: The mold comprises two crawler chains rotating in opposite directions and having facing chain strands, the chain strands comprising chain elements having complementary shells defining an ingot mold cavity of round cross-section therebetween. The complementary shells have intermeshing longitudinal edges movable transversely to the direction of rotation relative to each other, and the complementary shells are guided to reduce the round cross-section of successive ones of the mold cavities while being subjected to a compressive stress.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for direct casting of metal alloys from molten metal to continuous sheet or strip product while synchronizing the speeds of the casting surface and driven rolls by providing a master-slave relationship for controlling the casting process.

Abstract: The physical position of a block assembly on a support beam in a continuous block caster is adjusted and maintained. In particular, the apparatus includes at least one device for adjusting and maintaining the physical position of the blocks in a beam chain.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and apparatus for continuously casting molten metal in a block caster. In accordance with the present invention, novel track and drive systems are provided for reducing imperfections that can be created in a cast by movement of a beam chain through a casting cycle.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel apparatus for continuously casting molten metal in a block caster. In accordance with the present invention, a prestressed beam chain is provided for reducing imperfections that can be created in a cast.

Abstract: A rare earth metal-nickel hydrogen storage alloy having a composition represented by the formula (1) (R.sub.1-x L.sub.x) (Ni.sub.1-y M.sub.y).sub.z . . . (1) (R: La, Ce, Pr, Nd; L: Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Y, Sc, Mg, Ca; M: Co, Al, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zr, Ti, Mo, Si, V, Cr, Nb, Hf, Ta, W, B, C; 0.05.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.4, 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.5, 3.0.ltoreq.z<4.5), the alloy including in an amount of not less than 30 volume % and less than 95 volume % thereof crystals each containing not less than 5 and less than 25 antiphase boundaries extending perpendicular to C-axis of a crystal grain of the alloy per 20 nm along the C-axis, not less than 60% and less than 95% of added amount of the element represented by L in the formula (1) being arranged in antiphase areas, and a method for producing the same.

Abstract: A process for cooling molten steel, in particular by continuous casting of hoop-steel. At least part of the molten mass that leaves a metallurgical vessel through a metal nozzle solidifies when contacting a cooling surface. A gaseous stream that forms a reducing atmosphere is directed onto the surface of the freely accessible liquid hoop-steel immediately after it leaves the metal nozzle and the surface of the hoop-steel is exposed to this gaseous atmosphere at least until it is completely solidified.

Abstract: A rare earth metal-nickel hydrogen storage alloy having a composition represented by the formula (1)RNi.sub.x-y M.sub.y (1)(wherein R stands for La, Ce, Pr, Nd, or mixtures thereof, M stands for Co, Al, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zr, Ti, Mo, Si, V, Cr, Nb, Hf, Ta, W, B, C, or mixtures thereof, x satisfies the formula of 3.5.ltoreq.x<5, and y satisfies the formula of 0<y.ltoreq.2, crystals in the alloy having a LaNi.sub.5 type single phase structure, the alloy including in an amount of not less than 5 volume % and less than 95 volume % thereof crystals each containing not less than 2 and less than 17 antiphase boundaries extending perpendicular to C-axis of a grain of the crystal in the alloy per 20 nm along the C-axis, a method of producing the same, and an anode for a nickel hydrogen rechargeable battery containing as an anode material the above rare earth metal-nickel hydrogen storage alloy and an electrically conductive material.

Abstract: A radial-flow, wide-pouring molten-metal distributor comprising a curved or arcuate overflow weir which is normally horizontal on its top and which is concave on its upstream side as viewed from above. Over this arc-shaped overflow weir flows molten metal to be continuously cast in an open pool. An impetus is thereby imparted to the molten metal along diverging radial lines. The flow so impelled continues radially onto a horizontal apron. The flow spreads fanwise to the desired width which may be as much as six times the width of the weir. Thence, the metal cascades or flows uniformly into the casting apparatus. The overflow weir is preferably supplemented by a skimmer mounted above it in substantially uniform spaced aligned relationship, thereby completing a slot beneath the skimmer through which the molten metal flows. When employed for the casting of wide, thin product, the invention results in a far more uniform and gentle distribution of metal than heretofore available.

Abstract: This invention proposes a continuous casting method for austenitic stainless steel capable of simultaneously establishing productivity and an excellent surface quality of steel sheet. For this purpose, the invention lies in a method of continuously casting austenitic stainless steel by pouring melt of austenitic stainless steel from a tundish through an immersion nozzle into a continuously casting mold of a continuous slab caster, solidifying it in the mold and continually drawing the resulting slab of given size out from the mold, characterized in that a high-speed continuous casting is carried out so as to satisfy a relation of casting speed, superheating degree of molten steel in the tundish, sectional area of discharge port in the immersion nozzle and slab width represented by the following equation:0.30.ltoreq.V.sup.0.58 .multidot.W.sup.-0.04 .multidot..DELTA.T.multidot.d.sup.-0.96 .ltoreq.0.85whereinV: casting speed (m/min)W: slab width (mm).DELTA.T: superheating degree of molten steel in tundish (.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling and processing a molten product into a granulate product which apparatus comprises a displaceable support consisting of at least one substantially horizontal, disk-shaped element arranged for rotation about a substantially vertical shaft, means for depositing the molten product on the support, cooling means containing cooling liquid channels closed in themselves that form part of the disc-shaped element and, without connection with the environment, connect to feed and discharge means, and means for removing the molten product from the support in granulate form. Preferably, a double spiral-shaped channel is present per disk-shaped element, and the means for depositing the molten product on the support comprise a dispenser adapted to dispense the molten product batchwise or dropwise.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for making a honeycomb structure of a ected material, having the steps: (a) disposing molten material in a melt container disposed over a mold, where the melt container has an opening for releasing molten material into the mold, where the mold is shaped for molding the honeycomb structure; (b) moving the melt container relative to the mold, where the molten material flows out of the opening into the mold; and (c) removing the mold from the material. Another aspect of the invention is an apparatus for making a honeycomb structure of a selected material, including: (a) a mold shaped for molding the honeycomb structure; (b) a melt container, disposed over the mold, having an opening for releasing molten material into the mold; and (c) a conveyor, for moving the melt container relative to the mold as the melt container releases the molten material into the mold.

Abstract: A steel strip (12) is continuously cast from a pool (30) of molten metal that is supported on one or more chilled casting surfaces (22A). The casting surfaces (22A) are moved to produce a solidified strip (12) moving away from the casting pool (30) along a transit path (10). The formation of scale on the solidified strip (12) as it passes through the transit path (10) is controlled by confining the solidified strip within an enclosure (37) from which oxygen is extracted by oxidation of the strip and which is sealed to control ingress of oxygen containing atmosphere.

Abstract: The strip casting plant has a casting nozzle (10) displaceable in the direction of flow (F) of the liquid metal and adjustable perpendicular to this, to supply liquid metal to the adjustable roller gap (30) between rotating dies (26, 28). The casting nozzle (10) consists of an upper and a lower nozzle element (14, 16) and in vertical strip casting plants a left and a right nozzle element (14, 16) mounted on a melt distribution trough, and two side limiters which form a slot-like outlet opening (20) for the liquid metal. One or both of the nozzle elements (14, 16) is adjustable at least in the area of the outlet opening (20). On operation of the strip casting plant, the casting nozzle (10) is advanced at the start with outlet opening (20) in start position (S) and then withdrawn to work position (W), where the outlet opening (20) is expanded under adaptation to the casting rollers (26, 28).

Abstract: A conveyor belt of a continuous strip-casting device for casting strips of metal, particularly steel, which belt is guided by a driven drum and a drum horizontally adjacent to the driven drum and displaceable for tensioning the belt. The belt rests in this connection on a support arranged between the drums and the side thereof facing away from the cast strip is cooled. The conveyor belt has, on the side remote from the cast strip, uniformly distributed blind holes. The blind holes are separated by webs of a minimum width. The total surface area of the webs is 0.15 to 0.4 times the total surface area of the belt. The bottoms of the blind holes have a wall thickness which, upon heating by the cast strip with simultaneous cooling of the inside surface of the blind holes, permits a bulging of the bottom of less than 1 mm.

Abstract: The machine has a vertically oriented open-topped mold cavity having downwardly moving containment surfaces that hold a pool of liquid metal. The cavity is wide at the top-center and tapers to the narrow thickness of the strip (34) being cast at the edges of the sides and at the bottom. The two wide sides of the cavity are each delineated by a matrix of contiguous plates (38) separated by narrow fissures, the surface of each plate being subdivided by narrow expansion joints. Each matrix is a many-facetted approximation of a doubly-curved surface, the dynamic changes in the shape of which being facilitated by small changes in the relative linear and angular orientation of the plates with each other as they proceed downwardly through the matrix. A plate supporting arrangement with arcuately grooved tracks precludes lateral shifting of the plates of a given column with respect to each other and provision is made for adjusting both the thickness and the width of the casting.

Abstract: A method for producing rare earth metal-nickel hydrogen occlusive alloy ingot that contains 90 vol % or more of crystals having a crystal grain size of 1 to 50 .mu.m as measured along a short axis of the crystal and 1 to 100 .mu.m as measured along a long axis of the crystal. The method for producing the rare earth metal-nickel hydrogen occlusive alloy ingot involves melting a rare earth metal-nickel alloy and uniformly solidifying the alloy melt to have a thickness of 0.1 to 20 mm under cooling conditions of a cooling rate of 10.degree. to 1000.degree. C./sec and a sub-cooling degree of 10.degree. to 500.degree. C.

Abstract: A strip caster (10) for producing a continuous strip (24) includes a tundish (12) for containing a melt (14), a pair of horizontally disposed water cooled casting rolls (22) and devices (29) for electrostatically coating the outer peripheral chill surfaces (44) of the casting rolls with a powder flux material (56). The casting rolls are juxtaposed relative to one another for forming a pouting basin (18) for receiving the melt through a teeming tube (16) thereby establishing a meniscus (20) between the rolls for forming the strip. The melt is protected from the outside air by a non-oxidizing gas passed through a supply line (28) to a sealing chamber (26). A preferred flux is boron oxide having a melting point of about 550.degree. C. The flux coating enhances wetting of the steel melt to the casting roll and dissolves any metal oxide formed on the roll.

Abstract: A strip caster (10) for producing a continuous strip (24) has a tundish (12) for containing a melt (14) and a pair of horizontally disposed water cooled casting rolls (22). The casting rolls are juxtaposed relative to one another for forming a pouring basin (18) for receiving the melt through a teeming tube (16) thereby establishing a meniscus (20) between the rolls for forming a strip (24). The melt is protected from the outside air by a non-oxidizing gas passed through a supply line (28) to a sealing chamber (26). Devices (29) for conditioning the outer peripheral chill surfaces of the casting rolls includes grit blasting nozzles (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D), a collection trough (32) for gathering the grit, a line (34) for recycling the grit to a bag house (36), a feeder (38) and a pressurized distributor (40) for delivering the grit to the nozzles. The conditioning nozzles remove dirt, metal oxides and surface imperfections providing a clean surface readily wetted by the melt.

Abstract: A block assembly is disposed in close relation to a support beam in a continuous block caster. The block assembly is secured to the support beam by simultaneously actuating a plurality of discreet fixing devices by applying a force to a single point.

Abstract: The machine has a vertically oriented open-topped mold cavity with downwardly moving sides that contain a pool of liquid metal. The cavity is wide at the top-center and tapers to the narrow thickness of the strip being cast at the sides and bottom. The two wide sides of the cavity are each delineated by a matrix of contiguous plates seperated by narrow fissures.

Abstract: A continuous casting machine is disclosed of the type having a rotary casting drum with a mold cavity machined thereon, and a shoe in close engagement with the mold cavity so as to disperse molten media therein. The casting drum is formed from a series of ring segments that are interconnectable to form a shell having any desired width. By adding or subtracting ring segments, the width of the shell can be adjusted to the desired production specifications. In addition, a pressure control system is provided which is placed in fluid communication with the mold cavity via flow pathways through the casting drum upon rotation thereof. The pressure control system is operable for evacuating the mold cavity just prior to dispersion of molten media therein, and for subsequently ejecting the cast product upon solidification thereof.

Abstract: A high speed twin roll casting process is described in which molten metal is fed through a feeding nose into a convergent cavity formed between the walls of two rotating rolls with a meniscus of hot metal extending from the feeding nose tip in a casting zone and the metal strip formed in the casting zone is reduced in a rolling zone. According to the novel feature, the tendency of the metal strip to stick to the rolls is significantly inhibited by shrouding the hot metal meniscus with an oxygen enriched atmosphere. Also when the metal is an Al--Mg alloy, the sticking is greatly inhibited by adding to the alloy a small amount of at least one alloying element selected from nickel, lead, indium and bismuth.

Abstract: A stream of overheated metal melt is applied from a container through a pouring nozzle as a closed jet, or in such a way as to be split up into drops by a gaseous medium, at a pouring point, to the inner surface of a strip coil or composite body also rotating in a mold body. Thus, an initially liquid metal film is produced to which a liquid coolant, preferably a low-temperature liquefied gas such as argon or nitrogen, is applied from a cooling nozzle at a cooling point which is offset in the direction of rotation relative to the pouring point. The coolant dissipates a substantial portion of the excess and melt heat of the metal film, mostly due to vaporization of the liquid coolant. Depending on the residual heat which it still has after the cooling operation, the metal film either remains isolated from the innermost metal layer applied beforehand, so that a strip coil develops, or melts with the metal layer so that a rotationally symmetrical composite body forms.

Abstract: A casting device for the continuous manufacture of a thin metal strip (2) which includes a rotating, cooled conveyor belt guided by guide rollers (3, 4), and a melt distributor (5) juxtaposed the conveyor belt (2) and from which metal melt (7) is fed onto the conveyor belt (2) and is solidified. In order to do away with underpressure in the casting device, the melt distributor (5) includes a distributor base having a surface which extends essentially tangential of a surface of the belt on the guide roller and at a centerpoint angle in front of the apex point (12:00 o'clock position) of the front guide roller (3), viewed in direction of movement of the conveyor belt (2)), that is in the range of 5.degree. to 20.degree.. The front quids roller (3) is cooled at least in the area thereof defined by the respective center-point angle .alpha..

Abstract: A semi-solidified metal composition having an excellent workability is continuously produced by pouring molten metal into an upper part of a cooling agitation mold, agitating it while cooling to produce a slurry of solid-liquid mixed phase containing non-dendritic primary solid particles dispersed therein and discharging out the slurry from a lower part of the cooling agitation mold. In this case, a ratio of shear strain rate at a solid-liquid interface to solidification rate of molten metal is adjusted to a value exceeding 8000 in the cooling agitation mold.

Abstract: The machine has a cooled and moving substrate, for example an endless horizontal belt, a feeding device, for example a tundish, and a distributor arranged transversely to the substrate for distributing liquid metal over the substrate. The distributor can have an outlet for permitting a stream of liquid metal to exit the distributor, into a gaseous medium which can be enclosed by a hood or cover, at a substantial angle from the horizontal and vertical axes of the distributor, and the pressure of the liquid metal at the outlet can also be varied.

Abstract: Insulators, heated to a temperature which prevents solidification thereon, are used to confine all but one side of a continuous flow of initially-liquid metal alloy until it is solidified. The remaining side is confined by a thermally conductive material which is cooled by means to provide for essentially unidirectional rapid solidification of the alloy flow. Operational control and product quality are enhanced by establishing and conditioning a surface film on the liquid metal to be cast by controlling the gaseous environment available to the liquid metal prior to contact with the thermally conductive chill. The method and apparatus can produce cast strip with minimal shrinkage porosity from alloys with wide freezing ranges. The cast product is suitable for producing wrought products of high quality. The method is particularly applicable to aluminous alloys.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for continuously casting metal strip (20) of the kind in which a casting pool of molten metal (30) is formed in contact with a moving casting surface. By making the casting surface (16A) very smooth and inducing relative vibratory movement between the molten metal and the casting surface at selected frequency and amplitude, the heat transfer from the solidifying metal is dramatically improved. The casting surface has an Arithmetical Mean Roughness Value (Ra) of less than 5 microus and the induced vibratory movement preferably has a frequency of no more than 20 kHz. This enables improved casting productivity and also produced a marked refinement of the surface structure of the cast metal.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy composition for sheet product consists essentially of 0.3 to 1.1 wt. % silicon, 0.4 to 1.0 wt. % iron, 0.009 to 0.25 wt. % copper and optionally, minor amounts of manganese, magnesium, chromium, zinc, titanium and other incidental impurities with the balance aluminum. In making aluminum sheet from this composition, the aluminum alloy is continuously cast into an intermediate gauge sheet product and directly cold rolled without an intermediate thermal treatment to final gauge. Optionally, the final gauge sheet product can be subjected to a known temper practice. Using the iron, silicon and copper-containing aluminum alloy composition, a sheet product is produced which has acceptable mechanical properties for use as general purpose aluminum sheet, semi-rigid aluminum container stock, consumer wrap container cutter bars and the like.

Abstract: A method of making twin roll cast clad material includes producing a composite material using a liner stock produced by drag casting techniques. The drag cast liner stock can be directly used in a twin roll continuous casting process without additional process steps such as heat treatment, surface cleaning and/or rolling. The drag cast liner stock can be applied to one or both of the surfaces of the twin roll cast material to produce a composite material that is useful in a cast form or can be adapted for reduction by rolling processes or the like. The twin roll cast cladding process can utilize aluminum alloy core and cladding materials to form a brazing sheet from the as-cast composite material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the casting of metals in which a molten stream of metal is atomized into a spray of highly liquid droplets. The droplets are deposited on a moving substrate such as an endless belt provided with side dams. The droplets flow in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of the substrate and are contained by the side dams. The droplets may have an average size of 300 microns and the spray may have a liquid to solid ratio of at least 50%. This arrangement overcomes the problems of splashing and turbulence caused by the relative flow between the melt and the belt in regular belt casting and overcomes porosity problems associated with spray casting.