Abstract: A method and apparatus for melting metals uses microwave energy as the primary source of heat. The metal or mixture of metals are placed in a ceramic crucible which couples, at least partially, with the microwaves to be used. The crucible is encased in a ceramic casket for insulation and placed within a microwave chamber. The chamber may be evacuated and refilled to exclude oxygen. After melting, the crucible may be removed for pouring or poured within the chamber by dripping or running into a heated mold within the chamber. Apparent coupling of the microwaves with softened or molten metal produces high temperatures with great energy savings.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for heating a metal melt, in particular molten steel covered with a casting powder, introduced via a submerged outlet into an ingot mould of a continuous casting plant. In order to ensure uniform heat dissipation over the ingot mould and constant frictional forces between the latter and the casting shell, the heat energy is introduced at given points into the surface of the melt bath and the heat energy point on the surface of the melt bath is brought to a predetermined line.

Abstract: A method for forming a desired pattern of a material of conductive or non-conductive type on a variety of substrates. It is based on the use of a pen which essentially consists of a refractory tip wetted with the material in the molten state. The pen preferably consists of a pointed tungsten tip attached to the top of a V-shaped tungsten heater, forming a heater assembly. The tip and the heater top portion are roughened at the vicinity of the welding point. In turn, the ends of the V-shaped heater are welded to the pins of a 3-lead TO-5 package base. The pen is incorporated in an apparatus adapted to the direct writing technique. To that end, the pen is attached to a supporting device capable of movements in the X, Y and Z directions, while the substrate is placed on an X-Y stage for adequate X, Y and Z relative movements therebetween. The two pins of the pen are connected to a power supply to resistively heat the heater.

Abstract: Three-dimensional metal parts are fabricated by irradiating a thin layer of a mixture of metal powder and temperature equalization and unification vehicle to melt the metal powder and form a solid metal film. The vehicle also protects the molten metal from oxidation. The metal powder can contain an elemental metal or several metals, the vehicle can be an organic resin or an amalgam, and the irradiation can be selectively applied by a YAG laser.

Abstract: High-quality castings are formed by:(a) placing a molten material in contact with a first electrode formed from a conductive material and a second electrode formed from a semiconductive metal oxide, and(b) passing an electric current between the first second electrodes while the molten material is cooling at a current density of from 10 to 500 mA/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: A method for producing a cast of titanium or a titanium-based alloy by fusing titanium or a titanium-based alloy containing an alloy element in a vacuum furnace while introducing argon gas therein and casting the resultant melt in mold, which method is characterized by adjusting the introduction of the argon gas so that the argon gas pressure (atm) in the furnace assumes the following magnitude proportionately to the alloy element content M (% by weight):Not less than 2.1 when 0.ltoreq.M<5Not less than 1.6 when 5.ltoreq.M<10Not less than 1.5 when 10.ltoreq.M<15Not less than 1.2 when 15.ltoreq.M.

Abstract: In accordance with a new method of casting electrode grids for electric lead storage batteries in a mold, premature solidifying of the melt is prevented before the end of the mold filling period by an additional heating pulse applied to the melt during the mold filling process, as well as by the use of a good heat conducting mold material. The cooling down to the unmolding temperature is also accelerated. Because of the short dwell time of the lead within the mold, there simultaneously results a short machine cycling period. The separate pulse heating of the melt is preferably carried out by an induction heating apparatus, the alternating field of the inductor located within the mold walls producing heat through eddy current production within the molten molded body.

Abstract: A method for forming a fiber-reinforced metal sheet including the steps of preparing a wire preform in which fibers and a matrix are combined together; arranging regularly a plurality of wire preforms in a predetermined direction in a side-by-side relation; irradiating simultaneously using a CO.sub.2 laser beam, and a YAG laser beam the regularly arranged wire preforms to elevate the temperature of the wire preforms; and pressing the wire preforms by rollers while the wire preforms are at the elevated temperature.

Abstract: A mold structure for casting large metallic parts such as ingots so as to avoid the formation of the "shrinkage pipe" which normally develops on the exposed top surface of such castings during their solidification comprises a cap for placement on a mold which includes a diaphragm having a front surface located to intercept radiation emitted from the top surface of the cooling metal mass and to re-emit radiation back thereto, and a reflector for returning radiation emitted from the back surface of the diaphragm such as an infrared reflector or a stack of baffles. The cap may include a cooler for cooling the reflective surface and suitable ports which allow the interior of the mold and cap to be evacuated. Portions of the mold adjacent its open top may be provided with insulation to prevent heat loss from the metal by conduction. A heater for providing make-up heat to the top surface of the metal mass may also be included in the structure.