Abstract: Provided herein are an apparatus and method for continuous casting of metal, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method to reduce macrosegregation through a mechanism for controlling the position of a spout tip or diffuser during the casting process to maintain the spout tip or diffuser near the solidification front, location of transition between liquid metal and solid metal in the cast part. An apparatus may include: a mold frame supporting a mold defining a mold cavity; a liquid diffuser; and an actuator configured to move at least one of the mold frame and the liquid diffuser relative to one another, wherein the actuator is configured to move at least one of the mold frame and the liquid diffuser relative to one another in response to a signal from at least one sensor.

Abstract: Slide closure unit on the spout of a metallurgical vessel, preferably a copper-anode furnace, includes a housing in which refractory closure plates, as well as at least one connecting refractory inner casing, are arranged. A removable induction heater is provided, having at least one induction coil surrounding the refractory inner casing outside of the housing. In this way, it is possible to constantly keep the melt located in the outlet channel of the spout sufficiently warm so that it does not freeze before and/or during the pouring of the melt, or that any frozen metal and/or slag can be melted in the spout.

Abstract: The invention comprises methods and apparatuses for the electrorefining of Mg from Al or Mg alloy scrap. The invention utilizes the density and charge features of Mg present in a melted alloy to continuously extract Mg and Mg alloys from a melted Al alloy feed.

Abstract: Die cast nozzle for use in a die casting hot chamber system for molten metal with at least melting channel (4) in a channel carrier (3) that can be connected to a melt distributor (21), wherein the melting channel (4) passes over into a heating zone (6) and a nozzle tip (8), to which a sprue area (10) is attached, in which a plug of solidified melting can be formed that interrupts the melting flow, wherein the heating zone (6) comprises a heating cartridge (2) and/or a heatable nozzle shaft (33?) and/or the nozzle tip (8) is comprised as heatable nozzle tip (8?) and comprises at least one heating cartridge (2), the heatable nozzle shaft (33), or the heatable nozzle tip (8?) as heating element with electric heating, which comprises high power density in at least one section and low thermal inertia, comprised in a way that a temperature change gradient of 20 to 250 K/s, preferably 150 K/s, can be achieved on the surface of the heating element.

Abstract: Die cast nozzle for use in a die casting hot chamber system for molten metal with at least melting channel (4) in a channel carrier (3) that can be connected to a melt distributor (21), wherein the melting channel (4) passes over into a heating zone (6) and a nozzle tip (8), to which a sprue area (10) is attached, in which a plug of solidified melting can be formed that interrupts the melting flow, wherein the heating zone (6) comprises a heating cartridge (2) and/or a heatable nozzle shaft (33?) and/or the nozzle tip (8) is comprised as heatable nozzle tip (8?) and comprises at least one heating cartridge (2), the heatable nozzle shaft (33), or the heatable nozzle tip (8?) as heating element with electric heating, which comprises high power density in at least one section and low thermal inertia, comprised in a way that a temperature change gradient of 20 to 250 K/s, preferably 150 K/s, can be achieved on the surface of the heating element.

Abstract: A casting machine having a furnace body, a first heater, a first surface and pressure means. The furnace body has a melting portion and a holding portion, material being supplied and melted to form the molten metal in the melting portion, the holding portion holding the molten metal which has flowed out from the melting portion. The first heater heats the material supplied to the melting portion to melt it. The first surface is provided on a hearth surface of the melting portion and has concavities and convexities, the material to be heated being laid on the first surface.

Abstract: A receptacle for handling molten metal is provided. The receptacle has bottom and side walls and includes a refractory defining a cavity within which the molten metal is conveyed or contained. The receptacle has at least one channel extending within at least one of its walls. The channel has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is connectable to a source for circulating a fluid within the channel. The outlet allows the fluid to be expelled from said channel. The channel allows, when the fluid is circulated in it, to regulate the temperature of the refractory and thereby of the metal conveyed or contained. A casting assembly and a method for casting the refractory are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a discharge nozzle for an arrangement inside or at the base of a metallurgic vessel with an upper end, preferably for the connection to a metallurgic vessel or to a sliding valve of a metallurgic vessel, and a lower end, whereat a flow-through channel with at least one discharge opening at its lower end is arranged between the two ends, whereat the radially to the outside pointing wall of the flow-through channel is surrounded by a gas-proof case, characterized by the fact that the case surrounds the lower end with at least one discharge opening in a gas proof manner. The invention further relates to a method for operating a bottom discharge nozzle.

Abstract: A material jet system, comprising a container for molten jet material (3) to be ejected, a heater (4) for melting and/or keeping molten said jet material, and a jetting unit (5, 6, 7) which is arranged to form and eject droplets (8) of said jet material. The system, moreover, comprises supply structures (2) which are arranged for providing an uninterrupted supply of said material, which comprises a metal in solid form (1), and which preferably have the shape of a wire, bar or tape. Furthermore the system comprises a structure for sealing the material in solid form and a pressure controller to control a heat insulating fluid pressure in the container.

Abstract: In a jetting device for ejecting droplets of a relatively hot fluid, a fluid chamber body is made of a heat resistant material and an inner surface of the fluid chamber body, the inner surface defining a fluid chamber of the jetting device, is wettable by the fluid. This configuration provides that no additional force needs to be applied for forcing the fluid into an orifice, i.e. a narrow tube leading towards a nozzle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a centrifugal molten metal pump assembly and associated system for controlled delivery of molten metal to molds. The pump assembly comprises a shaft, an impeller coupled to the shaft, a controller to control a rotational speed of the impeller according to a programmable fill profile while delivering the molten metal to the mold. In some embodiments, the pump assembly further comprises a throttle to manipulate a flow rate or pressure of the molten metal relative to a rotational speed of the impeller. The associated system comprises a melting furnace and one or more holding furnaces, each holding furnace including at least one pump assembly therein. Each holding furnace may be of an open configuration to allow for uninterrupted flow of the molten metal from the melting furnace. The system may provide controlled delivery of the molten metal to the mold at a desired flow rate or pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for melting and dispensing thermoplastic material is provided that includes an un-heated hopper having an inlet for receiving particles of a thermoplastic material and an outlet for discharging the particles and a heated manifold including at least one cavity formed therein and having an inlet and an outlet the inlet communicating with the outlet of the hopper for receipt of the particles from the hopper. The hopper is disposed external of the heated manifold. The heated manifold is effective for melting the particles into molten thermoplastic material therein. The apparatus further includes a pump having an inlet in fluid communication with the cavity. An outlet of the pump is in fluid communication with an inlet of a dispenser and an outlet of the dispenser is effective for dispensing the molten thermoplastic material therethrough.

Abstract: A pouring nozzle is provided for use in a container for metal melts. The pouring nozzle has an inner wall surrounding a through-flow opening for metal melts and an outer housing. During operation of the pouring nozzle a pressure of at maximum 500 mbar exists between the inner wall and the outer housing.

Abstract: The introduction of spray formed metals into critical applications in the aircraft engine and power generation industries has been hampered by the possibility of erosion of oxide particles from a crucible lining or pouring nozzle in conventional spray forming equipment. These oxide particles may become inclusions that limit low-cycle fatigue life of parts. Use of a cold-walled induction guide (CIG) with an electrical insulation layer between copper CIG elements and the liquid metal offers a means of delivering ceramic-free alloys to a spray system with improved efficiency. CIG design options facilitated by a new oven-brazed fabrication technique resolve induction coil environmental isolation issues, correct thermal strain tolerance problems, facilitate dual frequency induction designs, allow improved electrical coupling efficiency and thermal efficiency, result in improved melt flow initiation, and facilitate disassembly without damage from the solidified melt.

Abstract: A digital manufacturing system comprises a build chamber, a build platform disposed within the build chamber, at least one extrusion line configured to heat a metal-based alloy up to a temperature between solidus and liquidus temperatures of the metal-based alloy, a deposition head disposed within the build chamber and configured to deposit the heated metal-based alloy onto the build platform in a predetermined pattern, an umbilical having a first end located outside of the build chamber and a second end connected to the deposition head, and at least one gantry assembly configured to cause relative motion between the build platform and the deposition head within the build chamber, where the at least one gantry assembly comprises a motor disposed outside of the build chamber.

Abstract: Various non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein relate to nozzle assemblies for conveying molten material, the nozzle assemblies comprising a body, which may be formed from a material having a melting temperature greater than the melting temperature of the molten material to be conveyed, and having a molten material passageway extending therethrough. The molten material passageway comprises an interior surface and a protective layer is adjacent at least a portion of the interior surface of the passageway. The protective layer may comprise a material that is essentially non-reactive with the molten material to be conveyed. Further, the nozzle assemblies according to various non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein may be heated, and may be self-inspecting. Methods and apparatus for conveying molten materials and/or atomizing molten materials using the nozzle assemblies disclosed herein are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a viscous material includes a dispenser body having an inlet and a discharge orifice. A valve element is mounted for movement in the dispenser body between an open position allowing flow from the discharge orifice, and a closed position preventing flow therefrom. An actuator is coupled to the valve element for actuation between the open and closed positions. A heat exchanger having a serpentine passage and a heater is coupled thereto, wherein the heater is in thermal communication with the dispenser body. The passage is configured to deliver the viscous material to the inlet at a uniform temperature. A method of dispensing a viscous material includes positioning a heat exchanger, having a fluid passage and a heater, in thermal communication with the dispenser body, and heating the material flowing through the fluid passage to a uniform temperature prior to delivering it to the inlet.

Abstract: A method for treating spheroidal graphite iron includes the step: pouring molten spheroidal graphite iron into a pouring electrical furnace (1); covering the molten spheroidal graphite iron (5) with alkali slag (6) which is melted at high temperature and rich in alkali earth metal ion, rare earth metal ion, or mixture of them; connecting the molten spheroidal graphite iron (5) with the negative pole of the direct current source by one pole (7); connecting the alkali slag (6) with the positive pole of the direct current source by another pole (4), treating the molten spheroidal graphite iron (5) with the alkali slag (6) which is used as electrolyte. The method can prevent the spheroidized fading velocity of the spheroidal graphite iron. The pouring electrical furnace can be used for treating the molten spheroidal graphite iron.

Abstract: Mercury dispensers (10; 20) having a highly reduced particle loss and containing a mixture of powders of a mercury releasing compound and of a plastic metal or alloy and optionally of a getter material are described. A mercury dispensing device (10:20) has a filiform cross-section, obtained by cutting a manufactured product having the same cross-section but a higher length, and comprises a metal container (11;21) and a mixture (12;22) of powders, comprised of at least one material suitable for releasing mercury by heating and a metal or a metal alloy, said mixture being arranged inside the container. Said metal or metal alloy has a Vickers hardness lower than 130 HV, its weight percentage is lower than the 10% of the total weight of the powders mixture and the size of the powders of said metal or alloy are not bigger than the size of the other powders of the mixture.

Abstract: A method for regulating metal melt throughflow through a melt throughflow aperture in a bottom nozzle of a metallurgical vessel is provided. The bottom nozzle has an upper nozzle arranged in a floor of the metallurgical vessel and a lower nozzle arranged below the upper nozzle. The method includes introducing inert gas through at least one inert gas inlet aperture into the melt throughflow aperture in the bottom nozzle, arranging a temperature sensor on or in the lower nozzle for determining a temperature in a wall of the bottom nozzle, and regulating an inert gas supply into the bottom nozzle using measurement signals from the sensor. A decrease in the temperature signals an increase of metal clogging and an increase in the temperature signals a decrease of metal clogging.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for manufacturing a solidified salt that is easy to treat in size and shape by using a vacuum transfer and a dual vessel. In the apparatus for quantitative solidification of a molten salt, a molten salt is introduced into a first vessel, and a second vessel is disposed inside the first vessel and quantitatively supplied with the molten salt. A molten-salt transferring unit quantitatively transfers the molten salt from the first vessel to the second vessel by vacuum pressure. A valve controls a discharge of the molten salt from the second vessel. A mold receives the molten salt from the second vessel and solidifies the molten salt. Accordingly, the molten salt can be stably discharged to the mold by quantitatively transferring the molten salt at vacuum pressure within the dual vessel, and a predetermined size and shape of the solidified salt can be manufactured, thereby processing and collecting the solidified salt safely.

Abstract: A control pin system, including an apparatus and method, for use in controlling the flow of molten metal in a molten metal distribution system for casting, with some aspects of the control pin including: a control pin body with an internal cavity and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface is sized and configured to operatively interact with an internal surface of a spout to effectively control the flow of molten metal through a spout aperture; and a heater element within the internal cavity of the control pin body. In other embodiments, the heater may be located within the spout body and transferring heat to the control pin.

Abstract: Small, high velocity liquid metal droplets are produced for applications that require the accurate and remote placement of small quantities of a metal. The magnetic pressure of current flowing through liquid metal is used to force small quantities of liquid metal through an orifice. Examples of applications are to feed metal fuel into plasma extreme ultraviolet sources, and to place solder bumps on an integrated circuit prior to the attachment of connections.

Abstract: A molten metal supplying container, comprising a container capable of storing a molten metal and loading the molten metal to the inside thereof or supplying the molten metal to the outside thereof by controlling a difference in pressure between inside and outside of the container, a passage allowing the inside and outside of the container to communicate with each other to have the molten metal flow therethrough, a lid disposed to cover the first opening having a second opening with a diameter smaller than the first opening and a hatch provided at the second opening capable of being opened and closed, having a passage communicating inside and outside the container. The passage is used, for example, to control inner pressure of the container and to insert the electrode for detecting the surface level of the molten metal.

Abstract: A bottom pour ladle device for transferring liquidus metal alloy from a crucible to a shot sleeve includes a bowl, snout, aperture, stopper, actuator, and stopper rod. The snout is disposed below the bowl and is configured to fit into the shot sleeve. A distal end of the snout is configured to reach a bottom portion of the shot sleeve. The aperture is at the distal end of the snout. The stopper is to close the aperture in response to being urged against the aperture. The actuator is to urge the stopper. The stopper rod is to connect the stopper to the actuator. The bowl, snout, and aperture are comprised of materials compatible with liquidus metal alloy.

Abstract: A ladle (2) or other container for molten metal (5) is provided with an outlet nozzle (4) that allows a stream of molten metal to flow by heating the nozzle (4) to the melting temperature of the metal (5). The nozzle (4) is, for example, tubular and made of AI2O3 or SiO2 and is surrounded by a graphite tube (8) in thermal contact with the nozzle (4). The nozzle (4) is heated by heating the surrounding graphite tube (S) inductively. Once the temperature of the nozzle (4) exceeds the liquidus temperature of the metal (5) in the ladle (2), the metal (5) will flow out of the ladle (2) through the nozzle (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a launder construction for the conveyance of molten metal. The metal flows in the lower part of the launder construction in a channel defined by a refractory mass, the launder being heat-insulated so that, in operating conditions, the metal forms a solid zone in the porous refractory mass. The essential features of the launder construction include a cover part that is provided with electrical resistors, ensuring that the metal remains melted and the launder sufficiently hot throughout the process, and a gas burner that prevents the metal from cooling under the effect of the gas flowing in the launder channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for melting and dispensing thermoplastic material is provided that includes an un-heated hopper having an inlet for receiving particles of a thermoplastic material and an outlet for discharging the particles and a heated manifold including at least one cavity formed therein and having an inlet and an outlet the inlet communicating with the outlet of the hopper for receipt of the particles from the hopper. The hopper is disposed external of the heated manifold. The heated manifold is effective for melting the particles into molten thermoplastic material therein. The apparatus further includes a pump having an inlet in fluid communication with the cavity. An outlet of the pump is in fluid communication with an inlet of a dispenser and an outlet of the dispenser is effective for dispensing the molten thermoplastic material therethrough.

Abstract: A dosing system for the controlled feeding of liquids comprising: 1) a submersible centrifugal pump for insertion into a body of liquid to be dosed; 2) a riser rising angularly vertically from the centrifugal pump; 3) a receiver box at the terminus of the riser to receive liquid delivered thereto by the centrifugal pump via the riser; 4) a weir plate defining an exit from the receiver box to a delivery spout; 5) a sensor for measuring the depth of liquid in the receiver box; 6) at least one temperature sensor detecting the temperature of liquid within one or more locations within the dosing system; and 7) a control system receiving liquid depth and temperature data from the depth and temperature sensors and controlling the speed and thus the volume of the centrifugal pump as it feeds the riser and receiving box and hence the amount of liquid delivered to the delivery spout.

Abstract: A mechanical apparatus and method for the casting of metal components is disclosed. The apparatus includes a gooseneck having dual plungers for drawing molten metal from a crucible of hot metal and for forcing the drawn molten metal through the system, a hot runner assembly having a thermal valve developed in time and positioned adjacent the mold cavity, and a machine nozzle positioned between the gooseneck and the hot runner assembly. The dual plunger is fitted with a shot plunger and a shutoff plunger which work in conjunction to allow for molten metal to be drawn into the gooseneck but to stop its passage into the gooseneck when the metal is forced through the system into the die. Both temperature and flow rate are carefully monitored and controlled. Two embodiments of the gooseneck are provided in which the positions of the shot plunger and the shutoff plunger are altered and in which the molten metal is drawn into the gooseneck at different locations.

Abstract: This invention discloses a molten metal supply system that can supply molten metal to a downstream process at a constant pressure and molten metal flow rate. The molten metal supply system includes a molten metal supply source, a plurality of injectors, and a plurality of check valves.

Abstract: A method of dispensing metered portions of molten lead comprises the steps of providing a heater body with a lead reservoir that produces sufficient heat to form molten lead and providing a lead dispensing shuttle plate with at least two lead metered cavities that are filled with molten lead in a fill position. The heater body is movable between a dispense position and a feed position. At least one of the metered cavities releases the molten lead when the heater body is moved to the dispense position. In one aspect, the method comprises supplying a strip of lead so that when the heater body moves to the feed position, it receives a portion of the strip of lead. In another aspect, the method comprises injecting inert gas over the lead reservoir and into the dispensing metered cavity to prevent air from entering the metered cavity.

Abstract: Liquid aluminum is sprayed onto an iron article to produce a thin tenacious non-corrodible layer. In one embodiment, an iron article is heated to at least 400° F. or preferably until cherry red. It is sprayed with a fine aluminum mist generated by heating aluminum in a container and then passing a gas under pressure through the container and out through a heat resistant ceramic nozzle. In another embodiment, aluminum is heated to at least 2000° F. in a container to produce a pool of liquid aluminum. Pressure is applied to the container to project the liquid aluminum in the form of a fine mist through a ceramic nozzle onto the iron article. The aluminum mist produces a tenacious aluminum layer on the iron article that is workable, weldable and non-corrodible. The aluminum layer is a permanent part of the iron article and cannot be removed by conventional means, such as buffing with a wire wheel driven by a electric motor.

Abstract: A filling system includes a pressurized source of fill material and a pressure fill head wherein the fill head also includes a beating element positioned so as to transfer heat to fill material passing through the fill head. A method of filling holes using a fill material passing through a pressure fill head includes the steps of causing fill material to enter the fill head\, modifying the viscosity of the fill material while it is within the fill head, and causing the modified viscosity fill material to exit the fill head and enter at least one hole.

Abstract: A refractory nozzle is provided for a metallurgical vessel, in particular for steel melts, wherein the nozzle has a flow-through opening with an upper end, a lower end, and an inner wall laterally enclosing the flow-through opening. In order to improve known discharge nozzles, in particular with regard to their thermal shock resistance, a heater and/or a thermal insulating material, that dissolves or bums upon contact with fluid steel, is arranged along the inner wall in the flow-through opening.

Abstract: For dispensing solder on a substrate, a soldering wire and a forming gas heated to a predetermined temperature are fed to a mixing chamber of a two-component nozzle so that, in the mixing chamber, solder is melted off and carried with the gas stream. The solder blown out of the two-component nozzle settles on the substrate. The two-component nozzle is moved or swivelled relative to the substrate in order to distribute the solder over a predetermined area of the substrate.

Abstract: A refractory nozzle is provided for arrangement in the wall of metallurgic vessels, especially for steel melts. The nozzle has a passage opening with an upper end and a bottom end, an inside wall of a solid electrolyte material enclosing the passage opening. At least one electrode is arranged on an outer side of the solid electrolyte material facing away from the passage opening and having connecting lines leading electro-conductively therefrom. Thermal insulating material at least partially encloses the outer side of the solid electrolyte material and the electrode. The at least one electrode is essentially made of a metal which has a melting point of at least about 1400° C. and/or of at least one of its oxides.

Abstract: Spherical balls, notably microballs of welding alloys, are produced by passing a melted material through vibrating orifices of a granulation pot, in order to form droplets which solidify when falling, by gravity, into a cooling tower filled with an inert gas. To improve the surface condition of the balls, the inert gas comprises approximately 15 to 150 ppm of oxygen. Moreover, the melted material is subject to ultrasound stirring just before being fed into the granulation pot. The balls are, preferably, dampened at the outlet of the cooling tower by brushes composed of polyamide wires. Besides, the control of the vibration frequency of the vibrating orifices in relation to the percentage of balls meeting the standards enables to improve the output.

Abstract: A die casting system includes a vessel defining a reservoir with a controlled heater and an agitator for maintaining the bath of semi-solid metal in a homogeneous isothermal state, a transfer system capable of transferring a known quantity of metal in its semi-solid state to a mold cavity in a die casting machine, the transfer system including a heated suction tube, a vacuum source for vacuum ladling semi-solid metal from the bath to a die, and a plunger tip providing a path for free air flow to allow evacuation of the suction tube during casting and a metal replacement system for replacing the known quantity of transferred metal with a similar amount of liquid metal so that a stable homogeneous isothermal bath of semi-solid metal is controllably maintained to be available for die casting operations.

Abstract: In a metallurgical vessel (1) having a tapping apparatus (5) for the slag-free withdrawal of liquid metal (3) from a molten metal bath (3) which is disposed in the vessel (1), a first leg (11) of a discharge duct (10) passes through the refractory vessel wall (15) and an overflow edge (14) in the connecting region of the two legs (11, 12) of the discharge duct (10) is higher than the upper edge (18) of the inlet opening (17) of the discharge duct. The molten metal (3) in the discharge duct is preferably inductively heatable.

Abstract: A battery assembling method includes a lead dispenser/heater unit, cover positioner, container positioner, and lead feeder. A battery container with battery plates contained therein is retained by the container positioner. A battery cover is retained by the cover positioner. Molten lead is retained within the lead dispenser/heater unit. The exposed areas of the lead dispenser/heater unit are preferably flooded with an inert gas to prevent drossing of the molten lead. A container heating platen is disposed on a top of the lead dispenser/heater unit and a cover heating platen on a bottom thereof. The container positioner brings the battery container in contact with the container heating platen and the cover positioner brings the battery cover in contact with the cover heating platen.

Abstract: Soft solder powder is made in the form of spherical fine metal particles having a grain size ranging from 1 to 100 &mgr;m and a Liquidus temperature <250° C.

Abstract: A die casting system includes a vessel defining a reservoir with a controlled heater and an agitator for maintaining the bath of semi-solid metal in a homogeneous isothermal state, a transfer system capable of transferring a known quantity of metal in its semi-solid state to a mold cavity in a die casting machine, the transfer system including a heated suction tube, a vacuum source for vacuum ladling semi-solid metal from the bath to a die, and a plunger tip providing a path for free air flow to allow evacuation of the suction tube during casting and a metal replacement system for replacing the known quantity of transferred metal with a similar amount of liquid metal so that a stable homogeneous isothermal bath of semi-solid metal is controllably maintained to be available for die casting operations.

Abstract: A melt guide includes a base plate having internal cooling channels and a center aperture extending vertically therethrough. A unitary drain bushing is removably mounted in the aperture and is readily replaceable after wear thereof.

Abstract: A one-piece, composite open-bottom casting mold with integral withdrawal section is fabricated by thermal spraying of materials compatible with and used for the continuous casting of shaped products of reactive metals and alloys such as, for example, titanium and its alloys or for the gas atomization thereof.

Abstract: A tubular thermal sprayed melt containment component for transient containment of molten metal or alloy wherein the tubular member includes a thermal sprayed inner melt-contacting layer for contacting molten metal or alloy to be processed, a thermal sprayed heat-generating layer deposited on the inner layer, and an optional thermal sprayed outer thermal insulating layer. The thermal sprayed heat-generating layer is inductively heated as a susceptor of an induction field or electrical resistively heated by passing electrical current therethrough. The tubular thermal sprayed melt containment component can comprise an elongated melt pour tube of a gas atomization apparatus where the melt pour tube supplies molten material from a crucible to an underlying melt atomization nozzle.

Abstract: A method of preparing a pouring tube such as a submerged entry nozzle (SEN) for use in a continuous casting machine includes steps of preheating at least one portion of the pouring tube by exposing the pouring tube to intensive radiative heat transfer; and installing the preheated pouring tube into a continuous casting machine. In the preferred embodiment the source of intensive radiative heat transfer is a high intensity infrared heat source that is capable of preheating the pouring tube to a temperature of up to 2000 degrees F. within seven to ten minutes. This compares with conventional gas preheating techniques that typically take over thirty minutes and thus require many steel producers to keep an SEN on constant preheat. By eliminating this necessity, the pouring tube may be prepared for use more quickly and in an environmentally sounder manner than through conventional preheating processes.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing solder balls is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a tundish, a vibrator, a cooling liquid tank, an inactive atmospheric chamber, a molten metal receiving tray, a ball collecting barrel and a cooling liquid reservoir. The tundish has orifices at its bottom. The vibrator is immersed in the molten metal of the tundish and generates vibrations. The cooling liquid tank is situated under the tundish and is provided with a cooling liquid heater at its upper and middle outer surface and a cooling liquid cooler at its lower outer surface. The inactive atmospheric chamber is interposed between the bottom of the tundish and the top surface of the cooling liquid. The molten metal receiving tray is seated on a portion of the inactive atmospheric chamber and is horizontally movable. The ball collecting barrel is positioned under the cooling liquid tank and is provided with a cut-off valve at its top, a ball removing valve at its bottom and a cooling liquid supply conduit at its upper portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing a selected pattern of solder onto a substrate comprising a substrate support, a solder ejector, and an orifice defining structure. The substrate support has structure for bearing a substrate on which one or more electronic components are to be mounted. The solder ejector has a housing that defines a cavity for containing molten solder. The orifice defining structure includes a flat disk having an orifice defined therethrough for producing a stream of molten solder and a disk support structure that supports the disk around the orifice and is replaceably coupled to the cavity-defining structure. Also disclosed is an apparatus that deposits a selected pattern of solder onto a substrate and includes a substrate support, a solder ejector that directs solder droplets to desired positions on the support, and an ejector aligner that adjusts the orientation of the solder ejector in two angular dimensions to enable adjustment of the trajectory of the stream of molten solder droplets.

Abstract: In a process for splashing and/or teeming liquid metal, in particular steel, through a discharge in the wall or in the bottom of a metallurgical vessel, the discharge is electromagnetically coupled to the electromagnetic field of at least one fluid-cooled, in particular air-cooled, inductor. The inductor and the discharge are at least partially disposed in the wall or in the bottom of the metallurgical vessel. For teeming, the electromagnetic field of the inductor, or of the inductors, is coupled directly to the discharge and also the liquid metal. For this purpose, the frequency of the electromagnetic field or the electromagnetic fields, if appropriate, is adjusted correspondingly.