An actuator for a casting mold for producing a metal component has at least two electrodes in contact with the metal melt for generating a local, pulsing electric field in a metal melt present in the casting mold and for introducing a pulsing current into the metal melt.

An actuator for a casting mold for producing a metal component has at least two electrodes in contact with the metal melt for generating a local, pulsing electric field in a metal melt present in the casting mold and for introducing a pulsing current into the metal melt.

A method for producing a cylindrical hollow body (20) made of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or a light metal alloy, includes casting a hollow body (20) such that the hollow body (20) has an inner and an outer lateral surface (21, 22) and two axial end faces. The method also includes, during the casting process, making at least one defined notch (35, 35′) into one or more of the inner lateral surface (21), the outer lateral surface (22), and the two axial end faces.

A composite body and a method for producing an integrally cast composite body, which includes at least two zones. A first zone is substantially formed of metal material, and, a second zone additionally includes a non-metallic reinforcing material, such as cement carbide. The composite body is particularly useful for producing products which have at least one wear resistant zone or surface.

A composite body and a method for producing an integrally cast composite body, which includes at least two zones. A first zone is substantially formed of metal material, and, a second zone additionally includes a non-metallic reinforcing material, such as cement carbide. The composite body is particularly useful for producing products which have at least one wear resistant zone or surface.

Methods for creating a cast component, along with the resulting cast components, are provided. The method may provide for a controlled grain structure in the resulting cast component. The methods may include heating at least a first portion mold under controlled conditions, such as when the first portion of the mold is buried in a ceramic powder.

Methods for creating a cast component, along with the resulting cast components, are provided. The method may provide for a controlled grain structure in the resulting cast component. The methods may include heating at least a first portion mold under controlled conditions, such as when the first portion of the mold is buried in a ceramic powder.

A three-dimensional metallic foam is fabricated with an active oxide material for use as an anode for lithium batteries. The porous metal foam, which can be fabricated by a freeze-casting process, is used as the anode current collector of the lithium battery. The porous metal foam can be heat-treated to form an active oxide material to form on the surface of the metal foam. The oxide material acts as the three-dimensional active material that reacts with lithium ions during charging and discharging.

A three-dimensional metallic foam is fabricated with an active oxide material for use as an anode for lithium batteries. The porous metal foam, which can be fabricated by a freeze-casting process, is used as the anode current collector of the lithium battery. The porous metal foam can be heat-treated to form an active oxide material to form on the surface of the metal foam. The oxide material acts as the three-dimensional active material that reacts with lithium ions during charging and discharging.

A process for producing a metal alloy balance wheel by molding includes a) making a mold in the negative shape of the balance wheel; b) obtaining a metal alloy that has a thermal expansion coefficient of less than 25 ppm/° C. and is able to be in an at least partly amorphous state when it is heated to a temperature between its glass transition temperature and its crystallization temperature; c) putting the metal alloy into the mold, the metal alloy being heated to a temperature between its glass transition temperature and its crystallization temperature so as to be hot-molded and to form a balance wheel; d) cooling the metal alloy to obtain a balance wheel made of the metal alloy; and e) releasing the balance wheel obtained in step d) from its mold. The process also includes a step for over-molding flexible centering components in the hub.