A continuous casting device having multi-stage convergence control is disclosed. Cooling surfaces of the continuous casting device can be articulated in stages, providing individual convergence control to longitudinally spaced-apart regions of the casting cavity. In a proximal region, during which the molten metal exhibits solidification shrinkage, a first convergence profile can be used to optimally account for the solidification shrinkage. In a subsequent distal region, a second convergence profile can be used, such as to provide optimal control of exit temperature of the continuously cast article. Multi-stage convergence control can be achieved through individually articulatable cooling pads or other supports positioned opposite the cooling surfaces from the casting cavity to displace the cooling surfaces and thereby adjust the convergence profile of the casting cavity. Actuation of the individually articulatable cooling pads can effect different convergence profiles along the length of the continuous casting device.

Provided herein are continuously cast aluminum alloy products exhibiting uniform surface characteristics. The aluminum alloy products have a first surface comprising a width, wherein the first surface comprises an average of 50 exudates or less per square centimeter across the width of the first surface. Also provided herein are methods of making aluminum alloy products having improved surface characteristics. Further provided are methods and systems for manufacturing aluminum alloy products, such as sheets, having reduced surface defects.

A continuous casting apparatus includes a first belt carried by a first upstream pulley and a first downstream pulley, a second belt carried by a second upstream pulley and a second downstream pulley, and a mold region defined by a first mold support section arranged behind the first belt and a second mold support section arranged behind the second belt. The first mold support section supports the first belt and defines a shape of the first belt in the mold region and the second mold support section supports the second belt and defines a shape of the second belt in the mold region. At least one of the first mold support section and the second mold support section includes a transition portion and a generally planar portion downstream from the transition portion. The transition portion has a variable radius configured to receive molten metal from a metal feeding device.

A cooling pad for a belt casting system includes a first nozzle arrangement and a second nozzle arrangement. In some embodiments, the first nozzle arrangement includes an elongated nozzle assembly that includes a base defining a receiving area, a first insert positionable within the receiving area, and a second insert positionable within the receiving area. The first insert and the base together define a first elongated dispensing slot. The second insert is adjustable relative to the first insert, and the second insert and the base together define a second elongated dispensing slot. In various embodiments, the second nozzle arrangement includes a plurality of multi-position nozzles, each movable between a base position and an offset position such that the heat transfer rate may be locally controlled across the cooling cavity.

The invention relates to a multilayer plain bearing element (14) composed of a composite material comprising a supporting layer (2), a binding layer (3) connected to the supporting layer (2), and a bearing metal layer (4) connected to the binding layer (3), wherein the binding layer (3) is composed of aluminum or a first, soft-phase-free aluminum-based alloy and the bearing metal layer (4) is composed of a second aluminum-based alloy containing at least one soft phase, and the binding layer (3) and the bearing metal layer (4) are connected to each other by means of a fusion-metallurgy connection in such a way that a binding zone arranged between the bonding layer (3) and the bearing metal layer (4) is formed, wherein grains (9,10) are formed in the binding zone and a continuous grain boundary course between the binding layer (3) and the bearing metal layer (4) is formed in the binding zone.

A metallurgical system for producing metals and metal alloys includes a fluid cooled mixing cold hearth having a melting cavity configured to hold a raw material for melting into a molten metal, and a mechanical drive configured to mount and move the mixing cold hearth for mixing the raw material. The system also includes a heat source configured to heat the raw material in the melting cavity, and a heat removal system configured to provide adjustable insulation for the molten metal. The mixing cold hearth can be configured as a removal element of an assembly of interchangeable mixing cold hearths, with each mixing cold hearth of the assembly configured for melting a specific category of raw materials. A process includes the steps of providing the mixing cold hearth, feeding the raw material into the melting cavity, heating the raw material, and moving the mixing cold hearth during the heating step.

A continuous casting and rolling line for casting, rolling, and otherwise preparing metal strip can produce distributable metal strip without requiring cold rolling or the use of a solution heat treatment line. A metal strip can be continuously cast from a continuous casting device and coiled into a metal coil, optionally after being subjected to post-casting quenching. This intermediate coil can be stored until ready for hot rolling. The as-cast metal strip can undergo reheating prior to hot rolling, either during coil storage or immediately prior to hot rolling. The heated metal strip can be cooled to a rolling temperature and hot rolled through one or more roll stands. The rolled metal strip can optionally be reheated and quenched prior to coiling for delivery. This final coiled metal strip can be of the desired gauge and have the desired physical characteristics for distribution to a manufacturing facility.

Provided herein are systems and methods for producing thick gauge aluminum alloy articles such as plates, shates, slabs, sheet plates or the like. A method for producing thick gauge aluminum alloy articles can include continuously casting an aluminum alloy article and hot or warm rolling the aluminum alloy article. Also provided herein is a continuous casting system for producing thick gauge aluminum alloy articles. The disclosed thick gauge aluminum alloy articles can be provided in any suitable temper.

The present disclosure relates to methods of producing heat-treatable as-cast plate, and products based on the same. Generally, the new methods comprise continuously delivering a molten aluminum alloy having at least one of zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), silicon (Si), and copper (Cu) to a molten belt caster, continuously solidifying the molten aluminum alloy into an aluminum alloy plate via the horizontal belt caster, then continuously discharging the aluminum alloy plate at an exit of the horizontal belt caster, and then quenching the discharged aluminum alloy plate via a quenching apparatus located proximal the exit of the horizontal belt caster.

A metallurgical system for producing metals and metal alloys includes a fluid cooled mixing cold hearth having a melting cavity configured to hold a raw material for melting into a molten metal, and a mechanical drive configured to mount and move the mixing cold hearth for mixing the raw material. The system also includes a heat source configured to heat the raw material in the melting cavity, and a heat removal system configured to provide adjustable insulation for the molten metal. The mixing cold hearth can be configured as a removal element of an assembly of interchangeable mixing cold hearths, with each mixing cold hearth of the assembly configured for melting a specific category of raw materials. A process includes the steps of providing the mixing cold hearth, feeding the raw material into the melting cavity, heating the raw material, and moving the mixing cold hearth during the heating step.