A method and apparatus for producing solid alloy components from its liquid state are provided. The molten alloy is rapidly cooled using a chill to temperatures below the thermosolutal transition temperature of the alloy. Finite-amplitude acoustic vibration is applied on the chill to shake off dendrites that form on the chill surface, to stir the slurry containing the fragments of dendrites, and to shake off slurry material that sticks on the surface of the chill as the chill is separating from the slurry. The slurry is then immediately poured into a chamber of a forming machine or a mold cavity shaped into solid components.

An apparatus for producing solid alloy components from its liquid state are provided. A molten alloy is rapidly cooled using a chill to temperatures below the thermosolutal transition temperature of the alloy. Finite-amplitude acoustic vibration is applied on the chill to shake off dendrites that form on the chill surface, to stir the slurry containing the fragments of dendrites, and to shake off slurry material that sticks on the surface of the chill as the chill is separating from the slurry. The slurry is then immediately poured into a chamber of a forming machine or a mold cavity shaped into solid components.

A mold for semi-continuous casting of metal strands from liquid metal, comprising a mold body provided with at least one mold cavity. The at least one mold cavity comprises a liquid metal inlet defined by a nozzle plate; an insert defining a perimeter wall intended to be in contact with the metal leaving said liquid metal inlet; a mold outlet; a plurality of spray nozzles for spraying cooling fluid onto the metal strand, the spray nozzles being preferably provided in the insert. The mold body is provided with a channel for cooling fluid. The insert is removable and is made from a metallic material. The mold is useful for casting aluminium strands.