A method and apparatus for real-time in-mould marking of a moulded or cast form with an identifier in which a configurable marking module (1) with phase change actuators (23) in the form of a multi-layered printed circuit board assembly (1) with a vertical element (33) having a marker (21) is installed in a mould (2), (35), the marker (21) being remotely configurable by a controller to create a unique identifier which is applied to the form in the mould.

A worm wheel is provided in which a step is not formed near a tooth face meshing with a worm, and noise does not easily occur during power transmission. A worm wheel 1 includes a circular arc-shaped tooth section 5 that is a portion meshing with a worm 101 and configuring a circular tube worm gear, and a helical tooth section 4 that is connected to one end side of the circular arc-shaped tooth section 5. An angle of torsion at an arbitrary reference point 14 in a tooth depth direction of a tooth 3 on a boundary 7 between the circular arc-shaped tooth section 5 and the helical tooth section 4 is equal to an angle of torsion at a second reference point 15 corresponding to the first reference point 14 in the tooth depth direction of the tooth 3 in a diameter portion P0 of a throat of the circular arc-shaped section 5. As a result, a step is not formed on a tooth face on the boundary 7 between the circular arc-shaped tooth section 5 and the helical tooth section 4. A tooth face of the circular arc-shaped tooth section 5 and a tooth face of the helical tooth section 4 are smoothly connected.

A process of forming a low cost, erosion, oxidation, and wear resistant one-piece composite liner or insert that can be installed into a shot chamber in a die casting machine is provided. The process utilizes a thin inner layer of refractory metal to serve as the working surfaces of a shot chamber. The thin refractory layer is bonded metallurgically to a thick low cost material to form a one-piece liner thick enough to resist thermal distortion during die casting operation. A self-healing erosive wear resistant coating is applied on the working surface of the refractory metal layer. Such a one-piece composite liner is expected to have an improved service life for die casting of corrosive metals and alloys.