Homogenization and heat-treatment of cast metals
US7871478B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 27, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jan 18, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 27, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49991
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method of casting a metal ingot with a microstructure that facilitates further working, such as hot and cold rolling. The metal is cast in a direct chill casting mold, or the equivalent, that directs a spray of coolant liquid onto the outer surface of the ingot to achieve rapid cooling. The coolant is removed from the surface at a location where the emerging embryonic ingot is still not completely solid, such that the latent heat of solidification and the sensible heat of the molten core raises the temperature of the adjacent solid shell to a convergence temperature that is above a transition temperature for in-situ homogenization of the metal. A further conventional homogenization step is then not required. The invention also relates to the heat-treatment of such ingots prior to hot working.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.