Simple, low-cost planar flow casting machine for rapid solidification processing
Abstract
The design, fabrication, and operation of a relatively simple low-cost planar flow casting (PFC) machine optimized for small-batch processing were investigated by the Bureau of Mines. Several design features found beneficial to PFC process operation include: a ground nozzle stopper to retain the alloy charge during melting; a remote, large-volume pressure vessel connected to the crucible gas system to reduce temperature-induced pressure fluctuations; and the use of a nested induction coil that allows both the melt charge and the crucible reservoir to be located close to the cooling wheel. The results of several PFC process runs are provided showing typical values of the cooling wheel surface velocity, crucible ejection pressure, and crucible nozzle clearance gap. Examination of the rapidly solidified, Fe-based ribbons for thickness, dimensional uniformity, and atomic structure indicated that good quality glassy ribbon could be produced with proper selection of the controllable process variables. In addition, single-variable linear regression analysis was used to determined the effect of each process variable on the resulting ribbon thickness.
- Publication:
-
Review of Scientific Instruments
- Pub Date:
- August 1986
- DOI:
- 10.1063/1.1138544
- Bibcode:
- 1986RScI...57.1647S