APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MAKING A SEMI-SOLID METAL SLURRY

摘要

A crucible for preparing semi-solid metallic slurry, having a liquid phase and a solids phase. The crucible has a side wall having a lower edge, a closing plate engagable against and separable from the lower edge of the side wall and clamping means for holding the closing plate against the lower edge of the side wall. Also taught is a method of preparing semi-solids slurry. The method involves providing a crucible having a side wall with a lower edge and a closing plate and holding the closing plate in contact with the lower edge of the side wall. Next, the crucible is filled with a molten metal and the molten metal is cooled to produce a semi-solid slurry. Finally, the lower edge of the side wall is release from contact with the closing plate and the semi-solid slurry is transferred from the side wall to a casting machine.