Nozzle geometry for planar flow casting of metal ribbon

摘要

An apparatus is provided for planar flow casting of metal ribbon. The apparatus comprises a movable chill surface, a reservoir for holding molten metal and a slotted nozzle whose lips are located close to the chill surface. In operation, molten metal is forced through the nozzle onto the chill surface to form a melt puddle. Rapid cooling of the molten metal results in the formation of a continuous ribbon. The nozzles of this invention provide a planar bottom surface which includes the leading edge of the first lip and the side edges at the bottom of the lips and which is as close or closer to the chill surface than is any other point on the lips. The nozzle reduces air flow around the melt puddle and thereby improves ribbon uniformity.