Method of controlling the shape of an ingot head

Abstract

Systems and associated methods are provided for controlling the shape of an ingot head during formation. At the end of a cast, prior to forming the ingot head, chill bars or other cooling structure may be lowered into an ingot mold and define a reduced casting footprint for forming the ingot head. Supplemental molten metal may be fed into the reduced casting footprint, and the chill bars may be moved laterally towards the center of the ingot, further reducing the casting footprint. As additional molten metal fills the reduced mold footprint, the ingot may be lowered relative to the chill bars to further increase the height of the ingot head. Additional molten metal may be added until the desired shape of the ingot head is formed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A chill bar assembly comprising:
 a chill bar configured to move in a vertical direction to engage a molten metal surface;   a coolant conduit positioned adjacent the chill bar for conveying heat away from the chill bar when coolant is conveyed through the coolant conduit; and   an angle adjustment base, wherein the angle adjustment base is mechanically coupled to the chill bar and configured to selectively orient the chill bar among a plurality of predetermined angles relative to a horizontal direction.   
     
     
         2 . The chill bar assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the angle adjustment base is lockable to secure the chill bar at a fixed angle. 
     
     
         3 . The chill bar assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the angle adjustment base has one or more openings arranged to engage or receive a fastener to set an angle of the chill bar. 
     
     
         4 . The chill bar assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the chill bar is configured to move in the horizontal direction within a mold, in contact with the molten metal surface.