Robert E. Maringer

Casting of metallic filament and fiber

The production of metallic fiber and filament directly from the melt has been practiced for some years. However, the application of these techniques has been limited due to materials-compatibility problems. Two new fiber-casting methods have been developed: Crucible Melt Extraction and Pendant Drop Melt Extraction. Both methods involve bringing the edge of a rotating disk into contact with a source of molten metal. Molten metal solidifies on the periphery of the disk, adheres there for a short time as it is removed from the melt source, and is then spontaneously released from the disk in the form of solid fiber. Both methods significantly reduce the technical difficulties heretofore associated with fiber casting and are amenable to operation in air, inert atmosphere, or vacuum. Metals as diverse as tin and niobium have been fiberized successfully.