Machine for forming metal bars

Abstract

A machine for forming metal bars, in particular for producing ingots made of precious metal such as gold, silver, precious alloys, as well as other pure metals or different alloys, which includes a solidification station provided with a cooling surface having passage holes and being cooled with cooling fluid. The cooling surface being made of copper, aluminium or alloys thereof or other materials suitable for the controlled dispersion of heat and having a sliding surface on which the ingot moulds are inserted and rested. The cooling fluid passes longitudinally and/or transversely to the direction of insertion of said ingot moulds.

1 . A machine for forming metal bars, in particular for producing ingots made of precious metal such as gold, silver, precious alloys, as well as other pure metals or different alloys, utilizing ingot molds each having a cover, said machine comprising a solidification station provided with a cooling surface, said cooling surface having passage holes and being cooled with cooling fluid passing through said passage holes, said cooling surface being made of copper, aluminium or alloys thereof or other materials suitable for the controlled dispersion of heat, said cooling surface further includes a sliding surface on which the ingot moulds are inserted and rested, said cooling fluid passing through the passage holes of said cooling surface longitudinally and/or transversely to the direction of insertion of said ingot moulds. 
     
     
         2 . The machine according to  claim 1 , wherein said cooling surface is flat and smooth. 
     
     
         3 . The machine according to  claim 1 , wherein said cooling surface comprises millings in relief or recessed. 
     
     
         4 . The machine according to  claim 1 , wherein said solidification station comprises heating plates for slowing down the cooling process, made of graphite, metal or refractory or insulating materials, said heating plates being interposed between said cooling surface and said ingot moulds. 
     
     
         5 . The machine according to  claim 4 , wherein said heating plates comprise smooth surfaces. 
     
     
         6 . The machine according to  claim 4 , wherein said heating plates comprise surfaces provided with suitable millings in relief or recessed. 
     
     
         7 . The machine according to  claim 1 , wherein said solidification station comprises cooling or thermal insulation plates, provided with notches for defining localized heat areas, said cooling or thermal insulation plates being placed near or in contact with one or more sides of the ingot moulds and their covers. 
     
     
         8 . The machine according to  claim 1 , wherein said solidification station comprises heating panels of the electrical resistor type, gas-type or heated with other means, positioned around the ingot moulds and on the covers. 
     
     
         9 . The machine according to  claim 1 , wherein said solidification station comprises an inert environment which comprises an inert gas which prevents oxidation of said ingot moulds and said covers and protects the metal still in liquid form against oxygen. 
     
     
         10 . The machine according to  claim 1 , wherein said inert gas comprises nitrogen, argon or nitrogen-hydrogen mixture. 
     
     
         11 . The machine according to  claim 1 , wherein said solidification station is incorporated in a single station which also comprises a station of secondary chemical addition.