Apparatus for rapid solidification of thin metallic strips on a continuously moving substrate

A thin strip of metal or alloy is subjected to rapid solidification as it is ejected under pressure in a molten state from a crucible onto a cold, continuous band moving at high speed beneath the crucible's opening, in order to form metal strips in the vitreous state. An atmosphere under reduced pressure surrounding the zone of impact of the molten metal on the band is provided by a partially evacuated housing having opposed narrow inlet and outlet openings through which the band passes. The band is cooled and precisely positioned, and its vibration is minimized, by ejecting fluid from openings in the bottom of the housing, over which the band passes in closely parallel fashion. A pressurized gas at low temperature, ejected through these openings in the direction of the band, creates a fluid cushion between the band and the bottom of the housing. Curved fluid-ejecting units acting analogously to pulleys may be provided to define the path of the continuous band and to form similar fluid cushions between the band and themselves. The metal may advantageously be brought out of the housing by the moving band into an atmosphere of higher pressure before its temperature reaches the temperature of vitrification of the metal.