Method and apparatus for casting a plurality of closely-spaced ingots in a static magnetic field

Method and apparatus for reducing macrosegregation in the simultaneous casting of a plurality of metal alloy ingots in a continuous or semicontinuous casting operation. Several casting molds are arranged closely together in an array. An outer electromagnetic coil is arranged around the outer periphery of the array of molds and their formed ingots. Preferably, when the circular molds are employed, a solenoid is provided in the central space of the molds. Direct current in the outer coil and in the solenoid create a static magnetic field whose combined effect acts on the liquid pool of the molten metal. The outer coil has straight sides and curved corners. Passive flux return devices are located along the straight sides of the outer coil. If rectangular molds are used, then only the outer electromagnetic coil is arranged around the casting assembly.