Method and device for casting metal alloy ingots

A method of casting a metal alloy ingot, comprising the following steps:

• providing a one side open-ended mould comprising a plurality of sides and a bottom plate defining a mould cavity with a mould opening, the open-ended mould being pivotable around a horizontal rotational axis between a position so that the mould opening points upwards and a position so that the mould opening points side-wards, and wherein the bottom plate of the mould is provided with coolant means;
• positioning the open-ended mould such that the mould opening points side-wards;
• providing a casting container with an aperture and positioning the casting container such that the aperture points upwards and not facing the mould opening while the mould opening points side-wards;
• filling said casting container with molten metal for one casting operation;
• coupling the casting container to the open-ended mould so that the casting container is located below the mould while the mould opening points side-wards or down-wards;
• and
• rotating the open-ended mould together with the casting container around the horizontal rotational axis for approximately 90° to 180°, from a position whereby the mould opening points side-wards to a position whereby the mould opening points upwards such that the molten metal is conveyed through the aperture of the casting container, through a ceramic foam filter and into the open-ended mould until reaching a desired thickness, wherein the ceramic foam filter is supported at an end of the casting container defining the aperture and extends outwards from the end of the casting container and is spaced apart from the mould opening of the mould, whereby the molten metal in the open-ended mould is cooled directionally through its thickness where a solidification front remains substantially monoaxial.