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 or down-wards, and wherein the bottom plate of the mould is preferably provided with coolant means;
• positioning the open-ended mould such that the mould opening points side-wards or down-wards;
• providing a casting container with an upwardly positioned aperture;
• 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;
• rotating the open-ended mould together with the casting container around the horizontal rotational axis for approximately 45° to 180°, from a position whereby the mould opening points side-wards or down-wards to a position whereby the mould opening points upwards such that the molten metal is conveyed through the mould opening into the open-ended mould until reaching a desired thickness,
• whereby the molten metal in the open-ended mould is cooled directionally through its thickness where the solidification front remains substantially monoaxial.