Homogenization and heat-treatment of cast metals

A system for forming ingots from molten metal, comprising:

• a casting mold for forming an embryonic ingot;
• a coolant supply arranged to direct liquid coolant to the surface of the embryonic ingot adjacent an outlet of the direct chill casting apparatus;
• an adjustable wiper positioned to remove the liquid coolant from the exterior surface of the embryonic ingot, wherein the adjustable wiper is movable between a first position and a second position, and wherein the first position is located between the casting mold and the second position;
• and
• a controller coupled to the wiper support and operable to move the adjustable wiper during casting of the embryonic ingot.

An in-situ homogenization system, comprising:

• a wiper having an aperture sized to pass an embryonic ingot therethrough, wherein the wiper is positionable at a distance from a casting mold forming the embryonic ingot, and wherein the wiper is shaped to remove liquid coolant applied to an exterior surface of the embryonic ingot between the wiper and the casting mold;
• a wiper support coupled to the wiper for adjusting the distance between the wiper and the casting mold;
• and
• a controller coupled to the wiper support and operable to adjust the distance between the wiper and the casting mold as the embryonic ingot passes through the aperture.