Abstract:
An apparatus for and method of continuous molten material cladding of elongated products such as extrusions includes a molten material cladding apparatus (10) comprising a crucible (1) and a molten material dispensing tool (3) engaged therewith. The crucible and molten material dispensing tool form a chamber (14) to retain molten material, the molten material flowing through passageways (23) in the molten material dispensing tool to form menisci in a bore (21) thereof. An extrusion (33) passing through the molten material dispensing tool punctures the menisci, wherein molten material flows through the molten material dispensing tool and clads the outer surface of the extruded product passing therethrough. By using menisci of molten material, a smooth surfaced, uniform thickness clad product is produced having a wide range of cladding thicknesses.