US 6,983,007 B2
Method of manufacturing electrodes and a reusable header for use therewith
Louis J. Barto, Youngstown, Ohio (US); and Frank P. Spadafora, Niles, Ohio (US)
Assigned to RMI Titanium Company, Niles, Ohio (US)
Filed on Nov. 20, 2003, as Appl. No. 10/718,045.
Prior Publication US 2005/0111517 A1, May 26, 2005
Int. Cl. H05H 7/102 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 373—69 47 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of manufacturing electrodes, the method comprising the steps of:
a) attaching a first electrode to a first reusable header; wherein said reusable header includes a shaped first end;
b) heating the first electrode to a temperature sufficient to melt said first electrode;
c) depositing the molten metal from the first electrode into a crucible;
d) solidifying the molten metal to form a second electrode, where said second electrode has at least a portion molded to be complementary shaped to the first end of the first reusable header;
e) inverting the second electrode;
f) interlocking the shaped portion of the second electrode with the first end of the first reusable header; and
g) melting the second electrode to form an ingot of increased purity.