Patent ID: 8891583

Claim:
An apparatus for producing a preform by nucleated casting, the apparatus comprising: an atomizing nozzle configured to produce a droplet spray of a molten metallic material along a spray axis; a mold in which the preform is formed, wherein said mold comprises a base and a side wall, wherein said base is movable relative to said side wall along a displacement axis to control a distance between said atomizing nozzle and said base; a stalk connected to said base, wherein said stalk is rotatable about said displacement axis and translatable along said displacement axis to move said base with respect to said side wall; a slot configured to rotate about said displacement axis; and a guide rail positioned within said slot and extending at least partially between said slot and said side wall, wherein said guide rail is configured to rotate about said displacement axis to rotationally couple said slot with said side wall, wherein said stalk is movable with respect to said guide rail along said displacement axis, and wherein said guide rail is structured to guide said stalk as said stalk moves with respect to said guide rail along said displacement axis.