US Patent 7761969 Methods for making refractory crucibles

Methods for making refractory crucibles capable of managing thermal stresses and suitable for melting highly reactive alloys, the method involving providing a crucible having at least a facecoat and a backing, heating at least one retaining ring, applying the at least one retaining ring about at least a portion of the backing of the crucible; and allowing the at least one retaining ring to cool and shrink-fit about the crucible.