Metal melt processing machine has a feed unit with heater close to the plasticizing barrel and utili

The machine(10) comprises a material plasticizing barrel(12) with screw(14) and a material feed unit(20). The feed unit, which holds and delivers material(40) in a specific form, is connected to a feed zone(15) of the barrel. A heater(38) is located near to the feed zone. The part of the feed unit(20) attached to the barrel forms a shaft around which the heater(38) is located. A stuffing piston(34) is incorporated in the feeding unit. Material blocks(40) are stored(22) and a further piston(30) drives the blocks to a position below the stuffing piston. In the feed zone the plasticizing screw(14) acts as shredder, in particular as a mill, a rasp or slicer. Flushing gases, in particular rare gases, ca be introduced to the material in the feeding unit. The plasticizing unit(10) may have twin screws. Independent claims are included for : a) a process for processing metal melts in which material in block form, preferably tablets or cylinders, is heated to below the melting temperature before introducing into the plasticizing unit; b) block materials with a tablet or cylindrical shape.