The article contains a brief history of amorphous materials. Information on the properties of these materials is provided and the criteria for amorphous materials produced by A. Inoue are discussed. Two selected methods of producing fast-cooled alloys have been characterized. The melt spinning method and the centrifugal casting method have been described by providing appropriate apparatus diagrams. In addition, the article describes processes of initial preparation of feed materials for the

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... uction of fast-cooled alloys and describes the process of forming a polycrystalline ingot. Selected methods of investigating structure of amorphous materials are described: X-ray diffraction and mossbauer spectroscopy.