A simple and effective approach of employing an abrupt increase in growth velocity is presented to obtain entirely coupled eutectics in directional solidification of off-eutectic alloys. Using the proposed approach, the velocity required for the growth of entirely coupled eutectics in off-eutectic alloys can be increased remarkably. In directionally solidified Al-40 wt% Cu hypereutectic alloys with a thermal gradient of 250 K/cm, primary Al2Cu dendrites appeared at constant growth velocities ranging from 5 to 100 mu m/s and entirely coupled eutectics formed at 1 mu m/s. Employing the abrupt increase in growth velocity, the growth velocity of purely coupled eutectics could attain 100 mu m/s. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.