Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for vertical continuous casting. The vertical continuous casting includes drawing a strand formed in a watercooled mold vertically downward therefrom, positioning light reduction pinch rollers just prior to the solidification completing point of the strand, and applying a light reduction force to the strand sufficient to compensate for contraction caused by solidification of the strand. By this procedure the formation of central cavities is prevented and central segregation is lessened. The light reduction pinch rollers are arranged to be adjustably positioned up and down along the strand, in order to compensate for fluctuations in the location of the solidification completing point of the strand.

Abstract: The continuous casting method uses a multistrand type continuous casting apparatus having a plurality of tundishes each provided with a plurality of nozzles for casting strands of at least two different alloys where at least one alloy is cast into two or more strands. The method transfers molten metal into the tundishes from separate ladles corresponding to each tundish, and one tundish feeds at least two water-cooled molds through the nozzles for continuous casting thereof. The number of strands cast for each of the different alloys is determined based on the time required for the preparation of each molten metal, an amount of charge and a casting speed of each molten metal, so as to improve the yield of expensive alloys and/or enhance the rate of operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: Two tundish transport trucks move in alternate relation between a pouring position and a tundish preheating position. A swivel table is disposed at the forward end of a transport rail which extends laterally from the pouring station for guiding the tundish transport truck for movement thereon. Provided on the swivel table are a pair of swivel rails such that one of the rails is connected to the travel rail and the other is positioned in corresponding relation to a tundish preheating device. When the swivel table turns with the tundish transport trucks mounted on corresponding swivel rails, a preheated tundish is delivered to the pouring position and a used tundish is subjected to repair and preheating so as to be ready for a next tundish changing operation.