Abstract: A method of processing a metal alloy includes heating to a temperature in a working temperature range from a recrystallization temperature of the metal alloy to a temperature less than an incipient melting temperature of the metal alloy, and working the alloy. At least a surface region is heated to a temperature in the working temperature range. The surface region is maintained within the working temperature range for a period of time to recrystallize the surface region of the metal alloy, and the alloy is cooled so as to minimize grain growth. In embodiments including superaustenitic and austenitic stainless steel alloys, process temperatures and times are selected to avoid precipitation of deleterious intermetallic sigma-phase. A hot worked superaustenitic stainless steel alloy having equiaxed grains throughout the alloy is also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for plate having a thickness of at least 80 mm comprising aluminium alloy as a percentage by weight %: Cu: 2.0-6.0; Li: 0.5-2.0; Mg: 0-1.0; Ag: 0-0.7; Zn 0-1.0; and at least one element selected from Zr, Mn, Cr, Sc, Hf and Ti, the amount of said element, if selected, being 0.05 to 0.20 wt % for Zr, 0.05 to 0.8% wt % t for Mn, 0.05 to 0.3 wt % for Cr and for Sc, 0.05 to 0.5 wt % Hf and 0.01 to 0.15% wt % for Ti, Si?0.1; Fe?0.1; others ?0.05 each and ?0.15 in total, wherein the aged state logarithmic fatigue mean measured at mid-thickness in the LT direction on smooth specimens with a maximum stress amplitude of 242 MPa, a frequency of 50 Hz, a stress ratio of R=0.1 of at least 250,000 cycles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling the surface quality of an ultra-low carbon steel slab, the method comprising the steps of: measuring the phosphorus (P) concentration, sulfur (S) concentration and superheating degree of a molten steel which is introduced into a mould in a continuous casting process for producing the ultra-low carbon steel slab, the width of the mould, and the casting speed of the slab; and calculating the depth of a hook which is formed when the molten steel is solidified into the slab, based on the measured width of the mould, the measured phosphorus (P) concentration, sulfur (S) concentration and superheating degree of the molten steel, and the measured casting speed of the slab.

Abstract: A printer that produces objects from liquid conductive material is disclosed. In one embodiment, the printhead has a chamber for containing liquid conductive material surrounded by an electromagnetic coil. A DC pulse is applied to the electromagnetic coil, resulting in a radially-inward force on the liquid conductive material. The force on the liquid conductive material in the chamber results in a drop being expelled from an orifice. In response to a series of pulses, a series of drops fall onto a platform in a programmed pattern, resulting in the formation of an object.

Abstract: There is provided an edge dam upper portion sealing apparatus for a twin roll strip caster. The edge dam upper portion sealing apparatus may include: a sealing pad making tight contact with an upper portion of an edge dam and a lateral side of a meniscus shield of the twin roll strip caster; a bearing member coupled to the sealing pad; and a driving unit connected to the bearing member and coupled to at least two links for forming a link structure.

Abstract: A system comprising at least one furnace including a melt containing vessel; an intermediate casting product station coupled to the at least one furnace and operable to receive a molten metal from the at least one furnace, the intermediate casting product station including a casting pit, at least one moveable platen disposed in the casting pit, an array of exhaust ports about at least a top periphery of the casting pit, and an array of gas introduction ports about at least the top periphery of the casting pit; and an inert gas source operable to supply an inert gas to the array of gas introduction ports.

Abstract: A method of continuously casting steel strip includes steps of providing rails positioned beneath a casting position and extending in opposite directions there from to discharge stations, supporting first and second scrap receptacles movable along the rails, engaging a seal between the first scrap receptacle and an enclosure enabling support of a protective atmosphere beneath a pair of casting rolls, disengaging the seal between the first scrap receptacle and the enclosure and moving the first scrap receptacle along the rails in a direction away from the second scrap receptacle to a discharge station, and moving the second scrap receptacle into the casting position and sealingly engaging the second scrap receptacle and the enclosure.

Abstract: A casting device for producing semiconductor material foil includes a casting frame and a substrate band. The casting frame is arranged for holding a molten semiconductor material and includes sidewalls of which an exit sidewall is located at an output position for the semiconductor material foil. The exit side wall is provided with an exit slit. The casting device further includes a local force exerting means to exert at the location of the exit slit a locally enlarged external force on the molten semiconductor material to enlarge an outer pressure on the molten material at the exit slit.

Abstract: A continuous casting furnace is configured for efficiently continuously casting ingots, including titanium alloy ingots. The furnace is configured with an internal cutter for cutting an ingot within the furnace interior chamber. The furnace typically includes a first interior chamber in which a continuous casting mold is disposed and a withdrawal chamber which is separable from the first interior chamber to facilitate withdrawal of finished ingots therefrom while casting continues within the first chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously casting thin steel strip include a pair of counter-rotatable casting rolls in a roll cassette laterally positioned to form a nip there between through which thin cast strip can be cast, adapted to support a casting pool of molten metal on the casting surfaces, an enclosure to support a protective atmosphere immediately beneath the casting rolls in the casting position, and an upper cover positioned below the casting rolls to move between a closed position covering the upper portion of the enclosure maintaining the protective atmosphere in the enclosure in the closed position and a retracted position enabling cast strip to be cast into the enclosure. A scrap receptacle positioned beneath the casting position movable in either direction to a discharge stations. Further, a movable tundish adapted to be transferred from a heating station to the casting position.

Abstract: A casting furnace for manufacturing a metal casting comprises an interior chamber and a secondary chamber through which the metal casting passes from the interior chamber into external atmosphere. A seal along the secondary chamber surrounds and seals against the metal casting to separate the interior chamber from the external atmosphere in a manner which allows for an extended period of continuous casting. A force producing mechanism typically forces the seal against the metal casting. Multiple seals may be used sequentially to increase the duration of the sealing capability and the continuous casting process.

Abstract: Steam exhaust ports are located around a perimeter of a direct chill casting pit, at various locations from below the top of the pit to the pit bottom to rapidly remove steam from the casting pit with addition of dry excess air. Gas introduction ports are also located around a perimeter of the casting pit and configured to introduce an inert gas into the casting pit interior.

Abstract: Continuous casting machine for forming a lead alloy strip of large thickness; which comprises a cooled rotating drum (4) having an annular seat (8) formed on the periphery thereof and a vat (10) for containing a molten lead bath, which is sealingly engaged on the peripheral surface (7) of the rotating drum (4). The machine (1) also comprises a fixed shoe (11) extending, from the vat (10), along an arc (25) around the rotating drum (4) and having an arc shape suitable for sealing engagement, in a sliding relationship, on the shoulders (90) of the annular seat (8). Heating means (26) are provided, these consisting of a plurality of torches acting on the shoe (11) along at least an initial section thereof (25) which extends from the vat (10), for heating to a temperature higher than the melting temperature of the lead alloy the free surface of the lead inside the annular seat (8).

Abstract: A casting process for an aluminum alloy containing at least about 0.1% of Mg and/or at least about 0.1% of Li in which a liquid surface of the alloy is put into contact with a dried gas including at least about 2% of oxygen by volume and with a water partial pressure lower than about 150 Pa throughout most of the solidification process is described. The process makes it possible to cast most oxidable aluminum alloys, in particular aluminum alloys containing magnesium and/or lithium, without using additives such as beryllium and/or calcium and without using expensive devices and/or gases, to obtain cast ingots generally free from surface defects and pollution, in complete safety.

Abstract: A casting furnace for manufacturing a metal casting comprises an interior chamber and a secondary chamber through which the metal casting passes from the interior chamber into external atmosphere. A seal along the secondary chamber surrounds and seals against the metal casting to separate the interior chamber from the external atmosphere in a manner which allows for an extended period of continuous casting. A force producing mechanism typically forces the seal against the metal casting. Multiple seals may be used sequentially to increase the duration of the sealing capability and the continuous casting process.

Abstract: A continuous casting machine injecting molten mold flux into a mold includes: melt-surface covers covering the upper side of the mold; gas aspirators provided below the melt-surface covers for inhaling the gas in an upper space of the mold; and purge gas injectors provided below the melt-surface covers for injecting purge gas into the upper space of the mold.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously casting thin steel strip include a pair of counter-rotatable casting rolls in a roll cassette laterally positioned to form a nip there between through which thin cast strip can be cast, adapted to support a casting pool of molten metal on the casting surfaces, an enclosure to support a protective atmosphere immediately beneath the casting rolls in the casting position, and an upper cover positioned below the casting rolls to move between a closed position covering the upper portion of the enclosure maintaining the protective atmosphere in the enclosure in the closed position and a retracted position enabling cast strip to be cast into the enclosure. A scrap receptacle positioned beneath the casting position movable in either direction to a discharge stations. Further, a movable tundish adapted to be transferred from a heating station to the casting position.

Abstract: A continuous casting furnace for producing metal ingots includes a molten seal which prevents external atmosphere from entering the melting chamber. A startup sealing assembly allows an initial seal to be formed to prevent external atmosphere from entering the melting chamber prior to the formation of the molten seal.

Abstract: Lateral seal of a casting gap formed between two casting rollers of a strip casting machine that can be placed against the casting rollers on the front face. The lateral seal includes a first moist part and a second part that is assigned to the front faces of the casting rollers. The second part forms a type of snout shape encompassing two legs which extend along the front faces of the casting rollers, join each other at the bottom, above a kissing point, so as to form a common area, and between which the first part protrudes from above. An insulating layer which separates the two parts from each other is inserted between the first and second part.

Abstract: A continuous casting furnace for producing metal ingots includes a molten seal which prevents external atmosphere from entering the melting chamber. A startup sealing assembly allows an initial seal to be formed to prevent external atmosphere from entering the melting chamber prior to the formation of the molten seal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lateral seal of a casting gap formed between two casting rollers of a strip casting machine. Said lateral seal can be placed against the casting rollers on the front face. The inventive lateral seal (10) comprises a first moist part (12) and a second part (13) that is assigned to the front faces of the casting rollers (1, 2). Said second part (13) forms a type of snout shape encompassing two legs which extend along the front faces of the casting rollers, join each other at the bottom, above a kissing point, so as to form a common area, and between which the first part (12) protrudes from above. An insulating layer (18) which separates the two parts (12, 13) from each other is inserted between said first and second part.

Abstract: A continuous casting furnace for producing metal ingots includes a molten seal which prevents external atmosphere from entering the melting chamber. A startup sealing assembly allows an initial seal to be formed to prevent external atmosphere from entering the melting chamber prior to the formation of the molten seal.

Abstract: A horizontal continuous casting apparatus for continuously manufacturing a magnesium alloy plate and a method of manufacturing a magnesium alloy plate using the same. The horizontal continuous casting apparatus is structured such that the cross-sectional area of the plate is equal to or smaller than that of a melt inlet, and includes a cooling unit for indirectly cooling the melt using a cooling jacket provided to the outer wall of the mold and/or for directly cooling the melt through spraying of cooling water, and a drawing unit having a multi-step drawing cycle. Thereby, magnesium alloy plates having various sizes can be safely and continuously cast.

Abstract: The invention relates to a casting device (1) having a casting ladle (2), a distribution device (4), and a horizontally moveable transport belt (5) having side boundaries (13, 14), wherein liquid metal, preferably steel, can flow out of the casting ladle (2) onto the distribution device (4), and from there can be applied to the horizontal transport belt (5), the side boundaries (13, 14) of the horizontal transport belt (5) being adjustable across the width of the horizontal transport belt. The invention further relates to a corresponding method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing and delivering various types of carbon and microalloy steel, free of oxygen with abundance of nuclei, when cast producing ultra fine grain steel free of internal defeats with excellent quality. A horizontal sealed table caster has a chamber, containing a suitable atmosphere for casting, with a tube connecting to a tundish so as to allow a liquid to flow into the chamber. The liquid metal is captured on a cooling belt along the bottom of the chamber and is maintained as a specific width and depth. The cooling belt serves as a heat sink causing the liquid metal to solidify from the bottom up, allowing inclusions to migrate to the surface of the steel. A layer of liquid metal is maintained on top of the solidifying steel until the solidification reaches the surface. The belt moves the solid metal toward the exit of the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously casting thin steel strip includes a pair of counter-rotatable casting rolls having a nip there between capable of delivering cast strip downwardly from the nip, a metal delivery system capable of forming a casting pool supported on casting surfaces of the casting rolls above the nip with side dams adjacent the ends of the nip to confine the casting pool, and a hot rolling mill having work rolls with work surfaces forming a gap between them through which hot strip delivered from the casting rolls is rolled, the work rolls having work surfaces relating to the desired strip profile across the work rolls. Misting jets may be in intervals along the path of the cast strip exiting from the hot rolling mill to form a cooling zone, the misting jets capable of directing toward surfaces of the cast strip a mixture of gas and water having a ratio of gas over water between 9 and 90 to cool the cast strip at more than 1.6° C. per liter of water used.

Abstract: A continuous casting furnace includes a temperature control mechanism for controlling the temperature of a metal casting as it exits a continuous casting mold in order to provide improved characteristics of the metal casting. The temperature control mechanism includes a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the metal casting, and a heat source and cooling device for respectively heating and cooling the metal casting in light of the temperature of the metal casting. A control unit determines if the temperature of the metal casting is within a predetermined range and controls the heat source and cooling device accordingly. The heat source may double as a cooling device or the cooling device may be separate from the heat source.

Abstract: A continuous casting machine injecting molten mold flux into a mold includes: melt-surface covers covering the upper side of the mold; gas aspirators provided below the melt-surface covers for inhaling the gas in an upper space of the mold; and purge gas injectors provided below the melt-surface covers for injecting purge gas into the upper space of the mold.

Abstract: A continuous casting furnace for producing metal ingots includes a molten seal which prevents external atmosphere from entering the melting chamber. A startup sealing assembly allows an initial seal to be formed to prevent external atmosphere from entering the melting chamber prior to the formation of the molten seal.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling gas layer thickness on the surface of casting rolls in a twin roll strip caster includes: a pair of chambers fixedly mounted on both lateral portions of the meniscus shield in a width direction of a strip; blocking units for blocking introduction of pollutants into the molten metal pool, wherein each of the blocking units includes front and rear barrier members which are mounted on each of the chambers and in close contact with an outer periphery of each casting roll and a blower for injecting inert gas toward the outer periphery of each casting roll; operating units for adjusting the thickness and the width of gas layers at both ends of the casting rolls, wherein each of the operating units includes suction lines connected with each chamber to transmit a suction force to ends of each casting roll and a pair of movable plates slidably assembled to both side portions within each chamber for being reciprocated by movable members; and a control unit for controlling the suction force

Abstract: A twin roll casting machine that can reduce an amount of inert gas to be fed for prevention of oxidization. The machine includes an enclosure enclosing a strip in a range from chilled rolls to pinch rolls, a first swing wall within the enclosure and having a tip end movable toward and away from a surface of the strip, a sealing roll rotatably supported by the tip end of the first swing wall, a second swing wall within the enclosure and having a tip end movable toward and away from the other surface of the strip, a sealing roll rotatably supported by the tip end of the second swing wall, sealing members between peripheral edges of the swing walls and an inner surface of the enclosure, and conduits for supplying inert gas into the enclosure. The respective swing walls are swung to bring the sealing rolls close to the strip to thereby suppress flow of the inert gas from a first space to a second space.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous casting of metals, especially of steel, is equipped with a base frame (2) carrying a continuous casting mold (1) and an oscillating device (3) disposed on the base frame (2) and with a foot roller frame (4) disposed on the foot end (1a) of the continuous casting mold (1). In order to obtain better protection for the mold region and components disposed downstream thereof, it is proposed that the continuous casting mold (1) together with an oscillation frame (3b) and an oscillating drive (3a) engaging the oscillating frame (3b) be arranged in an upwardly and laterally closed housing (5) and that the foot roller frame (4) fastened on the continuous casting mold (1) extends through a laterally shielding lower housing (6).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a molten film of metal, in particular a steel film, more uniform by strip casting, in which the molten material which is applied to a revolving belt is to have a thickness and properties which are as uniform as possible across the width of the film. To make the film more uniform over its width, forces are introduced into the metal film with a component which is directed oppositely to the direction in which the film is conveyed, which forces make the profile of the molten film of metal more uniform.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing bulging of both edges of a strip while preventing contamination of a roll surface in a twin roll strip caster including a meniscus shield (5) and a plurality of weirs (12).

Abstract: A molten steel of a special steel or the like including a high-alloy steel is poured in a mold whose bottom portion is closed with a dummy head of a lift table. As the lift table is vertically moved down at a given casting speed, a casting whose lower end is supported by the dummy head is continuously pulled out from the bottom portion of the mold. As a pair of movable molds that constitute the mold are relatively moved away from each other in synchronism with the downward movement of the lift table, both widthwise side surfaces of the casting are provided with required tapering.

Abstract: Roll caster (11) produces thin steel strip (12) formed on casting surfaces (22A) of casting roll (22) that passes through first enclosure (37) adjacent casting roll surfaces (22A) and, optionally, thereafter second enclosure (61). Enclosure (37) and/or enclosure (61) may be fitted with spray nozzles (71,72) and/or (67, 68) operable to spray fine water mist adjacent strip (12) to produce hydrogen gas in enclosure (37) while tending to avoid liquid water contact with steel strip (12) and casting surfaces (22A). If hydrogen gas is produced only in enclosure (61), the two enclosures (37, 61) are interconnected so that gas can flow from enclosure (61) to enclosure (37). Enclosure (37) and, if present, enclosure (61) are sealed to maintain positive pressure and oxygen levels less than the surrounding atmosphere, and with the presence of hydrogen gas, reduce formation of scale on the strip in enclosure (37) and, if present, enclosure (61).

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for continuously casting a uranium rod so that impurities generated in melting the metallic substance reduced from nuclear spent fuel are easily removed, the molten metal is easily degassed, the oxidation of uranium is prevented, and the molten metal does not remain in a crucible, thereby completely removing the noxious gas, improving the safety of work, allowing the workers to be close to the apparatus, reducing the consumption rate of the inert gas, completely preventing the oxidation of uranium, and being remotely controlled.

Abstract: A twin roll caster (11) produces thin steel strip (12) which passes through a first enclosure (37) to a pinch roll stand (14) including pinch rolls (50) through which the strip passes into a second enclosure (61). The strip passes horizontally through enclosure (61) to an in-line hot rolling mill (16) which closes the exit end of enclosure (61) and hot rolls the strip as it exits that enclosure. Enclosures (37) and (61) are sealed against ingress of atmospheric air and both maintain oxygen levels less than the surrounding atmosphere to reduce formation of scale on the strip. The second chamber (61) is fitted with water spray nozzles (67, 68) operable to spray fine mist of water droplets onto the upper face of the strip as it passes through that enclosure thereby to generate steam producing a superatmospheric pressure within the enclosure preventing ingress of atmospheric air.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for continuously casting a uranium rod so that impurities generated in melting the metallic substance reduced from nuclear spent fuel are easily removed, the molten metal is easily degassed, the oxidation of uranium is prevented, and the molten metal does not remain in a crucible, thereby completely removing the noxious gas, improving the safety of work, allowing the workers to be close to the apparatus, reducing the consumption rate of the inert gas, completely preventing the oxidation of uranium, and being remotely controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for casting metal strip includes a moving chill body that has a quench surface. A nozzle mechanism deposits a stream of molten metal on a quenching region of the quench surface to form the strip. The nozzle mechanism has an exit portion with a nozzle orifice. A depletion mechanism includes a plurality of independently controllable gas nozzles to supply a reducing gas to multiple zones of a depletion region located adjacent to and upstream from the quenching region. The gas flow profile can be controlled in each zone independently of controlling the gas flow in other zones. The reducing gas reacts exothermically to lower the density to provide a low density reducing atmosphere within the depletion and substantially prevent formation of gas pockets in the strip.

Abstract: A method for the direct production, from molten metal, of scale-free thin metal strip. Hot thin metal strip exiting a continuous caster system is directed to a reducing chamber wherein a reducing gas reduces strip surface oxides while the cast metal strip is at an elevated temperature from retained heat from the molten metal. A cooling unit following the reducing chamber is used to cool the strip to a temperature below about 150° C. prior to exposing the strip to an oxidizing atmosphere. In various embodiments of the invention, strip thickness is reduced with use of hot and cold rolling mills and the scale-free surface of the strip is coated with protective coatings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the direct production, from molten metal, of scale-free thin metal strip. Hot thin metal strip exiting a continuous caster system is directed to a reducing chamber wherein a reducing gas reduces strip surface oxides while the cast metal strip is at an elevated temperature from retained heat from the molten metal. A cooling unit following the reducing chamber is used to cool the strip to a temperature below about 150° C. prior to exposing the strip to an oxidizing atmosphere. In various embodiments of the invention, strip thickness is reduced with use of hot and cold rolling mills and the scale-free surface of the strip is coated with protective coatings.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for making a molten film of metal, steel, in particular a steel film, more uniform, by strip casting, in which the molten material which is applied to a revolving belt is to have a thickness and properties which are as uniform as possible across the width of the strip. To make the strip more uniform over its width, forces are introduced into the metal film with a component which is perpendicular to the direction in which the strip is conveyed, which forces make the profile of the molten film of metal more uniform.

Abstract: Continuous strip casting device comprises a pair of parallel casting rolls onto which molten metal is supplied by metal supply means. Casting rolls are enclosed by a casting chamber into which hot strip is delivered downwardly from the casting rolls. Strip passes downwardly into a cooling chamber where it can either fall into a moveable scrap box at the bottom of chamber or be guided by operation of moveable apron through an exit door from chamber into a heat exchange chamber provided with heaters. A pair of seal rolls are moveable in a seal chamber to form a seal between chambers and are provided with respective gas inlets to admit oxidation inhibiting gas into those chambers. Scrap box is moveable into and out of the bottom of chamber via a scrap box exchange chamber fitted with an airtight door.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for casting metal strip includes a moving chill body that has a quench surface. A nozzle mechanism deposits a stream of molten metal on a quenching region of the quench surface to form the strip. The nozzle mechanism has an exit portion with a nozzle orifice. A depletion mechanism includes a plurality of independently controllable gas nozzles to supply a reducing gas to multiple zones of a depletion region located adjacent to and upstream from the quenching region. The gas flow profile can be controlled in each zone independently of controlling the gas flow in other zones. The reducing gas reacts exothermically to lower the density to provide a low density reducing atmosphere within the depletion and substantially prevent formation of gas pockets in the strip.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a metallic ribbon includes a cooling roll, a melt nozzle, and an air-cutoff unit provided to cover at least a portion of the periphery of the cooling roll and at least the melt blowout end of the melt nozzle, for preventing an inflow of air due to rotation of the cooing roll. The air-cutoff unit has a roll top air-cutoff plate provided above the cooling roll to extent from the front side to the rear side in the rotation direction of the cooling roll in such a manner that it approaches the cooling surface in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the cooling roll. The melt blowout end of the melt nozzle is arranged to pass through a nozzle mounting hole provided in the roll top air-cutoff plate and face the cooling surface of the cooling roll.

Abstract: In a method of preventing contact of oxygen with a metal melt, metal melt flows into a casting chamber bounded by walls (1, 2, 13) and leaves this chamber as a stream. In order to completely prevent contact of oxygen with a metal melt and thus reoxidation, oxygen attempting to enter via any gaps (18) between the walls (1, 2, 13) and/or adhering to the walls (1, 2) is reacted to form a compound which is not injurious to the metal melt (20).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the direct production, from molten metal, of scale-free thin metal strip. Hot thin metal strip exiting a continuous caster system is directed to a reducing chamber wherein a reducing gas reduces strip surface oxides while the cast metal strip is at an elevated temperature from retained heat from the molten metal. A cooling unit following the reducing chamber is used to cool the strip to a temperature below about 150° C. prior to exposing the strip to an oxidizing atmosphere. In various embodiments of the invention, strip thickness is reduced with use of hot and cold rolling mills and the scale-free surface of the strip is coated with protective coatings.

Abstract: The problem with continuous casting methods is the production in a single cast of structured material shapes presenting hollow cavities. To this end the invention provides for a continuous casting method comprising the following steps: a) the material is melted and a continuous strand formed from said material; b) the material strand is cooled or left to cool so that at least a part thereof has a temperature at which its structure is pasty; c) gas is introduced into that part of the material strand which has a pasty structure so as to form hollow cavities, the material strand being moved from the top towards the bottom; and d) the material is left to solidify. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out this method.

Abstract: The continuous casting installation includes an ingot mould the walls (1) of which are formed by cooled metal walls (2) surmounted by a hot-top element (3) made of a heat insulating material. Holes for injecting a gas under pressure, such as a slot (10), lead into the ingot mould at least at the interface between the hot-top element and the metal wall. The insulation includes means (13 to 17), connected to the said holes, for supplying a gas or a gaseous mix with a thermal expansion capacity adjustable according to the composition of the cast metal alloy and the casting conditions. The adjustment of the thermal expansion capacity of the injected gas enables the adjustment of the heat flux density extracted from the cast metal in the zone where it starts to solidify.