Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for rapid production of high-strength metal structures. A computerized model of the structure is created, then the model is sliced into horizontal layers. A computer-controlled gantry controls the location of a roller in at least three axes (x, y, and z), the roller depending from the gantry. An electron or laser beam melts the end of a metal wire, forming a puddle of molten metal near the roller. Coordinates defining each layer of the model of the component are sent to the gantry, which moves the roller over the puddle to create a uniform-thickness layer, the wire feeding additional metal to be melted by the beam as the gantry moves. The puddle is narrow, typically requiring multiple narrow strips to be laid adjacent each other to form a complete layer. When a layer is completed, additional layers are formed on the first layer, and this process repeats until the structure is completed.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the operation of a continuous caster in which a multivariate statistical model is developed using off-line measurements of process parameters representing normal operation of the continuous caster. On-line process parameters are measured in real time to determine if the caster operation is normal by calculating test statistics on vectors calculated using the multivariate statistical model with input from the on-line process parameters. The method may advantageously be used to predict breakouts in a continuous caster and allows an operator to take corrective action to avoid such breakouts. Corrective action may also be taken automatically.

Abstract: Twin roll caster for casting thin steel strip comprises chilled casting rolls 16 mounted on roll supports 104. One of the rolls is fixed and the other is moveable laterally and biased toward the other roll by biasing units 119 acting on the moveable roll supports 104. A casting pool of molten steel is supported on the rolls 16 and the rolls are rotated to produce a solidified steel strip delivered downwardly from the nip between the rolls. A substantially constant gap is maintained between rolls 16 such that unsolidifed molten metal passes through the nip between the solidified shells of the forming strip and solidifies below the nip. The biasing units 119 are effective to apply substantially constant and low biasing forces to the biased roll. The biasing forces may be between the same and slightly more than the force required to balance the hydrostatic pressure of the casting pool and to overcome the mechanical friction involved in moving the biased roll.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the level of a free surface of molten metal in an electromagnetic continuous casting process using an AC electromagnetic field. A detection coil is provided to detect the sum of a magnetic field applied from an induction coil and an induced magnetic field based on eddy current in the molten metal. An arithmetic unit is provided to detect the surface level of the molten metal by removing a variation of the applied magnetic field with a variation in current to the induction coil from an output signal from the detection coil. The surface level of the molten metal can be accurately measured by determining whether a variation in the output of the detection coil results from a variation in the applied magnetic field or a variation in the surface level of the molten metal.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a porous metal structure of a molten liquid metal within a casting chamber to form a porous solid structure upon controlled chamber cooling and depressurization. The method includes provision of a pressurizable stationary mold casting chamber having a gas pressure release valve, a gas pressure measurement sensor, and a plurality of sites with respective surface-temperature or heat flux sensors and respective independently operable temperature controllers for regulating each respective site temperature. A data base driven microprocessor receives pressure and temperature data and selectively and independently adjusts pressure and temperature in accord with algorithmic commands relative required pressure reduction for pore formation and cooling for solidification to chosen extents of porosity and of solidification over a time period terminating upon porous solid-structure fabrication.

Abstract: A method and a device for continuous or semi-continuous casting of metal. A primary flow (P) of hot metallic melt supplied into a mold is acted upon by at least one static or periodically low-frequency magnetic field to brake and split the primary flow and form a controlled secondary flow pattern in the non-solidified parts of the cast strand. The magnetic flux density of the magnetic field is controlled based on casting conditions. The secondary flow (M, U, C1, C2, c3, c4, G1, G2, g3, g4, O1, O2, o3, o4) in the mold is monitored throughout the casting and upon detection of a change in the flow, information on the detected change monitored flow is fed into a control unit (44) where the change is evaluated and the magnetic flux density is regulated based on this evaluation to maintain or adjust the controlled secondary flow.

Abstract: A method of determining the friction between the strand shell and the mold during continuous casting with an oscillating mold includes measuring with the use of controlled double-acting hydraulic cylinders and with a predeterminable measuring frequency the pressures of always both chambers of all oscillating cylinders as well as the lifting positions of the pistons corresponding to these pressures, and by computing from these data the friction force acting at any point in time between the strand shell and the mold walls.

Abstract: Twin roll casting of metal strip (20) by rotation of parallel casting rolls (16) supplied with molten metal through distributor (19a) and delivery nozzle (19b). X-ray scanner (44) continuously scans the thickness of strip (20) to produce a signal which is a continuous measure of thickness variation along the strip due to eccentricities of the casting rolls (16). This signal controls operation of roll drive motors (53) to impose a pattern of speed variation on the rolls so as to reduce the amplitude of the thickness variations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the temperature of a melt (10), preferably of a steel melt, in a distributing vessel (11), whereby the temperature of the melt is measured, the measured result is compared with a predetermined temperature range in the form of specified values, and as much heat is supplied or withdrawn from the melt such that the temperature remains inside said range. In order to control the melt temperature, a fireproof shaped part (20) which is closed on both sides and which is provided for accommodating a liquid cooled induction coil (1) is immersed in the melt (10). The transmission of heat is carried out by means of thermal conduction out of the wall of the shaped part (20) which is coupled to the induced electromagnetic field and/or by means of a direct coupling to the liquid melt (10).

Abstract: Disclosed is a mold plug activation system and bleedout protection system, which stops the flow of metal during predetermined conditions, such as during the initial introduction of molten metal to the molds or in the event a bleedout is detected in the mold.

Abstract: A strip thickness control method in a twin roll strip casting device having a fixed roll and a horizontally movable roll, the method including the steps of: measuring a movement value Gj(&thgr;) of journals of the fixed and movable rolls and a movement value Gg(&thgr;+&pgr;) of barrels of the rolls; predicting a movement value Mfcr(&thgr;) of a roll nip of the fixed roll and a movement value Mmer(&thgr;) of a roll nip of the movable roll from the movement values Gj(&thgr;) and Gg(&thgr;+&pgr;); calculating a difference value between the movement values Mfcr(&thgr;) and Mmcr(&thgr;) to obtain an amount of variation Mdiff(&thgr;) of a gap between the fixed and movable rolls; and controlling thickness of a strip to minimize the amount of variation Mdiff(&thgr;) of the gap between the rolls.

Abstract: A method of controlling a continuous steel strip casting process based on customer-specified requirements includes a general purpose computer in which product specifications of steel product ordered by a customer is entered. The computer is configured to automatically map the product specifications to process parameters/set points for controlling the continuous steel strip casting process in a manner to produce the customer ordered product, and in one embodiment produces a process change report detailing such process parameters/set points for operator use in physically implementing such process parameters/set points in the strip casting process. Alternatively, the computer may provide the process parameters/set points directly to the strip casting process for automatic control thereof in producing the customer ordered steel product.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for continuous melt spin casting of homogenous materials, including metals, alloys, and non metals. The material to be cast is provided to a crucible and liquefied. The melt is filtered prior to casting to provide a melt with a high degree of purity. The material temperature is maintained throughout the process to form a solidified product with excellent homogeneity.

Abstract: Method and device to control the axial position of slabs emerging from continuous casting applied in rolling plants comprising at least a casting machine (11), an extraction and straightening assembly (12) with pairs of rolls (25), a heating and/or temperature maintenance furnace (15) and a roughing and pre-finishing (16) or finishing train (19), said device comprising means (26, 31a, 31b) to detect the axial position of the slab (24) arranged in at least a position upstream of or inside said furnace (15) and a processing unit (30) able to receive from said means (26, 31a, 31b) the signal relating to the axial position of the slab (24) and to condition the activation of at least one of said pairs of rolls (25) of the extraction and straightening assembly (12) to obtain a differentiated pressing of the slab (24) in the direction of the width in order to at least partly eliminate a possible discrepancy (&Dgr;) of the axis (28) of the slab (24) with respect to the rolling axis (27).

Abstract: An edge dam position control method and device in a twin roll strip casting process calculates the reduction ratio and rolling force of rolls to obtain the height of a solidification point, and adjusting the height of an edge dam during casting to correspond to the obtained height of the solidification point. It minimizes the force applied to the edge dam during casting, reduces the degree of wear of the edge dam, and improves the quality of edge portions of both sides of the strip.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for continuous casting plants for producing strands whose cross-section is reduced during solidification. The continuous casting method for producing strands, wherein the cross-section of the strands is reduced during the solidification, includes casting into a mold, particularly an oscillating mold, and reducing the strand cross-section linearly over a minimum length of the strand guiding unit immediately underneath the mold, i.e., casting and rolling, and subsequently carrying out a further strand cross-section reduction through the remaining strand guiding unit, i.e., soft reduction, up to maximum reduction immediately in front of the final solidification or sump tip.

Abstract: An improved molten metal feed system is provided for high speed, continuous casting of metals and alloys. The feed system includes a distributor box having an insulative lining which supports an internal flow distributor board. The flow distributor board includes a plurality of openings of various sizes and shapes spaced apart along the width of the board. The presence of the flow distributor board effectively separates the box into lower and upper sections and restricts the flow of liquid metal through the board and thus, forces entering liquid metal to fill the entire width of the distributor box below the flow distributor board. In addition, the liquid metal is stabilized across the width of the distributor box resulting in a balanced temperature gradient. Once the lower section of the distributor box is filled, the metal flows through the openings in the board into the upper section of the distributor box and into the feed tip nozzle.

Abstract: A caster including a device for delivering a gas into a space created by the apparatus that define the mold of the caster and the nozzle of the caster. Introducing a gas into the space resists backflowing and freezing of the molten metal to the nozzle. An associated method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the early recognition of ruptures when continuously casting steel using an oscillating mold constructed of copper plates, wherein the method includes continuously and comparatively measuring operating parameters, for example, the temperature distribution with respect to location and time in the copper plates, and analyzing the obtained measurement results. For increasing the probability of an accurate evaluation of indications of an acute tendency of ruptures, two measuring data to be compared are coupled with each other as well as with measuring data of at least one third measuring row, and the measuring data are preferably analyzed online.

Abstract: The plate mold has water-cooled narrow side walls that can be clamped between broad side walls. The broad side walls have at least three adjacent and mutually independent cooling segments. The cooling segments are divided symmetrically relative to the central axis of the mold and have, in the region of the mold mouth, separate connections for the independent supply of a liquid coolant. The apparatus includes temperature sensors, an oscillation device, an actuator for adjusting the space between the narrow and broad side walls and a control device connected to the temperature sensors to control the oscillation device and the actuator.

Abstract: A continuous casting mold with two oppositely located short side walls and two oppositely located long side walls which extend past the short side walls, wherein at least one of the short side walls is moveable by an adjusting member toward or away from the other short side wall. The adjusting member is constructed in the form of two hydraulic cylinder units which can be actuated independently from each other, wherein each hydraulic cylinder unit has a cylinder and a piston which is adjustable relative to the cylinder in an adjusting direction.

Abstract: A method of continuously casting and finish-rolling a cast slab within a predetermined finished width tolerance, wherein for the cast slab and any subsequent slab an adjustment of the mold position is carried out particularly in accordance with different rolling conditions for achieving the predetermined finished width within a tolerance strip, initially a preadjustment of the mold position is carried out, inter alia, while considering the extreme strip dimensions of the planned production program, a computation for the optimum use for the mold adjusting units and the adjusting units of the finishing train is carried out for each cast slab and any subsequent slab, and, with an existing entering width of the cast slab into the finishing train, a reoptimization of the finished width by means of the adjusting units of the finishing train is carried out.

Abstract: A continuous casting method and apparatus therefor wherein a reaction force/reduction controller selects a pivot reduction roll such that the thickness of the solidified shell of the cast slab having a liquid core is equal to the target thickness T.sub.ref, and calculates a difference between a thickness T.sub.in of the cast slab having a liquid core at the inlet of the reduction roll zone PRT and the target thickness T.sub.ref, i.e., .DELTA.T. The resulting value of .DELTA.T, i.e., a target reduction is provided to the reduction controllers 2 of the pivot reduction roll. The reaction force/reduction controller 1 assigns target reductions 1/3 .DELTA.T and 2/3 .DELTA.T to the two reduction rolls upstream of the pivot reduction roll. The reaction force/reduction controller 1 calculates a target pressure (P.sub.i +.alpha.) on the basis of the selected value for .alpha., and the resulting target pressure (P.sub.i +.alpha.

Abstract: A method of quality control of a die casting product, which method is capable of judging the quality in real time at a higher accuracy and updating and managing good quality product data for judging the higher quality thereof, includes a step of reading in measured data obtained as a result of a predetermined measurement with respect to the product cast by the die assembly in use together with the casting condition data, a step of sequentially accumulating the read measured data and casting condition data up to a predetermined capacity and performing a comparison display of the measured data combined with good quality product data to be used for judging a quality of the product, a step of repeating, if the comparatively displayed measured data are higher in quality than the present good quality product data, the above steps, then setting the accumulated measured data as a new good quality product data and updating the present good quality product data and the present casting condition data together with the a

Abstract: A twin drum-type continuous casting process for casting thin cast strip by solidifying molten steel continuously fed between a pair of cooling drums placed parallel to each other, wherein the cooling drums are given an added degree of concave crown such that a solid fraction at the thickness center of the thin cast strip, when the distance from the edges toward the center of the thin cast strip at the closest position of the cooling drums is within 50 mm, is exhibited which is a value greater than the fluid critical solid fraction, or alternatively the cooling rate near the edges of the cooling drums is improved.

Abstract: Apparatus for measurement of a temperature of a moving metal slab to provide a measured temperature indication corresponding to an actual temperature at a location on the surface of the slab.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for continuously injecting molten solder into a plurality of molds for transfer of the formed solder mounds to electronic devices such as multilayer ceramic packages. A conventional injection molding apparatus is employed with a specially designed apparatus for forming the molds and preferably with a specially designed mold to provide a continuous molding process. The apparatus is preferably of a U-shaped configuration whereby molds are advanced under the molten solder reservoir and injection head by a preceding mold in the apparatus. The urging action of the preceding mold on the succeeding mold and, preferably in conjunction with the preferred mold design, enables a continuous method and apparatus for injecting molten solder into a plurality of molds.

Abstract: Edge-dam blocks assembled with their upstream faces in keyed mating interengagement with downstream faces of adjacent blocks form an endless edge dam revolvable in a preselected path for defining a boundary of a moving-mold casting region. The edge dam keeps molten metal in the casting region. Upstream and downstream faces of adjacent blocks have mutually complementary shapes for minimizing intrusion of molten metal between abutting blocks. Keying engagement between abutting blocks prevents relative translational slippage of blocks toward or away from molten metal. An abuttable face on each block has at least one protrusion such as an integral elongated key extending perpendicularly to a casting belt associated with the casting region, or the protrusion includes two round pins having projecting tapered ends. Another abuttable face has a recess such as a keyway for snugly receiving a key on an adjacent block or has two tapered recesses for snugly receiving two tapered projections of an adjacent block.

Abstract: The controlled pre-rolling of a slab, leaving a continuous casting plant is carried out with pairs of pre-rolling elements (14, 114, 16) assembled in at least one pre-rolling assembly (10), the first of these pre-rolling assemblies (10) being positioned immediately downstream of the foot rolls (12) of a crystalliser (11). At least one data processing and controlling unit (21) governs the positioning and the adjustment of the pre-rolling elements (14, 114, 16), the final pre-rolling zone being pre-defined by a specific pair (No.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for operating a guided vertical mold, especially for the continuous casting of a steel billet, which is oscillated by a lifting device. According to the invention, the driving force (F), the lift position (x) and/or the lifting speed (v) of the mold are detected by measurement technology, and a mold lifting movement is preset in a computer model as a target variable. Finally, a difference of the mold lifting movement, representing the measure of frictional force between the billet and the mold, is fed as a control variable to actuators by means of a circuit arrangement.

Abstract: Process for detecting defects during continuous casting between rolls where, during casting, a signal depending on the rolls separating force (RSF) is measured, the signal being separated into various harmonic components, the result of the comparison of the harmonic components thus obtained with reference harmonics being representative of a defective status of the rolls, this defective status of the rolls enabling various rules to be defined for the execution of the process.

Abstract: A batch-casting mold table assembly for casting slabs. The assembly includes a frame positionable over a pit sized for holding cast slabs. The frame is moveable between a slab-casting position in which the frame is positioned directly over the pit for casting slabs and a slab-removal position in which the frame is positioned beside the pit so the pit is accessible for removing slabs. The assembly also includes at least one hydraulic cylinder mounted on the frame. The cylinder has a piston reciprocally moveable in response to hydraulic fluid entering and leaving the cylinder. In addition, the assembly includes a control system operatively connected to the hydraulic cylinder for controlling movement of the piston and a table for holding a batch-casting mold. The table is moveable up and down in response to the piston movement for oscillating the mold up and down over the cooling pit as molten metal is poured through the mold to produce slabs having a smooth surface finish.

Abstract: In a melt shop for melting scrap to make steel, increased tonnage output for continuous casting for a given primary melt capacity can be obtained by stacking heated ladles of molten steel in inventory at a holding station before the ladles are transferred the ladle refining station or stacking refined ladles, or both, in advance of commencement of casting.

Abstract: A rapid analysis device for analyzing nonmetallic inclusions in steel by a cold crucible method is combined with a mathematical model, and the quality of cast steel is predicted online by simulating the behavior. of the nonmetallic inclusions by calculation. Further, continuous casting process variables are controlled to minimize the amount of nonmetallic inclusions in the cast steel.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and apparatus for continuously casting molten metal in a block caster. In accordance with the present invention, novel track and drive systems are provided for reducing imperfections that can be created in a cast by movement of a beam chain through a casting cycle.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a continuous steel casting process wherein one or more strands of steel are cast from a mold, allowed to cool and then cut into blooms. A plurality of sensors monitor process parameters at different locations relative to a strand of steel as the strand exits the mold, cools and is cut. A storage device stores data representations of the parameters as they are monitored by the plurality of sensors. A data network communicates data from the plurality of sensors to the storage device. A logic processor coupled to the storage device prompts an operator as the operator sets up logic relations between parameters of the steel casting process that identify and categorize defects in steel. The logic processor includes a mathematical parser for evaluating the logic relations between parameters and converting the logic relations to processor instructions used to evaluate the data representations of the parameters for defects.

Abstract: A thin slab that is free of internal cracks is formed by reducing a continuously cast strand having a liquid core. The placement of the reduction rolls is controlled to effect a suitable amount of reduction. The methods effectively reduce bulging strain, as well as strain associated with reduction of the strand. As a result, total accumulated strain is reduced and a thin slab free of internal cracks can be manufactured at high speeds. The apparatus includes reduction blocks which are capable of shifting the rotation angle of an upper roller segment frame. Misalignment strain is reduced and the thickness of the strand can be changed without stopping the manufacturing operation.

Abstract: An improved continuous casting mold and foot guide assembly includes a mold having a casting passage defined therein, a frame member, mounting structure for mounting the frame member to the mold for relative movement toward and away from an axis of the casting passage, and a strand support member for providing support to a strand of continuously cast material as it emerges from the casting passage. Biasing structure is provided for biasing the frame member toward the axis of the casting passage and, advantageously, is positioned so as not to occupy space that is behind the frame member. As a result, the assembly is compatible with all models of casting machines and will be less susceptible to degradation as a result of radiant heat and steam that is emitted from the strand during operation. In addition, a load cell is provided for monitoring the amount of relative force between the frame member and the strand during operation.

Abstract: A continuous casting mold for casting a strand has side walls defining an open-ended mold cavity. In order to increase the casting speed while maintaining a simple mode of construction of the continuous casting mold, the latter has the following characteristic features: at least two oppositely arranged side walls are rigidly fixed relative to each other about a pour-in section of the mold cavity and have a conicity decreasing in the running direction of the strand and, in a run-out section of the mold cavity arranged to follow the pour-in section in the running direction of the strand, include side wall sections movable relative to the strand and pressable at the strand by pressing devices, which side wall sections are arranged at a slighter conicity than the slightest conicity of the side walls of the pour-in section of the mold cavity.

Abstract: A process for strand casting of steel in a cooled casting mold made to oscillate over a distance h at a frequency f, for manufacturing a product withdrawn from the mold at a casting speed V.sub.C, the metal being surmounted by alubrication product forming a liquid slag, the speed of descent of the casting mold being greater than the casting speed V.sub.C during a negative stripping time t.sub.N. The casting speed VC can be adjusted over a wide range to adapt to well-defined casting conditions without modifying the nature of the lubrication product, by acting in a combined way on the distance and frequency of oscillations according to the chosen casting speed, in such a way that the consumption rate Q of the lubrication product and the negative stripping time t.sub.N are both maintained at an optimum value that remains substantially constant over the entire speed adjustment range, irrespective of the casting speed V.sub.C.

Abstract: The casting line for slabs comprises at least a mould (11), an assembly of foot rolls (12) located at the outlet of the mould (11), a plurality of containing and guide assemblies (13) associated with the vertical segment of the line, a possible extraction assembly cooperating downstream with the last containing and guide assembly (13) and a drawing assembly (16) associated with the horizontal segment of the line, the containing and guide assemblies (13) covering at least the whole vertical segment of the casting line, at least part of the rolls (14) of the containing and guide assemblies (13) cooperating with an actuator (19) governed by a data processing unit (20) to obtain a controlled soft-reduction pre-rolling at least in the second part of the vertical segment of the casting line.

Abstract: The solidification of the strip (9) is performed by introducing liquid metal between two horizontal rolls rotating in opposition directions (1, 1') which are cooled by an internal circulation of a coolant fluid. A casting space is defined between the rolls and their outer surfaces (3, 3') have a roughness. The casting space is blanketed by a cooling gas or a mixture of gases through a lid (10) covering the casting space. An adjustment of the crown or profile of the rolls (1, 1') is performed by modulating the quantity of cooling gas blown onto the rolls and/or the nature and composition of the gas at least in the vicinity of the surface of each roll (1, 1') upstream of its region of contact with the liquid metal (2).

Abstract: Control process for twin-roll continuous casting, in which, during casting, the roll separation force (RSF) is measured and the position of the bearings of at least one of the rolls is varied in order to increase or decrease the center-to-center spacing of the rolls, with a view to keeping the force substantially constant, a band (.DELTA.RSF) of force values bracketing a desired nominal force (RSF.sub.0) is predetermined and the position of the bearings is varied more sharply when the value of the measured force lies outside the band than when it lies within the band. Application especially to the twin-roll continuous casting of thin steel strip.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a method of lubricating a mold (1) for the continuous casting of a metal product (16), of the type including a vigorously-cooled vertically-oscillating metal tubular element (2) defining a passage (4) for the cast metal and intended to cause, in contact with its wall (3) in said passage, the solidification of said metal product, in which a lubricant in the liquid state is injected through said metal tubular element toward said metal product being solidified, wherein said injection is carried out at points distributed annularly at a single level of said tubular element, said level lying at a distance greater than 20 cm from the lowest level at which solidification of said product is able to be initiated, and in that the flow rate of said lubricant is sufficient to cause a fraction of said lubricant to rise up along said wall to the level at which solidification of said product is effectively initiated.

Abstract: A direct rolling method and apparatus for a continuously cast slab of steel includes carrying out preliminary rolling of a continuously cast steel slab with a surface temperature of the slab in the range of 900.degree.-1200.degree. C. at a strain rate of 10.sup.-3 to 1 sec.sup.-1 with a total reduction of greater than 5% and at most 20%. The slab is then subjected to hot rolling after the preliminary rolling.

Abstract: A strip is continuously cast between rolls that includes a pair of rolls driven in rotation, two side dams urged against the ends of the rolls, and a jack for pressing the side dams against the rolls. The thrust force on the side dams is measured and the friction force exerted on the side dams by the rolls as a result of the rolls rotating is measured. From these measurements of thrust and friction forces, a coefficient representative of friction conditions between each of the surfaces of contact between the side dams and rolls is deduced and casting parameters are adjusted in response to the contact state between the surfaces.

Abstract: Method for the controlled pre-rolling of thin slabs (20) leaving a continuous casting plant, whereby the pre-rolling is carried out with a plurality of pairs of rolls (14-16), a first pre-rolling assembly (10) being positioned immediately downstream of foot rolls (12) of a mold (11), at least one displaceable roll (16) being included in the pairs of rolls (14-16), the pairs of rolls (14-16) being associated with pressure transducer (18) and hydraulic capsule (17), position transducer (24) being included. The pressure transducer (18) and position transducer (24) can be associated with a data processing unit (21), at least the first of the pairs of rolls (14-16) processing a slab (20) which has just emerged from the mold (11) with a thin solidified skin.

Abstract: A method of operation of a twin roll casting apparatus to produce thin gauge sheet metal at high-production rates. The method includes simultaneously adjusting various operating parameters, such as the roll speed, tip position, roll gap, molten metal input temperature and exit strip tension. In an iterative fashion, the strip gauge is reduced in steps while increasing the speed of the rolls and pulling the tip back out of the roll bite. In conjunction with the aforementioned adjustments, the temperature of the molten metal input to the feed tip is gradually reduced to ensure proper solidification at higher speeds. A set of pinch rolls closes on the exit strip at a certain gauge thickness to apply a drag to the strip in order to ensure proper coil wind-up tension.

Abstract: In continuous casting in a continuous casting plant, a strand (2) after emergence from the mold (1) is reduced in thickness by a wedge-shaped roller gap. In order to assure upon the casting to obtain the shortest possible wedge-shaped solidified head piece (25) or in the event of an interruption in casting or a decrease in the operating casting speed a short completely solidified strand intermediate piece of a thickness (28) differing from the desired final thickness (26) of the strand, the strand (2) is reduced in thickness exclusively in a region in which it has a liquid center (20), support segments (4, 5) being so directed at all times that the liquid tip (19) of the liquid center (20) always lies in a region of the strand guide in which the roller gap developed by the rollers (8) is the narrowest parallel gap--with respect to the following strand guide and disregarding a roller adjustment which follows the shrinkage of the completely solidified strand.

Abstract: Conductivity distribution on the cross section of metal or alloy is measured by an eddy current type conductivity meter and conductivity distribution contour map is prepared. Based on the pattern of this conductivity distribution contour map, heat history of an ingot and segregation of added element are analyzed and melting and/or casting conditions of metal or alloy are re-established. This method allows to carry out the testing and analysis within short time and quickly provides assessment results for re-establishment of melting and/or casting conditions. Thereby, metal or alloy ingots which may create poor quality products during the following steps can be eliminated; in particular, applying this method to a manufacturing of copper precipitation hardening alloy and the like, more sound ingots can be obtained and suitability of ingots for the material which should be worked in the following step can be assessed.