Abstract: The invention concerns the continuous casting of metals such as alloys of copper and is directed to the type of apparatus that uses a graphite die having a mold passage in which the casting is shaped as it passes through the die. In that type of apparatus, the die is disposed between cooling elements that conduct heat away from the die to cause the hot metal to cool as it passes through the die and because the die has a tendency to bend away from the cooling elements, the apparatus employs clamps to inhibit separation of the die from the cooling elements. In the invention, means are provided to apply compressive force to the ends of the die to cause bending moments to be set up in the die that counteract the tendency of the die to bend away from the cooling elements. In the invention the die is made of two graphite plates of uniform thickness separated by graphite spacers which form a generally rectangular mold passaage.